Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

[mstang1988]

Considering reloading to reduce cost. I want to understand the equipment cost and have been reading a bit about reloading. The info on reloading is so in depth that I'm having trouble grasping all the equipment required/needed as well as wants/nice to haves. Can you help me make a simple list broken down by item? I also want to plan for future desires such as 338 lapua, 50BMG, 408 cheytac. I can calculate the materials cost for each, just not sure of dies etc and forward thinking of equipment. Please include recommended brands/favorites etc too.

Cal to Reload:
9mm, 45ACP, .223/5.56(bulk for AR's etc), .223/5.56 match, .308 match, .338 Lapua match, .50 BMG bulk and match, possibly .408 Cheytac

Can you please use this format:
{Cal.}
{Equipment Required}/{Shared/not shared between Cal's} - {Cost}
{Equipment Required}{shared/not shared} - {Cost}
{Optional/shared/not shared} - {Cost}

i.e.
9mm
Dillon Press/Shared - $145
9mm die - $40

Thanks in advance.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

I'm not going to make a list and do your shopping for you - sorry... What I will do is give you these simple words of wisdom:

Buy a solid, used iron press such as an RCBS rockchucker, and get a set of dies for one of your mentioned calibers. You will learn what YOU personally need to satisfy your reloading needs and desires, plus, you will always have a use for a good old solid single stage.

To make perfectly good ammo all the way up through .338, you need only have a rock chucker, a good scale, dies and shellholders for each caliber and a tumbler.

After making some ammo for a while, you'll discover what else you need.

No chance in hell you're going to round up everything on a first try, nor would you want to pay for it all, nor would you know what to do with half of it. This is a hobby you have NO CHOICE but to upgrade gradually.

 

[battlestick]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit at Cabelas, on sale for $339, at Grafs for $330 - plus a mail in rebate for $50. Get that kit, die set, caliper, shell holders, and a tumbler and you will be well on your way.

Initial investment to reload one caliber, 500 I guess.
To reload for an additonal caliber - $100 bucks or so for competition dies, $50 for regular dies.

Get some reloading manuals, other than Speer, Speer comes with the RCBS kit. - Read your ass off while waiting on delivery.

Reloading 101 & 201 - Read your ass off.
Reloading 101
Reloading 201

Read all the other stickies at the top of this forum.

Read the directions on every piece of kit you obtain.

When asking a question about reloading, my mentor would ask me what the book said. He wouldn't answer unless I could speak intelligently about what I did or did not understand. Did I mention, you will need to read your ass off?

That being said, post up any questions you have about what you do not understand. Someone with more knowledge than I will be along to answer your questions. But for the most part, you will know which book to pick up that answers your question.

 

[taseal]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

I'll do my best for you when I get home.

It cost me around 400 for everything with match dies. Depends what kinda dies you wanna use. There are sets for 40 bucks vs 300 bucks.

 

[mstang1988]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Right, that's the thing I've been confused with. I read the 101, 201 etc and it list a ton of tools. I want to know what I need to start with.

Based on those readings it sounds like it's going to cost a crapton to reload which in some ways defeats the purpose (other then accuracy).

According to you I only need:
Press
Die

Which although slower may get me started.

Wasn't really expecting a shopping list, really just trying understand the hard requirements/cost to get started reloading match ammo. I also realize others have been through this before and figured they could help my get off the ground running and escape some of the troubles/issues they ran into while entering as a newbie. If I invest in equipment I also want to invest in something that can be used all the way to 50BMG so I don't have to rebuy (which I'm sure other's have experienced). Next time I'll try to phrase it better.

How about this:
What is my base equipment cost to reload up to .338 lapua match grade?
What additional cost for 50BMG match grade?

Yes, I realize some of the "nice to haves" increase the cost as well as press choices which is why I was generally trying to get a price range etc so I can investigate in more detail and decide what I want and what works for me if it's economical enough to begin loading.

I'll also try to equate this to what I'm an expert at. When somebody asks me about computers and building them one/fixing one for them I ask what are the issues and then make suggestions based on their input.

 

[mstang1988]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: battlestick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit at Cabelas, on sale for $339, at Grafs for $330 - plus a mail in rebate for $50. Get that kit, die set, caliper, shell holders, and a tumbler and you will be well on your way.

Initial investment to reload one caliber, 500 I guess.
To reload for an additonal caliber - $100 bucks or so for competition dies, $50 for regular dies.

Get some reloading manuals, other than Speer, Speer comes with the RCBS kit. - Read your ass off while waiting on delivery.

Reloading 101 & 201 - Read your ass off.
Reloading 101
Reloading 201

Read all the other stickies at the top of this forum.

Read the directions on every piece of kit you obtain.

When asking a question about reloading, my mentor would ask me what the book said. He wouldn't answer unless I could speak intelligently about what I did or did not understand. Did I mention, you will need to read your ass off?

That being said, post up any questions you have about what you do not understand. Someone with more knowledge than I will be along to answer your questions. But for the most part, you will know which book to pick up that answers your question.

</div></div>
The one big thing I took away from 201/101 earlier was a lot a lot of reading. Thanks for giving me a rough idea of what it's going to cost. It looks like starting with my 308 may be wise and will pay for itself vs buying FGMM.

In the computer world we have a saying... RTFM... Read the F...... manual. I think it will equate here and I get that.

Btw, what's your favorite place to shoot in Austin? I'm originally from NM (BLM = range)and I'm trying to find a good range. I know we have the 300 yard in Leander, 1K in Liberty Hill, 300 at the Austin rifle club, 100 yard indoor at reds. Reds IMO is overpriced. Have not yet been to the others.

 

[mstang1988]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taseal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll do my best for you when I get home.

It cost me around 400 for everything with match dies. Depends what kinda dies you wanna use. There are sets for 40 bucks vs 300 bucks.</div></div>

Great! Thanks for helping out. The $400 base point seems like a good place to start.

 

[taseal]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Try this calculator to see if reloading is worth it to you. They have a other one for rifles

http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/Handgun_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm

 

[turbo54]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mstang1988</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right, that's the thing I've been confused with. I read the 101, 201 etc and it list a ton of tools. I want to know what I need to start with.

Based on those readings it sounds like it's going to cost a crapton to reload which in some ways defeats the purpose (other then accuracy).

According to you I only need:
Press
Die

Which although slower may get me started.

Wasn't really expecting a shopping list, really just trying understand the hard requirements/cost to get started reloading match ammo. I also realize others have been through this before and figured they could help my get off the ground running and escape some of the troubles/issues they ran into while entering as a newbie. If I invest in equipment I also want to invest in something that can be used all the way to 50BMG so I don't have to rebuy (which I'm sure other's have experienced). Next time I'll try to phrase it better.

How about this:
What is my base equipment cost to reload up to .338 lapua match grade?
What additional cost for 50BMG match grade?

Yes, I realize some of the "nice to haves" increase the cost as well as press choices which is why I was generally trying to get a price range etc so I can investigate in more detail and decide what I want and what works for me if it's economical enough to begin loading.

I'll also try to equate this to what I'm an expert at. When somebody asks me about computers and building them one/fixing one for them I ask what are the issues and then make suggestions based on their input. </div></div>

Yes, the *basic* needs are press, dies, scale. Everything else is an upgrade - even calipers. While exceptionally nice to have, you don't *need* them.

You will not be loading typical cartridges and 50bmg on the same press. Not sure on 408, but I suspect that is best done on a 50 press. Otherwise, all the other "typical" cartridges ranging from 25 auto to 338LM can be done on a rock chucker or similar.

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

+1 on the RCBS starter kit. It will come with most erevything you need to reload pistol ammo. Other than dies and the components ie.. brass powder primers and bullets. I'd say go ahead and get a tumbler and a set of calibers.

all the above other than the components for a load will be used with everything you reload.

You'll also need some tools for rifle brass ie...
trimmer/flash hole deburring tool/inside/outside case mouth chamfer tool/ podwer trickler/

Now some of the tools are pre caliber ie.. 30 cal/6mm cal/ mostly your dies and flash hole tool.

Next is mostly components for what ammo you want to make ie...
powder/bullets/ primers and brass.

With the components look at your reloading manual and see if any powders/primers can work for more than one caliber you reload. This come in handy for plinking rounds not so much for match ammo.

Hope this helps.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: battlestick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Initial investment to reload one caliber, 500 I guess.
To reload for an additonal caliber - $100 bucks or so for competition dies, $50 for regular dies.</div></div>

Add in powder of choice, appropriate primers of choice, bullets of choice, and within 500 rounds (223 and larger) the whole set of reloading equiptment will have paid for itself (less your labor chage to yourself.)

From this point on, you will be reloading match ammo for about 1/3 of the cost to buy match ammo.

 

[battlestick]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mstang1988</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Btw, what's your favorite place to shoot in Austin? I'm originally from NM (BLM = range)and I'm trying to find a good range. I know we have the 300 yard in Leander, 1K in Liberty Hill, 300 at the Austin rifle club, 100 yard indoor at reds. Reds IMO is overpriced. Have not yet been to the others. </div></div>

For the last 6 years, my absolute favorite place has been right out the back door of my house.

However I just got some new neighbors, so that will not be an option anymore.

When I go with buddies we go to Eagle Peak (Leander) if Best of the West (Liberty Hill) is closed. I live up North, so Liberty Hill is not a bad drive for me. The only shooting I have done at ARC is the tactical shoots that are there the first Sunday of every month.

 

[Slickrick0999]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

The rock chucker kit above is what I started on. I still load with it now. After a while, you will feel out what you want to do with your brass and get tools.

I just upgraded to the Omega trickler and I am now looking at upgrading my powder dropper and scales.

I am using the uniflow that came with my rock chucker kit now but the Harrels I am looking @ is $250 just for the powder dropper.

Acculab scales are around $250-$300 (i think)

The new trickler was like $65 or something.

You will be fine starting out with the RC.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Out of your list, I would start with 2 cartridges that you might get the most cost/ benefit from. .308 match and either 45 or 338 would be the choice for me.

Its really tough to load 9mm cheaper than you can buy it and the same goes for bulk 223. 9mm @ $150-160 per 1000 and 223 at $300 per 1000 just isn't worth the time on a single stage press. Maybe if you got a Dillon, but you need to get your process down before you move into progressive presses.

308 match is a no brainer and probably the best cartridge to learn on. The wealth of information for 308 is incredible. You should be able to save some real money on 308 ammo if you shoot a lot. Your break even point with 308 will be around 1500 rounds once you get most of your equipment.

You can likely save a huge amount of money loading the 338, but I would wait until i had a great feel for diagnosing pressure signs. When you are burning around 100 grains of powder, you need to be sure it is safe.

Buy one of the supreme or master kits that have a single stage press, some scales, a neck i/o chamfer and several other useful tools. Build a basic load for the 308 and see if it is worth your time to reload before you go overboard in getting all the greatest tools.

 

[taseal]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Here, this is for you -

All the items's product numbers are from midway.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">
Items that can be shared:</span>

Lee Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Product #: 389104

Imperial Case Sizing Wax 2 oz
Product #: 519525

Lee Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber
Product #: 974498

Lee Auto Prime XR Hand Priming Tool
Product #: 413473

Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Product #: 467111

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press
Product #: 176078

Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit
Product #: 943305

RCBS Model 502 Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity
Product #: 605320

<span style="font-weight: bold">Total - 167.52</span>

Now these are the items that you can't really share, I'll use .223 as an example. We'll do full size die to simplify things

<span style="text-decoration: underline">.223/5.56 Specific items</span>

Forster Ultra 2-Die Set 223 Remington
Product #: 799076

Lee Universal Shellholder #4 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington)
Product #: 645558

Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool Shellholder #4 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington)
Product #: 875214

Hornady A-Max Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 75 Grain Boat Tail
Product Family #: 1165447990

Winchester Brass 223 Remington
Product #: 148099

Hodgdon BLC2 Smokeless Powder 1 lb
Product #: 418514

CCI Small Rifle Primers #400 Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100)
Product #: 959699

<span style="font-weight: bold">Total - 199.81</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Total cost to reload .223 with EVERYTHING you need. ~$370</span>

so there you go. if you bought all the equipment now, and wanted to make some decent .223 ammo, it would be right around 370. plus shipping if you buy it from there, 400. minus their 30 dollar discount, so you're right at 370.

down the road, you're gonna need a case trimmer, and also a tumbler and primer pocket former. but that's after your 1st load session. another 200 or so for that.

 

[mstang1988]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Amazingly helpful information and I appreciate all the time you spent typing it up! I'm looking at the Rock chucker kit or possibly doing a digital scale and piecing the rest of it together. Looks like RCBS has 50MIR on 300 or 10/most items. Seems like I might be able to get a few good deals.

 

[taseal]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mstang1988</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Amazingly helpful information and I appreciate all the time you spent typing it up! I'm looking at the Rock chucker kit or possibly doing a digital scale and piecing the rest of it together. Looks like RCBS has 50MIR on 300 or 10/most items. Seems like I might be able to get a few good deals. </div></div>

Yeah, when it comes to digital scales etc, it's all upto how much you wanna spend. I put all the stuff taht would work well and is within a certain budget.

 

[Trapshooter12]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

I was more of a weekend reloader for 25 years. All I had was a Rockchucker a set of scales and a drinking glass to dump powder in and a teaspoon to scoop powder with.

I still use the Rockchucker. In my opinion there is no need to upgrade.

A few things I have added.
A handheld primer seat
A manual trickler which has been upgraded to.
A Chargemaster.

If I was just reloading for plinking and Huntin, this is all I would need.

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Now that you have a general idea of what your equipment is going to cost, don't forget to consider the cost of the components you have to buy - powder, primers, bullets, and brass if you don't already have a supply of new or pick ups.

As you may well have figured out, you'll have to go through a couple to several thousand rounds before you get to that break even point. Eventually it will save you money, but not right away. However, on the other end you can/will save money and you'll be feeding your gun what it likes to eat.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mstang1988</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right, that's the thing I've been confused with. I read the 101, 201 etc and it list a ton of tools. I want to know what I need to start with.

Based on those readings it sounds like it's going to cost a crapton to reload which in some ways defeats the purpose (other then accuracy).

According to you I only need:
Press
Die

Which although slower may get me started.

Wasn't really expecting a shopping list, really just trying understand the hard requirements/cost to get started reloading match ammo. I also realize others have been through this before and figured they could help my get off the ground running and escape some of the troubles/issues they ran into while entering as a newbie. If I invest in equipment I also want to invest in something that can be used all the way to 50BMG so I don't have to rebuy (which I'm sure other's have experienced). Next time I'll try to phrase it better.

How about this:
What is my base equipment cost to reload up to .338 lapua match grade?
What additional cost for 50BMG match grade?

Yes, I realize some of the "nice to haves" increase the cost as well as press choices which is why I was generally trying to get a price range etc so I can investigate in more detail and decide what I want and what works for me if it's economical enough to begin loading.

I'll also try to equate this to what I'm an expert at. When somebody asks me about computers and building them one/fixing one for them I ask what are the issues and then make suggestions based on their input. </div></div>

If you want everything up to .50 you can buy just one single press.
Love mine.

Here is one of my latest acquisitions a top bullet micro seater die. Usually goes for around $350 to $400 but I picked it up for a song including 2 other dies for $500. That little tiny die next to it is for a puny little .308 sizing die.

Wanting to make myself one of these also as the guy that made them does not want to do any more

To set yourself up well for say 1000 rounds or so to make it worth while for a .50 you should set aside about $3,500 to get yourself started not including some of the higher end powder measures or throwers that can add between $500 and $2,000 extra. You sure you want to load for the .50? Hope you are not married, have kids, or Friends.

Here is a small loading session I did a little while ago
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...793#Post1162793

 

[taseal]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

Yeah .50 cal, I'll just have to buy the ammo. Lol

 

[mstang1988]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

That's a pretty sweet looking press. Curious to whom makes it?

Also, what do you think of the RCBS 50 Cal press http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=108136#productTabReviews or the hornandy?

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=436679

Forward thinking it would save me from having to buy a second press for when I decide to load 50BMG but will this allow for precision smaller caliber rounds with the adapter etc? Looking at the reviews it seems like it would work well so I will have to weigh the cost vs just getting one later when I purchase a 50BMG.

Nope, not married, no kids. I can afford to shoot but wanting to reload to shoot more often. Even though I can afford to feed a rifle I would be likely to spend more trigger time if I could reduce the cost which is what it takes to improve.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mstang1988</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right, that's the thing I've been confused with. I read the 101, 201 etc and it list a ton of tools. I want to know what I need to start with.

Based on those readings it sounds like it's going to cost a crapton to reload which in some ways defeats the purpose (other then accuracy).

According to you I only need:
Press
Die

Which although slower may get me started.

Wasn't really expecting a shopping list, really just trying understand the hard requirements/cost to get started reloading match ammo. I also realize others have been through this before and figured they could help my get off the ground running and escape some of the troubles/issues they ran into while entering as a newbie. If I invest in equipment I also want to invest in something that can be used all the way to 50BMG so I don't have to rebuy (which I'm sure other's have experienced). Next time I'll try to phrase it better.

How about this:
What is my base equipment cost to reload up to .338 lapua match grade?
What additional cost for 50BMG match grade?

Yes, I realize some of the "nice to haves" increase the cost as well as press choices which is why I was generally trying to get a price range etc so I can investigate in more detail and decide what I want and what works for me if it's economical enough to begin loading.

I'll also try to equate this to what I'm an expert at. When somebody asks me about computers and building them one/fixing one for them I ask what are the issues and then make suggestions based on their input. </div></div>

If you want everything up to .50 you can buy just one single press.
Love mine.

Here is one of my latest acquisitions a top bullet micro seater die. Usually goes for around $350 to $400 but I picked it up for a song including 2 other dies for $500. That little tiny die next to it is for a puny little .308 sizing die.

Wanting to make myself one of these also as the guy that made them does not want to do any more

To set yourself up well for say 1000 rounds or so to make it worth while for a .50 you should set aside about $3,500 to get yourself started not including some of the higher end powder measures or throwers that can add between $500 and $2,000 extra. You sure you want to load for the .50? Hope you are not married, have kids, or Friends.

Here is a small loading session I did a little while ago
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...793#Post1162793</div></div>

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Reloading Equipment Cost? A bit overwhelmed

My press is a Hollywood. Got it brand new. They are kinda' hard to come by because it is made by one guy who is getting up there in years and can be a little grumpy. It is a tank of a press and would have no problem with 20mm in my opinion. This one has the 8 holes 4 1 1/2 and 4 7/8 holes. It is SUPER tight and gets me almost no runout at all.

Both of the presses you have listed will do you well with proper lubed cases as long as you are not doing heavy forming or MG fired really oversized rounds. Just make sure you never stop half way through a stroke.

I have never had any experience with the Hornady but have heard that the quick change setup is a dream when it comes to caliber changing and short runs of loading that may require many die changes. Try and find someone with one and try it out.

Lots of surplus stuff out there that is actually pretty accurate like pulled AP that has been sized. Check with HiTech have had pretty good luck with them but they are not the only game it town so shop around. If you have any that are in the least bit ugly make sure to pick up a bullet sizer from Dave at CH4D. His dies, tools, etc. are absolutely top quality and he is great to deal with.

The .50 takes a LOT of time to prep brass but as soon as you do the first prep it is a piece of cake after that. As you can see from my link. I really like reloading because it relaxes me and gets my mind of the problems of the day so spending about 5 minutes a case really isn't that big a deal. The trick is clean and slow. Ease up on using power tools. That last thing you need to do is oversize a primer pocket and start damaging your bolt face or your face, face.... Accuracy potential with a .50 is unlike just about any cartridge it can easily go from 5 MOA to .5 MOA just with attention to handloading.

Nothing like ringing steel at a few hundred yard with a .308 until you smack it with a .50 AP or API and blow a hole through it the size of a quarter. It will make you smile.