Ok I'm finishing my basement right now and plan to dedicate a area for reloading. So my question. how much I'm I looking in costs and what equipment is good and easy to use, also good safe storage for powder(ammo cans ok?). Mainly will be reloading .308,.223 at first then moving to handgun. Thanks for the advice Dave
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How much to start reloading
- Thread starter Soups1978
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Re: How much to start reloading
a single stage is fairly cheap... set up fairly well for $350ish... that'll do it for a bolt gun, or if you just don't shoot a LOT. but for most of us pistols and most semi rifles eat a lot and you'll want a progressive, eventually
a single stage is fairly cheap... set up fairly well for $350ish... that'll do it for a bolt gun, or if you just don't shoot a LOT. but for most of us pistols and most semi rifles eat a lot and you'll want a progressive, eventually
Re: How much to start reloading
Mmmmmmmmm
Ok well there are multiple ways to do this but imo for precision ammo a single stage works best, and is not too hard on the wallet imo.
- Forster co-ax
- Forster dies (good value for money)
- RCBS chargemaster if you can afford one
That would be my buy once cry once option but if you prefer to spend less a good kit, like the RCBS rockchucker supreme master reloader (or whatever its called) will get you going, just add in a powder trickler.
Dont forget the cost of a good bench, and possibly a storage cabinet.
Reloading is deffinately an interesting hobby... its kinda like getting into DIY. At some point you will need a certain tool, so it can get pricey, but after some time you accumulate all of the goodies and thats when you really start to reap the rewards.
Mmmmmmmmm
Ok well there are multiple ways to do this but imo for precision ammo a single stage works best, and is not too hard on the wallet imo.
- Forster co-ax
- Forster dies (good value for money)
- RCBS chargemaster if you can afford one
That would be my buy once cry once option but if you prefer to spend less a good kit, like the RCBS rockchucker supreme master reloader (or whatever its called) will get you going, just add in a powder trickler.
Dont forget the cost of a good bench, and possibly a storage cabinet.
Reloading is deffinately an interesting hobby... its kinda like getting into DIY. At some point you will need a certain tool, so it can get pricey, but after some time you accumulate all of the goodies and thats when you really start to reap the rewards.
Re: How much to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Soups1978</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So my question. how much I'm I looking in costs and what equipment is good and easy to use, also good safe storage for powder(ammo cans ok?). </div></div>
By the time you have loaded your 500th 308 or 1000th 223, all the stuff will have paid for itself.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Soups1978</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So my question. how much I'm I looking in costs and what equipment is good and easy to use, also good safe storage for powder(ammo cans ok?). </div></div>
By the time you have loaded your 500th 308 or 1000th 223, all the stuff will have paid for itself.
Re: How much to start reloading
I think it will surprise you just how much it will cost to get started. But once you get the basics in house it gets easier and cheaper every time you sit down at the bench.
I would recommend keeping an eye out for a digital powder dribbler. That thing is worth every penny you pay for it.
I think it will surprise you just how much it will cost to get started. But once you get the basics in house it gets easier and cheaper every time you sit down at the bench.
I would recommend keeping an eye out for a digital powder dribbler. That thing is worth every penny you pay for it.
Re: How much to start reloading
You can buy everything you need to load for about $100. You can also spend thousands. Go onto youtube and watch some videos. Reloading is fairly easy, figuring out what to buy is complicated. No matter what you buy there is always something different and something new. You do save money per round, but the spending seems to never stop. Always "upgrading".
In order of costs:
Lee Classic loader
Lee Classic cast press
RCBS Rockchucker and dies
Forster press, Redding dies and Wilson seater
etc
I have loaded over 2000 rounds of 308 and 260 and am in a quandry as to how to upgrade next. Forster? RCBS? Redding? which dies?
Also are you going to buy electronic calipers, scales etc or go with the old, spring style?
You can buy everything you need to load for about $100. You can also spend thousands. Go onto youtube and watch some videos. Reloading is fairly easy, figuring out what to buy is complicated. No matter what you buy there is always something different and something new. You do save money per round, but the spending seems to never stop. Always "upgrading".
In order of costs:
Lee Classic loader
Lee Classic cast press
RCBS Rockchucker and dies
Forster press, Redding dies and Wilson seater
etc
I have loaded over 2000 rounds of 308 and 260 and am in a quandry as to how to upgrade next. Forster? RCBS? Redding? which dies?
Also are you going to buy electronic calipers, scales etc or go with the old, spring style?
Re: How much to start reloading
I would say to not just get the cheapest items just to fit your budget. Start off at least with a good press, I use a redding T7 and it is well worth the money. You could use it to load almost anything you will ever shoot for the rest of your life. I got most of my stuff from Natchez Shooters Supply online. Also, watch ebay to pick up some good used stuff. One other thing, I spent the money and bought a redding BR30 powder measure new but you still have to use a trickler to get exact charges. Get a $20 redding trickler but dont spend a lot on a fancy powder charger at first. If you could spend $500 you can have a legit setup.
I would say to not just get the cheapest items just to fit your budget. Start off at least with a good press, I use a redding T7 and it is well worth the money. You could use it to load almost anything you will ever shoot for the rest of your life. I got most of my stuff from Natchez Shooters Supply online. Also, watch ebay to pick up some good used stuff. One other thing, I spent the money and bought a redding BR30 powder measure new but you still have to use a trickler to get exact charges. Get a $20 redding trickler but dont spend a lot on a fancy powder charger at first. If you could spend $500 you can have a legit setup.
Re: How much to start reloading
I think this is the third time I've seen this question this week. I came up with about $650 bucks for equipment that will last forever (mostly Redding). To reach a break even point you will have to load 1400 .223 with Sierra 77's, 1120 rounds of .30-06 using , and it would be about the same neighborhood for .308. 6 grains of porder difference.
"Most single stage and turret press kits are reasonably priced and come with everything you'll need except dies.
I've heard some complaints that RCBS isn't as good as it used to be. Some people don't like Lee presses. Both have good prices on kits:
RCBS Turret Press Deluxe Kit $400
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=256779
Lee 4 Hole Turret Press Kit $188
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=622290
Pros and cons, RCBS has a better powder dispenser, Lee's is ok I use a Prodisk on my Lee Loadmaster press. RCBS is a 6 hole, if you mount th powder dispenser in a powder dispenser mount you can set up 3 sets of rifle dies in the RCBS. Neither comes with a case trimmer.
The Rock Chucker kit doesnt come with a trimmer either. $340 It used to.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=646599
Given all this all this and several years of my experience I'd go with the RCBS turret kit add a stand for the powder dispenser, $22 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=550505 and a trimmer, I'm not sure if RCB does 375 H&H.
The advantage of a turret over the Rock Chucker is that you set you die once and don't take it out of the press. It's always set the way you want it.
If your budget is high and you only want to buy once then Redding is pretty much top of the pile.
Versa Pak kit $370, trimmer, powder dispenser, scale. Everything except a press and dies.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=149595
T-7 Turret press, $247.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=588482
The last two are everything except dies.
Anywhere from $200 plus dies and a few things to $620 plus dies.
For dies I'd say RCBS, you'll get opinions."
I would spend more and get Redding dies but was looking to save the guy a little.
I think this is the third time I've seen this question this week. I came up with about $650 bucks for equipment that will last forever (mostly Redding). To reach a break even point you will have to load 1400 .223 with Sierra 77's, 1120 rounds of .30-06 using , and it would be about the same neighborhood for .308. 6 grains of porder difference.
"Most single stage and turret press kits are reasonably priced and come with everything you'll need except dies.
I've heard some complaints that RCBS isn't as good as it used to be. Some people don't like Lee presses. Both have good prices on kits:
RCBS Turret Press Deluxe Kit $400
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=256779
Lee 4 Hole Turret Press Kit $188
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=622290
Pros and cons, RCBS has a better powder dispenser, Lee's is ok I use a Prodisk on my Lee Loadmaster press. RCBS is a 6 hole, if you mount th powder dispenser in a powder dispenser mount you can set up 3 sets of rifle dies in the RCBS. Neither comes with a case trimmer.
The Rock Chucker kit doesnt come with a trimmer either. $340 It used to.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=646599
Given all this all this and several years of my experience I'd go with the RCBS turret kit add a stand for the powder dispenser, $22 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=550505 and a trimmer, I'm not sure if RCB does 375 H&H.
The advantage of a turret over the Rock Chucker is that you set you die once and don't take it out of the press. It's always set the way you want it.
If your budget is high and you only want to buy once then Redding is pretty much top of the pile.
Versa Pak kit $370, trimmer, powder dispenser, scale. Everything except a press and dies.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=149595
T-7 Turret press, $247.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...productnumber=588482
The last two are everything except dies.
Anywhere from $200 plus dies and a few things to $620 plus dies.
For dies I'd say RCBS, you'll get opinions."
I would spend more and get Redding dies but was looking to save the guy a little.
Re: How much to start reloading
Without being brand specific ...
Press $100 on up
Dies in your caliber(s), along with the matching shell holders for your press 30bux on up
Scale 40bux on up
Reloading manuals, preferably more than one 20 bux -30bux each
Sturdy bench or other support --
Calipers 20 bux on up... recommend analog over digital... digital is fast, and good to have but secondary... batteries die in the worst times... ect.
case trimmer . 50bux on up.
chammfer / debur tool 10bux
Powder Funnel 3bux
Safety glasses 3bux on up
You might prime on your press, or get a hand primer. bout 30bux
Lee, Hornady, RCBS and Redding make all or most of this.
One thing to consider is your expected volume of reloading along with how much time you can or want to devote to reloading. Depending on the answers, you might make slightly different equipment choices.
Without being brand specific ...
Press $100 on up
Dies in your caliber(s), along with the matching shell holders for your press 30bux on up
Scale 40bux on up
Reloading manuals, preferably more than one 20 bux -30bux each
Sturdy bench or other support --
Calipers 20 bux on up... recommend analog over digital... digital is fast, and good to have but secondary... batteries die in the worst times... ect.
case trimmer . 50bux on up.
chammfer / debur tool 10bux
Powder Funnel 3bux
Safety glasses 3bux on up
You might prime on your press, or get a hand primer. bout 30bux
Lee, Hornady, RCBS and Redding make all or most of this.
One thing to consider is your expected volume of reloading along with how much time you can or want to devote to reloading. Depending on the answers, you might make slightly different equipment choices.
Re: How much to start reloading
Thanks for all the info I plan on buying a few things at a time. I'm not rich by any means but like to have thinks I know won't fail or break in a year(I know even the best fail).
As far as time I work midnights so on my off days I'm up till 3-4am so I'm looking for more productivity with my time then Internet gun porn or just porn lol
Thanks for all the info I plan on buying a few things at a time. I'm not rich by any means but like to have thinks I know won't fail or break in a year(I know even the best fail).
As far as time I work midnights so on my off days I'm up till 3-4am so I'm looking for more productivity with my time then Internet gun porn or just porn lol
Re: How much to start reloading
I started with the RCBS kit, Redding dies, case trimmer,digital calipers, trickler, comparator, components and a few case prep tools. I'm going to recommend the RCBS kit because it comes with a lot of stuff. My local Wal-mart has it for under $300. Then around another $150 for dies, calipers, and other small things. Components are fairly cheap if you already have your old brass. The single stage can be slow, but it's also precise.
I started with the RCBS kit, Redding dies, case trimmer,digital calipers, trickler, comparator, components and a few case prep tools. I'm going to recommend the RCBS kit because it comes with a lot of stuff. My local Wal-mart has it for under $300. Then around another $150 for dies, calipers, and other small things. Components are fairly cheap if you already have your old brass. The single stage can be slow, but it's also precise.
Re: How much to start reloading
Okay dammit, I'm moving. You can get presses at your walmart and another guygets primers at his. Mine has crap!!!!
Oh yeah, start reloading. I didn't try to push one brand over the other but I started on RCBS with a Rock chucker kit. It ahd everthing except a primer cup reams and a chamfer cutter for mouths. The kits are not as inclusive now. I think RCBS comes with everthing except a case trimmer now.
Okay dammit, I'm moving. You can get presses at your walmart and another guygets primers at his. Mine has crap!!!!
Oh yeah, start reloading. I didn't try to push one brand over the other but I started on RCBS with a Rock chucker kit. It ahd everthing except a primer cup reams and a chamfer cutter for mouths. The kits are not as inclusive now. I think RCBS comes with everthing except a case trimmer now.
Re: How much to start reloading
These guys aren't telling you the truth!! Oh, they are right about the components and all that. But what about the time to shrink that group by .001, the addiction with the newest run -out collaborator annealer in flight windage inhibitor that you must have and then the powders and primers you must stock up on, to try, and to hoard because you never know when Midway will back order on you. If your house catches fire it will look like Hiroshima in the 40's. Then there is the time you lose track of whilst your family sleeps, you are up weighing brass, or drying brass in the oven because you can't do that when wifezilla is awake. Tell him the real cost guys.
These guys aren't telling you the truth!! Oh, they are right about the components and all that. But what about the time to shrink that group by .001, the addiction with the newest run -out collaborator annealer in flight windage inhibitor that you must have and then the powders and primers you must stock up on, to try, and to hoard because you never know when Midway will back order on you. If your house catches fire it will look like Hiroshima in the 40's. Then there is the time you lose track of whilst your family sleeps, you are up weighing brass, or drying brass in the oven because you can't do that when wifezilla is awake. Tell him the real cost guys.
Re: How much to start reloading
Dont do it. Its worse than trying an addictive substance the first time. Some will spend more money chasing production...Some will spend more money chasing another .1 of an inch...and then some want to further automate one element of the process....
Ask me how I know?
Dont do it. Its worse than trying an addictive substance the first time. Some will spend more money chasing production...Some will spend more money chasing another .1 of an inch...and then some want to further automate one element of the process....
Ask me how I know?
