If cost isn't a huge issue and you want a reloading setup that would still be useful in 10 years, I would recommend something like a dillon 550 or hornady LNL-AP. Both are quality progressive presses that can load rifle and pistol ammo. Both use standard size dies and allow relatively quick caliber changes. I've owned both presses and either would be fine. You're probably looking at $500 minimum to get started with a setup for 9mm and 38sp.
9mm and .38spl, when will I break even?
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farscott
Member
I would look at the classfied ads on boards where competitive shooters are and see what they are selling. Often one can find complete reloading outfits (press, dies, shell plates, scales, optional press accessories, case cleaners, media separators, etc.) at very reasonable prices.
TooTaxed
Member
Your breakeven cost/time will depend entirely on both your cost of equipment and cost of components, both of which vary widely depending on your choices. 9-mm Luger costs me $2.26/box of 50, rifle about $3 to $4/box of 20 regardless of caliber, the difference in cost being mainly the choice of bullet.
Single stage presses are the least expensive and most flexible way to go...very inexpensive to change calibers, requiring only one shell holder (Say $3 to $5) and the dies, and perhaps a primer rod change (all you need is one large and one small). Presses don't wear out...used ones are as good as new ones, and are available if you search...check "used" shelfs at gun shops and the gun shows. Lee makes excellent dies at a very fair price...Midway is a good source. Aluminum frame presses are fine for pistol and .223, but for full-length resizing large rifle cases a cast iron frame press is advisable...less spring. Any progressive press is very expensive to change calibers...Say $20 to $40, less for a Lee, plus dies.
Cast bullets are fine for both rifle and pistol...I've done both, but find that current 500 lot prices for pistol are so low that it isn't worth my time. Cast, gas-checked bullets for rifle are rather scarce, however. I still occasionally cast a batch of 170-gr .30 bullets (Lyman U311291) for my .308 and .30-06 and my son's .30-30, and which, unsized, are excellent for .303 and 7.7 Jap.
Suggestions for low-cost reloading: (1.) Buy components in bulk, sharing costs with another reloader if possible (particularly useful for mail orders). (2.) Standardize on powder and buy in bulk rather than a bunch of very expensive little cans. (I use Win #231 for all pistol between 9-mm Makarov and .45 Colt, and #4895 for all rifle between .223 and .30-06.) (3.) Shop for bargains. There are a number of INET sellers of bulk surplus powders and bullets, and you may run across good deals at gun shows.
But, in any case, reloading adds to your fun of shooting. Shooting factory stuff is fun...but you get extra pride in shooting ammo you've made yourself.
Single stage presses are the least expensive and most flexible way to go...very inexpensive to change calibers, requiring only one shell holder (Say $3 to $5) and the dies, and perhaps a primer rod change (all you need is one large and one small). Presses don't wear out...used ones are as good as new ones, and are available if you search...check "used" shelfs at gun shops and the gun shows. Lee makes excellent dies at a very fair price...Midway is a good source. Aluminum frame presses are fine for pistol and .223, but for full-length resizing large rifle cases a cast iron frame press is advisable...less spring. Any progressive press is very expensive to change calibers...Say $20 to $40, less for a Lee, plus dies.
Cast bullets are fine for both rifle and pistol...I've done both, but find that current 500 lot prices for pistol are so low that it isn't worth my time. Cast, gas-checked bullets for rifle are rather scarce, however. I still occasionally cast a batch of 170-gr .30 bullets (Lyman U311291) for my .308 and .30-06 and my son's .30-30, and which, unsized, are excellent for .303 and 7.7 Jap.
Suggestions for low-cost reloading: (1.) Buy components in bulk, sharing costs with another reloader if possible (particularly useful for mail orders). (2.) Standardize on powder and buy in bulk rather than a bunch of very expensive little cans. (I use Win #231 for all pistol between 9-mm Makarov and .45 Colt, and #4895 for all rifle between .223 and .30-06.) (3.) Shop for bargains. There are a number of INET sellers of bulk surplus powders and bullets, and you may run across good deals at gun shows.
But, in any case, reloading adds to your fun of shooting. Shooting factory stuff is fun...but you get extra pride in shooting ammo you've made yourself.
Well I picked up a Lee Turret press kit that was on sale at Midway, and just bought a set of dies for my .38 from a local guy for about half price of new.
Do you guys know if Barnes and Noble and the like sell reloading manuals? I don't really want to order online and the shops around me don't have any reloading manuals.
Thanks.
Do you guys know if Barnes and Noble and the like sell reloading manuals? I don't really want to order online and the shops around me don't have any reloading manuals.
Thanks.
TooTaxed
Member
TFn04, look at gunshops for free loading data provided by the powder companies for their products. As for Barnes and Noble, you should ask them if they will order them for you. Otherwise, you can get'em at gunshows or order INET from Midway or Amazon.com.
Sheldon
Member
P.M. me your address. I can mail you one of the older manuals I have laying around. It may not list the newest powders, but the old reliables will be there.
DWARREN123
Member
I started reloading this past August, I haven't saved a damn penny. I shoot so much more. Since I started I have reloaded over 2100 rounds of 357 mag and 32 H&R mag, the reason I started was the 32 mag. $12 for 20 rounds of Federal ammo, 85 gr Hornady HP/XTP bullet. I can reload the 32 mag with the same bullet and build the round to what I want for a little less than half of factory ammo.
Powder is my downfall, I keep trying different types for a clean, fast, accurate round and have come up with a bunch but they seem to use different powders. Primers are easy, I started with Federal and am highly satisfied with them. Brass is what I had or new ammo I sometimes buy and once fired brass.
Want to see someone do a happy dance, see me if I find any decent 32 H&R mag brass, cheapest I have found is $10 per 50 unprimed.
So when will you break even, if you are like a lot of us you never will but boy you sure will have fun. 
Powder is my downfall, I keep trying different types for a clean, fast, accurate round and have come up with a bunch but they seem to use different powders. Primers are easy, I started with Federal and am highly satisfied with them. Brass is what I had or new ammo I sometimes buy and once fired brass.
Want to see someone do a happy dance, see me if I find any decent 32 H&R mag brass, cheapest I have found is $10 per 50 unprimed.
So when will you break even, if you are like a lot of us you never will but boy you sure will have fun.
Porky6331
Member
Before reloading 50 rounds a week. Started reloading 200 round a week. Not much savings.
So here;s the way it really works!
Don't let them fool you. The way it really works is akin to smoking crack cocaine! First the reloading lures you in with little 9mm and 38 specials. Gee, they load so easy, what's so difficult about this?". Then you start eyeing some other brass in the discard area - "Hmmm? Is that a 357? Maybe I'll take it. Oh look, a 44 mag! Wow, look at the size of that shell! I'll take it too" Now you're almost hooked. "Gee - I wonder what it would be like to load these things?" "I'll need to get another gun, then I'll have a reason to reload em" So you agonize for a while and finally purchase another revolver. More reloading dies, shell plates etc., larger bullets. "250 isn't enough, I'll get the 500 pack - maybe the 1000" Then it's different bullet designs, WC's, SWC's RNFP it goes on and on. Before you know it you're scrounging brass for everything. You're reloading hundreds of rounds and shooting a lot less than you reload. More brass, more reloading, some shooting aughhhh! Now why did I start this in the first place? By the time someone performs an intervention for you you've forgotten why you ever wanted to break even in the first place. Save yourself. Send me all your reloading equipment, brass, powder, bullets and manuals and free yourself of this terrible monkey on your back! I'll send you my address. You're free brother, go out and rejoice.....
Don't let them fool you. The way it really works is akin to smoking crack cocaine! First the reloading lures you in with little 9mm and 38 specials. Gee, they load so easy, what's so difficult about this?". Then you start eyeing some other brass in the discard area - "Hmmm? Is that a 357? Maybe I'll take it. Oh look, a 44 mag! Wow, look at the size of that shell! I'll take it too" Now you're almost hooked. "Gee - I wonder what it would be like to load these things?" "I'll need to get another gun, then I'll have a reason to reload em" So you agonize for a while and finally purchase another revolver. More reloading dies, shell plates etc., larger bullets. "250 isn't enough, I'll get the 500 pack - maybe the 1000" Then it's different bullet designs, WC's, SWC's RNFP it goes on and on. Before you know it you're scrounging brass for everything. You're reloading hundreds of rounds and shooting a lot less than you reload. More brass, more reloading, some shooting aughhhh! Now why did I start this in the first place? By the time someone performs an intervention for you you've forgotten why you ever wanted to break even in the first place. Save yourself. Send me all your reloading equipment, brass, powder, bullets and manuals and free yourself of this terrible monkey on your back! I'll send you my address. You're free brother, go out and rejoice.....
ralphie98
Member
Here is the kicker, and where you really stop...err..start saving money... Go get a .45. I am reloading my .45 using lead bullets purchased online for around 5.40/50. If you compare it to the Winchester White box value packs, it's around half the cost. Just think of how quickly your reloading equipment could pay for itself then!!!
I think mine paid for itself in the first month. I was given an old RCBS RS single stage press, and it works great. Sure, I have my eyes on something a little more... time efficient, but I'm still having fun with the single stage. Only costs I've had are components and dies.
I think mine paid for itself in the first month. I was given an old RCBS RS single stage press, and it works great. Sure, I have my eyes on something a little more... time efficient, but I'm still having fun with the single stage. Only costs I've had are components and dies.
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Lloyd Smale
Member
like was mentioned by a couple others to save much loading 9s you about have to cast and sure you can invest 100 bucks in a single stage press but then i hope your time doesnt have a value to you. My recomendation to do it the cheapest is buy a cheap lee pot and lee 6 cavity mold some tumble lube and a dillon square deal press. You should be able to get into the whole thing for about 500 bucks. It may take a few years to recoup your money but youll have fun loading instead of making it work.
Sheldon
Member
Hey TFin04....the manual is on its way to you as I just got back from the p.o. It's a copy of the Lyman Reloading Manual 46th Edition. Enjoy!!
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