What will reloading cost me...

KyleSchenk

KyleSchenk

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Im just curiously looking into starting to reload. Im just wondering what basic reloading equipment that is decent will cost me, new or used. I don't really care that one way or another this or that press is slower than the other.
 
Some will scoff but for the beginner you cannot go wrong with a LEE system.

Sure Dillon has an iron clad warranty.

Sure the Hornady Lock N Load is a very nice press.

But the Lee is CHEAP!! CHEAP! CHEAP!

I have seen Lee Pro 1000 systems here for a couple of hundred bucks. Actually I think there is a full system with three heads for $300 around right now.

So there you go you can start with a nice progressive press for $300.

You will also need a scale for $50

That is about it beyond components. I do up my rounds for 10 to 15 cents depending on the caliber.

By the way...........when I can get my Lee cranking I can pump out about 300 rounds an hour. That said I do have my heart set on a Hornady Lock N Load some day.
 
i,m kind of a newbie in the reloading:) i got into it about a year ago...start up cost will be about $250.00---$300.00...
thats is till ya get into the EE...and cant pass up a good deal:redface: start with a manual...read up on it and see how easy it is...
 
I would hook up with someone local that loads, and make a list .
Get out to gun shows and pick your stuff out, or order mail order, buy on this site, whatever,that way you don't end up with stuff you will never use or have to replace because of its quality.
Lee stuff works well, I have priming tools , press, dies , all are fine. But their scale can stick on you(get a good scale), and the lee heavy cast press is sweet.
Frank
 
Lee is very good equipment, at a bargain price.Never had any trouble with mine after 25 years of reloading. If you have a problem in 99.9% of the cases its because you did something wrong! Not the equipments fault.
 
wholesale has an rcbs system comes with press 505 scale case loading block case lube kit primertray powder funnel deburing tool and the speer manual for 319bucks all you need now is a dump and then its better equipment than lee for a bit more
The problem is you get hooked I started with rcbs and within the year ive started swaping my stuff for redding
so you might as well get into it big
just my opinion
Daniel
 
svt-40 said:
Are the dies interchangeable? For example, can one use rcbs dies with lee?
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Yep, most dies are 7/8- 14 thread. You can even use Redding dies in a Lee press.
To put it terms of dollars and cents....
What you would pay for about 10 boxes of match ammo or premium hunting ammo, will get you set up for reloading.
I just replaced my Lee press after 15 years. I cranked out about 1000-1500 .308 and .223 a year on it. It sure didn't owe me anything. I replaced it with a Redding Big Boss.
 
I just bought the Lee aniversary kit with the reloading manual for $129 at Wholesales. Whatever sets of dies you need (Lees are $35-50 depending on the set), a couple of ammo boxes for a few bucks a piece, and manuals are $20-50.

I had lots of brass, bought components for 2 cals for under $100, and Princess Auto has digital calipers 6" for $20.

Ready to rock for around $350.

Put another way, about the same as getting stocked up to tie flies for fishing.
 
I used to have alot of Lee reloading equipment that served me well through many years. The only fault I could find with it : not fast enough, so I went towards a Dillon 650 (needed at least 400 rounds per week, and my loading rate with the Lee Turret press was about 75 rounds/hour.)
 
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Reloading

Prices at gun shows can be inflated, so be careful. Check out prices for new equipment and become familiar with what you need. Start with the basic and add to it as you go. Lee is definitely cheep, but I have always gone with RCBS (green) & have never been disappointed.
 
Depending on the calibres for which you are loading for. I got a brand new Lee pro 1000 with 2 sets of dies (.40 S&W and .45ACP) with 2 turrets for them, 2 shell holder with shellplates and everything attached, all for $400 tax in. You will need a small to medium size tumbler to clean the brass for around $80 used, or $120 brand new. If you are trying out different loads, a chronograph is a necessity. Let's say a Beta Chrony, it will cost you $200 for a new one. A scale... good to have, but you can definitely start without one. A good loading manual is absolutely necessary, and it's fairly cheap.

If you are loading for pistol Lee Pro 1000 is a good start, I tried it before I bought it and it is really simple. Even if things do go wrong, it's easily resolved. Like some people already mentioned, if you understand how the press works, you will get it going in no time. The first night I took it home I cranked out 300 round in an hour. Slowed down because I wasn't used to the motion and my arm got sour :p. But it can easily put out 400 rounds/hr if you know what you are doing and develop a feel for it.

All that being said, the Lee Pro 1000 does NOT load rifle ammo. So if rifle ammo is what you are looking to do you have to find another press. Lee Loadmaster maybe. And if you are rich enough the Dillon 650 is very good.
 
Paulinski said:
Ok I'll play what do I need to start reloading 30-06 and .308 win? Right now I have no reloading components whatsoever.

Thanks
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Get one of the Lee kits, comes with all the tools you need and a set of dies. Then get a load book or grab the load data you need from the web.

Select your projectiles, brass, powder & primers and away you go! This is exactly how one of my friends started and he has loaded hundreds of .308 rounds using the Lee Anniversary Kit with good success.

As everyone else has written, the lee kits are a good value and if you want to get more serious there are many options for bigger/better/more expensive tools.

You don't need a tumbler or a chronograph to start, they're nice bonuses when you can afford to get them though.
 
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Is this what should I be looking at?

Lee Anniversary Kit

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Whats is a fair price for this kit? Should I look on e-bay or are they available in Canada. More important in the GTA. What is a good book to find about reloading those cartridges?

Is there a specific brand of primers, powder and bullers I should look into. Oh I almost forgot I will reload 150 grain bullets for M14 and M1 Garand. How many times can one brass be reloaded?

Is there anything else that I will need at this point?

Thanks

Paul
 
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