Cheap Start to Reloading?

[dodge man]

I started on a progressive, a Dillon. Its not that hard if you have any mechanical skills at all. It all just depends on how much you want to spend and how much shooting you do.

 

[Michael Aos]

I'm a big fan of Dillon Precision. I have their RL550 and Super 1050.

 

[paulsharvey]

I started on a progressive, a Dillon. Its not that hard if you have any mechanical skills at all. It all just depends on how much you want to spend and how much shooting you do.

Looking to be able to have some loaded rounds with $150. I know that's not a lot, and it just might not be doable, that's part of what I'm try to figure out. I don't question the progressives' usefulness, but are far outside of my budget.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

The main thing the progressive presses buy you is just a higher production rate.

I think if you shop used equipment, like garage sales, craigslist, ebay, etc, you can get closer to your budget, but I think you will be over your $150 limit no matter what. There are some things you must buy, and some things you really want to buy to make your life easier, and other things you can put off for a while.

The obvious "Must Buys" (without these, you will not make ammo):

Press (of some sort to hold and use the die sets).
Die set for each cartridge you want to reload (as long as these are "standard" 7/8's dies, brands will interchange between presses)
Reloading Data Manual(s) (don't overlook these and put yourself at safety risk)
Reloading Powder Scale (don't skimp here if you can at all help it, beam scales work just fine btw, and are usually cheaper than electronic scales).
Dial Caliper
Priming Tool (either one that mounts/uses the press, or one you use with your hand, either way, you need one)

The "Nice To Haves"

Brass Cleaner/Tumbler (the new "wet" style cleaners, ultrasonics, etc, are all the rage these days, but a decent vibratory cleaner filled with corn cob or walnut media will get the job done).
Loading Blocks/Storage Bins (these make it easier to keep your brass sorted, and the load blocks keep your casings from falling over while you are working them through the various reloading steps)
Magnifying Glass (look inside casings, primer pockets, etc)
Case Neck/Primer Pocket Brushes

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

For shotguns, typically you buy a dedicated shotshell press for each gauge you wish to reload. The MEC "600 Jr" series presses are pretty decent, and not a ton of $, but you will need one for each gauge. I have 4 of them for 20, 16, 12 and 10 ga shells.

Then your consumables will be things like case sizing lube, reloading components like bullets, powder, primers. You may find through load development that you start collecting several different of each in rifle, pistol and shotgun powders. Same goes with reloading bullets, and even primers.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Just like with money, you can never have too much (many) reloading manuals, cartridge brass, bullets, primers or powder.

I have 3 presses, 2 single stage RCBS's, and a Dillon progressive, several dozen die sets, "many" different gunpowders/primers/bullets, and I reload for a couple dozen cartridges both rifle and pistol.

Some of my components and die sets:



My "main" reloading bench I do my cartridge loading on. The press in the center is my first one, bought new in 1975. They don't wear out in several generations if you take care of them:



A good sturdy workbench with lots of bright overhead lighting really helps you keep a sharp eye on what you are doing.

 

[RNeumann]

I have been happy with my Lee press, dies, meter etc. You will be fine with that setup. The press is the heart of the operation. If you can spend a bit more for something that clamps to the bench and is an “0” shape you will have something that will get passed from generation to generation.

 

[r porter]

I think you have chosen a fair set up to start with. learn and move up as you decide you want more speed or more from the weapon.

natchez has that press on sale for 32$
all a press does it push a case into the die. the die is the heart of the operation. in this day of modern machinery I doubt any factory dies differ by much.

Lee Breech Lock Reloader Press - All Cartridges up to .46 Weatherby Mag / 5 Rds per hr | Natchez

 

[k0ua]

I started on a progressive, a Dillon. Its not that hard if you have any mechanical skills at all. It all just depends on how much you want to spend and how much shooting you do.

Yep, I say start with a progressive. I wish I had. I have an Dillon RL550B, Worth every penny. But if you don't shoot much, don't bother as you won't save enough to every pay for it. Unless you just enjoy turning out perfect ammo any time you want with a round falling into the collection box every time you pull the handle. Just saying.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/296858-lets-reload-some-ammo.html?highlight=ammo

 

[k0ua]

Looking to be able to have some loaded rounds with $150. I know that's not a lot, and it just might not be doable, that's part of what I'm try to figure out. I don't question the progressives' usefulness, but are far outside of my budget.

Ah, but you see, this is how it all begins. You think, well I will just get started and see how I like this, and not have a lot of money invested..Um hmm. Sure. Then you actually make some rounds, and the first thing you want to do with this new found shiny brass cased bounty in your hand is go shoot them. Soon the bug has bitten you, and you want more and faster, and easier. You tire of working all night for a few rounds to blast with the next day, and you think, "man I sure would like something to load more of these faster".. Well, there is, and it is called the progressive press. Pull handle, round falls in collection box... Now you are cooking! Your hooked!.