Starting up

[ninepointer]

I'm thinking of reloading (.270 & .308) for hunting, but as I see it, you've got to be crazy to buy all new equipment at Canadian prices. My questions are:

1) If I keep an eye on the exchange forums & the local buy/sell mags, how much is it realistically gonna cost me to equip myself with the essential tools? $500, $1000? What kind of initial capital outlay am I looking at (ballpark)?

2) Once I'm up an running, what is my approximate cost per round?

If this has been asked before or if I've missed a sticky, please point me in the right direction. Thanks

 

[Scott_N]

I'd look at the RCBS Rochchucker Kit, which I believe is about $400 in Canada. In addition, the dies will be about $40 for each set, the shell holder (same for both 270 and 308) will be about $5. Pick up a second manual for less than $50, and you'll be good to start. Any other tools, such as callipers, aren't that expensive.

 

[blindman]

If you go with Lee, you can get started for around the $300.00 -$400.00mark. If you are looking at loading to save on cost of ammo, you will have to figure how much you have put into your loading equip, and how many rounds it will take to recover your cost. I started reloading to save cost, now I reload because I enjoy it! Cheers!

 

[Beadwindow]

Take a look at Higginsonspowders dot com and request their latest price list. Depending on how much you want to reload, the Lee Anniversary Kit with manual should cost you around $150. Add about $30-40 for each die plus a selection of powders bullets and components and I would think that you could be on your way producing quality ammo for about $300. Some people really like Lee products while others swear by the more expensive brands. In the past year since I've taken up reloading, I've used Lee products to reload for .22 hornet, 6.5x55, 8x57, .303, .308, 7.5x55 Swiss, 8x56R and have cast bullets in .303, 8x57 and 8x56R. For 9.3x57 and 9.3x62, I've used dies from Hornady. I use a Lee Hand Press, and while I find the process a bit too slow for my liking, it would be more than adequate for loading just one or two calibres.

Cheers,

Frank

 

[TAC]

Beadwindow X2 Good advice and I have been reloading for about five years now (not that thats a long time)and that is the advice I would give to some one new. I cast all my pistol bullets as well.
Besides you will know how much you will want to spend when you get into it. And I found that I could sell everything and get my money back out, so no harm done.
Also use this board a terrific resource
Let us know how you make out and good luck.
P.S. Do not forget to get a manual and after a while you will have 4 or 5 of them Hahaha

 

[hoochie]

once you get your equipment the cost for you to buy components and make your own bullets will be half of factory cost(s).
you will be very happy you started to reload.