Reloading, where to start ?
- Thread starter Gabrile
- Start date
I shoot more for the same cost in common calibers like 30-06, 300WM etc. More unusual or bigger 308NM, and Weatherby cartridges, 375H&H, 44mag, etc unless you have $hundreds/ month to buy factory ammo you just can't shoot enough to be comfortable unless you reload. Rare or antiques often have very little ammo available outside reloading. I think it serves hunters well to shoot 200+ rnds a year to be comfortable with whatever they may come across during the season. 223, 9MM, 40S&W, 7.62x39, 308 are probably not economic to reload unless you are a high volume competitive shooter.
Note: If your friends reload, buy dies for your calibers and some components and do it at their place occasionally.
Note: If your friends reload, buy dies for your calibers and some components and do it at their place occasionally.
In all seriousness, start, by doing a bunch of reading and watching videos.
A single stage press is pretty cheap, and if you are real hard up for money, there is always the Lee Loader kits, but I figure those are even too cheap for me.
Is it worth it? You have to decide that, based on the volume and type of shooting you do. Once you have equipment in hand, and a little bit of supplies laid up, odds are, you will never worry about ammo shortages ever again. The payback is a LOT faster, if you are loading for something that is not cheaply available at the store, like Weatherby Mag cals, or say, 338 Lapua, for examples. The cost of loaded ammo is disproportionate to what it costs to reload it once you have a stock of brass in hand.
Cheers
Trev
A single stage press is pretty cheap, and if you are real hard up for money, there is always the Lee Loader kits, but I figure those are even too cheap for me.
Is it worth it? You have to decide that, based on the volume and type of shooting you do. Once you have equipment in hand, and a little bit of supplies laid up, odds are, you will never worry about ammo shortages ever again. The payback is a LOT faster, if you are loading for something that is not cheaply available at the store, like Weatherby Mag cals, or say, 338 Lapua, for examples. The cost of loaded ammo is disproportionate to what it costs to reload it once you have a stock of brass in hand.
Cheers
Trev
- Location
- Jameson, SK
It also depends on how much you care about accuracy. If you're happy with what you're getting with factory, sobeit. If you are looking to begin an "journey" that is really a bottomless pit of your money, time, and thoughts, all in the name of a 1/4MOA, then giv'er!!!!!
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
Reloading won't really save you much money unless you shoot a very high volume rounds a year. Reloading is however an interesting (but initially expensive) hobby that will allow you to custom tailor a round for your individual firearms greatly improving accuracy and function. Once you are set up you will be shooting premium ammunition at surplus prices which is nice. I'd say an RCBS rockchucker is a good start.
Save money...yes. How much depends on quantity and components chosen.
I got into it when ammo started becoming sparse. Got enough bullets and powder so I can reload any and all if US binge buying starts again.
Make reduced load rounds for plinking, nicer and cheaper than buying from the store.
Went a step further and got into casting.
With the cost of cast being $0.30/round or less, you tell me if I am saving money.
My initial investment for one caliber was about $250 for all the equipment. After that its about $60 per caliber.
I got into it when ammo started becoming sparse. Got enough bullets and powder so I can reload any and all if US binge buying starts again.
Make reduced load rounds for plinking, nicer and cheaper than buying from the store.
Went a step further and got into casting.
With the cost of cast being $0.30/round or less, you tell me if I am saving money.
My initial investment for one caliber was about $250 for all the equipment. After that its about $60 per caliber.
Not as much savings as you might hope for, depending on the caliber you're reloading. But generally some savings if you load enough.
If you're happy with the results of factory ammo, not much incentive to move on. How much do you want consistant one inch (or less) groups at 100?
Depending on the caliber you're loading for, a Lee Loader. Seems like more work than a press but stores anywhere, can easily transport with you if you want, cheap and can turn out decent ammo. They are not difficult to use. However, by themselves, do have some limitations (only one fixed measuring scoop included). Just bought one for $55 which is less than the cost of a set of dies not to mention, press and shell holder.
If you're happy with the results of factory ammo, not much incentive to move on. How much do you want consistant one inch (or less) groups at 100?
Depending on the caliber you're loading for, a Lee Loader. Seems like more work than a press but stores anywhere, can easily transport with you if you want, cheap and can turn out decent ammo. They are not difficult to use. However, by themselves, do have some limitations (only one fixed measuring scoop included). Just bought one for $55 which is less than the cost of a set of dies not to mention, press and shell holder.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I load for 243, 30-06(x2), 7mm-08(x2), and 6x45(there is no factory ammo around)
Factory ammo runs from $35-50 a box. I can load 30-06 for $20 tax included for 20 rounds. 243 for about $18/20. 7mm-08 for about the same. $15/20 for 6x45. Reloading also lets you totally customize ammo you want. I load 162gr eldx in 1 7mm-08 and that is not offered at the factory. Also lets you get into wildcats and other non mainstream calibers other then the standard 243, 308, 30-08 ad so on. There is a whole world out there of strange ones to discover.
Factory ammo runs from $35-50 a box. I can load 30-06 for $20 tax included for 20 rounds. 243 for about $18/20. 7mm-08 for about the same. $15/20 for 6x45. Reloading also lets you totally customize ammo you want. I load 162gr eldx in 1 7mm-08 and that is not offered at the factory. Also lets you get into wildcats and other non mainstream calibers other then the standard 243, 308, 30-08 ad so on. There is a whole world out there of strange ones to discover.
I have been reloading since 1964.
At 1st it was out of necessity, I did not have enough money to buy factory shells or cartridges.
As I got older I was able to get brass and shotgun hulls for all the firearms I shoot.
I was able to buy all the BEST reloading equipment.
I'm now close to 70 years old, [TIME REALLY FLIES].
And I shoot just as much if nor more.
Don't buy cheap equipment buy the best you can afford. It will pay off in the long run.
At 1st it was out of necessity, I did not have enough money to buy factory shells or cartridges.
As I got older I was able to get brass and shotgun hulls for all the firearms I shoot.
I was able to buy all the BEST reloading equipment.
I'm now close to 70 years old, [TIME REALLY FLIES].
And I shoot just as much if nor more.
Don't buy cheap equipment buy the best you can afford. It will pay off in the long run.
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RangerPark
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Near Edmonton, AB
Yes it's worth it. It's a hobby of it's own. Lots to learn and great rewards as you get to master the trade. Factory ammo may work great for you but when you master reloading nothing out there will touch your reloads.
If you do a round per round analysis you'll be able to convince yourself you can save money. Especially when you compare reloading costs to premium rounds. In reality it's not so. You'l take all the money you were wiling to spend on factory and spend it on reloading. You'll be shooting more, but you won't save money. It you get the shooting bug you'll be shooting a lot more, thinking you're saving money, even though you'll actually be spending more. It you love shooting, you'll love reloading, in the end you'll have two hobbies instead of one. 100% worth it, just don't expect to save money...
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Deluxe reloading kit if you want to start strong. Or go piece by piece, your choice. Don't expect to get everything right at first, impossible. Buy everything you think you need, half of it you won't use and you'll end up replacing. The other half you'll want to upgrade for no good reason other than wanting to. And there you go down the rabbit hole...
There is a progression on the learning curve.
You learn by being told, Reading, Watching videos or another person, and finally by doing the tasks yourself generally under the watchful eye of a tutor or mentor.
Once you start it will continue to be an extension of the learning curve . . . keep notes . . . don't make the same mistake twice and never be afraid to ask.
As soon as you can answer the questions . . . Who, What, When, Where, Why and How much is this going to cost me (or save me) you will be ready to start.
You learn by being told, Reading, Watching videos or another person, and finally by doing the tasks yourself generally under the watchful eye of a tutor or mentor.
Once you start it will continue to be an extension of the learning curve . . . keep notes . . . don't make the same mistake twice and never be afraid to ask.
As soon as you can answer the questions . . . Who, What, When, Where, Why and How much is this going to cost me (or save me) you will be ready to start.
I'm on my second reload of 750 45acp, cost per 1000 works out to under $300.00, just checked a site sponsor price, $699.00 for American eagle, so that's $600.00 in savings just on that caliber, also do 357 at about same cost/savings, 9mm not as much savings, but I shoot more of them.
What's also nice about reloading, for pistol anyway, is that case price can be bought in parts, powder primers one paycheque, bullets next, and away you go, no big outlay to put 1000 rounds downrange.
I live in a town only accessible by ferry, only one place in town to buy ammo, $50.00 for a box of 357s, so I either order cases online or better yet reload.
What's also nice about reloading, for pistol anyway, is that case price can be bought in parts, powder primers one paycheque, bullets next, and away you go, no big outlay to put 1000 rounds downrange.
I live in a town only accessible by ferry, only one place in town to buy ammo, $50.00 for a box of 357s, so I either order cases online or better yet reload.
If you are shooting 100 rounds a year for hunting, then don't bother. If the factory ammo is working well for you then you are set. You should be doing it to get better accuracy (so let's say you go from a 5 inch group at 300 yards using factory to a 2 inch group using reloads, that kind of thing). To save money, well you will spend more on reloading equipment than you thought, I got setup for about $500 but by the end of the year I was up to around $1300. So if you saved $1 per round it took 1300 rounds to break even. That works in my case since I reload about 2500 rounds per year. But at 100 rounds per year it would be 13 years just to break even. Then there is the time you put into it ..
The very first step is getting C Rodney James's The ABC's or reloading before you buy any equipment. https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert-ebook/dp/B004GUSBP6
This will answer a LOT of your questions about the hobby. As for "is it worth it", it depends entirely on your situation: which calibre(s), how many rounds you shoot per year, how much time you're willing to spend on the hobby, whether you're happy with just a basic kit or you like to have the more efficient and advanced accessories and equipment, etc. Basic starter equipment will usually run you 500-600$. A full set of equipment for someone that reloads for volume (progressive press) or does load development for accuracy or casts his own projectiles can run to a couple thousands easily.
The press is the central part of the process, but it's by no wise enough by itself. You want reference manuals, you need to clean your brass, you need to trim it, you need furniture under the press, you need storage, you need measuring tools, etc... It adds up.
You can save a lot of money if you steadfastly stick to the program of saving money, are happy with matching factory accuracy and don't shoot more. On some rifle calibers you could start turning a profit on a decent setup in couple of hours.
A more normal scenario is that you end up spending much more developing loads than you ever spent on ammo. You'll shot more, but much of that will be from a bench and isn't as useful practice as many think. It does cross over well to shooting from a bipod though. The big benefits of loading for rifle are accuracy, getting to shoot the bullets you want, and consistency.
For shotgun target ammo and some common handgun cartridges you might even lose money.
A more normal scenario is that you end up spending much more developing loads than you ever spent on ammo. You'll shot more, but much of that will be from a bench and isn't as useful practice as many think. It does cross over well to shooting from a bipod though. The big benefits of loading for rifle are accuracy, getting to shoot the bullets you want, and consistency.
For shotgun target ammo and some common handgun cartridges you might even lose money.
- Location
- West Quebec
Good advice.. the second hobby was my motivation cost a distant second
I started the way you have- by coming here to the reloading forum, and reading. Since it was all new to me, I'd read something, not understand it, stop, go look up what I'd failed to understand, absorb that, move on and repeat.
So many questions, but after a while it began to make sense.
Keep coming back.
Hard to resist the lure of better than factory ammo, cheaper than factory.
So many questions, but after a while it began to make sense.
Keep coming back.
Hard to resist the lure of better than factory ammo, cheaper than factory.
Bluedevil25
CGN Regular
- Location
- Saskatoon, Sask.
I got lucky and acquired a brand new Bonanza (pre-Forster) Co-Ax press. I bought everything else piece by piece which is definitely not the cheapest route but ended up with quality reloading equipment. I reload as a hobby and for fun, not in it with the mindset of specifically doing it to save money. I don't know what your budget is but in any event there will be the initial startup like others have mentioned. I don't shoot a lot atleast this year I haven't but have loaded enough ammo to get me by about 2 years and have enough components to last me a lifetime except projectiles.
The ABC's of Reloadng is an excellent book and highly recommended as well as a couple of other loading manuals. Good luck!
The ABC's of Reloadng is an excellent book and highly recommended as well as a couple of other loading manuals. Good luck!
- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
A Lee Hand Press kit, die set, powder scale, powder trickler and reloading block (total cost < $400) could meet your needs and doesn't take up any space. You just set up on a table and stow it away when done.
If you reload for a heavy caliber (for example .458 Win. Mag., around $5 per factory round), it doesn't take much reloading to recover the equipment cost.
If you reload for a heavy caliber (for example .458 Win. Mag., around $5 per factory round), it doesn't take much reloading to recover the equipment cost.
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The answer is dependant upon your current and future shooting preferences. If you hunt a bit, shoot a black rifle / a handgun occasionally then you will not likely save any money. However, if you are about to get into some serious form of long distance rifle shooting / hunting, or have an unusual calibre handgun or rifle, or want to perfect accuracy to its highest level, then reloading is a good way forward.
There are seriously good deals available on bulk ammo purchases on this forum, even in the less common calibers. But the ability to develop a load based on your needs, for the very rifle you shoot is priceless. It also becomes quite an addictive hobby in its own right.
If you are looking to take the next step in your sport / hobby, then do it. And have a search of the other threads on this forum where people in your position were asking which brand / equipment to go for. I would suggest you go for level entry if your need is immediate, or to take a year or so collecting the best that you can afford off this forum / other internet locations. It took me two years to get the set up I have now, and about 20% of it will be upgraded to something better in the future. If you are going for really high levels of handgun ammo, then an automated progressive is a beautiful thing.
I hope this helps.
Candocad.
There are seriously good deals available on bulk ammo purchases on this forum, even in the less common calibers. But the ability to develop a load based on your needs, for the very rifle you shoot is priceless. It also becomes quite an addictive hobby in its own right.
If you are looking to take the next step in your sport / hobby, then do it. And have a search of the other threads on this forum where people in your position were asking which brand / equipment to go for. I would suggest you go for level entry if your need is immediate, or to take a year or so collecting the best that you can afford off this forum / other internet locations. It took me two years to get the set up I have now, and about 20% of it will be upgraded to something better in the future. If you are going for really high levels of handgun ammo, then an automated progressive is a beautiful thing.
I hope this helps.
Candocad.
