Getting Started on Reloading

[thebluemax]

I've been thinking about reloading for awhile and have got a decent amount of brass saved up. I'm just trying to figure out what I need to get started and a rough idea of what is involved and the the cost. I would likely only be loading .45 ACP. And while I don't shoot that much, I shoot a lot when I go out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TurboFC3S]

Did you read this thread? Many questions answered ... if not, read it and then reply with what questions are still left unanswered.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

 

[Husker_Fan]

I started pretty recently. I got the Lee Challenger kit with the hand primer. The kit has everything you need but dies. I got the Lee carbide dies.

First thing though, get a manual and read it. I like my single stage press as it is great to learn the basics on while minimizing my opportunity to really screw something up. A good alternative are the turret style presses. These can be used as a single stage but can be used faster than a true single stage.

The people here are full of information and a lot has been put out there already, so try using the search function when you want to research specific equipment.

 

[tydephan]

Well, all I can say is it is a lousy time to be getting into the hobby. I can vouch for that, as I am in the same boat you are.

Here is what I have purchased so far. Some were decent deals, others I was just happy to find the equipment/components:

Press
Dillon 550b w/223 conversion kit - $410
Additional toolhead - $20
.40/10mm conversion kit - $45
9mm conversion kit - $45

Dies
Dillon 3-set carbide 223 dies - $135
RCBS 3-set carbide .40/10mm dies - $50
RCBS 3-set carbide 9mm dies - $50
RCBS 223 decrimping die set - $35

Tumber
Lyman 2500 Turbo - $110

Scale
Cabelas Digital Scale - $65

Reference Material
Lyman Reloading Handbook - $29
Sierra Reloading Handbook - $39

Components - per 1k
Small Rifle Primers - $60
223 brass - $110
223 bullets (55gr FMJ BT) - $120
Rifle Powder (4lbs) - $70
Small Pistol Primers - not yet purchased
.40 brass - $40
.40 bullets - Not yet purchased
Handgun Powder (2lbs) - $40

Other Equipment
Tumbler Media (4lbs) - $20
Polish (1 bottle) - $7
Bullet Puller - $20
Ammo boxes (small rifle) - 10 - $30
Ammo boxes (small pistol) - 10 - $30

That's $1580. And I still don't have all components for .40 and hardly any for 9mm.

Granted, I went the unconventional route for a typical reloading noob and went with the progressive press. And I'm trying to get set up for 3 calibers also.

The best advice that I've seen yet, given what I've just gone through, is to get the reloading manuals. The Lyman manual is great.

 

[fourdollarbill]

If I had to do it all over again I would not get a progressive press. Sure it is super easy to use and set up but man can it pump out the cash! I like the single or turret as is has great therapeutic value. I have been reloading for sometime and I believe Lee to be the best value for pistol reloading.

 

[rick300]

I'm new also, I started with the RCBS Rockchucker supreme master kit. Iv'e got four books, the Frankford tumbler and Lee four die sets for 357, 40 s&w and 44 mag for about $650. Most are from midway just get in line for the backorder. While you are waiting for these get the ABC's of reloading, the folks here recomended this and it is a good place to start. Order some primers soon, Cabelas estimates of shipping dates are accurate. Don't buy components before you have load info, I've got bullets I don't know what to do with. I don't know anyone who reloads so I'm teaching myself. I started researching reloading in October of last year and so far I've shot less than 200 rounds, take your time and be careful. It is so worth it. Read every post on this site this is where I learned and thanks to all who share what you know.... Rick

 

[rokchucker]

another RCBS rockchucker supreme master kit user here

so far I have loaded about 500 rounds in the past 3 weeks. everything working great here....

 

[huntsman]

I've been thinking about reloading for awhile and have got a decent amount of brass saved up. I'm just trying to figure out what I need to get started and a rough idea of what is involved and the the cost.

check out youtube there's alot of intro clips.