Starting Reloading

J

Jeff44

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
3   0   0
Location
Sask
I have never reloaded anything or watched anyone reload casing.
I am wondering if it is worth the money to begin reloading.
I am currently shooting the 6.5mm creedmoor hornady precision hunter eld-x for about $50 for 20 shots right now and shot about 200-300 this year
What equipment would I need to purchase?
What equipment would make reloading easy as possible?
What would this cost?
Is there a possibility of getting hurt?
What does it cost per shell to make?
At what point would I break even?
How time consuming is it to make a box of 20?
Would it be worth it to purchase reloading equipment and attempt to start reloading?

Alot of questions here but I dont know even where to start
 
Jeff44 said:
What equipment would I need to purchase?
Click to expand...
A basic single stage reloading kit from RCBS, Lee, Hornady, etc But first you should watch various reloading videos on youtube, then get some reloading manuals like the lyman 49th or 50th edition, lee's reloading manual, the ABC's of reloading and go through them.
Jeff44 said:
What equipment would make reloading easy as possible?
Click to expand...
They are all roughly the same speed for what your reloading
Jeff44 said:
What would this cost?
Click to expand...
Anywhere from $300 and up to get setup.
Jeff44 said:
Is there a possibility of getting hurt?
Click to expand...
If you put to much powder or the wrong powder, possibly yes. But it's not rocket science.
Jeff44 said:
What does it cost per shell to make?
Click to expand...
Assuming you have kept your brass you should be under $1.00 per round for better quality then what you are currently shooting. That being said if you catch the reloading bug you will likely shoot more ammo then what you do currently and start reloading for other calibre's.
Jeff44 said:
At what point would I break even?
Click to expand...
based on what you pay for the hornady stuff and how much you shoot a year or two and it should be paid off but i don't take that into account because you can easily sell your reloading gear for 70% of what you paid as long as it's in good condition.
Jeff44 said:
How time consuming is it to make a box of 20?
Click to expand...
at the start 2 hours, once you get used to how things work and get some confidence under an hour.
Jeff44 said:
Would it be worth it to purchase reloading equipment and attempt to start reloading?
Click to expand...
If you only shoot 200-300 rounds of that single calibre and have ZERO desire to shoot anything else, probably not. but if you end up enjoying the reloading process as it's own hobby then hell yes!
 
Jeff44 said:
Alot of questions here but I dont know even where to start
Click to expand...

Here's how to do the math for components. Break it down to cost per round:

brass = $free if you have it or $25/20 brass if you buy new = $.24 ea if you reload each one at least 5 times (should get AT LEAST 5 reloads)
bullets $40/100 ($.40 ea)
powder = $40/lb ($.12 ea)
primers = $4/100($.04 ea)
Total = $.85 per round if you buy new brass = $255/300 rounds.
Total = $.60 per round if you have brass in hand = $180/300 rounds.
Compares nicely to factory cost of $750/300

6.5 Creedmore is fooking expensive in factory form, and one of the cartridges that is definitely worth reloading. Initial tooling investment +/- $400, plus cost of components. Your payback period is less than a year, and after that you should be able to load for well under half the cost of factory ammo, dependant on the components you choose.

"Generally" you can get into reloading with a good basic setup for $400-$500, which will be a single stage press and basic tools. Possibly you can get started for less $ by buying used but it's not that easy to find good used reloading equipment. Components cost extra on top of that - Powder, bullets, primers. Brass might be free if you have it or pick up at the range.

Easiest way to get started is to buy a kit but I like to pick and choose what I buy and mix manufacturers.

A single stage press is all you need to start if you don't need to load large volumes. If you decide later you want to upgrade then you will easily get most of your money back selling the single, or you'll probably find you want to keep it anyway.

what you need:
1 reloading press, c/w primer seater (LEE Cast iron press is decent)
2. die set
3. case prep kit (inside & outside neck chamfer tool, primer pocket cleaners)
4. caliper
5. loading block (make your own block with a drill and a piece of 2x4)
6. beam scale (get a decent one, RCBS 5-0-5 minimum. It's the single most important tool you'll have)
7. Lee powder dipper kit or other powder measure
8. case trimmer for bottleneck cartridges, not needed for straight wall cases. (Lee handheld is about $10 per cartridge)
9. reloading manual and data
10. bullet puller (not absolutely required but trust me that you'll need it for fixing mistakes, everyone does eventually)

You'll make good ammo with that setup. You can get the fancy stuff later if you want - tumbler, electronic powder scale/measure, progressive press, etc. - but you don't need it to get started.
 
Last edited:
Well, you shot 15 boxes of cartridges (15 x20 rounds) at $50.00 a box, if I understand your post correctly
So, you spent $750.00.
You could buy a rifle for that.
As Jethunter has already said, you can reload 300 rounds using your own brass for $180.00.
And, you can use those cases about 5 times or so.
So, do the math.
Obviously, it's worth it.

It's pretty easy. Just be careful.
Stay within the loads published in the manuals.
Inspect your cases after charging them with powder, using a flashlight, to assure no double charges.
Load the bullets to the correct depth in the case.
Clean your primer pockets after depriming, and DO trim your cases.

And, a cast iron press is the only way to go. You will just end up replacing an aluminum press after you gain a little experience.
They last forever.
 
I will give you my opinion on reloading.

You can spend anywhere from very little all the way up to thousands of dollars.

When I started I wasn't sure if I would like it so I bought a Lee Anniversary kit in the USA for $89.00 and some dies and got started.

I have loaded over 15,000 rounds in the last 6 years and have bought a progressive press and another single stage press but that $89 Lee press is still on my bench cranking out loads.
If you want to go bargain basement the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit is worth it. It comes with a hand primer which is better than the press mounted primer.
If you want to spend a little more the Lee Breech Lock Classic Cast press is great.
I
 
I will be reloading 1 caliber off the start 6.5mm Creedmoor. If it goes good I can start reloading 2 other calibers .243 and .300 winmag
Volume that I will be reloading. Start off with 200-300 but if it goes good 600-1000
Don’t have a set budget. I will spend a little extra just to make it as easy as possible.
1. Reloading press c/w primer seats. What is a progressive press?
a. $400.00 Lock-N-Load AP Ez-ject auto Progressive Press
2. Die set. Are they all basically the same? Do I need the 4 piece or just a 2 piece or just 3?
a. $160.00 Redding deluxe 3 Die set for 6.5mm Creedmoor
i. c/w Full Length sizer die ( with decapping unit), Expander Die/ Neck sizing die for rifle sets, Profile or taper crimp seater die ( with built in crimping ring and seater plug )
3. Case prep kit. Inside and outside chamfer tool, primer cleaner kit
a. $40.00 Lyman Case Care kit
i. c/w large and small primer pocket reamers and cleaners, inside/outside deburr tool, ream clean adapter and case centering adapter
4. Caliper. How accurate do they need to be? Are they designed specifically for bullets?
a. Free Garage calipers to 0.005’’
b. $9 Hornady 6.5 creedmoor modified case. What would this be used for?
c. $25 Hornady comparator with $8.00 hornady comparator #5 .264’’ insert. What is this for?
5. Shell Holder
a. $10 Hornady S/H#1
6. Loading Block.
a. $20 Long range accuracy 6.5mm creedmoor CNC machined aluminum (it looked shinny)
7. Beam scale/digital scale
a. $50 Hornady electronic scale G2-1500
i. Can measure 1/10 grain accuracy up to 500 grains. How many grains of powder are in a 6.5mm creedmoor?
ii. Is this not accurate?
8. Lee powder diaper kit. What is this used for?
a. $20.00 lee improved powder measure kit
9. Powder
a. $50 Hodgden H4350 (1 LB) how much will it approximately make?
10. Bullets
a. $62 per 100 Berger 140g HPBT VLD Hunter
b. $55 per 100 Hornady 143g eld-x
11. Casings
a. Lapua
i. $125 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm creedmoor brass casings
b. Hornady
i. $120 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm creedmoor brass casings
12. Primers
a. CCI #450 $5 per 100 primer
b. CCI#400 $4.75 per 100 primers
Primer tool
c. $80.00 hornady hand priming tool improved
i. Good for large and small primers
13. Casing trimer for 6.5mm Creedmoor for bottle neck cartridges. Why would I need to trim the cases? Look like $150 was the cheapest? I am not sure I am searching for the correct equipment here
14. Reloading books
a. $25 Lyman’s Reloading manual 50th edition
i. Has new 6.5mm creedmoor loads
15. Tumbler to clean the brass
a. $180.00 Hornady L-N-L sonic cleaner 2-liter
16. Creedmoor go/ no go? What is this?
17. Bullet puller. Collet type to fix mistakes
a. $50 Hornady bullet puller camlock w/body
b. $20.00 Hornady bullet puller Collet #4

My plan is to get the easiest way to reload and if it cost a little extra so be it. I really don’t want to fight with anything or have my first experience be a terrible one
How to tell when brass are unsuitable/safe to reload? How many times can they be reloaded?
Is this overkill what I have picked out or not enough? Somethings need upgrading or some things need cut in half? Is there Brands that everyone likes/wants?
 
You'll never know until you try. . Be like the rest of us just jump right on in. I doubt you'll regret it. Hell I have almost as much fun reloading as I do shooting. . Have any problems, just ask.
 
To figure out how many loads you get out of a pound of powder: 1 lb = 7000 gr.
For a 50 gr load: 7000/50 = 140 loads in a 1 lb can of powder.
60gr load: 7000/60=110 loads in 1 lb of powder

For a case trimmer get the LEE trimmer for $15, it does as good as the $150 lyman trimmer. Get these two pieces: http://leeprecision.com/gauge-holder-6.5-creedmoor.html http://leeprecision.com/cutter-lock-stud.html

If you're going to load other cartridges later then yoiu'll already have all the tools except dies. You'll save even more.
 
Last edited:
Jeff44 said:
I will be reloading 1 caliber off the start 6.5mm Creedmoor. If it goes good I can start reloading 2 other calibers .243 and .300 winmag
Volume that I will be reloading. Start off with 200-300 but if it goes good 600-1000
Don’t have a set budget. I will spend a little extra just to make it as easy as possible.
1. Reloading press c/w primer seats. What is a progressive press?
a. $400.00 Lock-N-Load AP Ez-ject auto Progressive Press
2. Die set. Are they all basically the same? Do I need the 4 piece or just a 2 piece or just 3?
a. $160.00 Redding deluxe 3 Die set for 6.5mm Creedmoor
i. c/w Full Length sizer die ( with decapping unit), Expander Die/ Neck sizing die for rifle sets, Profile or taper crimp seater die ( with built in crimping ring and seater plug )
3. Case prep kit. Inside and outside chamfer tool, primer cleaner kit
a. $40.00 Lyman Case Care kit
i. c/w large and small primer pocket reamers and cleaners, inside/outside deburr tool, ream clean adapter and case centering adapter
4. Caliper. How accurate do they need to be? Are they designed specifically for bullets?
a. Free Garage calipers to 0.005’’
b. $9 Hornady 6.5 creedmoor modified case. What would this be used for?
c. $25 Hornady comparator with $8.00 hornady comparator #5 .264’’ insert. What is this for?
5. Shell Holder
a. $10 Hornady S/H#1
6. Loading Block.
a. $20 Long range accuracy 6.5mm creedmoor CNC machined aluminum (it looked shinny)
7. Beam scale/digital scale
a. $50 Hornady electronic scale G2-1500
i. Can measure 1/10 grain accuracy up to 500 grains. How many grains of powder are in a 6.5mm creedmoor?
ii. Is this not accurate?
8. Lee powder diaper kit. What is this used for?
a. $20.00 lee improved powder measure kit
9. Powder
a. $50 Hodgden H4350 (1 LB) how much will it approximately make?
10. Bullets
a. $62 per 100 Berger 140g HPBT VLD Hunter
b. $55 per 100 Hornady 143g eld-x
11. Casings
a. Lapua
i. $125 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm creedmoor brass casings
b. Hornady
i. $120 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm creedmoor brass casings
12. Primers
a. CCI #450 $5 per 100 primer
b. CCI#400 $4.75 per 100 primers
Primer tool
c. $80.00 hornady hand priming tool improved
i. Good for large and small primers
13. Casing trimer for 6.5mm Creedmoor for bottle neck cartridges. Why would I need to trim the cases? Look like $150 was the cheapest? I am not sure I am searching for the correct equipment here
14. Reloading books
a. $25 Lyman’s Reloading manual 50th edition
i. Has new 6.5mm creedmoor loads
15. Tumbler to clean the brass
a. $180.00 Hornady L-N-L sonic cleaner 2-liter
16. Creedmoor go/ no go? What is this?
17. Bullet puller. Collet type to fix mistakes
a. $50 Hornady bullet puller camlock w/body
b. $20.00 Hornady bullet puller Collet #4

My plan is to get the easiest way to reload and if it cost a little extra so be it. I really don’t want to fight with anything or have my first experience be a terrible one
How to tell when brass are unsuitable/safe to reload? How many times can they be reloaded?
Is this overkill what I have picked out or not enough? Somethings need upgrading or some things need cut in half? Is there Brands that everyone likes/wants?
Click to expand...
Where are you finding the progressive press for $400?
The best I've seen it is at $668 with free shipping on Amazon.ca.

If you are buying one used make sure it has the E-Z Ject system and not the old wire eject which doesn't work as well.
I own one and I also own the single stage Hornady.
If I didn't have the progressive, which I like very much. I would get rid of the single stage Hornady and buy the Lee Classic Cast Breech Lock.

What I don't like about the single stage Hornady is that you can only work from the left side

I would never recommend a progressive for a first press.
Making test loads with various different powder charges and seating depths will be a disaster.
.
For a right handed person who's fine motor skills are better with their right hand you would want to operate the press with the left hand allowing the right to place the cartridges and bullets.
I also wouldn't use an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning brass.
Go with Stainless Steel pins and a wet tumbler.
I went from corn cob and ground walnut shells in a vibratory cleaner, to a Hornady Ultrasonic cleaner, to SS Pins in a Thumler Model B within 12 months.
The ultrasonic is now only used to clean gun parts and the vibratory to put a wax coating on ammunition for long term storage.
 
Last edited:
Personally I would start with a beam balance scale, not an electronic scale. Or both, but not just an electronic scale by itself.
 
Basically it breaks down to this what i will get to start reloading from what I have been told. The one thing I likely didn't need is the progressive press but it was an extra $200 so i could get rid of the sonic cleaner cause that sounds like I the tumbler is the way to go. This seems like alot of cash to start. where did I go wrong or how did it end up costing so much?

1. Reloading press c/w primer seats.
a. $400.00 Lock-N-Load AP Ez-ject auto Progressive Press

2. Die set. Are they all basically the same? Do I need the 4 piece or just 3?
a. $160.00 Redding deluxe 3 Die set for 6.5mm Creedmoor
i. c/w Full Length sizer die ( with decapping unit)
ii. Expander Die/ Neck sizing die for rifle sets
iii. Profile or taper crimp seater die ( with built in crimping ring and seater plug )

3. Case prep kit. Inside and outside chamfer tool, primer cleaner kit
a. $40.00 Lyman Case Care kit
i. c/w large and small primer pocket reamers and cleaners
ii. inside/outside deburr tool
iii. ream clean adapter and case centering adapter

4. Caliper.
a. Free Garage calipers to 0.0005’’
b. $9 Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor modified case.
c. $40 Hornady overall length gauge Used with modified case
d. $25 Hornady comparator with $8.00 hornady comparator #5 .264’’ insert. What is this for?

5. Shell Holder
a. $10 Hornady S/H#1

6. Loading Block.
a. $25 Long range accuracy 6.5mm Creedmoor CNC machined aluminum

7. Beam scale/digital scale
a. $50 Hornady electronic scale G2-1500
i. Can measure 1/10 grain accuracy up to 500 grains.
ii. About 43 grains per 6.5mm creedmoor load
b. $30 Lee Safety magnetic scale 100 grain capacity

8. Lee powder diaper kit. What is this used for?
a. $20.00 lee improved powder measure kit
b. $13 Satern Powder Funnel 264 caliber 6.5mm aluminum and brass
9. Powder
a. $50 Hodgden H4350 (1 LB)
i. 7000 grains per lb

10. Bullets
a. $62 per 100 Berger 140g HPBT VLD Hunter
b. $55 per 100 Hornady 143g eld-x

11. Casings
a. Lapua
i. $125 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm Creedmoor brass casings
b. Hornady
i. $120 for 100 unprimed 6.5mm Creedmoor brass casings

12. Primers
a. CCI #450 $5 per 100 primer
b. CCI#400 $4.75 per 100 primers

Primer tool
c. $80.00 hornady hand priming tool improved
i. Good for large and small primers
d. Primer tray
i. $30 Dillion primer tray

13. Casing trimer
a. $6.50 Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Case Length Gauge
b. $6.98 Lee Cutter and lock stud works with all brass less than .475

14. Loading Wax
a. $9 Imperial casing wax

15. Reloading books
a. $25 Lyman’s Reloading manual 50th edition
i. Has new 6.5mm Creedmoor

16. Tumbler
a. $180.00 Hornady L-N-L sonic cleaner 2-liter
b. $200 Thumler’s Tumbler Modle B Rotary
i. $50 Frankford Arsenal Stainless steel media pins

17. Creedmoor go/ no go. What is this?
a. L.E. Wilson Case Gauge
i. $36 6.5mm Creedmoor Stock 12018

18. Bullet puller. Collet type to fix mistakes
a. $50 Hornady bullet puller camlock w/body
b. $20.00 Hornady bullet puller Collet #4

Total price for new reloading equipment with 200 bullets
$1900, So About $10 a bullet to start
 
jethunter said:
Personally I would start with a beam balance scale, not an electronic scale. Or both, but not just an electronic scale by itself.
Click to expand...

I also wouldn't use a progressive. They are great for making lots of ammo, but if you are trying to get top notch accuracy (and who wouldn't in a 6.5creedmoor?) Then a good single stage press is cheaper and better for your purpose.

I use a Lee priming tool. It is the cheapest one available, and works great.

You probably don't need the Redding competition dies if you are just punching paper for fun. Lee/rcbs/lyman dies make plenty accurate enough ammo without breaking the bank if your main goal is to reduce ammo cost.
 
Jeff44 - from your last post - your shopping list has at least $1000 of stuff you do not need to start reloading. By the Lyman manual first. Then read it. Then re-do your list. You do not need go/nogo gauges - those are for installing barrels on a receiver. You do not need a tumbler or cleaner to start - a damp rag and a bit of 0000 steel wool on your case while spinning it to trim will make it clean. You want clean - shiny is for the eyes only. To start, you do not need a priming tool - most every press I have seen has a priming mechanism on it. Why are you buying brass casings? You have your once fired brass, no? You do not need a dipper kit if you are using a balance scale - you will find a trickle to be very handy though. The Hornady case gauge, etc. - not needed - Lyman manual or Redding instructions will show you how to set up your dies to match your chamber, and how to set up seating die to get bullet however many thousands that you want to be off your lands. (Use a jiffy marker) I sure would not be crimping for best results in a bolt rifle. No idea why you would start with a progressive press - lots of single stage available for much less than you've listed. Often you want to just do one or three cartridges to test something.
 
When I first started I just bought the RCBS reload kit for like 370 and I also picked up some Princess auto calipers, that and all my reloading components.

Hey Jeff just wondering if you live in regina?
 
Jeff44 said:
I have never reloaded anything or watched anyone reload casing.
I am wondering if it is worth the money to begin reloading.
I am currently shooting the 6.5mm creedmoor hornady precision hunter eld-x for about $50 for 20 shots right now and shot about 200-300 this year
What equipment would I need to purchase?
What equipment would make reloading easy as possible?
What would this cost?
Is there a possibility of getting hurt?
What does it cost per shell to make?
At what point would I break even?
How time consuming is it to make a box of 20?
Would it be worth it to purchase reloading equipment and attempt to start reloading?

Alot of questions here but I dont know even where to start
Click to expand...

It is well worth the effort and self gratification in building something up that works in your particular firearm. I enjoy working in the man cave as much as I do shooting the firearms themselves.

You will not get hurt if you pay close "attention to detail" and always check and recheck on what you are doing and concentrate on what the task at hand is by avoiding listening to the radio or watching the TV. Do not get distracted. Follow the powder manufactures directions and never substitute the brands of cartridge components with others without serious investigating and forethought.

By any number of the starting kits, check youtube and the interweb for ideas..........and ask question in CGN.

Good luck and have fun.
 
Just jump in! Reloading is an extension of the pleasure of shooting. Your material will pay for itself and you will still have years of fun with it. No need to overthink it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom