So you want to reload but you don’t know where to begin (??)

[KUJO2388]

This is an outstanding thread. I can relate to the title. I have a few purchases lined up before I start buying reloading equipment. Probably within the next year I will start buying what I need and this thread will be very helpful.

 

[sheepdog697]

This is awesome thanks so much. Will the type of press have any correlation to quality if i want to reload "match" ammunition?

 

[huntsville]

I like the lock n load. Easy to switch out dies. Hornady sells a kit with the press, some bushings, digital scale, trickle charge... for reasonable amount. I got mine at Profire Arms & Supply. Good place to get reloading products.

 

[Hammertime]

How expensive is it to start loading your own rounds? It seems like you need an awful lot of equipment.

 

[STFU]

Wow...that's one helluva write-up on reloading basics in a condensed format. Thank you for putting all of that together in one easy to follow thread!

 

[1motime]

Thank you for taking the time to share the great detailed info. I am looking to get a Dillon press soon and look to have everything ready to go before the press arrives.

Still debating whether or not to go with Lee or Dillon Dies.

 

[SSGSAD]

This is awesome thanks so much. Will the type of press have any correlation to quality if i want to reload "match" ammunition?

If you "really" want "Match" ammo, you must weigh every powder charge.....

Progressives are great, but how accurate are you looking for ?????

I have been loading on the same single stage, since 1979 .....

 

[KUJO2388]

Would this be a good setup for a beginner? I will be starting with .300BLK. Thanks

Hornady Lock-N-Load Single Stage Classic Kit 85003

 

[Ngdonut]

How expensive is it to start loading your own rounds? It seems like you need an awful lot of equipment.

It's hard to put a price on it, but if price is a factor then I would check out lee reloading kits. You can get all the necessities in terms of equipment to get you started with these kits for a very reasonable price. You will learn the basics and principles of reloading through these and then you can slowly upgrade equipment based on your preference and funds available.

I will say that it pays off quickly. Im reloading a 50 round box of 45 acp for $8 vs ~$22 at the store. And I find it fun and relaxing.

 

[Willywentfishin]

Glad I stumbled upon ingunowners, you just saved me a lot of researching. Thank you for taking time to put that all down. Will

 

[gonzo0419]

My first post as I'm new to the site and just about ready to make the investment into reloading. There is more out there than I knew of and hopefully this will make my final decision the smartest for the ammo's I'm going to be reloading.

 

[ru44mag]

Great thread! I want to reload to save money, and so I don't have to worry about empty shelves if Hilary gets elected. I have most of what I need to get started and have some experience reloading, but that was over 20 years ago. If I'm just getting started and only loading pistol ammo at first, how important is a case trimmer, deburring tool, primer pocket clean, and bullet puller?

 

[Fishersjohn48]

Of those, you'll want the bullet puller.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

I would agree, the bullet puller cause you are always going to have a need to break down a completed round. Depending on how consistent you want your ammo and how much stress you put the cases through will determine the necessity of the other tools. I've fired dozens of loads through the same 1000 pieces of .38spl brass with out ever doing cases prep, I've also fired max loads out of .44 that stretch the cases enough that it was noticeable on a mic. But guess what, no cases prep there either and they still shot 5 shot groups all rounds touching at 25 yards off the rest. Is there a place for case prep,sure... It's called precision rifle shooting

 

[ru44mag]

Thanks!

 

[RMC]

Most straight wall cases (not necked down) will show minimal stretching under normal wear. I've shot my 45's and 9mm's numerous times without resizing. When choosing your equipment you should ask yourself how much shooting/range time do you plan on. If it's not much then a single stage is adequate and cheaper but if you plan on doing a lot of shooting you might want to consider a progressive press. I have a Dillon for my pistol loads and would use it for .223 or 300 blackout if I shot them. For my hunting/target rifles I use an RCBS single stage press. It is slower but it fits my needs.

There are numerous manufacturers of reloading equipment. A lot of folks like Lee for the price but I don't. Their stuff just seems cheaply built to me. RCBS isn't called rock chucker for nothing. They are built strong. I am happy with my Dillon but I have never used a Hornady progressive loader to compare to.

I always tell myself that I'm saving money but then I go buy more gun stuff or more guns so the cycle keeps on going. I find reloading fun and relaxing which by itself makes it worth it to me.

Good Luck!!

 

[ru44mag]

Most straight wall cases (not necked down) will show minimal stretching under normal wear. I've shot my 45's and 9mm's numerous times without resizing. When choosing your equipment you should ask yourself how much shooting/range time do you plan on. If it's not much then a single stage is adequate and cheaper but if you plan on doing a lot of shooting you might want to consider a progressive press. I have a Dillon for my pistol loads and would use it for .223 or 300 blackout if I shot them. For my hunting/target rifles I use an RCBS single stage press. It is slower but it fits my needs.

There are numerous manufacturers of reloading equipment. A lot of folks like Lee for the price but I don't. Their stuff just seems cheaply built to me. RCBS isn't called rock chucker for nothing. They are built strong. I am happy with my Dillon but I have never used a Hornady progressive loader to compare to.

I always tell myself that I'm saving money but then I go buy more gun stuff or more guns so the cycle keeps on going. I find reloading fun and relaxing which by itself makes it worth it to me.

Good Luck!!

I have a press my brother gave me several years ago to repay me for a Nazi Hi-power I returned to him. He never used the press. When I first looked at it I was a little concerned because the name was Pacific. Single stage. Once I started looking a little closer, I saw in small print, Made by Hornady. So I figured it would work for me.

 

[gamecrimez]

Great post, thanks a lot. It clears up some questions I had. Im thinking about getting into reloading & your "How to" with links has made it easier for me, thanks again!

 

[vangurley]

Thanks for sharing all this great information.

 

[455 Beretta]

I’m just now starting to look into this.

So what’s the “all in” cost of say a starter progressive set, with tools?

And for 9mm, what’s the per-round cost difference, assuming one buys the less expensive cases, light powder loads, and light bullets vs the cheapest 50-100 rd Walmart box?

Just trying to get an idea of cost and budget, not that anything about this hobby is a financially genious move, lol!