So you're thinking about getting into reloading...

Price of factory ammo these days causing you to have to refinance in order to be able to go to the range?!?! Have a family and can't justify $50 for a box of 45's? Want to be able to make your own when the market goes crazy? Want to make more accurate ammo then what is mass produced and shipped out to one-size-fits all guns?

So now you're about to post and ask what other people suggest you buy--which is a very valid question to get others opinions before you start buying equipment than can be very costly. Plus it can be overwhelming given the number of options out there (list of some in alphabetical order): C&H, Dillon, Forster, Harrells, Herters, Hollywood, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, Pacific, RCBS, Redding, and Wilson--and most of these companies offer several different versions and types of press. Well that question, often gets sidetracked and ends up in a color feud. There are countless posts just on this wonderful forum, as well as others, from lots of people in your same shoes. Reloading equipment should be chosen to fit your particular needs, just the same as with any tool. A wrench and an impact gun can do the same job, but sometimes one is more useful for what you are doing than the other.

From someone that has bought and sold a lot of equipment, I can tell you that "used" equipment is a very affordable way to start--however, it doesn't fit the "immediate gratification" of today's need-it-now society. You're hopefully already looking around at prices of new equipment, so you probably have a general idea of what retail prices are, which helps when you look through local swap & sells, craigslist, eBay, etc. Presses are generally very robust, and many companies offer great warrantees--even if you aren't the original purchaser.

I apologize now, but this post isn't going to tell you which one to buy, but rather offer you some informative sites that might help you in your search. Also I would appreciate if no-one posts a blanket statement of what press is the best. Below are some links that are very informative, and hopefully will help in your decision making.

First, the search feature on this forum can help you dig up a lot of past discussions with a plethora of information. Just narrow the search to the name of a press you are considering, and you can find some very useful info.

Ultimate Reloader's site has some very good information and videos on several presses. Couple direct article links below.

Ultimate Reloader Things to Consider.

What type of press. Ultimate Reloader

The Search for the Perfect First Press.

Side by Side visual of progressives. Ultimate Reloader

Informative forum on Dillons.
Which Dillon Reloader is right for you? Press comparison on Dillon's website. I've heard Brian Enos is very helpful if you are considering a Dillon on helping you choose the one that best suits your needs. He offers a guide on his website as well: BrianEnos.com.

Informative site on the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP.

01/02/16 UPDATEVideos on the new ProChucker Presses from RCBS by Ultimate Reloader

YouTube has a lot of videos with presses in actions. As well as, several of the manufacturers (below again in alphabetical order).
-Dillon Videos
-Hornady LnL AP 3 Year Review
-Hornady LnL AP Overview
-Hornady LnL AP Tips & Tricks
-Lee Precision Videos
-RCBS Videos

Lee Classic Turret Review.

Lee Breechlock Challenger Kit Review.

RCBS RockChucker Supreme Kit Review.

Hornady Lock-n-Load Classic Kit Review.

Lee Classic Cast. (Single Stage Review)

Lyman Crusher Kit Review.

06/06/17 UPDATE MEC Marksman Press Review

Redding T-7 Review

Forster Co-ax Review.

Dillon Square Deal B Review.

Dillon RL550B Review.

RCBS Pro-2000 Review.

01/02/16 UPDATERCBS Summit Press Review.

09/19/16 UPDATE Hornady Iron Press Review

01/16/19 UPDATE
Frankfort Arsenal M-Press
[ame="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sBZP4uMN_LY"]Frankfort Arsenal M Press Review[/ame]

Arbor Press Reviews:
21st Century Arbor Press Review
Harrell's Precision Combo Press Review.
K&M Arbor Press Review.

Comparison: Dillon, Hornady, & Lee Progressives

I'm not adding any of my opinion on this post, as to be honest it doesn't matter to me what you buy--I don't have to use it or pay for it. If you buy the same equipment I use, it does not validate my purchases. So research as much as possible, and even for me, that didn't work out exactly, as I found a yard sale too good to pass up when I got started. The important thing is that you get started reloading.

A great manual to have to read up on reloading is the "ABC's of Reloading," there are several editions available, so you should be able to find a used one at a reasonable price online.

Many of the reloading kits include a manual with them, but an additional one to consider is Lyman's 49th edition--it is highly recommended by most reloaders.

If you need additional or want to cross reference load data, I believe all the powder manufacturers offer data online.
-Alliant Powder Reloaders Guide.
-Hodgdon/Winchester Load Data Center. **This site also has some instructional videos.
-Ramshot Load Data.
-Vihtavuori Powder.

Don't forget you are going to want a suitable bench to set up your press and equipment on.
-Sturdy Reloading Bench plans.
Most Forums have a dedicated posts with pictures of member's benches, so browsing through these might give you some inspiration.
-Show us your reloading setup! Smith-WessonForum
-Show us a picture of your reloading setup. TheHighRoad
-Let's see your reloading bench! 1911Forum
-Loading Bench Pics. Castboolits.gunloads

Here are some links to vendors where you can purchase equipment and supplies (alphabetical order).
-Amazon
-Berry's Manufacturing.
-Brownells
-Cabelas
-Graf & Sons
-MidSouthShootersSupply
-MidwayUSA
-NatchezShooterSupply
-PowderValleyInc.
-Precision Reloading
-RecobsTargetShop
-SinclairInternational
-3rdGenerationShootersSupply
-TitanReloading
-Uniquetek
-Wideners
-Xtreme Bullets

Some notable threads to subscribe to here at the S&W Forum:
-Online Bullet Sources
-Daily In-stock Reloading Notices

Additional Reference Websites:
-Steve's Pages: Compilation of information from a long-time reloader. (Source provided by forestswin.)
-ReloadingTips.com: Miscellaneous reviews of reloading and casting equipment. (Source provided by forestswin.)
-Common Sense - Reload Your Own Ammunition (Source provided by smokindog.)
-Reloading Cost Calculator - If you need more sources to justify the hobby to your significant other. (Source provided by hanno.)

**If you have another useful website to post, let me know, and I'll add it to the above.**

Well done!

May I be the first to nominate this post as a "Sticky".

I'll second that motion.

I've never reloaded with any savings in mind, but there are some savings to it. I think it's a wonderful hobby that goes hand in hand with shooting.

stickystickystickysticky

Add me to the sticky list. Thank you for posting this info. I've been on the fence about this subject for months. My wife and I presently shoot .380 and 9mm since we are relatively new to shooting. I've done the math and can justify reloading the .380 as we are paying about 0.35 a round from Freedom Munitions. My question is more about the 9mm which we both enjoy shooting but wondering since I pay about 0.22 cents a round for them, would it be cheaper to reload them as well. Thanks for any advice.

this had to be done ....
Sticky worthy vote.

YNC(AW) TangoCharlie said:

Add me to the sticky list. Thank you for posting this info. I've been on the fence about this subject for months. My wife and I presently shoot .380 and 9mm since we are relatively new to shooting. I've done the math and can justify reloading the .380 as we are paying about 0.35 a round from Freedom Munitions. My question is more about the 9mm which we both enjoy shooting but wondering since I pay about 0.22 cents a round for them, would it be cheaper to reload them as well. Thanks for any advice.

Click to expand...

If you have been collecting your brass, the brass is taken care of.

Powder and primer prices are all over the place. I recently bought bricks of CCI primers for $34 each and some powder for $21 per pound. See what is available in your area at local gun shops

Go to this link and determine the type of bullet you will be loading:

Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

You can check several online dealers for prices. Here is one place to start:
Berrys Bullets

Then go to this link and figure out your reloading costs:

Reloading Costs Calculator « Ultimate Reloader Reloading Blog

I think you will find that you will either save money or shoot more by reloading.

Sticky?? I'm voting for the "Post of the Year" Award!!!

It's bookmarked and Thanks for the post!!

YNC(AW) TangoCharlie said:

Add me to the sticky list. Thank you for posting this info. I've been on the fence about this subject for months. My wife and I presently shoot .380 and 9mm since we are relatively new to shooting. I've done the math and can justify reloading the .380 as we are paying about 0.35 a round from Freedom Munitions. My question is more about the 9mm which we both enjoy shooting but wondering since I pay about 0.22 cents a round for them, would it be cheaper to reload them as well. Thanks for any advice.

Click to expand...

Well sure. Once you have the basic gear for one caliber, like 380, then loading for the 9mm cost you is dies & a shell holder/plate, $40-70?? With plated bullets, you can reload 9mm for about 12c per at today's cost. I just bought powder for $22/#, primers for $30/k all shipped to me. Brass cost is effectively zero using range pickups. Even if you buy once fired, load it 8x, brass cost is less than 1/4 of a penny or zero???

author!!!! AUTHOR!!!!! [applause]

As a rule of thumb reloading costs are about half of the economy brands of factory ammo. That of course doesn't include the gear to get started or the brass. You can easily determine if it makes sense by using $500 for a basic setup for several calibers. Then figure out how much you might shoot in a year. If you shoot $1000 worth of factory ammo in a year you break even in a year. $1000 in 2 years you break even in 2 years and so on.

That's not why I do it however. I enjoy reloading as much as I do shooting so naturally I'm going to reload.

STICKY STICKY STICKY!

May I also compliment you on this post. Well done, sir, well done.

Without getting into a color war, a good source for Lee product videos is "San Francisco Liberal With a Gun". AKA Cowboy T.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkp61EVMdv1UhscOUzX2sQ

And this thread is something to subscribe to:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/343279-online-bullet-sources-updated-09-11-14-a.html

I'll be coming back to read your links from time to time. Thank you for posting this & putting a ton of information all in one place.

blujax01 said:

Well done!

May I be the first to nominate this post as a "Sticky".

Click to expand...

Well done indeed. All the links put together are a real gift! Thanks buddy. Gonna bookmark it.

Most definitely STICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW !!

Well done

sticky this please!

novalty
excellent idea, write-up and full of resources
thanks

I'm sure I have more....I'll sift through and send them on

I agree completely ..... Keep it focused

Thanks for the links everyone! I've tried to add the related reloading links to the original post.

Forestwin, the LASC appeared to be more related to casting itself. Which has me wondering if a similar "So you're thinking about getting into casting..." thread.

The original post may get overrun if I start adding accessory reviews: scales, priming tools, powder measures, trimmers, case cleaners etc. Not sure what the consensus is.