What's a fair estimate of of how much I would have to spend to start reloading 308's from scratch. All I have is brass.
Thinking about getting into reloading
- Thread starter perazzisc3
- Start date
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
That's a difficult question to answer. If we can assume you want to start as cheaply as possible, then I would consider these the bare minimum equipment wise (not counting consumables like powder, bullets, case lube, tumbler media, etc):
A press, $27.49:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press
Basic die set, $24.99:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/538030/lee-pacesetter-3-die-set-308-winchester
A decent digital scale, $39.99 (I actually have one of these and it's crazy accurate and reproducible for the price):
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/713049/mtm-mini-digital-reloading-scale-750-grain-capacity
A vibratory case cleaner $39.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587176/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-110-volt
That's a difficult question to answer. If we can assume you want to start as cheaply as possible, then I would consider these the bare minimum equipment wise (not counting consumables like powder, bullets, case lube, tumbler media, etc):
A press, $27.49:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press
Basic die set, $24.99:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/538030/lee-pacesetter-3-die-set-308-winchester
A decent digital scale, $39.99 (I actually have one of these and it's crazy accurate and reproducible for the price):
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/713049/mtm-mini-digital-reloading-scale-750-grain-capacity
A vibratory case cleaner $39.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587176/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-110-volt
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: perazzisc3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's a fair estimate of of how much I would have to spend to start reloading 308's from scratch. All I have is brass. </div></div>
This one is a bit much but comes with alot
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/23675
This one is more reasonable, Plus i really like redding
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/14650
the rock chucker kits is classic and a great press
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/23868
For a starter kit these are nice, yes may be able to go cheaper but to me its not always the wisest option.
Pick anyone of those kits and a nice set of dies and components and you're ready to rock
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: perazzisc3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's a fair estimate of of how much I would have to spend to start reloading 308's from scratch. All I have is brass. </div></div>
This one is a bit much but comes with alot
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/23675
This one is more reasonable, Plus i really like redding
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/14650
the rock chucker kits is classic and a great press
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/23868
For a starter kit these are nice, yes may be able to go cheaper but to me its not always the wisest option.
Pick anyone of those kits and a nice set of dies and components and you're ready to rock
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
Thanks, roughly $150 on the low side to $300, plus powder,bullets, case lube, tumbler media, etc.
Thanks, roughly $150 on the low side to $300, plus powder,bullets, case lube, tumbler media, etc.
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
You might want to try reloading with a friend acquaintance first to see if you like it. Then you can get an idea of the cost involved.
For 1 caliber I think $300.00 is a fair price for all the equipment. If you like it you can always expand. Be on the lookout for used equipment.
Recently I saw a local ad for a gentlemen getting out of reloading and he sold a Dillon 550 with all the trimmings for 2 pistol calibers for $300.00 Deals are out there.
Which ever way you decide to go, have fun! But I must warn you, it's addicting!!
You might want to try reloading with a friend acquaintance first to see if you like it. Then you can get an idea of the cost involved.
For 1 caliber I think $300.00 is a fair price for all the equipment. If you like it you can always expand. Be on the lookout for used equipment.
Recently I saw a local ad for a gentlemen getting out of reloading and he sold a Dillon 550 with all the trimmings for 2 pistol calibers for $300.00 Deals are out there.
Which ever way you decide to go, have fun! But I must warn you, it's addicting!!
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
Depends on your equipment. I have done well with Lee stuff but am switching to RCBS.
Depends on your equipment. I have done well with Lee stuff but am switching to RCBS.
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
300$ is the hook, by the time you are reeled up and thrown in the boat, I'd say a grand.
I'm only loading about 100 rounds of 308 a week, tops. Started two months ago, about the Lee Anniversary kit for 100$, RCBS 308 comp dies for 80$, some extras (case trimmer, OAL gage, case holders, case lube spray, sonic cleaner & solvent, blah blah blah). I'm sure i've topped 500$ already (not including consumables). But have loaded about 600 rounds, about 50 cents a round vs. 1$ for factory FGMM or w/e.
I wouldn't buy the kit however, not a big fan of the scale and thrower it comes with. Would rather have RCBS505 or equivalent, maybe a good digital, I've just found it hard to trust a digital scale.
300$ is the hook, by the time you are reeled up and thrown in the boat, I'd say a grand.
I'm only loading about 100 rounds of 308 a week, tops. Started two months ago, about the Lee Anniversary kit for 100$, RCBS 308 comp dies for 80$, some extras (case trimmer, OAL gage, case holders, case lube spray, sonic cleaner & solvent, blah blah blah). I'm sure i've topped 500$ already (not including consumables). But have loaded about 600 rounds, about 50 cents a round vs. 1$ for factory FGMM or w/e.
I wouldn't buy the kit however, not a big fan of the scale and thrower it comes with. Would rather have RCBS505 or equivalent, maybe a good digital, I've just found it hard to trust a digital scale.
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
At 50 cents per round does that include the money invested for the reloading equipment factored in also??
At 50 cents per round does that include the money invested for the reloading equipment factored in also??
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
I wouldnt factor the equipment investment into the cost of each round. Rather, that after 30 boxes (600 rounds), you have a full return on investment (for the equipment).
Many folks get wrapped up in the money aspect of reloading. Sure I can make FGMM clones for $8 a box (because I have a C&R license and get dealer prices at Grafs). More than the money, I can roll sub-moa ammo for virtually any rifle. Be it a Remmy that shoots 1/2 moa, or an old milsurp that shrinks groups from 3 moa to 1.5, or 1 moa reduced load.
Like any hobby, you have to make an initial investment. The rest depends on how many calibers you want to load for. Also how fast you want to load.
I started with the kit Gene Poole posted. Honestly I still use that little press. I did upgrade to RCBS dies, but at this point I am still happy with that little press.
Either way, if you decide you no longer like reloading, you can sell it and get 80% or more of your investment. I guarantee it will maintain more value than a silly iphone.
I wouldnt factor the equipment investment into the cost of each round. Rather, that after 30 boxes (600 rounds), you have a full return on investment (for the equipment).
Many folks get wrapped up in the money aspect of reloading. Sure I can make FGMM clones for $8 a box (because I have a C&R license and get dealer prices at Grafs). More than the money, I can roll sub-moa ammo for virtually any rifle. Be it a Remmy that shoots 1/2 moa, or an old milsurp that shrinks groups from 3 moa to 1.5, or 1 moa reduced load.
Like any hobby, you have to make an initial investment. The rest depends on how many calibers you want to load for. Also how fast you want to load.
I started with the kit Gene Poole posted. Honestly I still use that little press. I did upgrade to RCBS dies, but at this point I am still happy with that little press.
Either way, if you decide you no longer like reloading, you can sell it and get 80% or more of your investment. I guarantee it will maintain more value than a silly iphone.
Re: Thinking about getting into reloading
Whatever you decide I offer this advice: Keep it simple to start. Don't buy every gadget and gizmo every internet comando tells you you can't do without. I started many years ago with a used RS-3 RCBS, a 505 RCBS scale, couple sets of dies,tube of RCBS case lube and a few little items like lube pad, primer turning tray, funnel...nickle and dime items. The only thing I bought new was the Lee Auto Prime II. I had learned on a Lyman turret press and it had a tube fed primer system and I felt I couldn't do without a feature that allowed me to prime lots of cases. Back then brass was cheap and I would load till my brass was a bit too long and get some new. I found an old RCBS trimmer after a few years and revived all my old brass, I never throw anything away. I cleaned my brass with a rag for a good ten years until Midway came out with their affordable tumblers. I purchased a new RCBS Rockchucker after about 15yrs though there was nothing wrong with my RS-3. I passed it on to a new reloader for free.
Start simple, you can load really great ammo with just a few tools and some old timer tricks and tips on FL sizing die setup for minimum sizing and bullet seating without a comparator or headspace guages etc. I would reccomend a set of calipers either digital or dial. I prefer the dial varieaty. A suitable set of calipers can be had from Harbor freight for around 10-15 bucks. A few loading manuals are also needed. I reccomend Lyman and Sierra.
It will take a while to pay for your equipment but not near as long if you keep it simple. Good luck and be safe.
Whatever you decide I offer this advice: Keep it simple to start. Don't buy every gadget and gizmo every internet comando tells you you can't do without. I started many years ago with a used RS-3 RCBS, a 505 RCBS scale, couple sets of dies,tube of RCBS case lube and a few little items like lube pad, primer turning tray, funnel...nickle and dime items. The only thing I bought new was the Lee Auto Prime II. I had learned on a Lyman turret press and it had a tube fed primer system and I felt I couldn't do without a feature that allowed me to prime lots of cases. Back then brass was cheap and I would load till my brass was a bit too long and get some new. I found an old RCBS trimmer after a few years and revived all my old brass, I never throw anything away. I cleaned my brass with a rag for a good ten years until Midway came out with their affordable tumblers. I purchased a new RCBS Rockchucker after about 15yrs though there was nothing wrong with my RS-3. I passed it on to a new reloader for free.
Start simple, you can load really great ammo with just a few tools and some old timer tricks and tips on FL sizing die setup for minimum sizing and bullet seating without a comparator or headspace guages etc. I would reccomend a set of calipers either digital or dial. I prefer the dial varieaty. A suitable set of calipers can be had from Harbor freight for around 10-15 bucks. A few loading manuals are also needed. I reccomend Lyman and Sierra.
It will take a while to pay for your equipment but not near as long if you keep it simple. Good luck and be safe.
