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

[crewchief888]

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!

well IMHO buying new brass is going to be the killer for reloading 9MM.
a new progressive press, tumbler, media, scale, calipers, bullet puller, reloading manual ect, ect will cost you in excess of $500. probably closer to $750+ (depending on what you buy)
for any reloading, a lot depends on the quantity of bullets, primers and powder you buy, add shipping costs and hazmat fees.

ive been reloading for 25 years on the same press, it's more than paid for itself, in the 1st 6months i owned it, at the time i was running through 3-4000 rds a month just in 45acp at todays prices, it will take a LOT longer for the press to pay for itself. depending on how much shooting you do, you may find it's cheaper in the long run to buy bulk factory ammo.
i run a "custom" load in my open 45acp for USPSA, i'm really trying not to have to buy 4000 bullets (to maximize flat rate shipping).
i was planning on adding a PCC in 9mm to the arsenal for USPSA and steel challenge next season. i'll be buying bulk factory ammo, no plans on reloading for 9mm

 

[ruger333]

Thank you for that post. I appreciate the other information

 

[chjjr]

I am a new re-loader, and it has me immensely. Thanks for creating this thread

 

[Abominator]

I have wanted to reload for so long but I really only shoot 9mm and 5.56 regularly. Its just so cheap. Honestly the biggest thing that stops me is not wanting to pick up my brass! I am looking into getting a .45 ACP so my interest has risen again.

 

[AjKilgore]

looks like i got a while before attempting reloading.

 

[penton175jp]

When I got into reloading I bought a Hornady Lock & Load. Based on that experience buy a Dillon 650 and don't look back.

 

[JUGGERSEVENSIXTWO]

I started reloading in the 1980s Dad had a lee loader for 30-30 and 30-06.Those lee loaders were a trip.I use Redding dies and a Redding turret press.I also anneal my brass as well.and wet tumble my brass.I use a rcbs chargemaster to load my brass

 

[draftsman]

Favorite or preferred hand crank case trimmer?

 

[ISP 5353]

Favorite or preferred hand crank case trimmer?

Wilson

 

[Wolfhound]

I have wanted to reload for so long but I really only shoot 9mm and 5.56 regularly. Its just so cheap. Honestly the biggest thing that stops me is not wanting to pick up my brass! I am looking into getting a .45 ACP so my interest has risen again.

This comment hasn't aged well. Hope you stocked up when it was cheap.

 

[4deckers]

Thanks for the great info! I'm considering getting into reloading but concerned about the lack of availability of supplies.

 

[JamesV]

Thanks for the great info! I'm considering getting into reloading but concerned about the lack of availability of supplies.

If you wait til tomorrow it will be even worse.

 

[canebreaker]

If you wait til tomorrow it will be even worse.

And it's got to that point.

 

[Deathcast26]

Definitely appreciate this post. A lot of usefull information for a new reloader!

 

[amboy49]

well IMHO buying new brass is going to be the killer for reloading 9MM.
a new progressive press, tumbler, media, scale, calipers, bullet puller, reloading manual ect, ect will cost you in excess of $500. probably closer to $750+ (depending on what you buy)
for any reloading, a lot depends on the quantity of bullets, primers and powder you buy, add shipping costs and hazmat fees.

ive been reloading for 25 years on the same press, it's more than paid for itself, in the 1st 6months i owned it, at the time i was running through 3-4000 rds a month just in 45acp at todays prices, it will take a LOT longer for the press to pay for itself. depending on how much shooting you do, you may find it's cheaper in the long run to buy bulk factory ammo.
i run a "custom" load in my open 45acp for USPSA, i'm really trying not to have to buy 4000 bullets (to maximize flat rate shipping).
i was planning on adding a PCC in 9mm to the arsenal for USPSA and steel challenge next season. i'll be buying bulk factory ammo, no plans on reloading for 9mm

Just wondering - have you changed your mind about reloading vs buying factory ammo ? (Assuming, of course, you have or can find components)

 

[crewchief888]

Just wondering - have you changed your mind about reloading vs buying factory ammo ? (Assuming, of course, you have or can find components)

with the unavailability of components, and ridiculous prices when they can be found, lack of gun inventories, ( and higher prices) i'll shoot what i have, not planning on adding any guns at this time. when i run out of ammo, my season will be over..

 

[Mike Maddox]

Interest in reloading has increased a great deal recently. Unfortunately, equipment and supplies are hard to find. As to the original question, take the NRA Reloading class. While we have the materials on hand to teach it, and lots of requests, so many of our classes have had to be cancelled. Find a local mentor that can help you, and share equipment. Even after 50 years, still learning.

 

[Bratch1976]

If anyone needs Reloading classes they are available in Chesterton Indiana. By expert loader that works for ammunition companies. Also if anyone needs deals on reloading components or the best deals in the country on factory competition ammunition private message me as well. Thank you Lance Bratcher Senior competition shooter and trainer

 

[murphy45]

Thank you very much for this post. 10 years later and still very helpful.

 

[DefendeNos]

Given the ammo shortage, would this be a good time to take up reloading? Or, are reloading supplies in equally short supply?