Newbie Questions

[SOFDC]

My first post in this forum, so please, don't hurt the n00b too much.

Being the poor college studen that I am, and the (for my budget) rather hefty pricetag on good 5.56mm ammo like XM193/Q3131A, i got the idea into my head about reloading for the cartridge. Only problems are I have never reloaded in my life, don't know where to BEGIN searching for components locally, and would generally like it if someone pointed me in the right direction..

 

[lee n. field]

By components, do you mean the consumables (brass, bullets, powder and primers)?

Got any gun shows nearby?

If you can't find any local source, you're looking at mail order, which means hazmat fees for shipping powder and primers.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The first thing you need to buy is at least one good reloading manual, and preferably two or three. The second thing you need to do is read them.

Reading the manuals can save you a great deal of wasted time, effort, and money.

 

[Ardent]

You are probably aware of this, but let me say it anyway. It will take longer than you think to pay back the cost of your handloading equipment. I paid back my press and dies in about 6 months, but then again I shoot thousands of rounds of .45ACP annually. It will take a considerable amount of cash to get started. This hurts because while in the future it may well save you money, you are still paying a lot up front. For a calibre like .223/5.56mm I would be content with all the options out there like surplus and remanufactured. (Save your brass just incase ) As far as centerfire rifles go .223/5.56mm is among the cheapest to feed, 7.62X39mm being cheaper still though most of that is laquered steel case and non-reloadable. If you are cash strapped I say shop for cheap ammo rather than fork out for equipment. When you want to be able to build custom loads and are confortable putting out up to $500 for good equipment I say go for it. I like reloading because it allows me to customize loads how I like, saving money is equally nice, though I'm not sure which is better.

Ardent

 

[SOFDC]

I am a very active rifle shooter it seems, I can easily go through 2-3 thousand rounds a year if I have the cash, I don't *THINK* it would take me much longer than it did you to start saving money, especially when I look at the 170+ per 1k costs for XM193, and Q3131A even higher (Maybe i am just looking in all the wrong places?).... But, i'll get a hold of a reloading manual first, and I suppose go from there. Thanks for the help guys, but any suggestions on manuals then?


Yes, there are gunshows in the area, and if nothing else, D/FW has em. By components I mean the primer and powder specifically, yes. I was aware of the HAZMAT charges on both, so I really want to figure out where to start looking locally. I don't guess walmart would have shelves full of gunpowder, and rifle primers.

 

[Ardent]

Reloading may very well work for you then, but be warned.... if you shoot 2-3k annually now, you'll shoot at least 5k after you start loading

I've heard it put this way, reloading won't save you money... because you'll end up shooting so much more. It is a fun addition to the hobby for sure.

Ardent

 

[ojibweindian]

If you really want to get into reloading for not a lot of money, I'd suggest getting the Lee Aniversary Kit. It comes with pretty much all the equipment you'd need to start. If you do get it, ditch the single stage Chanlenger press that comes with the package and get the Lee Classic press, instead.

Cost of the Lee Aniversary kit is about $75.

 

[g56]

I'm reloading 5.56 mm (223) for about $80 per thousand, which is pretty cheap, you might not be able to do quite that good, but you should be able to come close.

I use the Winchester bulk .224 55 gr FMJBT bullets that I get from Midway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/221585

I use the bulk Accurate 2230C powder that I get from Powder Valley, you can also get a good price on primers from them, order powder and primers at the same time so you only have to pay 1 haz mat charge.

http://powdervalleyinc.com/