Start Up Cost for Single Stage Press and Accessories?

[dla]

I have never reloaded but I am seriously considering it. I don't shoot much, so I buy a box of ammo here and there to stock up and spread the cost out. But I have not seen a box of .38 Special in over a year at Walmart. I know I can buy them online, but with shipping it's more expensive. I don't need progressive press. I see myself doing 100 rounds at a time here and there to stock up. So what would I be in for? I'm talking all the cost, not including the powder and primers. I have the brass. I figure press, scale, dies, case trimmer, lube, funnel. I'm sure I left a few things out.

The minimum press is the Lee Classic Turret. It is the best entry-level press available, even if you measure and charge powder by hand. I know you can buy a cheaper O-Frame press from Lee, and it will work fine, but you'll thank me a thousand time over for recommending the LCT. Don't bother with anything else, unless you want to pay more for less.

 

[ladder13]

I started reloading on a 550 from the jump, and have done so for 25 years on the same press.

 

[kbm6893]

Gonna hold off for a while although I hate to do it. Spent the afternoon looking for handgun powder and none to be had. Unreal. Winchester white box is 26 bucks without tax at Walmart if you are lucky enough to get it. Guess those of us with a revolver are out of luck

 

[Scheebs]

KBM, reloading is fun and relaxing when doing so on a single stage. It takes time, but well worth it.
While you wait on your decision, visit your local library. I'll bet 10-1 there are several books on reloading. Check these out, and really familiarize yourself with the process. You'll learn what you need and don't need. And then look for deals. They are out there.

 

[THEWELSHM]

Lots of used reloading equipment on eBay.

I have been picking up lots of great deals on ebay, I'm almost ready to crank mine up too

thewelshm

 

[Collo Rosso]

You have to understand that by loading your own ammo, you will now be able to load three or four to one of what you would buy in the stores. That is 3:1 or 4:1 or 500 vs 1500 to 2,000 rounds.
Best of luck.

I had to use both hands and take off my socks to do the math but a recent batch of 357 magnum I reloaded breaks down to:
bullets - $32/500 - 6.4 cents a bullet
primers - $33/1000 - 3.3 cents per primer
powder - $23/lb - 4.4 cents per charge
14.1 cents per cartridge, $7.05/50
The last time I saw 357 mag on a shelf it was something like $28/50 for WWB. Yep! 4:1 rounded off.