Cost for Getting Set Up to Reload

[jb28]

This is what I started with I bought it at a garage sale NIB for $50, it gives you almost everything you need in one box. It is a low-cost entry, and you can use it for low volume loading if you decide to move to a progressive. I am sure there are used ones in good shape for less than the 259 listed on the website.

You really don't need all the bells and whistles and can load a lot of ammo in a relatively short period of time with a single stage setup.

I started with the 357 and 44 mag just because they were expensive to buy factory loads.

With this setup you do them in batches of 50 or 100 hundred completing each operation for the batch then change out the dies and move to the next operation.

Good luck, it is fun and not all about the cost for me. The other good thing is if you have a good supply of components then what happens in the market place has little impact on your shooting.

Lee Precision, Inc.. Breech Lock Challenger Kits

Titan reloading has that kit on sale for 169.00. It has more tools than I started reloading with. Add a set of dies. the 4 die carbide set is 55.99.
Not fancy, not fast, but If I was just starting out and a 225.00 ish budget, I would get it.
Or go used if you can find what you want.

 

[rwsmith]

One of the best things about reloading......

....is that you aren't limited to just what is on the shelf, or even commercially available. I just made some 9mm 90 grain 'Screamers'. I COULD get them from Underwood, but you know they are going to COST. (About $28/20 online, so add the shipping and of course tax)

In the past I have experimented with very light and heavy for caliber loadings. One of my faves for beginners is a 110 grain spire point out of a 30-06 at 1500 fps.

If you shoot any calibers outside of 9mm and .223/5.56 you can benefit from reloading. The only real downside is that primers and powder tend to be expensive and sometimes scarce.

Since I load for 30-06, 7.62 Russian, .38 Special/.357 Magnum, 7.62 x 39, 9mm and .223 Rem. (light loads) for me , along 8mm Mauser and 7.7mm Arisake for a friend. We save a lot on ammo. I also have capability to load .44 magnum for another friend and 30-30 for whoever needs it. There are probably a couple more I forgot about.

 

[serger]

It used to be you could get all the stuff you needed
to load one caliber with a single stage press for 5
times the cost of 1 box of ammunition in pistol
calibers.

Now you can root around at places like GunBroker
and do it for slightly over 3 times the cost of one
box of ammunition including 9mm Luger.

But the old adage is still true. "You don't save any
money reloading, you just shoot more."

 

[series guy]

Some real prices on items that I have purchased recently; Lyman All American turret press on eBay $100. Lyman scale at a gun show $40. RCBS powder measure $50 on eBay. Dies $30 at a gun show. 1000 primers at a gun show $70. 500 .38 cast bullets $45. That adds up to $335 and will get you producing great ammo right quick. Once you get going you can add the brass cleaning system of your choice and some other accessories. Straight wall pistol cartridges are pretty simple. That being said the reloading hobby can be pretty addictive just like the firearm part of the hobby. All of a sudden you have a dozen or more presses, dry and wet tumbling systems and dies for calibers you don't own a firearm for but might someday. Or so I've heard.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Every year, usually in January, I load 50 or 100 rounds of ammo with either a Lyman 310 tool or a Lee Loader. This is to remind me of how good I got it.

100 rounds of 38 special on a 310 tool take me about 2:15. Using a single stage press with all dies already adjusted takes about 1:00. Using my progressive Dillon 550 it takes about 0:10

Last years "Commemorative" ammo was 44 Russian, the time was the same as the 38 special. I get done a little more quickly than average because I use a Lyman 55 powder measurer instead of the Lee powder scoops.

When I load ammo for the sniper rifles (308 Win & 338 Lapua Mag) I weigh each powder charge on an extremely accurate beam scale. I size then clean. Priming is done with hand held tools. Charge the seat bullet, Total time involved is around 75 to 90 seconds per round. The brass is reusable 10+ times (it gets trimmed to length every 4th shooting using as much as another 60 to 75 seconds per round.) These rounds are around 1/10 to 1/4 MOA at 200 yards. and run 1/4 to 1 MOA at 1000 yards. (depending on how well I read the wind!)

One Redding Competition Die set cost more than a whole RCBS starter kit. So it is the same in all things, you mostly get what you pay for!

But I got started with a Lee Loader ($10) in 1979. I already owned a hammer!

Ivan

 

[Tu_S]

As a starting point for 9mm, I would estimate around $250 for a turret press and dies, and then another $150 for the other stuff like a way to measure powder charges, scale, calipers, reloading manuals, and the other things you'll want to have, like a bullet puller to "undo" some of the things that will happen when starting out and learning. There are a lot of opinions on what someone starting out should buy, so these numbers are based on what I would recommend.

I've had the conversation about saving money by reloading many times over the years, especially during shortages and/or when prices go up. For 9mm I can typically reload for 20-30% less for practice rounds compared to buying, which comes down to a few cents. This of course is highly variable, especially these days where ammo and component prices seem to jump around at random.

More often than not, when we do the math, for the person asking about reloading with the goal of saving money, it would take years to recover the initial investment in equipment given the number of rounds they typically shoot.

That being said, I still encourage people who like to shoot to get into reloading. It's really a seperate hobby that parallels shooting, and something that I enjoy as much as shooting

 

[Model19man]

Back around 1983 I bought a Model 19 Smith in nickel for $319 including tax. I was shocked to find most ammo sold for $29 a box. So I bought this: Lee Progressive 1000 Press Model #90636

I learned how to use it immediately. I bought powder, primers and bullets along with a couple boxes of factory ammo. Later I bought a Lyman vibratory cleaner: You are being redirected...

 

[.38SuperMan]

I load 8 calibers and have been loading for 35 or so years. Actually probably for 40+ years. I used to shoot USPS an and went through a ton of 38 super and 45 acp ammo. Now I primarily shoot 38spl but still shoot a good bit of the orher 7 calibers.

I inherited a Rock Chucker that was my dads and it didn’t take long to tire of loading for my weekly matches and practice. Believe me loading on a single stage press is sloooow and tiring. All of my friends shooting competitively had Dillon progressive presses so I decided to buy a Square Deal B since I didn’t load rifle calibers.

I wound up eventually buying two and set one up for large primers and 45acp and the other gor 38 super and 38 special. I eventually sold one of the presses to my brother and he’s still using it and I’m still using mine. Both are 35 or so years old and both have had probably over 100,000+ rounds loaded through each. No issues with any of them other than a broken priming return spring.

I think Dillon still has a no BS warranty and any repairs or parts are covered for life. Even if you back your car over it it’s covered. Dillon is known for refurbishing their presses at no cost to their customers. My Dillon electronic scale failed after 30 years and they replaced it without a hitch.

On my SQDeal I can easily turn out 200 38’s per hour and more if I put my mind to it.

Save yourself the headaches and buy a good progressive press like a Dillon. I’ve never regretted buying mine.

 

[RobertJ.]

you only count the components, NEVER your time. Good luck.

That's exactly right!

How many times have we seen nay-sayers pointing out that their time spent reloading should be figured into the total cost for a box of ammo? I like to point out that they could be spending their time watching TV instead, how much do they get paid for that? I like TV as much as the next guy, but reloading is so much more rewarding.

This is very coincidental...
I had just came upstairs to start a batch of .45 Colt with a powder I haven't used before (HP-38), when I decided to sit and check the forum before getting started!

 

[Imissedagain]

You could buy a Prazipress/120mm or a AREA 418 Zero press.
Both will tighten up your target with a one hole group.
That's because the press price may limit you to only one round fired each day.

Seriously, starting with a Lee Hand Press and other necessary gear that will still be useful when you get a progressive, turret, single stage or a Co-Ax.
Our Dillon, RCBS and old Spartan, do all we need to do, and still use parts of a Lee Zero Error kit for 223/5.56 bolt and single shot rifles.
Bought a NOS Win '94 44 Mag and picked up a NOS 44Mag Lee Loader. The 629 lives in Colorado and I just wanted to run a couple of dozen, to test it, using brass from when it lived in Florida. Rifle will eventually go West for the kids/grandkids.

I like 45 caliber and as many here did, started with Lee Loaders long ago.
45s are a family tradition.
Two of my Dad's EC '43 steel cases from the 10th Mountain Division flank a Golden Saber.
My boy thought hollow point +Ps were necessary.
Most of the box is unfired.
He would use the Gold Cup with our target loads and carry
a 380 or 9mm Glock.
Sad but true.
The first gun he bought was a G36.
Good boy.

Wish my Dad and his Detective/Military buddies had a chance
to run a 460.
They did shoot my scoped Colt Sporter.

Missing from pic are the 45 Long Colts.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Every piece of my reloading equipment is now over 40 years old, with the exception of some die sets. Every time I add a new caliber I always order a set of dies and bullet mold.

After 51 years of reloading I can't even estimate how many thousands of rounds I have cranked out. Haven't purchased any factory ammo in decades, other than the occasional box or two of "carry ammo" for my personal sidearms. No need to do so.

Today, getting started with a basic set-up in one handgun caliber, probably $200 to $300 is very realistic. After that your only costs for practice ammo will be primers, bullets, and powder, probably somewhere between 12 and 20 cents per round depending on your preferences. The initial cost ($200-$300) will be recovered with the first 15 or 20 boxes of reloaded ammo.

I'm slowing down in my advancing years, but still try to shoot every week, usually 200 to 300 rounds every month (.38 Spl, .357, 9X19, .40, .45ACP, and several others). Using single-stage presses and processing everything in batches of 500 or 1000 I probably spend a half-hour per finished box of ammo. Beats watching stupid television shows.

So if I were just getting started I would expect to be fully amortized in 3 months or so, then pretty much independent of the retail ammo supply chain. The economy is what started me out, but that sense of independence is what makes it really worthwhile for me.

Another plus has been feeding my little collection of antique and vintage firearms for which commercial ammunition is either unobtainable or very expensive. I still shoot .45-90 Winchester, .45 Sharps Express, .33 Winchester, .44-40, and a few others, all for nickels and dimes instead of folding money.

 

[Old&Retired]

I agree with those saying to start with a "KIT".
Been reloading since the early '80s and have used only Lee presses and dies.
I prefer the 4 hole turret as it is easier to set up for multiple calibers.
Add a tumbler and good digital scale plus dies and you're ready to go.
Start by reading and re-reading the front of the manual.
Lee Precision, Inc.. Classic Turret Press Kit

 

[glenwolde]

Taking only into consideration that you want to load .38 Special I come up with $215 + shipping (at Midwayusa) buying things separately. I don't think I can share a link due to forum rules.

Kits are fine but you're always paying for something you don't need, and something you have to replace because you don't like it. There's more you might want, but for .38 Special all you need is a scale, a press, a die set, a powder measure, and a way to prime. I prefer to prime on the press as it speeds things up. You don't need to trim cases. If you decide you want to you can add that later. As with everything else.

But you need to take into consideration the cost of components. Current prices are going to run you about $10.00/box of 50 with cast lead bullets.

 

[46er]

Some real prices on items that I have purchased recently; Lyman All American turret press on eBay $100. Lyman scale at a gun show $40. RCBS powder measure $50 on eBay. Dies $30 at a gun show. 1000 primers at a gun show $70. 500 .38 cast bullets $45. That adds up to $335 and will get you producing great ammo right quick. Once you get going you can add the brass cleaning system of your choice and some other accessories. Straight wall pistol cartridges are pretty simple. That being said the reloading hobby can be pretty addictive just like the firearm part of the hobby. All of a sudden you have a dozen or more presses, dry and wet tumbling systems and dies for calibers you don't own a firearm for but might someday. Or so I've heard.

Yep! and then there is casting your own bullets.

 

[Kevin G]

I think one of the most important considerations is the amount of available time you would have, and what it is worth.
I personally have time available and find the reloading process enjoyable and relaxing.
I suggest finding someone as a mentor, have found people generally are very generous in helping a newcomer.
I also strongly recommend starting out with a single stage process. This allows one to determine if reloading is worth doing without spending excessive amounts. It also allows better development of a basic understanding of reloading.
It seems like many insist the particular brand of equipment they have is the way to go. I personally have RCBS and Hornady, and pleased with them. The major equipment brands seem to be incredibly good with customer service, whether we’re talking blue, red, green, or whatever.
Good Luck, Kevin G

 

[Onomea]

Thanks, guys, for all the information, and for the very generous offers to help. You've provided a lot of great info for me to consider. Just what I was hoping for when I posted.

I'm thinking it over, considering whether to jump in...

 

[rockquarry]

Handloading isn't for everyone. If you don't enjoy it as a hobby in itself, it's not worth doing. If you see it as a big chore and don't look forward to it, it's not worth doing. If it's not worth doing, the quality of your ammunition will reflect that attitude and will probably be mediocre at best.

 

[zeke]

Thanks, guys, for all the information, and for the very generous offers to help. You've provided a lot of great info for me to consider. Just what I was hoping for when I posted.

I'm thinking it over, considering whether to jump in...

While it is considerably more expensive than when most of us started, more shortages may just be an election away. One of the reasons i reload, is to help insure availability of rounds in the future. Years ago, our State attorney general tried to affect reloading by getting legislator to introduce bill banning reloading components and ammunition.

The older i get, the closer to a life time supply i have.

 

[TheTinMan]

Handloading isn't for everyone. If you don't enjoy it as a hobby in itself, it's not worth doing. If you see it as a big chore and don't look forward to it, it's not worth doing. If it's not worth doing, the quality of your ammunition will reflect that attitude and will probably be mediocre at best.

This is a good point. A friend’s son is an avid hunter and shooter. He bought a complete reloading setup used for a very good price. When he asked for help, I told him I’d be happy to show him but watch the Sinclair tutorials on YouScrewed first (a great resource IMHO). A couple of weeks later I asked how it was going. “Man, that’s way too much like school.”

You need to do some research. You need to be methodical, carefully following a step-by-step procedure. Hand loading is NOT rocket science, but mistakes could have very serious consequences. You can’t be too careful about quality control because you are it. If that all sounds OK, party on! I really enjoy handloading.

P.S. I would have no problem buying a single stage or turret press used. Based on my experience with a Hornady progressive press, I would only buy one new so that I could access tech support (they were excellent). Also, there’s a lot more that could be mechanically wrong or missing parts with a progressive press. That Lyman All-American turret press looks very nice. I’d probably buy one of those if I were starting out today.

 

[IAM Rand]

Every year, usually in January, I load 50 or 100 rounds of ammo with either a Lyman 310 tool or a Lee Loader. This is to remind me of how good I got it. Ivan

Okay, you sent me down another rabbit hole. I looked up the 310 tool and lost my mind. Not that I am looking for the end of the world but, I like to be self sufficient. I ordered one for 38spl off of Guns International and have been scouring Ebay. DANG YOU.

Surprisingly there are a bunch of 310 Tools in 270 WCF. Or maybe not.