Reloading Kit Question

[Prof_Fate]

I saw some good reponses and didnt' read them all - but I didn't see asked was WHAT are you reloading and HOW MUCH?

I ask because i started with 9mm on a Loadmaster -because I planned to shoot 2-3k rounds a year and didn't want to spend all day on a single stage press doing 200 rounds. Partly a time thing and partly a ''me'' thing- I worked on a production line for 2 weeks once...never again.

I also got a challenger breech lock to do 30-06. It's very different (in case prep mostly) to do rifle compared to pistol. I may shoot 500 rounds in year and to spend a day doing that I can handle.

I'm saving now and planning on a Dillon 1050 next year and will also be reloading 223 on it - it can do things automated that other presses can't do no how no way. It's not cheap, but it can do it all. I expect to have close to $2K into it..not something for a beginner for sure.

But I've saved close to that with my reloading this year vs factory ammo -and had better ammo and made ammo you can't buy (like lead 9mm for indoor shooting)

 

[Prof_Fate]

You bring up several good points that I agree with.

The 'cost effective' bit about a single stage..not so sure. My loadmaster kit was $215, a single stage is about $100 cheaper. You need the same tumbler, scale, dies, books, etc with either, so only really the press itself is the difference in cost.

I can do 300-350 rounds an hour out of my loadmaster. That's real figures that take into account loading the case feeder, checking measurements at the start of a session, inspecting the ammo and putting it into MTM boxes, not some youtube '90 rounds in a minute' hype.

I've done a few 30-06 on a single stage and so far not enough to get an accurate per hour figure but I can tell you it won't be anywhere close to 300 an hour. You have to handle each round (in some form) 3 or 4 times vs once. And since each step isn't automated the chances to make an error are larger IMO. It's almost impossible on a progressive to not charge or double charge a case for example.

So the $100ish you save on the press will more than be 'lost' in the time you spend reloading.

Sorry Hotrod I have to disagree...Never shot a .22 handgun, first firearm was a .45 ACP. First and only press is a progressive. Shot an Uzi once - what a blast!

I am not against single stage presses at all. There are quite a few loaders who swear by them and they are cost effective and simple to operate. Turn out some mighty fine ammunition, too. There are several out there to fit your budget and if you decide to sell it later, there is no shortage of buyers. I am looking to add one to my bench.

If the thought of a progressive appeals to you do not be swayed by the "oh-it's too complicated and dangerous for a beginner" crowd. Any sober adult with average intelligence can excel in the operation.
But they are a bit more expensive and take up more space.

Whichever way you choose to begin, you have come to the right place for tips and advice. As a relative newcomer myself I learn something new here every day.

 

[blujax01]

You bring up several good points that I agree with.

The 'cost effective' bit about a single stage..not so sure. ...
So the $100ish you save on the press will more than be 'lost' in the time you spend reloading.

I agree. But that extra $100 may be a budget buster to some folks (wife), right?

 

[novalty]

I agree. But that extra $100 may be a budget buster to some folks (wife), right?

Yeah, I think the boss is starting to question how I am savings money. This is my bench: started with garage sale find Rockchucker II, Uniflow, scale, few small tools $125.

 

[Prof_Fate]

I agree. But that extra $100 may be a budget buster to some folks (wife), right?

I spend $350-400 for the loadmaster and other bits to start reloading. While $100 is still $100, it's nothing really. What, a couple of boxes of ammo?

I'd almost say if $100 is a make or break figure you need to find another hobby. If I had to buy commercial ammo I'd spend $50 every trip to the range and soon need another job to support my shooting hobby. So then I'd need a progressive press as I'd be working two jobs and have to time to reload

I'd rec a turret to start with - a 'best of both worlds' press and one that you can always use for something. I was going to get one when the neighbors son made me a deal on a challenger kit that I couldn't refuse.