Future reloader.

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Welcome to the wonderful, oft confusing and frustrating world of reloading!

My suggestion as a very first purchase is invest in a copy of The ABCs of Reloading (there are other How To texts around but this one seems to be the most popular https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968 ). This text will show you the how to, explain why, show equipment and explain components. Reading, studying this text will easily get you started (and you can decide if reloading really is for you). Next would be a Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook, that has a decent "how to" section along with load data for cast and jacketed bullets. As you can see from the previous answers everyone has their idea of what is needed to begin reloading, including kits. Fortunately I started reloading way pre web and wasn't confused by all the internet wisdom mixed in with the good hints, and I researched texts at the library. Instead of kits (which often include items I never use) I studied my needs and chose each tool after research and not by name or color. After you study the texts you will have an idea of what suits your need (and you are not locked into any one tool so ignore the "buy once, cry once" baloney. I have had 4 or 5 single stage presses, one turret press, and one Co-Ax. I have multiple makes of reloading dies for some calibers not to mention my 8 Lee Loaders and 1.46 metric tons of assorted reloading tools.).

Go slow. Double check everything. Most important, have fun...
 
Welcome! I'll start with the obvious- You're talking to a group of reloaders, no one is going to discourage you from the idea of reloading because we all enjoy it, but...

150$ is not going to cut it. Sure you can get a kit and it contains everything except for the dies (which are going to be 40$-120$ each depending on how fancy you want) and a manual for 10-40$+, but after you start you're going to break ****, want to replace ****, or generally hate a piece and want a different one. I reloaded on a RCBS rock chucker for 20 years which my old man probably got as part of a kit for 150$ in 1970 and I absolutely hated pieces of it. Another thing you haven't mentioned is a surface to reload on. It should be rock solid, so unless you have a really solid platform you'll need to build or buy one, which can be expensive.

Add in the crazy prices of components right now and it's really not a good time to get into it, unless you're willing to spend a lot of time scrounging the internet for deals.

To give you a scope of the investment you're looking at, I just finally cut the cord and bought everything I needed so I didn't have to drive 6 hours to use my dad's reloading stuff and the cost was:

Reloading setup (Hornady LNL AP): $1026.08
Custom build Reloading bench: $222.76 (half of it was the surface, you can build one for a third the cost easy)

Here is a list of the items I bought which I consider "Setup" I.E. not caliber specific. The costs are inflated in some items because I bought bulk, and some because of availability, but not much.
Item Individual Cost
Amazon:
Calipers $9.99
Bullet Puller W/O Collet $19.54 (Impact puller about same price)
$32.51
Case Lube $13.99
Dynaglide $17.99
$35.21

Midway:
Hand Deprimer $32.88
Reloading Book $24.99
Reloading Tray X3 $8.28
Lockout Die $46.74
Tumbling Walnut 5lb $13.59
Tumbler $59.95
Case Prep Tool $21.68
Primer Tray $4.49
Scale $22.68
Die Wrench $7.13
Shipping $5.20
$272.09

Patriot Firearms:
AP Press $459.99
Shell Plate #8 $28.99
Shipping $10.95
$499.93

InlineFabrication:
Ergo Handle $55.00
Ultra Mount $75.00
$130.00

Amazon:
Nu-Polish $11.95

Tweedy and Pops:
Tubing $9.18

Harbor Freight:
Walnut Media $24.99
Shipping 6.99
$35.21

Total: $1,026.08​
 
Personally, I do not think a new reloader needs all of that - it is NICE to have, it is NOT a MUST have. Folks have been reloading basic ammo for decades without all of that equipment; there are ways to work around a lot of that list.

I reloaded everything metallic on a RCBS Jr single stage for over 3 decades and had a LOT less issues than I did with a Dillon 550. Book, press, dies, scale, kinetic puller, loading block, case lube and pad for rifle (carbide dies for pistol). Add in a hand trimmer and chamfer tool for rifle. A LOT less than your shopping list.
 
George P said:
Personally, I do not think a new reloader needs all of that - it is NICE to have, it is NOT a MUST have. Folks have been reloading basic ammo for decades without all of that equipment; there are ways to work around a lot of that list.
Click to expand...
It wasn't meant to be a guide on what to buy, merely a glimpse at what a new setup looks like and the costs associated and how the "miscellaneous" add up.
 
George P said:
Personally, I do not think a new reloader needs all of that - it is NICE to have, it is NOT a MUST have. Folks have been reloading basic ammo for decades without all of that equipment; there are ways to work around a lot of that list.

I reloaded everything metallic on a RCBS Jr single stage for over 3 decades and had a LOT less issues than I did with a Dillon 550. Book, press, dies, scale, kinetic puller, loading block, case lube and pad for rifle (carbide dies for pistol). Add in a hand trimmer and chamfer tool for rifle. A LOT less than your shopping list.
Click to expand...

And say your list is the "minimum", you're still looking at 250$. These prices are for "ok but not great" items, and what I would consider the "cheapest possible price" for that item:
Book- 10$
Press- 150$ for one of the single stage kits
Dies- 25$
Scale- 10$
Kinetic Puller-10$
Loading block- 3$
Case Lube and pad- 12$

You also forgot calipers which I think are necessary: 10$

So to reload 9mm a minimum of 230$ if you could find them for that price right now, and you're looking at some definite pieces you'll want to replace after you use them once.

I'm not saying he needs to do what I did, but there just isn't a way he's going to hit 150$ max on setup.

Add in the second set of dies and a case gauge for each, tax and possible shipping and there is no way you could get it for under double his 150$.
 
George P said:
Again, YOUR list versus mine - over a grand for yours, about $200 for mine buying somethings used - like the press.
Click to expand...
I'd be amazed if you could find a used single stage for sale right now. I had to wait 3 weeks to find a new progressive in stock anywhere. Not that this is normal, this just isn't a normal market. Now isn't the best time to get into reloading, stuff is crazy expensive and difficult to find. Add in that you can't find SRP for less than 10 cents and SPP for less than 20 cents anywhere on line unless you're willing to play the bidding game on gunbroker and it just isn't something I'd suggest. If you can wait 4 months **** will likely settle down and you'll find deals and rebates on a lot of this stuff to make it cheaper.
 
Oh I agree with you that $150 is silly....UNLESS he finds a flea market or garage sale of knows a widow looking to get rid of her ate hubby's stuff; THEN he might luck into all sorts of cool stuff for less.
 
Well to put things in perspective approx. 1994 I purchased my entry stuff as follows at a LGS:

RCBS Rockchucker $129.95
RCBS 30-06 2 Die Set $26.95
RCBS shell holder $6.95
Hornady 30 cal 165gr SP $18.95

Total: $182.80 (my $200 x-mas money)

The only reason I know these numbers as I still have the boxes for all of them. As you can see even 25 years ago I spent more than that your starting budget and could not load a round. I was fortunate to be given a lot of tools/items at that time by my stepfather. I loaded and tested my hunting rounds for my 30-06 about a week or two after this purchase.

The good news is the internet has made it easier to obtain used equipment and forums of nice individuals has helped as well when it comes to getting set up. You can hit your budget if you are careful and wise. During these times if you see a deal you best jump on it as there are us old school guys and many newbies looking to make a deal on equipment. One thing about this hobby is most of it is specialty tool and equipment and deals new or used are few and far between and times like this makes it worse.

Currently if I were one to drink blue kool-aid and replace my progressive for the calibers I load in bulk it would be about $2,400.

As I sit right now I have invested around $3,800 at todays prices just in equipment and manuals. Forget the cost of components I have used over the years....

The costs add up quick. The time spent is great if you enjoy it. YOU WILL NOT SAVE MONEY! However you will shoot more.

Best piece of advice is spend $40+/- and get ABC's and a good manual such as the Lyman and see if reloading is something you really want to do and reread again and again before buying equipment. I still read my books and manuals from time to time just to retain things I may have forgotten or fix an obvious issue.

I wish you well on your journey with reloading! Shoot straight!
 
I don't want to be the debbie downer of the group, but honestly, if 150 is your budget, you need to just save a while longer to be able to increase your budget. In my opinion, about the bare minimum I would recommend would be a Lee Classic Turret Deluxe kit. It will come with a press, a scale that is awful to use, a chamfer and deburr tool that leaves a lot to be desired, a powder measure(you will probably need a riser for it, and I think that is another 10 bucks), the cutter and lock stud for trimming(but you will need the pilot and case holder, which is about 10 bucks if I remember right), a reloading manual, and a priming system that will work, but isn't the greatest. Problem is, that kit costs 216 dollars(currently in stock at midway). In addition, you will need dies and a shellholder. If you buy the lee dies(normally $35 or so), they come with the shellholder, but finding dies in stock right now is nearly impossible. The trimmer can wait as long as you have brass that is still at a usable length, but the pilot and case holder are going to be another 15 or so. Ideally, you would want a case gauge, and those are going to be around 30 bucks. That riser is about 10 bucks. You are going to need a set of calipers, so that is another 10-15 bucks for a cheap set. Right there, you are at $250-$300, and you haven't gotten any consumables rolled into the cost. Trying to get set up for under $150 is just a pretty unreasonable expectation unless you come across some stellar deals.

I know you said you want a single stage, but I would highly recommend the turret over the single stage as you can take out the indexing rod and use it as a single stage all you want. Put in the indexing rod and you have a sort of semi-progressive press.
 
bihj said:
Aside from the "components are next to impossible to find" problem... How do you plan to seat your primers?
Click to expand...
I been looking at the Lee auto prime. Also a powder scale from them as well. As for components, i have about 1500 9mm and 1000 of 223/556 rounds that i can use the brass, i can start with some fired 9mm cases that i have, about 100.

as for powder and bullet combination this is what i have so far.

CFE-223 with cci-400 primers and 55gr bullets for 223/556

and CFE-Pistol powder for 9mm

i also was looking at this data sheet to have an idea of what combo to use.
 
BLACKFIN said:
I been looking at the Lee auto prime. Also a powder scale from them as well. As for components, i have about 1500 9mm and 1000 of 223/556 rounds that i can use the brass, i can start with some fired 9mm cases that i have, about 100.

as for powder and bullet combination this is what i have so far.

CFE-223 with cci-400 primers and 55gr bullets for 223/556

and CFE-Pistol powder for 9mm

i also was looking at this data sheet to have an idea of what combo to use.
Click to expand...

If you're looking for cheap plinking rounds for 9mm, I'd look at titegroup. If you buy in bulk (8 lb jug), you can find it online for 19$/lb. Just make sure hazmat shipping doesn't kill the price.
 
Best advice is buy 2-3 brands of reloading manuals and read front to back then make your own decisions far as equipment you'll need and this is best way to be safe with a good knowledge techniques.id also step up to a rcbs rock chucker supreme press.spend the extra up front and never feel need to upgrade and have a little more precision.the lee classic cast press is heavy duty and will last but the smaller presses are pot metal aluminum that will break over time.dont ask me how I know.also lee sells cartridge specific case trimmers for cheap just buy the cutter and lock stud they do work great
 
Honestly the only lee stuff worth having or you care that it last a lifetime is the classic cast press and lee dies.the cutter and lock stud is also good cheap way to trim brass.other than that buy rcbs preferably.other brands are fine several I have various brands of tools/accessories throughout the years but rcbs us way to go far as precision, durability and cost
 
Sorry for the rant.i went same route your trying several years ago and spent a fortune upgrading throughout the years upgrading.its an addiction once you start.lee stuff will get you started but the lever arms on the smaller presses and hand primers break.
 
Like 3% said-
You just can get into this for a few hundred bucks. To me it is like "going out for a few beers." It never turns out that way. I bought all my essentials for about 7 or 800 bucks 5 years ago and gave up tallying the additional costs at about $1600.

Just so that you are prepared and don't become discouraged...
 
gifbohane said:
Like 3% said-
You just can get into this for a few hundred bucks. To me it is like "going out for a few beers." It never turns out that way. I bought all my essentials for about 7 or 800 bucks 5 years ago and gave up tallying the additional costs at about $1600.

Just so that you are prepared and don't become discouraged...
Click to expand...

I started loading about two years ago and got my equipment new on clearance. I did get lucky in that respect. It cost me about $400 for everything (including components, a book, and new brass) except for a tumbler and media. I am now up to about $1000 in equipment since starting, but really don't need anything but dies and shell holder (and components) to start loading a new caliber. My press kit was the Hornady LNL classic single stage. So it can be done cheaply, but as others have said, think hard about increasing your budget.

My nieces husband is also looking to start loading, so I've been doing a lot of research on this recently and am quite aware of current pricing and availability of both equipment and components.

Best of luck, and stay safe.

chris
 
After reading a lot of the posts here, I want to reply. Often new reloaders are told what to buy from one that uses the particular tools/equipment they suggest, and not necessarily good for you (and I have seen new reloaders told to start reloading with a progressive press). For some, specific items are absolutely necessary and suggested as essential for a new reloader but you may reload many rounds without a need (like a tumbler or cartridge gauges). I started with a Lee Loader $9.95 a pound of powder, 100 CCI primers, 200 generic cast lead bullets, and a scale (today's $$ about $80.00-$90.00). Meaning you don't need a turret press, with aftermarket accessories, a half dozen case polishing tools and precise gauges. I used that kit for several months and just replenished primers and bullets (Bullseye goes a long way when using a 4.0 grain load). I reloaded for 12 years before I got a tumbler and ruined no dies, nor chambers and if I wanted some BBQ ammo I hand polished the brass. You can throw $1,500 at a starting set up, but I can produce just as good ammo with my Lee Loader as you can with a $300.00 press and $100.00 dies and $300.00 of assorted tools. I'm sure there were potential reloaders out there that were turned off by all the suggestions by "experienced" reloader's advised starting tools (complexity and cost)...

Another hint; Ignore the Lee Haters. Most of their complaints are irrational and from not reading instructions and not using the tools as designed (I can give as many examples as most Hater's complaints/examples)
 
mdi said:
After reading a lot of the posts here, I want to reply. Often new reloaders are told what to buy from one that uses the particular tools/equipment they suggest, and not necessarily good for you (and I have seen new reloaders told to start reloading with a progressive press). For some, specific items are absolutely necessary and suggested as essential for a new reloader but you may reload many rounds without a need (like a tumbler or cartridge gauges). I started with a Lee Loader $9.95 a pound of powder, 100 CCI primers, 200 generic cast lead bullets, and a scale (today's $$ about $80.00-$90.00). Meaning you don't need a turret press, with aftermarket accessories, a half dozen case polishing tools and precise gauges. I used that kit for several months and just replenished primers and bullets (Bullseye goes a long way when using a 4.0 grain load). I reloaded for 12 years before I got a tumbler and ruined no dies, nor chambers and if I wanted some BBQ ammo I hand polished the brass. You can throw $1,500 at a starting set up, but I can produce just as good ammo with my Lee Loader as you can with a $300.00 press and $100.00 dies and $300.00 of assorted tools. I'm sure there were potential reloaders out there that were turned off by all the suggestions by "experienced" reloader's advised starting tools (complexity and cost)...

Another hint; Ignore the Lee Haters. Most of their complaints are irrational and from not reading instructions and not using the tools as designed (I can give as many examples as most Hater's complaints/examples)
Click to expand...

I personally am not a Lee fan for most things, but I agree they're great for starting reloaders- They're almost always the cheapest. In my 9mm set up I use a LFCD and a Lee undersized sizing die, but 150$ is just not a lot of money in this game. I looked up current prices for a lee classic and they're 130$. Even a Lee hand press is 60$ from Bass Pro Shops. I kind of made it my "mission" to try and design a complete bare bones set up for the cheapest possible now just to see if it was possible:
Press: $42.99 (https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/lee-precision-reloader-press)
9MM dies: $31.34 (after 5% discount: https://www.opticsplanet.com/lee-three-die-carbide-sets-9mm-luger-90509.html)
Reloading Manual: Free (use an online manual and just ask for 9mm load data)
Scale: $13.50 (https://smile.amazon.com/Precision-Reloading-Scale-Calibration-Weight/dp/B07DL9JGK6)
Calipers: $9.99 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DFFYCXS

This is what I would consider the absolute 100% necessities. This is no tumbling, no bullet pulling mess ups, no case lube/trays/primer flippers/primer tubes, etc. And 9mm so no trimming.
The cost is $97.82, so add in 5%+ for sales tax and lets round it to 105$. Is it possible? Yes, obviously. Would I suggest it? No. I'd suggest getting a nicer single stage like a Lee Classic, RCBS Rock Chucker, etc which is going to be around the 150$ limit by itself.

Some of the replies are "XXX on clearance" "YYY 20 years ago." Which is great, it gives you perspective, but in the current market you won't be finding a clearance deal unless you're willing to do (a lot) of online and local scavenging, and I wouldn't expect to see any this calendar year.
 
cardinalorange said:
Reloading Manual: Free (use an online manual and just ask for 9mm load data)
Click to expand...
I know many of us seasoned reloaders only look at manuals as a source of load data, but for a beginner the front section of most manuals is a wealth of information - almost a tutorial - for beginners. I would highly recommend getting a good manual to start with. The Lyman manual is as good as any, IMHO, but any of them would be very useful.
 
Toprudder said:
I know many of us seasoned reloaders only look at manuals as a source of load data, but for a beginner the front section of most manuals is a wealth of information - almost a tutorial - for beginners. I would highly recommend getting a good manual to start with. The Lyman manual is as good as any, IMHO, but any of them would be very useful.
Click to expand...
Yep, there is a lot more in a reloading manual than load recipes, whole lot of good info. Besides, I can make notes and highlight data in my manuals and my compter screne would get pretty messy if I tries to make notes there...:p
 
This is very very helpful information.

in your opinion which scale would you buy?
E26D8ADB-D066-4D80-BB02-C1972F3E9AE3.png

4DA80702-603A-448B-A0C1-D3612DA9BF77.png
 
BLACKFIN said:
Hello everyone, Blackfin here.

Due to the ammo shortage i have decided to start reloading. I only have 2 calibers, 223/556 and 9mm.

I will start with 223/556 and this is what my research tells me i need.

The press i want to use is the Lee precision single stage because i want to focus on each step since it’s my first time.

Single stage press
3 or 4 set dies for 223/556: what they do?
primer for 223
223/556 cases new or fired in good condition
Gun powder for 223
Bullets 55/62gr
Scale to measure powder
Caliper to measure overall length
Case lube/wax?

is there anything else that I need to get started? My budget is $100-$150 Max for the hardware. I have a son and a wife and want to make sure i have enough ammo to put food in the table and defend my family.

thank you in advance.

ETA:
Load Data (manual)
Shell holder
Case trimmer
Lee powder scoop
Powder funnel
Click to expand...
Evening Blackfin,
Welcome to a great place to gain knowledge for this hobby, habit, or profession. I was much like you and shooting is a hobby as well. I might recommend some patience and some well-practiced Google-Fu and web surfing for some used gear and some new if budget allows.

I had good luck using Fleabay, as I'm sure others here have as well, to expand my tooling and improve my user experience for handloading. I'll PM you a link to get you started. Keep in mind if you're tactful with your purchase and get what you NEED to start, you can take it to the moon and bank account to further your investment. Something else worth noting is that of you buy a seller's lot on a said site that might include a few things you require, you can re-sell the rest to recoup some cost or maybe make a little profit to reinvest.

Welcome to the sickness for which there is no cure but the smell of gunsmoke of your own creation!
 
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