To reload or not to reload?

[CanadianMarksman]

I know this is a common question but I was wondering if it is worth investing $600+ in reloading equipment in my particular situation. I am a newbie shooter and I currently own a 9mm and an SKS. Finding well priced ammo for those two guns isn't difficult at all (even in Toronto!), in fact I got 300rds of 7.62x39 for $60. When I went out to the range I found no difficulty whatsoever in burning through those 300 rounds, so I will be shooting a lot if that's a factor.

I am now thinking of getting a Glock 21 (45ACP) and a Remington 700 in either .308 or .30-06, so I decided to do some research beforehand. The 45ACP wasn't too bad, but I nearly collapsed when I saw the cost of .308 and .30-06. That lead me to look up the topic of reloading. The progressive presses that I've checked out are the Dillon 550b and the Hornady Lock N Load Auto press, and both of them are in the $500 - $600 range, and then I'd have to buy the dies, primers, brass, etc.

Now I can't decide whether it would be worth it to spend all this money on reloading equipment, so I need some advice on which route to take - to buy or not to buy the press, and if so, can you give me any recommendations on a press that can load common rifle and pistol calibers?

Note that I'll probably only be reloading .308 or .30-06 and 45ACP.

Thanks!

 

[enfield303t]

Reloading is a great hobby and you can't reload 7.62X39 as cheap as you can buy surplus.

The cost of gear is not cheap however most will last countless years if you take care of it.

Probably not worth it yet just for 9mm however if you can find a inexpensive used Lyman turret press for your 9mm that is the way to go and easy to do.

 

[09outlander]

Yes it's worth it, buy a single stage first, then after a while when you've become comfortable with reloading get a progressive press. It's a great hobby, many, including myself find it relaxing.

Plus there is something gratifying about shooting ammo you made yourself.