Hello to all. Never did any reloading before. Was wondering what would be an inexpensive way to reload .38 wadcutter since they are hard to find. And if you find in factory ammo, it averages 30-35 dollars for a box of 50. I can get reloaded ammo from Mikes Gun Shop for $17.00 box of 50. So I don't know if it really worth it to do my own reloading as I don't go to the range that often. Thanks to all.
Limited Reloading Recommended Equipment
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how many rounds do you shoot in a year ?
The 148gr wc is one of the higher priced 38 loadings.
It would save you a lot of $$ if you do a lot of shooting with that auto.
If you plan to sell it in five years, just buy your ammo.
It would save you a lot of $$ if you do a lot of shooting with that auto.
If you plan to sell it in five years, just buy your ammo.
Magload
US Veteran
If Mike's shoot well I think I would use his. Well unless you got a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket and just want to buy reloading equipment and supplies. That's fun also. Don
Cheap Lee single stage press [$30], deluxe carbide dies [$42], priming tool [$34], powder scale [$25], RCBS powder measure & stand [$100] gets you started for $231 from MidwayUSA. You can get a complete Lee reloading kit for about $120 but you don't have an RCBS powder measure.
This setup reloads 38 spl and 357 mag ammo. You also need a reloading manual but for 38 spl wadcutters you know what powder and charge you will use. Good luck.
EDIT: Now that cheap is out of the way, I started with a Lee Reloader (Hammarmatic) in 30-06. Now I have an RCBS Rockchucker, 2 Dillon 550, the cheap Lee press, 2 Lyman bullet sizers, 20 bullet moulds, 35 die sets from .222 Rem to 45-70 plus 9 MM to 45ACP. The spending never stops.
This setup reloads 38 spl and 357 mag ammo. You also need a reloading manual but for 38 spl wadcutters you know what powder and charge you will use. Good luck.
EDIT: Now that cheap is out of the way, I started with a Lee Reloader (Hammarmatic) in 30-06. Now I have an RCBS Rockchucker, 2 Dillon 550, the cheap Lee press, 2 Lyman bullet sizers, 20 bullet moulds, 35 die sets from .222 Rem to 45-70 plus 9 MM to 45ACP. The spending never stops.
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fredj338
Member
You can buy a decent minimalist setup for about $250. You may shoot more if you can make your ammo cheaper, especially if you are making something like 148gr 38sp wc ammo.
Buying cast 148gr wc, you can reload your 38sp case almost indefinitely for about $6/50. At 500rds a year, you save $60, pay for your gear in 4yrs. The gear will last decades, the brass at least 20x reloaded. With a lee turret press, you can easily do 100/hr. There are the numbers, you decide.
Buying cast 148gr wc, you can reload your 38sp case almost indefinitely for about $6/50. At 500rds a year, you save $60, pay for your gear in 4yrs. The gear will last decades, the brass at least 20x reloaded. With a lee turret press, you can easily do 100/hr. There are the numbers, you decide.
OzarkNick
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I bought the Lee hand press and a set of dies. The hand press is about the same price as the bench press but doesn't require being mounted on a bench and since I don't really have room for a bench it made sense for me.
I can do 100 rounds in an easy afternoon.
I can do 100 rounds in an easy afternoon.
joeintexas
US Veteran
Careful now. Once you start reloading for one caliber you will soon want to reload for every caliber you own!! Then all you really have to add are dies and shell holders. Good luck and have fun!
If you are cheap like me....
If you are cheap like me, and you don't have to buy a new gadget for every task, you can keep costs down to the point that you can shoot more for less money. However, that isn't the only reason to reload.
It's educational, it's fun and rather than buying whatever is on the shelf I can make ANY load I want.
I've made lead 30-06 loads that run about 1800 fps, or even less, if I wanted to try it. I've also made loads suited for big game hunting and everything in between. Same with revolvers and semi autos. Trouble is, the hobby does tend to expand even if you are a cheapo.
There are some excellent posts here to get you started, but this is a basic guide.
https://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/AppCharts~guide-beginning-reloader
If you are cheap like me, and you don't have to buy a new gadget for every task, you can keep costs down to the point that you can shoot more for less money. However, that isn't the only reason to reload.
It's educational, it's fun and rather than buying whatever is on the shelf I can make ANY load I want.
I've made lead 30-06 loads that run about 1800 fps, or even less, if I wanted to try it. I've also made loads suited for big game hunting and everything in between. Same with revolvers and semi autos. Trouble is, the hobby does tend to expand even if you are a cheapo.
There are some excellent posts here to get you started, but this is a basic guide.
https://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/AppCharts~guide-beginning-reloader
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smokindog
Member
A lot of good info here as well
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/406473-so-youre-thinking-about-getting-into-reloading-2.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/406473-so-youre-thinking-about-getting-into-reloading-2.html
roscoepc
Member
Attached is a pic of my basic reloading setup I did for my 500... It consists of the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme reloading kit I bought on sale at Cabelas for about $250.00.
RCBS® Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kits : Cabela's
I've since added a few other things like a media tumbler, digital scale casings, bullets, powder and such so I think I'm up to about $400.00 or so.. With 500 S&W Magnum ammo at about $3.00 per round I'm gonna save a ton of money because I can load hunting ammo for about $.85/round and target ammo for about $.30/round!
Good Luck and have Fun!!
RCBS® Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kits : Cabela's
I've since added a few other things like a media tumbler, digital scale casings, bullets, powder and such so I think I'm up to about $400.00 or so.. With 500 S&W Magnum ammo at about $3.00 per round I'm gonna save a ton of money because I can load hunting ammo for about $.85/round and target ammo for about $.30/round!
Good Luck and have Fun!!
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Aside from the drastic & obvious difference in price, there are many other reasons to consider reloading:
* Ability to custom taylor loads to your particular gun and needs.
* Ability to use different components depending on availability.
* endless supply of ammo (assuming you stock the proper components).
* Self sufficiency against new legislation and shipping ammo restrictions-(varies in different areas).
* Some find reloading enjoyable and satisfying.
* Better quality ammo for your needs.
I can go on but I think you'll get the picture. I would not want to have to rely on Factory ammo prices for the amount I shoot and I would be spending too much time searching for the ammo specifications I like depending on the gun, match, event I was shooting in.
My preference is to NEVER shoot reloads made by others - not even what they call "remanufactured ammo". It's either my reloaded ammo or Factory. Factory for SD/HD and my own reloads for Range sessions.
* Ability to custom taylor loads to your particular gun and needs.
* Ability to use different components depending on availability.
* endless supply of ammo (assuming you stock the proper components).
* Self sufficiency against new legislation and shipping ammo restrictions-(varies in different areas).
* Some find reloading enjoyable and satisfying.
* Better quality ammo for your needs.
I can go on but I think you'll get the picture. I would not want to have to rely on Factory ammo prices for the amount I shoot and I would be spending too much time searching for the ammo specifications I like depending on the gun, match, event I was shooting in.
My preference is to NEVER shoot reloads made by others - not even what they call "remanufactured ammo". It's either my reloaded ammo or Factory. Factory for SD/HD and my own reloads for Range sessions.
I faced the same questions you have. I love to shoot my 52-1, but got tired of the price of ammunition. After talking to friends who hand load, I finally took the plunge and bought a Lee Classic Turret kit. After reading a lot, watching You Tubes and getting tips from those more experienced the actual reloading process is fairly straightforward (although not an activity recommended for those with ADD).
The best part of the hobby is getting your hand loads to group tighter than factory ammunition, not saving money. Hobby activities (be it shooting, golf, hunting, etc.) make you an equipment junkie, so count on spending more than you planned. From an investment standpoint, I estimate I save a about $100 per year on a $500 reloading outlay...20% per year isn't bad. Also remember that reloading equipment is easy to sell if you don't like it. Do not look at the amount you save on a per hour basis...that make being a WalMart greeter look pretty attractive.
Think about what goes into hand loading and if you will enjoy all that goes along with it. Personally I really enjoy the challenge, but not everyone does. Good luck, you will make the right decision.
The best part of the hobby is getting your hand loads to group tighter than factory ammunition, not saving money. Hobby activities (be it shooting, golf, hunting, etc.) make you an equipment junkie, so count on spending more than you planned. From an investment standpoint, I estimate I save a about $100 per year on a $500 reloading outlay...20% per year isn't bad. Also remember that reloading equipment is easy to sell if you don't like it. Do not look at the amount you save on a per hour basis...that make being a WalMart greeter look pretty attractive.
Think about what goes into hand loading and if you will enjoy all that goes along with it. Personally I really enjoy the challenge, but not everyone does. Good luck, you will make the right decision.
I use a Lee hand press too, but I bought it so I can size and prep my cases while relaxing in my Laziboy.
As for limited space, I mounted my single-stage press on a small piece of thick plywood and I clamp that to a counter. It works well and gets stored away between uses.
im looking at reloading to and casting bullets
looking at the lee anniversy kit.
been shooting since march.probably 1000 rds of 40 so far.
i bought a 380 a month ago,probably got 200 rds through it.
i always pick up my brass anyway,so iv got probably 75% of what iv fired in a box
looking at the lee anniversy kit.
been shooting since march.probably 1000 rds of 40 so far.
i bought a 380 a month ago,probably got 200 rds through it.
i always pick up my brass anyway,so iv got probably 75% of what iv fired in a box
More good points....
Those are really important points. It's shooting survival mode. We don't know when supply is just going to stop, for whatever reason so you have to prepare. These last 2 1/2 years have been terrible.
Those are really important points. It's shooting survival mode. We don't know when supply is just going to stop, for whatever reason so you have to prepare. These last 2 1/2 years have been terrible.
metalman60
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Should anyone Re-load
Re-loading allows one to create his own ammo, independently of market forces. If you cannot get the ammo you want, or it is too expensive, re-loading is the way to go.
I started re-loading 40+ years ago. I no longer do it for the price advantage, or the option of creating my own specific loads.
I do it because no one can tell me I cant. I make my own bullets, and still use re-loading equipment I bought when I was 19.
If you are the kind of guy that likes to make his own stuff, without interference, then re-loading is for you.
Take Care
Metalman
Re-loading allows one to create his own ammo, independently of market forces. If you cannot get the ammo you want, or it is too expensive, re-loading is the way to go.
I started re-loading 40+ years ago. I no longer do it for the price advantage, or the option of creating my own specific loads.
I do it because no one can tell me I cant. I make my own bullets, and still use re-loading equipment I bought when I was 19.
If you are the kind of guy that likes to make his own stuff, without interference, then re-loading is for you.
Take Care
Metalman
Well, I would suggest that before you buy any equipment you get a copy of The ABCs or Reloading. This book will not only tell you how to reload and why, but what equipment to use.
I started with 1 lb. of Bullseye, 200 generic .38 cal. bullets, 100 CCI SP primers, a mallet and a Lee Loader in .38 Special. I used this set-up for about a year to produce good, safe, accurate ammo shooting mebbe 250-300 rounds per month (depending on money in my pocket). When cash flow grew, so did my equipment inventory; first a Lee Challenger and dies and a scale. Now I'm up to 1 turret press, 3 single stage presses, 12 sets of dies, 4 scales, 3 powder measures, and about 1/2 ton of assorted tools. BTW I still own 6 Lee Loaders...
I don't like kits as I like to research each piece of equipment and buy the one best suited for my reloading needs, and I'm not stuck on one manufacturer. I have tools from RCBS, Lee, Lyman, Herters, Pacific, C-H and some I forgot right now. I chose the tools I needed not a salesman that put together a "kit".
I have never tried to "justify" my reloading by comparing component prices with factory ammo costs. I just like reloading.
I started with 1 lb. of Bullseye, 200 generic .38 cal. bullets, 100 CCI SP primers, a mallet and a Lee Loader in .38 Special. I used this set-up for about a year to produce good, safe, accurate ammo shooting mebbe 250-300 rounds per month (depending on money in my pocket). When cash flow grew, so did my equipment inventory; first a Lee Challenger and dies and a scale. Now I'm up to 1 turret press, 3 single stage presses, 12 sets of dies, 4 scales, 3 powder measures, and about 1/2 ton of assorted tools. BTW I still own 6 Lee Loaders...
I don't like kits as I like to research each piece of equipment and buy the one best suited for my reloading needs, and I'm not stuck on one manufacturer. I have tools from RCBS, Lee, Lyman, Herters, Pacific, C-H and some I forgot right now. I chose the tools I needed not a salesman that put together a "kit".
I have never tried to "justify" my reloading by comparing component prices with factory ammo costs. I just like reloading.
