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Posted: 7/26/2007 2:30:51 PM EDT
| Well, with the prices of ammo these days, I want to start reloading ammo. What do I need to do this? Just a press and a scale? or what else? and what are good ones to buy? |
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A reloading manual with a good getting started section would be very helpful. Dennis Jenkins 
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We do have a reloading forum here on Arfcom. It's under General. lwww.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=1&f=9 There's a load of info there. You should also pick up a couple of reloading manuals. Sierra and Hornady are both good. It's best to have more than one. I just got into reloading myself, and it opens up a whole new world of the firearms hobby. I think I lurked around the reloading forums for about a year just soaking up info. Finally, I got comfortable enough in order to get started. Take your time and consider all your options. |
it's pretty easy if your a detail oriented person, time consuming though. i find it a $ saver & rewarding. i got started w/ a lee deal for like $20, it came w/ a book that takes you through everything & has most manuals data combined, it also came w/ a basic press that got me started, i've upgraded since then but that lee deal was perfect for me to get started. ymmv
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Lee stuff is about the cheapest entry, that or a used setup. Most companies offer starter kits. I'd look a a single stage or turret press if your just starting out. Snoop around on the for sale boards there might be some good deals on presses ,dies, ect. I still use a single stage press for alot of rifle ammo. Of couse cheapo's like me use a power drill for primer pocket work and case trimming. I've found the possum hollow case trimmers to be fast. I have an old Lee turret press you can have for postage costs, I think theres 2or3 turret heads for it also. PM me if ya want it. probably some other stuff lay'en around I'll never use also |
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If you pay attention, there are no downsides to reloading. I've been reloading for 5 years and create one squib every 3000 reloads. I consider that on par with factory ammo. I've never created a double charge (hard to do since I use powders that fill more than half the case). It is as much a hobby as shooting. Think of it like racing cars but then taking the time to learn how and eventually build your own engines as well. To get started you'll need a book detailing all parts involved and the process of reloading, all of the above mentioned are good. |
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I'd suggest you start with a single-stage press, no matter which brand you choose. While a progressive press does allow you to crank out ammo at a faster rate, it also leaves a lot more opportunities for a mistake. You're much better off starting with a single-stage press until you've got the whole game down pat and then you can move on to a progressive press. The money spent on a single-stage press isn't wasted, because for high-precision reloads the single-stage press is the way to go anyway. |
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I started years ago with the Lee anniversary kit and use it for years. It it cheap and it works even if it isn't the best. You could start with that and add a good scale and powder measure when you can. That setup should last many years and thousands of rounds. However you get started it is well worth the effort. I have been reloading somewhere around 12 years now and next week I will start casting my own bullets too. I can't wait. |
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I agree start with a Lee reloading kit it comes with almost everything you need or get one used. Don't buy a progressive like dillon to start off with, you may not like reloading. However, I do not suggest getting a reloading manual, I have them as well and never use them, all the powder manufacturers and some of the bullet manufactures post their manuals on line so why pay for it. Also look into getting books on how to do it at the library. |
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I started reloading about 15 years ago. I didn't think it was that expensive but when adding up the press, scale, caliber, tumbler, media removal bucket, gauges.. plan on spending close to $1K. I started and am still using this Dillon 500 Here is a list of stuff I made for one of my pals: Dillon Precision: ----------------- Dillon RL550B & .45 Colt Conversion Kit 369.95 Dillon 3-Die Set 14405 55.95 Dillon Case Gage for 10.49 4 Large Primer Pickup tubes 16.95 **Lets you load up 500 primers 1" Dillon Bench Wrench/5 Pack of Die Lock rings 7.95 D-Terminator Electronic Scale 139.95 ------ $601.24 Midway USA ---------- Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler with Rotary-7 Media 89.99 Separator Kit 220 Volt International Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Electronic Caliper 27.99 MTM Primer Flipper Tray Clear-Smoke 2.99 Hornady Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber 3.19 ----- 124.16 Total: 725.40 Dillon RL550B & .45 Colt Conversion Kit ---------369.95 Dillon 3-Die Set 14405------------------------------55.95 Dillon Case Gage-------------------------------------10.49 4 Large Primer Pickup tubes-------------------------16.95 **Lets you load up 500 primers 1" Dillon Bench Wrench/5 Pack of Die Lock rings---7.95 D-Terminator Electronic Scale----------------------139.95 --------------------------------------------------Total:$601.24 Midway USA ---------- Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler with Rotary-7 Media Separator Kit 220 Volt International------------------------89.99 Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Electronic Caliper------27.99 MTM Primer Flipper Tray Clear-Smoke----------------------2.99 Hornady Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber--------------------3.19 --------------------------------------------------------Total:$124.16 ---------------------------------------------------------Total:$725.40 Buy Dillon, crank out the rounds and don't look back. Spambo |
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