I've been a hunter for quite some time now and I am staring to entertain the idea of loading my own rounds due to cost. I was wondering if someone can chime in and recommend a few place to buy supplies such as casings, primers, powder and whatnot. So I can see how much it would be compared to buying the box of XP3's off the shelf. Thanks in advance.
Best place to buy
- Thread starter Slowey
- Start date
Sorry about that. I'm located in Thunder Bay, ON. I'm shooting a Browning BAR Shorttrac in .300 WSM. I am completely new to reloading so I will need everything to get started also. As far as budget goes I'm not too concerned. I take pride in everything I own so I defiantly won't be buying junk equipment.
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
I expect that is one of those calibers that pays for reloading equipment faster than other calibers: However, you mention "hunter" and "due to cost" in the same sentence. Unless you shoot lots of practice rounds prior to each season and participate in every game animal here your motivation (while you don't need to explain your reasons for wanting to for anyone) may not be the most economical route. Equipment purchase cost up front will take quite some time to recover even if 300wsm rounds are 3.00 each(figure gives lots of leaway since a match round of 308win only costs 2.00)
While I am not the least trying to dissuade you from reloading as you will be able to reload rounds of greater accuracy than factory at under half the cost, overcoming the up front equipment cost will surpass the savings for a few years (without counting your time) before break even point is reached. Assuming you are aware of this, and are able to reconcile the up front cost, excellent!
You will probably by now have been able to accumulate once shot brass from your sighting in anyway, while in the field an autoloader is very efficient at losing empties. I know many stores would probably stock or at least be able to order in brass: Elwood Epps might stock it, I don't think SFRC has that caliber in stock... Gobles in London might...
RCBS single stage press is a good place to start, and you will need 300WSM FL sizing dies and shell holder. I like Lee case trimmers, but whatever you choose you will need a trimmer gauge. Most manufacturers offer startup kits that come with the press, scale, trickler, lube pad... all the basics, but for each caliber the previously mentioned tools are needed and a reloading manual* the most important piece of kit to someone learning. As to sourcing: I don't know what is around Thunder Bay, but mail order from sponsors above should set you up: Most have user friendly menus from which to choose reloading tools and components, and a few minutes with a calculator can sort out the math.
You will need a solid bench on which to mount the reloading press: Sometimes a good deal of force is required on the lever, and a flimsy bench will inhibit your efforts until it collapses.
While I am not the least trying to dissuade you from reloading as you will be able to reload rounds of greater accuracy than factory at under half the cost, overcoming the up front equipment cost will surpass the savings for a few years (without counting your time) before break even point is reached. Assuming you are aware of this, and are able to reconcile the up front cost, excellent!
You will probably by now have been able to accumulate once shot brass from your sighting in anyway, while in the field an autoloader is very efficient at losing empties. I know many stores would probably stock or at least be able to order in brass: Elwood Epps might stock it, I don't think SFRC has that caliber in stock... Gobles in London might...
RCBS single stage press is a good place to start, and you will need 300WSM FL sizing dies and shell holder. I like Lee case trimmers, but whatever you choose you will need a trimmer gauge. Most manufacturers offer startup kits that come with the press, scale, trickler, lube pad... all the basics, but for each caliber the previously mentioned tools are needed and a reloading manual* the most important piece of kit to someone learning. As to sourcing: I don't know what is around Thunder Bay, but mail order from sponsors above should set you up: Most have user friendly menus from which to choose reloading tools and components, and a few minutes with a calculator can sort out the math.
You will need a solid bench on which to mount the reloading press: Sometimes a good deal of force is required on the lever, and a flimsy bench will inhibit your efforts until it collapses.
You need to decide how much reloading you intend to do and what your time is worth. You will need to decide how many rounds you want to be able to reload at a sitting, if you have lots of time and enjoy working with your hands crafting a round at a time using a single stage press, like the RCBS rockchucker supreme, can do everything you'll need and will last a lifetime. If you want to crank out a 100 + rounds an hour a progressive press like the Dillon would suit your needs. Reloading only saves you money with quantity, if you shoot regularly and have the time to reload the equipment will pay for itself and you will save money and have more accurate ammo to shoot.
Try some in the site sponsors web sites to get an idea of component costs and you can use a reloading calculator app you can find doing a search on the web to figure out cost per round.
Try some in the site sponsors web sites to get an idea of component costs and you can use a reloading calculator app you can find doing a search on the web to figure out cost per round.
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
Sorry Ryan, I was not trying to cut you out and trust I was clear in mentioning my lack of knowledge concerning the supply of 300wsm brass you had... It's been a week since my last visit, I see some handgun bullets listed that I would like so another trip soon.
