Good starter kit...

[Edmond]

Hey guys,

I would like some information on where to get started on reloading. The price of .45acp is really getting to me and I'd like to start learning.

What is a good beginner kit out there?

How much reloading does it take for me to cover the cost of the machine and supplies?

 

[Valkman]

It all depends on your budget and what kind of money you can spend. Got $1k - $1500? Get all Dillon stuff and don't look back - it'll last as long as you want to reload.

At the other end are single stage presses. Alot of us use single stage's for rifle or big bore loading or for load developement, but loading alot of ammo on them gets old fast.

The Lee Anniversary Kit is a good buy and alot of guys start there and move up later.

My best advice would be to buy the highest quality equipment you can now and only buy it once.

 

[Mal H]

If you haven't already looked through it, the floated thread Questions on cost ... is a good list of threads here on THR that discuss that subject in detail along with some good info.

 

[Black Snowman]

Lee Anniversary Kit w/manual + second reloading manual of your choice is my current recommendation. Had lots of useful tools that I wish I had started with. I got the kit when I finally didn't have anyone else's single stage to borrow.

I don't like the idea of starting out on a progressive as there's a lot more things to go wrong and it's a big enough PITA sorting out the process of reloading without also having to figure out the idiosyncrasies of a complex machine at the same time. Some people do it successfully but I was too paranoid and cheap to take that kind of plunge.

 

[Edmond]

Snowman,

I just received the Midway USA flyer in the mail today and saw that on the third page. I considering going with that since this is my first time.

I would be reloading .45acp and maybe 9mm. All I would need is a die set, right?

Thanks for the link!

 

[SiG Lady]

Definitely cheaper to reload...!

I invested in a Square Deal B (Dillon) about a year ago and, as they say, 'never looked back'. I can't BEGIN to tell you how much money I've saved on .45ACP ammo... it costs me about 25-30% of retail to reload.

And I got a good deal on the press (and all three dies) from a fellow shooter here at our club. A great savings all 'round.