Reload startup

[Mossy]

Just curious, what would be a ball park estimate on getting into reloading cost?  I don't shoot a ton but kind of want to know how long it would take to actually save money if anything nowadays.

[GrampaMike]

It will cost a couple hundred to get a good starter kit. Look at RCBS or Redding. Most of the other stuff will disappoint. Once you're into it, you'll understand more of what you want in your tools. You will need a press, powder measure, trimmer, priming tool, 6" caliper, chamfering tool, scale. You will probably never reach a point where you save money. For me. it's quiet time to think about past trips and future trips. You will get some satisfaction that your loads are custom fitted and loaded for your rifle. It's about precision measurement and consistancy. 

[jaredpost]

That really depends on a lot of variables. How many different calibers you are gonna reload and if you care how long it takes to load the bullets. Single stage vs. Progressive is what I mean by the time factor. There are plenty of good kits out there to get you started if your not looking for specifics, some for under $200. I like the digital scale but most kits come with the balance beam style. My first press was a Dillon 550 and I eventually got a turret single stage for loading rifle rounds.

Once you figure out some of the basic things your looking for I would keep an eye out on craigslist and see what pops up on there. I've seen some really good deals on reloading setups, they just aren't always on there.

[jaymark6655]

I went with LEE.  I only spent about $200 plus the cost of powder and bullets and primers.  I didn't count the cost of casings since I had saved those from factory stuff that I shot and would normally just give away or throw out.  My factory elk round would cost me $1.50/round, my reload elk round is about $0.49.  Looking at it that way I broke even after shooting about 400 rounds.  Where I really feel it becomes worth it is accuracy.  With factory loads I was getting some 1MOA groups.  With my reloads I am now able to adjust powder loads until I get some .25MOA groups if I am shooting well and usually not over 1MOA unless I am having a horrible day.  I am using a single stage press, concentrating on consistancy more than speed when reloading (making sure powder loads and bullet seat depth are the exactly the same with each round.  It is kind of my style of meditation.

[Mossy]

That's not bad.  I figured it would be alot more.   Might be a great off season hobby.  Thanks

[Jamieb]

Reloading wont save most any money. Most reloaderes shoot a lot more so it ends up costing just as much.
If I was buying loaded ammo the price tag on the box would keep me from shooting much.
Buying bullets, primers,brass, etc a little at a time it really never seems like I spend a lot but if I added it up I probably spend more on ammo then any other gear.

[ELKBURGER]

Good point jamie, I bought my set up years ago and never used it. I kept shooting factory ammo and saving the brass. Now, years later I've found the price of ammo and brass going up so now I only pick up powders, primers, and bullets. I'm not pressured to buy alot or very often. Only when I find a good deal or have a little extra cash. I also find I dont shoot as much as I used to.

[Wazukie]

reloading saves me a lot of money.  Factory loads for my 25-06 are $1.50 per round.  Reloads are $.34 per round.  The 30-30 is the same.  For my .357 factory loads are $1.90 reloads are $.33 per round.  I would say that thats a savings.  Of course I didnt have to purchase my reloading outfit, I inherited it.

[carpsniperg2]

300.00-350.00 will get you a very good setup.

[Grizzly95]

I got my press, scale, measure, trimmer, 4 sets of dies and misc tools for $100 or $125 on Craigslist. I made it back after the 3rd box of Norma loads I did. Plus I have friends that have come over to load ( I show them and make them do their own) and they always give me the extra primers and powder. I was told to stick with single stage to start and the maybe move up to a progressive after I learn the basics and decide if I enjoy it.

[Mossy]

definately sounds like something I might want to do.  Another addition to the man cave.

[Jamieb]

Go for it.
Some folks dont really like reloading and find it a chore, they only load what they need for hunting and probably same some money.
Others find reloading/shooting becomes a hobby initself, every bit as expensive as hunting but can be done year round.

[Blacklab]

All I can say it's a labor of love with single stage presses. Very time consuming and rewarding at the same time 

[Huntboy]

All I can say it's a labor of love with single stage presses. Very time consuming and rewarding at the same time 

[GregMcFadden]

I second the "you won't save any money" comment.  I either shoot so much more than I would if I had to buy the ammo (pistol generally) or I make rounds for the same price as the cheap ammo that are as good as the really expensive ammo for rifle.   In neither case do I save any money (gross).  I do get a great deal better stuff for my money, and I do get to shoot more, so there is that.