I want to start reloading. I have a general idea of what I need to get to start. I just don't know if one brand is that much better than the other to justify the price difference and what kind of press would be best the single stage or the progressive style. Right now I would only be reloading .308. I have already picked up one reloading book to start reading. Thanks for the help in advance.
want to start reloading
- Thread starter rdgshooteer
- Start date
Re: want to start reloading
I'm a bit further ahead then you with equipment purchases but you are started in the right direction. Research! I bought two reloading manuals and a video.
I chose a Hornday progressive press. It was a good deal and offered free bullets with the purchase of the press and die sets.
I'm a bit further ahead then you with equipment purchases but you are started in the right direction. Research! I bought two reloading manuals and a video.
I chose a Hornday progressive press. It was a good deal and offered free bullets with the purchase of the press and die sets.
Re: want to start reloading
When i started handloading i picked up a Lyman single stage press kit. It came with a good amount of stuff and had a good price. Its worked well for me as far as rifle loading goes, a little slow for pistol but works good for my 308, 223, 270, 30-30. Hope this helps.
When i started handloading i picked up a Lyman single stage press kit. It came with a good amount of stuff and had a good price. Its worked well for me as far as rifle loading goes, a little slow for pistol but works good for my 308, 223, 270, 30-30. Hope this helps.
Re: want to start reloading
Do you want to load high accuracy rifle ammunition?
Do you want to load high volume pistol ammunition?
Are you wanting to reload to save money?
What is your budget?
What are your reasons for wanting to reload?
Reloading is fairly easy. Figuring out what to buy is fairly complicated. All of the equipment does work ok. Some is better than other and there are probably as many different ways to reload as there are reloaders.
Youtube has lots of good videos on reloading. Take a look at those.
Do you want to load high accuracy rifle ammunition?
Do you want to load high volume pistol ammunition?
Are you wanting to reload to save money?
What is your budget?
What are your reasons for wanting to reload?
Reloading is fairly easy. Figuring out what to buy is fairly complicated. All of the equipment does work ok. Some is better than other and there are probably as many different ways to reload as there are reloaders.
Youtube has lots of good videos on reloading. Take a look at those.
Re: want to start reloading
Thanks for the answers so far. I have read the stickies and go through and reread them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sniperaviator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you want to load high accuracy rifle ammunition?
Do you want to load high volume pistol ammunition?
Are you wanting to reload to save money?
What is your budget?
What are your reasons for wanting to reload?
Reloading is fairly easy. Figuring out what to buy is fairly complicated. All of the equipment does work ok. Some is better than other and there are probably as many different ways to reload as there are reloaders.
Youtube has lots of good videos on reloading. Take a look at those. </div></div>
Right now I am looking to reload accurate rifle ammo and save money doing it. The budget right now is not set in stone yet, but my wife has learned its better for me to buy once cry once. I probably wont be reloading any pistol ammo anytime soon living in NY. I don't feel like going through the headache of even trying to bring my pistols up here.
Thanks for the answers so far. I have read the stickies and go through and reread them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sniperaviator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you want to load high accuracy rifle ammunition?
Do you want to load high volume pistol ammunition?
Are you wanting to reload to save money?
What is your budget?
What are your reasons for wanting to reload?
Reloading is fairly easy. Figuring out what to buy is fairly complicated. All of the equipment does work ok. Some is better than other and there are probably as many different ways to reload as there are reloaders.
Youtube has lots of good videos on reloading. Take a look at those. </div></div>
Right now I am looking to reload accurate rifle ammo and save money doing it. The budget right now is not set in stone yet, but my wife has learned its better for me to buy once cry once. I probably wont be reloading any pistol ammo anytime soon living in NY. I don't feel like going through the headache of even trying to bring my pistols up here.
Re: want to start reloading
Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun.
Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun.
Re: want to start reloading
i have had good luck with all brands, but for dies i too like the rcbs,redding and hornady...the prices do vary but you get what you pay for
if your going to load rifle- single stage and get a heavy one
as far as saving money.. hahaha ... yes and no
when you get your equipment find somebody at the range or on the hide that will physically show you how to reload in person
my uncle taught me .
i have had good luck with all brands, but for dies i too like the rcbs,redding and hornady...the prices do vary but you get what you pay for
if your going to load rifle- single stage and get a heavy one
as far as saving money.. hahaha ... yes and no
when you get your equipment find somebody at the range or on the hide that will physically show you how to reload in person
my uncle taught me .
Re: want to start reloading
how accurate do you want to be ? if you want good 1 moa accuracy , you will need bushing dies and micro type seater , good prime tool, other expensive stuff.
if you want even better accuracy i would look at hand dies and an arbor press.
i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data. You should watch some youtube vid's to understand the basics ,
the jack neary sections are great i think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZWvn68bRU
good luck
how accurate do you want to be ? if you want good 1 moa accuracy , you will need bushing dies and micro type seater , good prime tool, other expensive stuff.
if you want even better accuracy i would look at hand dies and an arbor press.
i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data. You should watch some youtube vid's to understand the basics ,
the jack neary sections are great i think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZWvn68bRU
good luck
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead. There's always something else you need.
For 308 only ( we all started off thinking 308 only) get a Forester Co-Ax press.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead. There's always something else you need.
For 308 only ( we all started off thinking 308 only) get a Forester Co-Ax press.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun. </div></div>
This is exactly what I was going to say.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun. </div></div>
This is exactly what I was going to say.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerkface11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun. </div></div>
This is exactly what I was going to say. </div></div>
Should I add "mind reader" to my resume?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerkface11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read the Lyman manual. The introductory material is the best I've read in any manual (the data itself, not so much).
Start with a single stage or turret press.
I have found that RCBS is a great mix of quality and value (though I use Redding dies). It will last forever and is made well. No matter what they (or anyone else) tell you, don't use their press priming system. Use a hand primer (the RCBS universal hand primer rules).
Reloading is not rocket science, but you do need a foundation. It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you're doing.
Have fun. </div></div>
This is exactly what I was going to say. </div></div>
Should I add "mind reader" to my resume?
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how accurate do you want to be ? if you want good 1 moa accuracy , you will need bushing dies and micro type seater , good prime tool, other expensive stuff.
if you want even better accuracy i would look at hand dies and an arbor press.
i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data. You should watch some youtube vid's to understand the basics ,
the jack neary sections are great i think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZWvn68bRU
good luck </div></div>
What?
You don't need ANY of those things to produce 1 MOA or better accuracy ammo. You can do it just fine with a cheap Lee Press and Lee dies.
Not a single one.
Nobody is suggesting that one needs to read all of the data tables before starting, but the 100 or so pages introductory material in every reloading manual is invaluable.
You can't be more wrong in your post.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how accurate do you want to be ? if you want good 1 moa accuracy , you will need bushing dies and micro type seater , good prime tool, other expensive stuff.
if you want even better accuracy i would look at hand dies and an arbor press.
i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data. You should watch some youtube vid's to understand the basics ,
the jack neary sections are great i think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZWvn68bRU
good luck </div></div>
What?
You don't need ANY of those things to produce 1 MOA or better accuracy ammo. You can do it just fine with a cheap Lee Press and Lee dies.
Not a single one.
Nobody is suggesting that one needs to read all of the data tables before starting, but the 100 or so pages introductory material in every reloading manual is invaluable.
You can't be more wrong in your post.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You don't need ANY of those things to produce 1 MOA or better accuracy ammo. You can do it just fine with a cheap Lee Press and Lee dies.</div></div>
This is true. Lee dies are very good. I like the Co-Ax because it's easy to use and set up and no shell holders. It has a good priming system that seats the primers very consistently eliminating the need to buy a hand primer.
Botom line, there is plenty of quality stuff at good prices.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You don't need ANY of those things to produce 1 MOA or better accuracy ammo. You can do it just fine with a cheap Lee Press and Lee dies.</div></div>
This is true. Lee dies are very good. I like the Co-Ax because it's easy to use and set up and no shell holders. It has a good priming system that seats the primers very consistently eliminating the need to buy a hand primer.
Botom line, there is plenty of quality stuff at good prices.
Re: want to start reloading
<span style="font-style: italic">"I just don't know if one brand is that much better than the other to justify the price difference..."</span>
I've been doing this a long time, long enough to know there is little if any effective difference in the quality of ammo that can be produced by any brand, that's why they have all managed to stay in business for so long.
<span style="font-style: italic">"...and what kind of press would be best the single stage or the progressive style. Right now I would only be reloading .308."</span>
Progressives are best for producing large volomes of "good enough" ammo and have their greatest application in loading for handguns; get a single stage.
Random thoughts:
Shooters were reloading sub .5 MOA ammo long before any costly pressess or bushing dies or arbor presses and hand dies were commonly available. And we still do.
Fact is, such things as arbor presses, hand and bushing type dies were developed for BR shooters who load for custom rifles that cost multi-thousands of dollars and even then they don't shoot groups a lot smaller than the rest of us obtain with factory rifles and more common tools. We can tune our Ford/Chevy like a Le Manns Ferarri but it won't make a bit of differece, ditto our factory rifles vs. BR rigs. Thus, the expensive BR type reloading tools and methods give virtually no benefit for common rifles.
Expensive micrometer adjustable seating die heads add exactly nothing to the quality of your ammo. They're a user aid and aren't a whole lot of good even for that.
Accuracy comes from the rifle plus your shooting AND reloading skills. Accuracy can't be bought (for certain) at any price nor will any brand or type of reloading tools instantely produce better results; thinking it so is a delusional beginner idea.
The less experience with different brands of tools and the less mechanical aptitude someone has the more certain they can be that some brands are much different from others but their "reasons" will be vague or meaningless in application.
For a beginning reloader I will suggest considering a Lee Classic Cast single stage press and Lee dies for a foundation. They are quality tools that sell at very nominal prices but, on average, are quite as good as any others. It will be a long time, if ever, before your loading/shooting skill exceeds what those tools can provide for a factory rifle.
IF you ever exceed the use of the Lee tools YOU will have enough personal experience to know what you might want to try next, without asking anonymous posters on the web, people who can be quite certain they know exactly what everyone else should be using but seem to disagree amoung themselves. ??
I suppose the value of studying the instructions in the front af better loading manuals would depend on your level of reading comprehension.
<span style="font-style: italic">"I just don't know if one brand is that much better than the other to justify the price difference..."</span>
I've been doing this a long time, long enough to know there is little if any effective difference in the quality of ammo that can be produced by any brand, that's why they have all managed to stay in business for so long.
<span style="font-style: italic">"...and what kind of press would be best the single stage or the progressive style. Right now I would only be reloading .308."</span>
Progressives are best for producing large volomes of "good enough" ammo and have their greatest application in loading for handguns; get a single stage.
Random thoughts:
Shooters were reloading sub .5 MOA ammo long before any costly pressess or bushing dies or arbor presses and hand dies were commonly available. And we still do.
Fact is, such things as arbor presses, hand and bushing type dies were developed for BR shooters who load for custom rifles that cost multi-thousands of dollars and even then they don't shoot groups a lot smaller than the rest of us obtain with factory rifles and more common tools. We can tune our Ford/Chevy like a Le Manns Ferarri but it won't make a bit of differece, ditto our factory rifles vs. BR rigs. Thus, the expensive BR type reloading tools and methods give virtually no benefit for common rifles.
Expensive micrometer adjustable seating die heads add exactly nothing to the quality of your ammo. They're a user aid and aren't a whole lot of good even for that.
Accuracy comes from the rifle plus your shooting AND reloading skills. Accuracy can't be bought (for certain) at any price nor will any brand or type of reloading tools instantely produce better results; thinking it so is a delusional beginner idea.
The less experience with different brands of tools and the less mechanical aptitude someone has the more certain they can be that some brands are much different from others but their "reasons" will be vague or meaningless in application.
For a beginning reloader I will suggest considering a Lee Classic Cast single stage press and Lee dies for a foundation. They are quality tools that sell at very nominal prices but, on average, are quite as good as any others. It will be a long time, if ever, before your loading/shooting skill exceeds what those tools can provide for a factory rifle.
IF you ever exceed the use of the Lee tools YOU will have enough personal experience to know what you might want to try next, without asking anonymous posters on the web, people who can be quite certain they know exactly what everyone else should be using but seem to disagree amoung themselves. ??
I suppose the value of studying the instructions in the front af better loading manuals would depend on your level of reading comprehension.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more. </div></div>
Once addicted, 8 pound jugs of powder, multiple bulk packs of bullets in multiple calibers, and primers by the case, will break a man if he isn't careful.....and you can never have too many brass stashed away.
I'm even guilty of buying firearms just to use some of the reloading stuff I have around here...as if that isn't backasswards.
Saving money?
Too funny..........
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more. </div></div>
Once addicted, 8 pound jugs of powder, multiple bulk packs of bullets in multiple calibers, and primers by the case, will break a man if he isn't careful.....and you can never have too many brass stashed away.
I'm even guilty of buying firearms just to use some of the reloading stuff I have around here...as if that isn't backasswards.
Saving money?
Too funny..........
Re: want to start reloading
I started off with the RCBS supreme master reloading kit, mainly because a local gun store had it for $250. This kit gives you pretty much everything you need to start reloading other than dies, brass, bullets, and primers. It's been a good starting point for me. Everything is a quality piece of equipment, and the only reason I want to upgrade is convenience; for instance to get a chargemaster or digital scale so I can get the same job done just a little bit faster.
For dies, I abide by the "buy once, cry once" philosophy as well. I went with a Redding body die and competition seater, and a hornady collet neck sizer. While it's not necessary to spend that much, they are excellent dies, and the competition seater makes adjusting seating depth a breeze. Pretty much find out what you need, and then spend what you can afford.
I started off with the RCBS supreme master reloading kit, mainly because a local gun store had it for $250. This kit gives you pretty much everything you need to start reloading other than dies, brass, bullets, and primers. It's been a good starting point for me. Everything is a quality piece of equipment, and the only reason I want to upgrade is convenience; for instance to get a chargemaster or digital scale so I can get the same job done just a little bit faster.
For dies, I abide by the "buy once, cry once" philosophy as well. I went with a Redding body die and competition seater, and a hornady collet neck sizer. While it's not necessary to spend that much, they are excellent dies, and the competition seater makes adjusting seating depth a breeze. Pretty much find out what you need, and then spend what you can afford.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data.</div></div>
I've never seen a reloading manual that I would describe that way.
Read the how to portion of at least 2 reloading manuals. That will get you the minimum information that you need to start.
When you select manuals intially get one from the bullet maker you plan to use and one from the powder maker. After that you can add as you like and your budger allows.
There are some good videos on youtube but there are also a lot that are a waste of time. Enter "lee loader" in the search engine and look for one that is under one minute. The video will show how to use a lee loader as it is intended to be used. It is worth viewing at least once. Most of the others about lee loaders spend way too much time trying to explain things badly.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i probably wouldnt spend to time reading load books , there is nothing in there except start load data.</div></div>
I've never seen a reloading manual that I would describe that way.
Read the how to portion of at least 2 reloading manuals. That will get you the minimum information that you need to start.
When you select manuals intially get one from the bullet maker you plan to use and one from the powder maker. After that you can add as you like and your budger allows.
There are some good videos on youtube but there are also a lot that are a waste of time. Enter "lee loader" in the search engine and look for one that is under one minute. The video will show how to use a lee loader as it is intended to be used. It is worth viewing at least once. Most of the others about lee loaders spend way too much time trying to explain things badly.
Re: want to start reloading
I started with the Sierra reloading manual, then I picked up a used RCBSrockchucker and RCBS reloader special for 50$ and 20$. picked up some used dies on eBay. A used 5-0-5 scale and recently picked up the Hornady manual. Read, read, read. As someone suggested there are some very informative utube videos and take your time. Good luck!
rdgs, pm me if you are interested in some very good once fired Hornady match brass in 308. It is what I am using.
I started with the Sierra reloading manual, then I picked up a used RCBSrockchucker and RCBS reloader special for 50$ and 20$. picked up some used dies on eBay. A used 5-0-5 scale and recently picked up the Hornady manual. Read, read, read. As someone suggested there are some very informative utube videos and take your time. Good luck!
rdgs, pm me if you are interested in some very good once fired Hornady match brass in 308. It is what I am using.
Re: want to start reloading
IMHO, for starters, I would go with the RCBS supreme reloading kit, or the Hornady kit.
I am partial to the RCBS kit myself (I like the feel of iron over aluminum), but both will work.
I would love to have some Redding dies, but they are pricey. And honestly, I cant shoot the difference between $30.00 dies and a set of 100.00+ dollar dies. Maybe some can, but I would bet many can't.
So my vote for dies are Hornady's, simply because I like the floating bullet seating stem and that's the only reason.
A hand operated trimmer is a must, and an electric is great, like the RCBS electric setup. OR spend alot and get a Giraurd(spelling).
I do have the Dillon rapid trim, but you have to buy a special modified die for each caliber.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind it will be a pittance when you start stocking your shelves with components!
IMHO, for starters, I would go with the RCBS supreme reloading kit, or the Hornady kit.
I am partial to the RCBS kit myself (I like the feel of iron over aluminum), but both will work.
I would love to have some Redding dies, but they are pricey. And honestly, I cant shoot the difference between $30.00 dies and a set of 100.00+ dollar dies. Maybe some can, but I would bet many can't.
So my vote for dies are Hornady's, simply because I like the floating bullet seating stem and that's the only reason.
A hand operated trimmer is a must, and an electric is great, like the RCBS electric setup. OR spend alot and get a Giraurd(spelling).
I do have the Dillon rapid trim, but you have to buy a special modified die for each caliber.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind it will be a pittance when you start stocking your shelves with components!
Re: want to start reloading
Save money, yes. Eventually. I made the recomendation the yesterday that to start rifle reloading it's about $620 plus dies. That's a Redding T-7 Turret and the Redding Versa Pak. The Versa Pak has a scale, trimmer, and powder dispenser. You could save a little with an RCBS Turret. As for savings, it depends on what you load. For me I make .223 Match Ammo for about 35 cents a round. That's $17.50 for 50, BlackHills is $41 for remanufactured an $52 for new. That's $23.50 per 50 if you buy remanufacuted ammo, breakeven is 1320 rounds. Call it 1370 to 1400 when you buy dies. That's about a year of shooting Service Rifle matches and practice.
Save money, yes. Eventually. I made the recomendation the yesterday that to start rifle reloading it's about $620 plus dies. That's a Redding T-7 Turret and the Redding Versa Pak. The Versa Pak has a scale, trimmer, and powder dispenser. You could save a little with an RCBS Turret. As for savings, it depends on what you load. For me I make .223 Match Ammo for about 35 cents a round. That's $17.50 for 50, BlackHills is $41 for remanufactured an $52 for new. That's $23.50 per 50 if you buy remanufacuted ammo, breakeven is 1320 rounds. Call it 1370 to 1400 when you buy dies. That's about a year of shooting Service Rifle matches and practice.
Re: want to start reloading
Being honest about trimmers, the Giraud mentioned above is probably the best trimmer out there.
Also in my figures there is not a crimp removal tool for military brass. That adds $15 to $100.
Being honest about trimmers, the Giraud mentioned above is probably the best trimmer out there.
Also in my figures there is not a crimp removal tool for military brass. That adds $15 to $100.
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunsnjeeps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save money, yes. Eventually. I made the recomendation the yesterday that to start rifle reloading it's about $620 plus dies. That's a Redding T-7 Turret and the Redding Versa Pak. The Versa Pak has a scale, trimmer, and powder dispenser. You could save a little with an RCBS Turret. As for savings, it depends on what you load. For me I make .223 Match Ammo for about 35 cents a round. That's $17.50 for 50, BlackHills is $41 for remanufactured an $52 for new. That's $23.50 per 50 if you buy remanufacuted ammo, breakeven is 1320 rounds. Call it 1370 to 1400 when you buy dies. That's about a year of shooting Service Rifle matches and practice. </div></div>
Break even point is how I justified my Dillon XL650, I figured after 2 prarie dog shootin trips, it would pay for itself and all the accessories I bought for it. I was comparing my loaded rounds with Black hills as well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunsnjeeps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save money, yes. Eventually. I made the recomendation the yesterday that to start rifle reloading it's about $620 plus dies. That's a Redding T-7 Turret and the Redding Versa Pak. The Versa Pak has a scale, trimmer, and powder dispenser. You could save a little with an RCBS Turret. As for savings, it depends on what you load. For me I make .223 Match Ammo for about 35 cents a round. That's $17.50 for 50, BlackHills is $41 for remanufactured an $52 for new. That's $23.50 per 50 if you buy remanufacuted ammo, breakeven is 1320 rounds. Call it 1370 to 1400 when you buy dies. That's about a year of shooting Service Rifle matches and practice. </div></div>
Break even point is how I justified my Dillon XL650, I figured after 2 prarie dog shootin trips, it would pay for itself and all the accessories I bought for it. I was comparing my loaded rounds with Black hills as well.
Re: want to start reloading
I am not sure about your shooting buddies, but if one of them reloads for the same caliber that you want to reload, then spend some time with him and ask to observe him making his ammo.
Real time reloading will speed up the learning curve.
I agree with most of what has been said in this thread, but as always "TRUST, but VERIFY" what people tell you.
Jerry
I am not sure about your shooting buddies, but if one of them reloads for the same caliber that you want to reload, then spend some time with him and ask to observe him making his ammo.
Real time reloading will speed up the learning curve.
I agree with most of what has been said in this thread, but as always "TRUST, but VERIFY" what people tell you.
Jerry
Re: want to start reloading
I am looking into reloading .308 for the first time. I have only loaded .45 and .40 pistol on a 550b. Thanks for the advice!
I am looking into reloading .308 for the first time. I have only loaded .45 and .40 pistol on a 550b. Thanks for the advice!
Re: want to start reloading
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more. </div></div>
+1
"Saving money" is a sales pitch to the Mrs! Not a reality in my estimation. There's <span style="text-decoration: underline">always</span> newer, bigger, better, and "because so&so bought one and had great results" equipment to buy...there is a lot more trigger time, though.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac37</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you wanting to reload to save money?</div></div>
You'll never come out ahead.
</div></div>
This. But you WILL be able to shoot more. </div></div>
+1
"Saving money" is a sales pitch to the Mrs! Not a reality in my estimation. There's <span style="text-decoration: underline">always</span> newer, bigger, better, and "because so&so bought one and had great results" equipment to buy...there is a lot more trigger time, though.
Re: want to start reloading
I've been reloading everything, from high volume pistol to precision rifle on my Dillon 550 for over 20 years. Still, I recently got the wild hair to get into a single stage press. A heavy one. I had it in my mind that I wanted a Hornady Lock and Load. After having checked it out, I changed my mind. I couldn't believe how much slop there was in the ram. I looked at the RCBS Rock Chucker and that was a beast, but I didn't like the primer disposal system on the one that I looked at.
I wound up getting a Lee Classic Cast. For $100, it's a really nice press. The ram is thick and no slop. Nice compound linkage with lube provision. A priming system that works and it's smooth. I also use Lee dies. I like them. They produce good ammunition and they're so cheap that I buy a seater die for each bullet that I load. That way, once I set the bushing, I don't have to mess with it again. Forget about stuff that's easy to adjust. Not adjusting is the easiest.
I'd have to say that I've been satisfied with the performance of the Classic Cast press. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and I expect nothing bigger than .5 MOA groups when I'm shooting with the advantage of a good set of bags and the ammo produced on the Lee equipment delivers. I've shot several five round groups in the zeros, .1s and .2s with this ammo.
I've also gotta say that I really haven't seen a "kit" that I liked, unless you get to the really pricey stuff. Just start with the essentials. For me, the essentials were a good solid press and an automatic powder dispenser. Trickling powder sucks. My Hornady Auto Charge will throw a 42.6gr charge of RL15 in 13 seconds. That's about how long it takes me to seat a bullet.
I've been reloading everything, from high volume pistol to precision rifle on my Dillon 550 for over 20 years. Still, I recently got the wild hair to get into a single stage press. A heavy one. I had it in my mind that I wanted a Hornady Lock and Load. After having checked it out, I changed my mind. I couldn't believe how much slop there was in the ram. I looked at the RCBS Rock Chucker and that was a beast, but I didn't like the primer disposal system on the one that I looked at.
I wound up getting a Lee Classic Cast. For $100, it's a really nice press. The ram is thick and no slop. Nice compound linkage with lube provision. A priming system that works and it's smooth. I also use Lee dies. I like them. They produce good ammunition and they're so cheap that I buy a seater die for each bullet that I load. That way, once I set the bushing, I don't have to mess with it again. Forget about stuff that's easy to adjust. Not adjusting is the easiest.
I'd have to say that I've been satisfied with the performance of the Classic Cast press. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and I expect nothing bigger than .5 MOA groups when I'm shooting with the advantage of a good set of bags and the ammo produced on the Lee equipment delivers. I've shot several five round groups in the zeros, .1s and .2s with this ammo.
I've also gotta say that I really haven't seen a "kit" that I liked, unless you get to the really pricey stuff. Just start with the essentials. For me, the essentials were a good solid press and an automatic powder dispenser. Trickling powder sucks. My Hornady Auto Charge will throw a 42.6gr charge of RL15 in 13 seconds. That's about how long it takes me to seat a bullet.
