I've been trying to locate[unsuccessfully] a Canadian source for 9.3x57 ammunition-and the suggestion was the only practical way to own and shoot one was to reload-which I've never done.I do have TC muzzleloader and cast my own bullets for that, but thats as much as I know .I do not shoot a lot,so don't need a high volume set up-but what does it cost for a basic reloading set up ie. rockchucker has been mentioned--dies,scale, press etc?
basic reloading set up
- Thread starter ratherbefishin
- Start date
I guess it depends on how basic you are looking for. The Lee Challenger Kit is basic but has everything you need to get started (excluding dies, caliper, and ammo components) for a little over $100. I just reload 8x57 Mauser in about 50 round lots and it is perfect for what I need. I know some people rail on Lee stuff but I have the kit and it has served me well with nice accurate ammo. (Though I did upgrade to a RCBS scale for better ease of use.)
The Rockchucker kit is about $430 or so at Wholesale Sports. With dies and shellholder going RCBS would be about $500. There isn't anything wrong with Lee equipment, but there seems to be far less complaints with RCBS stuff from what I've noticed.
Equipment, not including components will set you back a minimum of say $125CDN +taxes for new equipment. That would be a Lee Challenger Press Kit, and a set of lee dies. That would get you the absolute basics. Single non-adjustable volumetric powder scoop. Nothing for case trimming, nor measuring OAL. Buying used can always save you money. Used RCBS Rockchuckers are usually a minimum of $125 by themselves.
Figure that you use an average of 50grs powder a load (47gr rounded up).
$30/7000gr = $0.22 powder.
$30/1000 primer = $0.03 primer
$35 to 65/100 Bullets (300gr) = $0.35 to $0.65 bullet
Your prices with saved brass suddenly go to $0.60-$0.90 a round (So under a dollar a shot for a high quality hunting rounds). You shoot 25-50 rounds a year and you will save at least $25-$50 in ammo costs. (I think 9.3x57 is over $2 a shot if you can even find commercial ammo).
Figure that you use an average of 50grs powder a load (47gr rounded up).
$30/7000gr = $0.22 powder.
$30/1000 primer = $0.03 primer
$35 to 65/100 Bullets (300gr) = $0.35 to $0.65 bullet
Your prices with saved brass suddenly go to $0.60-$0.90 a round (So under a dollar a shot for a high quality hunting rounds). You shoot 25-50 rounds a year and you will save at least $25-$50 in ammo costs. (I think 9.3x57 is over $2 a shot if you can even find commercial ammo).
There seems to be a few reloading threads going lately with comments about Lee equipment.
I have been reloading for over 25 years. Not an expert but some experience.
I started with Lee because of low price & have had a few since. Lee turret press, Lee pro 1000 and other related Lee equipment.
In my opinion, Lee has good ideas but some poor execution. I still have a Lee powder measure that leaks powder ( Win 231 etc ). The Lee manual says this is normal. My Pro 1000 jammed primers & was a pain. When it worked it was fine but every now & again I got squib loads, upside down primers etc. So I sold it.
5 Years ago I moved over to Dillon & will not go back to Lee except for perhaps single stage.
But maybe I was just unlucky. Remember that this only my opinion.
I have been reloading for over 25 years. Not an expert but some experience.
I started with Lee because of low price & have had a few since. Lee turret press, Lee pro 1000 and other related Lee equipment.
In my opinion, Lee has good ideas but some poor execution. I still have a Lee powder measure that leaks powder ( Win 231 etc ). The Lee manual says this is normal. My Pro 1000 jammed primers & was a pain. When it worked it was fine but every now & again I got squib loads, upside down primers etc. So I sold it.
5 Years ago I moved over to Dillon & will not go back to Lee except for perhaps single stage.
But maybe I was just unlucky. Remember that this only my opinion.
This is the thing though. When you started, did you have the money to just go out and buy Redding/Dillon/RCBS equipment for reloading? If you did, then I want to be a close relative of yours....
Buy used equipment and new equipment along the way as you get enough money to do so. I don't recommend spending more than a few hundred dollars to start with until you have some experience and are familiar with the concept. (Or get a buddy who does reload and watch/assist him in reloading.). Oh yeah. Buy a reloading manual. #1 thing you need to do if you are looking into reloading. Buy it and then READ IT!
Buy used equipment and new equipment along the way as you get enough money to do so. I don't recommend spending more than a few hundred dollars to start with until you have some experience and are familiar with the concept. (Or get a buddy who does reload and watch/assist him in reloading.). Oh yeah. Buy a reloading manual. #1 thing you need to do if you are looking into reloading. Buy it and then READ IT!
Jarlath: I agree that Lee got me started into reloading as a fairly inexpensive investment. I still use an old Lee turret press for rifle. I use it as a single stage as it stopped indexing a long time ago.
Where I have an Issue with Lee is in items where precise fitting and/or longevity of parts is important. Certain other things are fine.
Yes, when I started I could not afford Dillon.
Your comments about watching a buddy & getting a manual and reading it are very valid points.
Where I have an Issue with Lee is in items where precise fitting and/or longevity of parts is important. Certain other things are fine.
Yes, when I started I could not afford Dillon.
Your comments about watching a buddy & getting a manual and reading it are very valid points.
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
I reload for rifles only (including 9.3x57). The only company that makes 9.3x57 dies as a production unit is Hornady ($80 Canadian from most places, Epps had them in stock back in mid March). 9.3x57 brass is available from Higginsons Powders ($18.50/50). Most of my gear was bought off the Equpment Exchange, Lee challenger press, Dillon scale, and dies for most of my rifles. If you will be loading for hunting/target rifles only, a single stage press is all you need (Lee challenger, RCBS Rockchucker etc).
I started with a Lee hand press (just married new kid etc) I have a Lee chalenger press and a RCBS. I use both Lee and RCBS dies, a Lyman scale, Hornady trickler and the list goes on . I my opinion all of the manufacturers make good quality equipment. you get what you pay for. It all depends on how much you are going to use them. If your loading 100 or 200 rounds a year Lee will last you a lifetime. If you do 5000 a sitting that is another story. I guess common sense is not that common.
I just finished 1000 rounds of .40S&W a couple weeks ago with my single stage RCBS 
Time consuming? Yup.
Boring to the wife? Yup.
Free of distractions? Hell Yeah.
Peace and time for thinking about anything or nothing? Yup.
Time for a Dillon? Not quite yet.... Let me finish the next 1000 in .357mag first....
Time consuming? Yup.
Boring to the wife? Yup.
Free of distractions? Hell Yeah.
Peace and time for thinking about anything or nothing? Yup.
Time for a Dillon? Not quite yet.... Let me finish the next 1000 in .357mag first....
I had a lee challenger for 20+years until it gave up if you want to ease into reloading it an OK way to go. I have upgraded to the lee classic, at the time it was just under under 100$ but it is built like a brick $hit house I would say it can go toe to toe with any single stage out there.
i'm still using a lee turret press thats over 20 years old. its all i could afford at the time. some lee stuff is iffy but for the dollar value its a good way into reloading. my press has loaded thousands of handgun rounds and many rifle rounds too. i always figured when it broke i would buy a good one, it just won't break. its a little challenging to load full lenth rnds like 7 stw but if you try hard it will fit.
This is funny to me as I just got into reloading to try and save money and to buy stuff as cheaply as possible, and it still ends up costing you pretty good, because you always need another tool! I have RCBS and lee stuff, and I have paid around 500 for all of it, and I still need more! Then don't forget about buying powder and lead, that costs money too, especially if you want fancy bullets...
