Reloading cost question

[gwpercle]

It isn't rocket science ... it's actually quite a simple task .

With a Lee Hand Press Kit $72.00 and a set of dies $37.00 (Midway USA )
The Lee dies come with a shell holder , powder scoop and load data ...
$109.00 + cost of 1 lb. power bought from local dealer will get you reloading for .223 .
The press is portable and doesn't require bolting down to a bench .
Although I have 5 bench mounted preses , I now do all my small rifle and handgun reloading with the Hand Press because I can take it in any room ... I even take it to my office and reload at my desk .
Even when you up-grade and buy a larger bench mounted model you will find plenty of small odd jobs for the little portable hand press .
Great for brass prep like depriming and priming brass .

A lot of people overlook this handy little tool that Lee came out with... not only portable but a great way to see if you want to reload ...
I found the hand press so handy ... I bought a second and use one for rifle and one for handgun reloading ... but now they make a Breech-Lock Hand Press which is better than the old model .
Gary

 

[rustythread]

Part of the problem is solved--I've located a couple of pounds of Winchester 748. Now to get the loading apparatus sorted out.

All the suggestions so far are much appreciated. Thanks, all.

 

[Imissedagain]

^^^^^
We use a Lee hand press and just screw the dies into the threads.
Not one of our main presses but useful.

OP might consider a good quality turret press.

Ultra Tef-Gel anti-seize/corrode paste is useful as well, especially on the Ocean.

 

[ajgunner]

Don't forget to lube the cases. Sticking your first case on your first attempt at loading could be a real turn off.

 

[GypsmJim]

Don't forget to lube the cases. Sticking your first case on your first attempt at loading could be a real turn off.

As long as one reads the directions, every step should go easy.

As far as the Lee hand press, I admit upfront that I have never used one. It looks like it would be good for depriming and priming, or even doing a few test loads on the range. Also, maybe for handgun calibers. However, I suspect that full length resizing of rifle loads could be very tedious and hard on the hands. Particularly if the job entails 2000 rounds.

 

[gwpercle]

Its only "better" until the breech lock fitting jams inside the press threads and you have to use it like an old school one,and wonder what the heck your going to do with all the now useless breach lock fittings you bought..

I never understood the big "Need" for a Breech-Lock gizmo on a press ... reloading since 1967 and never had the need of one ... my two Lee hand presses , Pacific Super Deluxe , Eagle Cobra 300 , Lyman , Herter's and C-H press all had no breech-lock and we reload ammo very well .
A case of let's tell them they "need" it , they buy it and the co. makes mo-money .

I guess I just enjoy "Screwing Around" with "things" and don't get the need ... screwing isn't hard and can be fun !
Gary

 

[GypsmJim]

I never understood the big "Need" for a Breech-Lock gizmo on a press ... reloading since 1967 and never had the need of one ... my two Lee hand presses , Pacific Super Deluxe , Eagle Cobra 300 , Lyman , Herter's and C-H press all had no breech-lock and we reload ammo very well .
A case of let's tell them they "need" it , they buy it and the co. makes mo-money .

I guess I just enjoy "Screwing Around" with "things" and don't get the need ... screwing isn't hard and can be fun !
Gary

I have one breach load press - the last one I bought. I mounted the "adaptor", drilled it, pinned it and JD welded the hole.

Every caliber I load uses different bullets for different guns, thus I have to adjust each one every time anyway.

 

[Alton]

I just checked an online site and 223 ammo is $45 a hundred. Unless you have nothing to do you can't hand load for that. 9mm is the same.

 

[llowry61]

Another piece of advice and it may go without saying but better safe than sorry, if you go the load yourself route, don't just load all 2000. Load a few and test them in the gun or guns you will be using. If accuracy checks out, record the load data and finish the bulk loading.

You want to make sure you don't end up with 2000 rounds your gun doesn't care for.

Unless your friend intends to re-load longer term it would be best to sell the SRP's / bullets etc. and buy factory.

 

[rustythread]

I might just have to dig out my old press and do the reloading--will need to go slow and drink a lot of cold water; I haven't reloaded anything in 20 years or so and have moved household twice(and doubtless lost track of some parts / tools) in the interim. I'd need a set of .223 dies, but why not? Agreed, current prices for components would tend to make a guy just buy loaded ammo rather than buy components. But all these components have been sitting in storage for 15 years or so including an unopened ~40-lb carton of Win 55 gr psp .223s and about 5 gallons of cleaned once-fired 223 brass. Getting samples back and forth for testing in the rifle will be a PITA, but what isn't a PITA these days?

 

[BE Mike]

With .223 brass, case preparation is important. Brass overall length should be measured after resizing and trimmed to the minimum recommended length.

 

[H Richard]

Check around your local Pawn shops for reloading presses and equipment. Also garage sales, flea markets. Bargains are out there.

 

[BillBro]

Ill take the primers.