What do I need to reload .40 S&W without braking the bank?

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Jeff000

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I would like to reload for 2 reasons, one to save money, and two, so I can load them a bit light for my gf.

I dont want to spend more then I need to, so looking for the best comprimise on price vs time needed to reload lets say 300 rounds a week max. I would sit down infront of the TV one night and just do it.

So what should I get?
 
I would suggest buying a lee anniversery kit. These can be had for USD$100 with dies on ebay and include all you need but powder and primers.
 
I second the Lee kit and a good reloading manual. If you are going to load 300rds per week for many years, maybe a progressive press might be in your future? More up front costs, but in the long run it will save you money. Bit more complicated to set up and get going, but you can crank out rounds quicker.

For a newbie reloader though, can't go wrond with the Lee stuff and the basics! Enjoy your new hobby!
 
Thanks :)
I notice its cheap toget stuff from the states on Ebay, but not shipping to Canada, whats the laws on shipping reloading equipment to Canada?
 
Reloading equipment doesn't fall under any firearm constraints. They can be brought in like clothing or machine parts or anything else not firearms related
 
agilent_one said:
A reloading manual. I reccomend Lyman's for a newbie.
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I highly recommend you buy a reloading manual first, Lyman Reloading Manual 48th Edition. Very informative for newbies. You will prolly get all the information you need to know about reloading, which will help you decide the path you want to go - progressive or single stage press. So rather than spending your money right away to an unfamiliar equipment, start investing on a reloading manual and gather as much information you can before deciding.
You will need to shell out a lot of dough (depending on what you choose) to start reloading... you will benefit from it in the long run tho.
Dont get the wrong impression that there is such thing as cheap reloading, shooting and reloading is not cheap! It's an expensive hobby especially if you are reloading for your girlfriend (just kidding). :D :D

Good luck and reload safely.
 
i would suggest rather then downloading for your GF, that you look at loading heavier bullets. this will cause less "twist" in the gun and make it easier for her to hang onto.

The reloading manual is a good start. the only "bad" thing about a lee 1000 is that it is only a three hole so you can not crimp your bullets. most semi autos work better with a properly crimped bullet. i beleive the Lee Loadall is the 4 hole machine.

good luck.
 
300 rounds a week is alot of time at a single stage press. I just loaded 150 rounds of .40 S&W on my rockchucker last night. I was there for about 2 hours. (I really need to set up that 550:redface: )

Before you consider a press, I would take a look at what ammunition you'll want to load with it, now and down the road.
A single stage will work, and I would recommend one for rifle loads, but for pistol, I'd jump right into a Dillon progressive.
 
With a good system, practice, and no distractions, you can do about 100 pistol rounds/hour on a single stage. For cheap, fast reloading a Lee Pro1000 will do you. But start simple with the single stage.
 
At 300 rounds a week, I will go strait to a progressive, a Dillon Square deal press. Initial cash is more, but time and consistency will be greater. A good reloading manual is a must as is a good powder scale.
 
I just went on ebay and many seller of the lee anniversery kit do ship to canada :)
I may get into shooting .40 s&w and was wondering if that kit has all to begin with (once you buy dies) ?
What would be the cost of the round not counting brass ? if it goes around 0.10$ each, that would be cool :)
 
If you are going to be shooting 300 a week, that 15600 rounds a year.. so lets round it down to about 10K/year.

when I costed out my dillon and accessories, it paid for itself at about 7K, so in about 9 month's it's paid for itself. Plus think loading 10K of shells in a single stage :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
Icefire said:
I just went on ebay and many seller of the lee anniversery kit do ship to canada :)
I may get into shooting .40 s&w and was wondering if that kit has all to begin with (once you buy dies) ?
What would be the cost of the round not counting brass ? if it goes around 0.10$ each, that would be cool :)
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New bullets can be purchased on case lots for $.24/ea
It will cost appx. $.19/ea to reload using jacketed bullets
12 cents apeice for copper plated
cast will be cheaper, particularly if you start casting your own.
Overall, the % savings is not as high as with rifle cartridges.
 
To load for handgun, I think you need to spring for a progressive press. Otherwise, you will lose all the fun of reloading, and it will become a chore.
Why? Because at a shooting session how many rounds do you expend?
Reloading fifty rounds on a turret press doesn't take too long, but when you do it for a couple of hundred every week, it's going to become a chore.
 
Icefire said:
I just went on ebay and many seller of the lee anniversery kit do ship to canada :)
I may get into shooting .40 s&w and was wondering if that kit has all to begin with (once you buy dies) ?
What would be the cost of the round not counting brass ? if it goes around 0.10$ each, that would be cool :)
Click to expand...
Check out Higginson Powders for all your Lee and reloading needs.
I use a Turret press for pistol loads, it's faster then a single stage but slower then a progressive. Lee has a turret press kit with everything you need to get loading for a decent price. Also can be used as a single stage to load rifle cartridges.
 
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