Reloading Cost

[jacob2745]

I have entertained the idea of trying to start reloading .45 auto and had a few questions.

1. Generally, how much would it cost to get started? Press, dies, etc.
2. I know it varies, but typically what is your cost per round?
3. How much trouble is it to jump between calibers?

As you can tell i know absolutely nothing about reloading.

 

[rcmodel]

There is a Sticky thread right above your post that will answer most of your questions.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=649184

rc

 

[jacob2745]

You're right. Sorry.

 

[rikman]

Lots and lots of variables...

1. You can go with a single stage or turret press at low cost. A friend has a Lee, don't know the model, but it loos like a low cost progressive with an auto disk for charging cases.

Or go for broke and get a Dillon like the 550B. Some will steer you away from progressive to start with. I did both, but, wasn't comfy just reading ABC's of Reloading and jumping into it. I took an NRA Metallic & Shotshell Reloading class.

Bottom line is what you're plans are,budget.

2. Last time I crunched numbers, my 45acp's were about $7-8 box of 50...depends on price of components, range pickup brass. Guys load it cheaper by casting their own lead bullets, but that's another subject.

Good luck it's a wonderful hobby!

 

[mokin]

It is a great hobby. Some other things to consider are the cost of your time and what you want to get out of handloading. Where I am it is hard to beat the cost of plinker ammunition at the store.. On the other hand, I can make significant improvements to basic plinker ammo with a relatively small cost in components and some of my time by handloading.

 

[Osageid]

I started on a xl650 and have had no problems. I shoot quite a bit and I love having ammo when I want it! Single most important issue is paying attention to detail! Btw reloading has been rewarding and I feel I shoot better!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[rikman]

I started on a xl650 and have had no problems. I shoot quite a bit and I love having ammo when I want it! Single most important issue is paying attention to detail! Btw reloading has been rewarding and I feel I shoot better!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Good advice paying attention and I'll add, it's not a race.

 

[jmorris]

You can get started from $30 to a marrage. Depends on how far you want to go.

 

[hentown]

I've never tried to figure out how to amortize the cost of my reloading equipment into how much per round my reloads are costing me. I do know that, extraneous of the cost of the equipment, I'm loading quality fmj .45s for about $.15 each.

 

[DoubleSawbuck]

I started with a Lee Turret, they're fairly inexpensive but you can turn out some good ammo quickly. I've since moved on to a Pro 1000, it's a little quirky at times but it works well once you work out the kinks.

I load .45 for a little less then $5 for a box of 50.(200g LSWC)

 

[Kingcreek]

The more I reload, the more I save. My equipment payed for itself many years ago and now it's just the cost of components and much of that I stockpiled back when powder was $10 a pound and primers were $11 per thousand. I can save a lot on .44 mag and .300 win mag, not so much on 9mm.

 

[DoubleSawbuck]

The more I reload, the more I save. My equipment payed for itself many years ago and now it's just the cost of components and much of that I stockpiled back when powder was $10 a pound and primers were $11 per thousand. I can save a lot on .44 mag and .300 win mag, not so much on 9mm.

now to work on my time machine.

 

[dickttx]

I started when primers were about 50¢ per hundred and powder $5 per pound. However, it was probably harder for me to pay that than it is now to pay $3 and $20. So when you find your time machine be sure to take some of today's money.
I have a Blackhawk 45 Colt without the 45 ACP cylinder because I could not pay the huge difference between $90 and $100.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My experience is a little different than some above. The more I reload the more I shoot!

In reality, you can buy a nice setup and have what you need to reload for right around $300. Of course you can spend less and buy less and spend a lot more if you want. Lee makes a very good Cast Iron single stage press for about $100 and the other things you will want will run you about $200 more including a tumbler. To go to shelf will run you ~$500.

The more expensive the cost of factory ammo the more you will save. If you are loading 9mm ammo you won't save nearly as much as if you're loading .45 Colt ammo. (you see what I'm getting at)

 

[jmorris]

My all time record for cheap ammo was $18/1000. That was a few years ago when a can of BA-10 powder and 1000 primers cost $18, range brass and the bullets I cast are free.

 

[dragon813gt]

Since I just ran the numbers. I'm reloading 9mm for $3 per 100. 45acp is only a few cents more. And 357 Mag is $7 per 100. But I also cast my own bullets with free lead and use range pickup brass. The equipment cost has been covered above. You don't even want to know what I've spent(and am still spending) on casting equipment. Buying molds is an addictive hobby


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