For years I have heard the horror stories about reloading...sort of like "you'll shoot your eye out" or you will blow your gun up. But a couple of years back I took the chance and bought a Lee turrent reloader kit. With the dies and everything it was under a hundred bucks...best money I ever spent. I get the primers, powder & bullets at the local gun show...primers are $15 per 1,000 .. powder is $15 a pound and the 230 gr. lead round nose bullets are $40 per 1,000. My pet load for the .45 is 4.2 gr. of Bullseye with the 230 gr. LRN bullet. A good practice load...not to hot and very accurate. I now reload for my 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, .45 acp, and 38 & 357 mag. If you do much shooting at all you will save money, shoot more and have bunches of fun . Find someone local who reloads and who will be willing to help you get started and go for it. I have thought about buying a nicer Dillion reloader but for now the Lee press is still turning out good, low cost, high quality reloads....LIFE is GOOD.........
Non-reloaders... read
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JohnBT
Member
I know, I know...but I'm a shooter and not a reloader.
Remember, you could be at the range shooting and not trying to make all of those little pieces fit together.
John
Remember, you could be at the range shooting and not trying to make all of those little pieces fit together.
John
BluesBear
member
Sure you can buy ammo. And ammo prices have never been better.
But...
For some of us, there is a special satisfaction that comes with rolling your own.
For example, I am an avid Model Railroader, and there are some very nice prebuilt models out there right now. But they're pricey. I buy a few, but most of mine are built from kits.
They may not be as fancy or be as superdetailed as the RTR, but, I have more pride in those that I built. Especialy since they all run just as well or better as the expensive ones.
Just remember, when you do it yourself, you can do it your way.
But...
For some of us, there is a special satisfaction that comes with rolling your own.
For example, I am an avid Model Railroader, and there are some very nice prebuilt models out there right now. But they're pricey. I buy a few, but most of mine are built from kits.
They may not be as fancy or be as superdetailed as the RTR, but, I have more pride in those that I built. Especialy since they all run just as well or better as the expensive ones.
Just remember, when you do it yourself, you can do it your way.
synoptic
Member
Being someone who loves cleaning his guns because it gives me one more opportunity to fondle them, I must say I'd LOVE to get into reloading. My fears are that I will spend all the money up front and it will be too much of a pain, or I will buy the wrong equipment and kick myself for it. I realize Dillon is good, but quite expensive. Maybe some of you reloaders could share some just getting started tips and tricks for us noobs, like what equipment to buy, what to stay away from, where to buy it, etc... I'm hoping this will turn into a very informative thread.
Kamicosmos
Member
I recommend one of the RCBS starter kits. There is a Master kit for ~$250 that has more than you need, like a case trimmer. I got the Special 5 Kit at a gun show for around $170. It comes with press, good scale, loading block, powder funnel, case lube and case lube mat, primer tray, and a speer reloading book. Read the reloading book before you even start to build your reloading bench. Also, hang out in the reloading forum here, lots of info and pics of various benches and presses. And ask questions too!
The Lee reloading kits are good, but I still recommend te RCBS for better quality equipment. Save the progressives for later. Besides, you'll always need a single stage for something!
Reloading is a great side hobby to shooting. It allows you to shoot alot more, and the rounds are taylored to both you and your guns.
The Lee reloading kits are good, but I still recommend te RCBS for better quality equipment. Save the progressives for later. Besides, you'll always need a single stage for something!
Reloading is a great side hobby to shooting. It allows you to shoot alot more, and the rounds are taylored to both you and your guns.
Jammer Six
member
Better yet, tell me your price for 1,000 rounds of FMJ .45, shipped to Seattle.
You load, I'll shoot, we'll both be happy.
Lennyjoe
Member
Im slowly acquiring the necessary tools to "Roll my Own"
Should be up and running by the end of the year.
Should be up and running by the end of the year.
If you are just starting out I suggest getting the RCBS Rockchucker press. It is THE strongest press on the market and can handle everything up to forming bullet jackets. If you start to load rifle cartridges or you begin to search for accuracy you will indeed need a case trimmer. The Rockchucker kit is a very good value for what you get, plus if you want to move up from a single stage press you can install a Piggyback unit and it becomes a progressive press (the Piggyback unit also fits the Special 5 press).
http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=15
Johnny over in the Handloading forum has a special thread for just that reason. Check it out.
RE: Cost of roll your own vs factory. I've stressed this over and over. It's important to compare apples to apples. For less than the cost of the cheapest factory ammo, you can usually handload ammo that compares more to the premium defensive loads; you can tailor ammunition to meet specific needs.
mtnbkr
Member
First, I don't really save much money reloading. I do get ammo that is tailored to my guns and needs. Much of what I like to shoot is either expensive, hard to come by, or both.
I don't reload 9mm because I can buy it cheaper than I can reload it (after paying for the dies, etc) and because I don't shoot it enough. I only reload 38spec when I'm bored because I can buy cheap lead reloads at gunshows for just a little more than it costs for me to roll my own. The gunshow reloads are plenty good for the plinking I do with 38spec. I do reload my 357mag loads because I like heavy bullets and those loads are twice the price of my reloads. I also load my own 6.5x55 because it's not the most common round out there and my handloads are more accurate in my gun.
Second, you don't need a $250+ reloading kit. If you're just getting started, a Lee Turret kit for a single caliber can't be beat. True, it's not as strong as some of the others on the market, but it will load handgun and rifle calibers without any problem. And, if you decide you don't like reloading, you're not out much money.
Chris
I don't reload 9mm because I can buy it cheaper than I can reload it (after paying for the dies, etc) and because I don't shoot it enough. I only reload 38spec when I'm bored because I can buy cheap lead reloads at gunshows for just a little more than it costs for me to roll my own. The gunshow reloads are plenty good for the plinking I do with 38spec. I do reload my 357mag loads because I like heavy bullets and those loads are twice the price of my reloads. I also load my own 6.5x55 because it's not the most common round out there and my handloads are more accurate in my gun.
Second, you don't need a $250+ reloading kit. If you're just getting started, a Lee Turret kit for a single caliber can't be beat. True, it's not as strong as some of the others on the market, but it will load handgun and rifle calibers without any problem. And, if you decide you don't like reloading, you're not out much money.
Chris
sctman800
Member
Save Money?????
I haven't found this to be true for me personally, I do shoot a lot more than I otherwise could. I started out with a Lee turret press and am quite happy with it, but whatever brand you buy will have advantages and disadvantages, price v speed. I haven't found a 50rd box of ammo for less than $26.00 in my area, .41mag. Loading new brass about $.25 each and old bress about $.12 a round. One other real advantage is that I can load all combinations of components mild to hot, whatever I am interested in shooting at the time. Jim.
I haven't found this to be true for me personally, I do shoot a lot more than I otherwise could. I started out with a Lee turret press and am quite happy with it, but whatever brand you buy will have advantages and disadvantages, price v speed. I haven't found a 50rd box of ammo for less than $26.00 in my area, .41mag. Loading new brass about $.25 each and old bress about $.12 a round. One other real advantage is that I can load all combinations of components mild to hot, whatever I am interested in shooting at the time. Jim.
Highland Ranger
Member
Ouch! That's steep - we can getthem cheper here in the PRNJ.
Ever consider mail order? Bought in bulk (and assuming it's legal wherever ypu are) you can get down around $10 for 50 rounds of factory new 45acp, or even down to $6 / 50 for remanufactured ammo from Black Hills (38 spc)
I think I saw a few 44 mags online somewhere, name brand new ammo for around $14 / 50.
Not sure I misread, but $26 is steep for 50 rounds of anything but 454 casull . . . .
Gunner45
Member
I have been reloading for just under a year now, and I can I really enjoy it. I can't say I have saved any money by reloading but I can say that I get to shoot more often.
I can load a box of .45 acp for about $4.69 vs the $12-13 dollar boxes that the ranges sells.
I have a dillon Square Deal B. If your shooting a single calliber like I am,(I just reload for IDPA) this is a fantastic press.
I just can't believe that I didn't start "rolling my own" sooner that I did.
Gunner45
I can load a box of .45 acp for about $4.69 vs the $12-13 dollar boxes that the ranges sells.
I have a dillon Square Deal B. If your shooting a single calliber like I am,(I just reload for IDPA) this is a fantastic press.
I just can't believe that I didn't start "rolling my own" sooner that I did.
Gunner45
You get to load and shoot ammo that you may not find from the general manufacturers, from the mundane to the exotic. BTW, from my experience (and maybe others) reloading doesn't actually save you money - it just lets you shoot more for the same amount of cash. Reloading is and has been my only hobby since '79
Oracle
Member
One of my favorite calibers is .45 Colt. I save a tremendous amount of money by reloading that caliber. Plus, I hunt with it in a Winchester '92 clone, and I can load it up to it's potential in that firearm much less expensively than buying custom .45 Colt hunting rounds.
I reload the .45 Colt and it saves me a bunch of money.
A factory box of 50 will run $15 to $25 depending on what brand/type.
I can reload a box in a configuration to my preference and not available commercially for $4.60 if I use my own brass. If I have to buy brass (haven't had to do that yet) then the next box would cost a bit over $10 after that - back to under $5 (brass bought and paid for and a sunk cost).
That's a fairly substantial savings and with a Lee Turret reloader I can usually knock out a 100 rds or so in an evening or an afternoon (I'm slow).
I also shoot .40 S&W but don't reload for it because it would cost me around $8 a box (cost of FMJ bullets not lead and recovering the brass is a real PITA) and since I can buy just about any .40 S&W round I'd want for $7 to $11 it just isn't worth my time.
Reloading for me is primarily a way to save money so I can shoot more and a way to get a load not available from the factory. Some folks actually enjoy the act of reloading and I did too the first 4 or 5 times. Now it's just tedious not interesting or relaxing. But for a $10 to $20 a box savings I'll do it so I can shoot more.
A factory box of 50 will run $15 to $25 depending on what brand/type.
I can reload a box in a configuration to my preference and not available commercially for $4.60 if I use my own brass. If I have to buy brass (haven't had to do that yet) then the next box would cost a bit over $10 after that - back to under $5 (brass bought and paid for and a sunk cost).
That's a fairly substantial savings and with a Lee Turret reloader I can usually knock out a 100 rds or so in an evening or an afternoon (I'm slow).
I also shoot .40 S&W but don't reload for it because it would cost me around $8 a box (cost of FMJ bullets not lead and recovering the brass is a real PITA) and since I can buy just about any .40 S&W round I'd want for $7 to $11 it just isn't worth my time.
Reloading for me is primarily a way to save money so I can shoot more and a way to get a load not available from the factory. Some folks actually enjoy the act of reloading and I did too the first 4 or 5 times. Now it's just tedious not interesting or relaxing. But for a $10 to $20 a box savings I'll do it so I can shoot more.
MoNsTeR
Member
I agree.
I see reloading as a necessary, wholly non-optional complement to any serious shooting hobby. And not just because it's economical; even if I were preposterously wealthy I would still roll my own. Of course, the savings DO matter. Anyone who shoots .45ACP or .38Spl and doesn't reload is bat-$#@! insane
I see reloading as a necessary, wholly non-optional complement to any serious shooting hobby. And not just because it's economical; even if I were preposterously wealthy I would still roll my own. Of course, the savings DO matter. Anyone who shoots .45ACP or .38Spl and doesn't reload is bat-$#@! insane
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Plan the original needed investment .... and set that aside and say goodbye to it .. you are pretty much into a ''one time'' expenditure ... tho maybe just a few oddments to ''top up''
Once done tho and with some consumables .. you are good to go.
I reload a bit less now ... total laziness but . man, would I ever hate to not have the options. Any time I am low on a cal ... or want some dedicated loads etc ... just settle down with presses and get em done.
Once you have the gear ... you are master of the (reloading) universe!
Once done tho and with some consumables .. you are good to go.
I reload a bit less now ... total laziness but . man, would I ever hate to not have the options. Any time I am low on a cal ... or want some dedicated loads etc ... just settle down with presses and get em done.
Once you have the gear ... you are master of the (reloading) universe!
Oracle
Member
It's also, as has been said above, convenient. If you have a fairly decent selection of bullets and powders, it's like having an ammo store at your house. Before I went hunting last weekend, I simply rolled up 10 rounds, took me about 15 minutes, and was ready to go. No need to go to the store (or, for me, order them and wait a week for them to get here, as .45 Colt hunting loads are usually only available by mail order from places like Buffalo Bore and others).
HogRider
Member
I shoot mainly 44 Magnum and 45 long Colt. And I shoot a LOT of it.
A few weeks back I sat down, did a quick calculation and realized that all my reloading equipment had easily paid off within about 6 month. Imagine how much you can save when shooting big bore rifles. The bigger the caliber the more you safe.
I couldn't even think of going to the store and buying anything bigger than 9mm in the box.
Of course if you mainly shoot 9mm and buy them in bulk, it's going to be hard to justify the cost of nice reloading equipment.
A few weeks back I sat down, did a quick calculation and realized that all my reloading equipment had easily paid off within about 6 month. Imagine how much you can save when shooting big bore rifles. The bigger the caliber the more you safe.
I couldn't even think of going to the store and buying anything bigger than 9mm in the box.
Of course if you mainly shoot 9mm and buy them in bulk, it's going to be hard to justify the cost of nice reloading equipment.
Kruzr
Member
I only load 45 ACP but if I would have been shooting at the same rate that I was before I bought my 550B and everything else, the payout period would have been about 5 months. Based on how much I shot after I started reloading, the payout was 2 months.
Mike Irwin
Member
I've been reloading since I was 10. That's when Dad started letting me solo, with him watching.
I still remember the night he came home from the office with the boxed RCBS kit.
I still remember the night he came home from the office with the boxed RCBS kit.
Sunray
Member
Starter kits yes, Rockchucker, no. Not that there's anything wrong with it It's just not necessary nor best for an FNG. It's too slow to use as well. A regular 'C' press is fine and faster to use with good technique. A Rockchucker is required to form caes but not just reloading. In any case, handloading is not about cost. It's about using the absolute best ammo for your firearm. Handloading will likely cost more than some factory, but match grade bullets, ammo tuned exactly for your rifle can't be had from a factory.
"...preposterously wealthy I would still roll my own..." But I' d have some really nice kit. Like the latest Dillion machine for every calibre on solid oak loading benches. In a building specifically designed for loading. Picture it. Skids of match grade bullets. A short stroll to the powde rmagazine. Maybe a powder monkey to fetch it. A 100 yard test range, indoor of course. Scantily clad nubile young girls to change targets...Hey, it's my fantasy. Go get your own.
"...preposterously wealthy I would still roll my own..." But I' d have some really nice kit. Like the latest Dillion machine for every calibre on solid oak loading benches. In a building specifically designed for loading. Picture it. Skids of match grade bullets. A short stroll to the powde rmagazine. Maybe a powder monkey to fetch it. A 100 yard test range, indoor of course. Scantily clad nubile young girls to change targets...Hey, it's my fantasy. Go get your own.
Beren
Moderator Emeritus
Only to lose your entire fortune when the parents of a scantily clad nubile young boy sue you for sexual discrimination when you fail to hire him, too... And God help you should the powder monkey get into a feces-throwing fit and only have Bullseye available to toss at you!
Reloading is something I've been on the verge of getting into for awhile now. It looks like the savings are there if you're reloading .38 Spl and .45 ACP - what about .44 Rem Mag, .44 Sp, and 10mm? For my Glock 17, I'll just continue to use Wolf or Walmart Whitebox. What about 357SIG? Are bottleneck pistol rounds a pain to load?
I think a nice starter RCBS is on my Christmas list now. I need more ammo to feed the Griffon.
Reloading is something I've been on the verge of getting into for awhile now. It looks like the savings are there if you're reloading .38 Spl and .45 ACP - what about .44 Rem Mag, .44 Sp, and 10mm? For my Glock 17, I'll just continue to use Wolf or Walmart Whitebox. What about 357SIG? Are bottleneck pistol rounds a pain to load?
I think a nice starter RCBS is on my Christmas list now. I need more ammo to feed the Griffon.
I got a Rockchucker kit for Christmas last year. I have been loading 45 Colt and 454 Casull. I am sure it has paid for itself by now. I have done a lot more shooting because of the reloader, and it gives me something to do in the winter.
I still buy my 9mm at Wally World - it's pretty hard to beat at $11.50 / 100 box.
But for big bore stuff, 45 colt, 454 casull, you gotta reload if you want to shoot the big stuff a lot.
I still buy my 9mm at Wally World - it's pretty hard to beat at $11.50 / 100 box.
But for big bore stuff, 45 colt, 454 casull, you gotta reload if you want to shoot the big stuff a lot.
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