Author Topic: Getting started reloading...on the cheap (Read 2349 times)

R_Hutch · « **on:** March 04, 2007, 01:21:01 PM »

I have talked with several people about reloading and it make ssense. Unfortunately, like many others, don't have the funding to spend $200 or more just to get started.

I have discussed the basic Lee Loader set up with several reloaders and have been told it works great. Heck, my dad even used one in his younger days.

Here is a good link I came across for anyone wanting to get started in reloading. I found the article very helpful.

"The purpose of this article is two-fold. First to dispel the myth that handloading requires hundreds of dollars worth of equipment and vast expanses of bench-tops and storage space. Secondly, to demonstrate that even given the barest minimum investment, outstanding quality in handloaded ammunition is attainable with the simplest of tools."

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

Hope this helps.

luckypunk · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2007, 01:46:06 PM »

Several of us reload now, (it used to be just Spiff.)

What are the reasons you want to start reloading? You can produce a good accurate round for hunting or longrange shooting. But to really crank out plinking ammo, & benefit from the cost savings, go progressive. It cuts out repeated handling of a single round of ammo...for instance, IIHO it would take 30-45min to load those 12 rounds.....or maybe 2-3 min on a setup progressive.

You are welcome to stop by my place & crank out a few rounds on my Hornady LNL progressive. (to see how you like it) I had the press for probably 2 months before I was able to load anything on it (due to acquiring the tools & components) Most of the others have Dillons. Shortmag uses a single stage as a main press. Try a few out & see what you like. If you have the strong urge to keep your hands busy, reloading is a great way to do it.

Spiff · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2007, 08:28:37 AM »

I probably use my Rock Chucker more than my Dillon 650. I've cranked out more ammo on the Dillon, but I easily use the Rock Chucker more. And to be honest, I have more fun reloading on the Rock Chucker because the Dillon is just this blue ammo factory that cranks them out. The Rock Chucker seems more like reloading should seem like.

R_Hutch · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2007, 07:39:44 PM »

Guess I should reply. I appreciate everyones thoughts. I posted this because I wasn't quite sure if everyone had seen the beartooth site.

I am hoping it helps anyone who might be wanted to try reloading or is new to our sport. A lot of questions are answered. I see more people shy away from reloading because of the initial cost(s). This site shows that you can start without breaking the bank. I already do this with other projects. I don't think any of us need anymore help with that one.

Anyways, keep the discussion going.

Out

pv74 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2007, 08:44:52 AM »

You could start with either one...a single stage or a progressive.
For a single stage, I would buy an RCBS rockchucker or a Hornady LNL.
For a progressive, I would buy a Dillon 550.
Even the priciest equipment will pay for itself in the first few thousand rounds that you load.

I laugh evertime I see a box of "premium" ammo selling for over $20. for 20 rounds...

Keebsley · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2008, 08:31:10 PM »

NECROPOST: Considering I'm a poor bastard with paying off other toys and such, one of the major pains is of course paying for ammo. After reading this (and I don't know how I missed it earlier) would the Lee hand press be a good cheap alternative to someone that can't afford a Dillon/Hornady/RCBS at this time? Or just try and save up my pennies for one of those? Or wait until one drops in my lap?

TrooperBrian · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2008, 09:27:21 PM »

If you aren't looking to spend a lot, the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit has everything (EVERYTHING) you need to start reloading with the exception of a few items. Along with that set you will also need to pick up a case trimmer if you want to reload rifle, just get the trimmer, and not the trim die. And make sure you get the trimmer KIT, I made that mistake and it cost me. You will also need the set of dies for the caliber you are looking to reload along with their respective shellholders (holds the brass in the press). I picked up Lee FCDs for all my calibers because I expect to switch to progressive in the near future.

But I am glad I started reloading on a single stage, and to this day still

Short of their Factory Crimp Dies, I would stay away from all things Lee, they are much cheaper for a reason.

So to make that long paragraph simple, you need:

RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit: $270
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=646599

Case Trimmer (for rifle rounds): $80
RCBS Dies: $30
Lee FCD: $10
Shellholders (I suggest two): $10
Calipers (if you dont already have one): $30 (you can get a nice set of digital ones at Harbor Freight)
+ bullets, brass, primers for the caliber you intend to reload

This is what I would recommend, and again probably more than what you are looking to spend, but this has been the most common recommendation I would give, and I don't regret it in the least bit. Hope this helps!

fj40mojo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2008, 09:42:56 PM »

Cliff's usually has a selection of used equipment. Keep your eye on Craigslist. To start you need a press, dies, powder measure and a scale. You can pick up the rest as finances allow. Loading blocks can be made with a drill press. Precision measuring tools like mics and calipers can be picked up used from Idaho Machine and Tool in Meridian. It doesn't have to be expensive. I've even picked up components at yard sales.

Jeff · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2008, 09:49:00 PM »

Keebsley, to answer your question, yes, the Lee Hand Press is a good cheap alternative. However, you will give up a lot of speed using the hand press. Spiff and I used his one day at the range. Well worth having one IMO.

MarkinIdaho · « **Reply #9 on:** December 28, 2008, 09:54:16 PM »

Quote from: RGinIdaho on December 28, 2008, 09:06:06 PM

Spiff and I talked about putting on a basic reloading class after the first of the year.

Something like this would be great!

luvmy45 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 28, 2008, 11:57:20 PM »

The Lee Pro1000 is a good little press. It's a single caliber press, but it has everything you need, except a scale. and for $140 new, is a good way to go.

I loaded on one for years, yes it has it's quirks but it will get the job done. In fact... if your interested, I may be interested in parting with my old one, in .45 ACP. It's just taking up space right now.

PM me if interested, I was thinking of listing it anyway, so let me know.

Brian

Keebsley · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2008, 11:37:38 AM »

I'm certainly interested. Email sent!

EDGE · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2008, 01:17:16 PM »

How does that saying go.........

Pay once, cry once

or

You get what you pay for

Personally I'd ask yourself how much reloading are you going to do? What kind of reloading are you going to do? And then after answering those questions, get a press that will satisfy your reloading needs now and in the future.

Keebsley · « **Reply #13 on:** December 29, 2008, 01:50:09 PM »

I don't have the funds to get what I want and I'd rather get started now and then purchase the one I want when funds allow. Nothing wrong with the Lee Pro 1000 to get started with and preogress from there...or at least I don't see a problem...but what do I know? I'm a novice at this type of stuff.

EDGE · « **Reply #14 on:** December 29, 2008, 03:43:43 PM »

How much longer will it take you to get the funds?

If you went with something you don't really want, and lose that stack of cash, how much longer will it take to get what you really want?

Are you ok with using what you bought for a very long time?

I usually ask myself these questions before making a big decision. (maybe this isn't a big decision)

I'm not trying to talk you out of a Lee. I have a neutral opinion on them, because I've never used one, other than playing with one in the store.

Nomad · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2008, 08:38:29 PM »

Have used different reloading units use RCBS mostly
followed by dillion just with a part and barrowed items
looked for items in pawn shops and sportinggoods like Cliffs
Post on the site what you need........Most of us have extra stuff....

Keebsley · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2008, 09:27:25 PM »

luvmy45 is selling me his Lee Pro 1000 and he said he'd get me all the parts and pieces. I'm not quite sure what it all comes with and what I will need to get. I know dies of course but I'm not sure what else is "essential" and what else would make my job easier. Any suggestions etc?

I know I'm thinking about getting a hand primer so I can sit in front of the TV and prime some shells. A coworker of mine has a single press so I can hand him those shells to load and when I get the gumption, I can use the Lee Pro to crank some out.

luvmy45 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2008, 11:18:45 PM »

Literally all you need is a scale, you can use your barrel as the case gauge to check final spec. (Just remove it from the gun

)

You don't need the hand primer for this press, it does it for you.
Here's the manual - http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/TR2441.pdf

You may want a pair of calipers, $20 for a set. Other than that you just need brass, primers, powder and bullets.

You'll eventually want a tumbler to clean your dirty brass, watch for the sales or craigs list you can get them used at a good price.

All the load data you need you can get online for starting out, but the little photocopy books that are caliber specific are cheap and good reference. Like $8 or so.

Me, I like Clays or Titegroup, with 230 gr Lead cast bullets with CCI primers. YMMV

Find a solid bench to mount it to, I was amazed once I mounted my press to a solid surface, how much difference it made.

Once I had this press figured out I could crank out 200 to 300 in an hour, easy.

It's a good starter press, you will enjoy getting going with it, but you will eventually get "Blue" with envy, and after you try a Dillon, you'll want one. But a loaded bullet is a loaded bullet, and your gun and you can't tell the difference at the range.

Brian

jsamuels · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2008, 11:35:41 PM »

Hi all,
I started reloading not long after joining this group. I ended up getting the Lee Annivesery Kit. It came with just about everything needed. Now I have to admit that looking back lots of the parts were rather low end. But I found that it forced me to pay attention to the details and to take very accurate notes. The scale that came in the kit was persnikity and tought me to measure twice and the wonders of tickle charging. I found that by having to handle everything in batches I was very attuned to any variations. As time went on I found myself being held back by the limitations of the machine...so i got a digital scale...a set of calipers...a tumbler...and 3 days ago...a BIG BLUE 550!!!! ( Oh Yeah baby).
So my experiance has been that a single stage is a great way to "Learn" reloading. Everything after that just speeds the process up.
And with this group...you will find lots of expert advice (RG and Spiff have answered tons of my dumb questions)

Jeffs

Frank_Castle · « **Reply #19 on:** December 30, 2008, 10:29:04 AM »

I spent about $95 at Cliffs on a starter set up this week and last.
Lee Hand Press
Lee .223 delux die set
and
Hornady case prep kit.
I made a homemade tumbler out of a can, electric massager and fine sand.
I'm learning as I go, but I figure this is the only way I'll be able to do more shooting.

Keebsley · « **Reply #20 on:** December 30, 2008, 11:28:06 AM »

It's nice to actually get started on this. Granted, it took the push from a coworker since he got a Hornady press for Xmas but actually buying components and such to get the ball rolling is refreshing considering I've been talking about reloading for at least a year but haven't done anything about it until now. And realizing that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg is a nice thing. Especially when I can get spent brass from our range for free.

Keebsley · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2008, 06:49:38 PM »

So...stopped by Cliff's and talked to Don. Great guy and definitely knowledgeable especially about the Lee Pro 1000. He said I needed a few things such as a case feeder, bullet feeder, small primer feeder, dies, new plates...

Anything else that people can think of that I would need? And if you had to suggest a certain set of dies, which die set would you go with?

luvmy45 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2008, 10:11:16 PM »

I guess if you are changing from the .45 caliber larger brass and primers to a smaller brass and primers, then yeah you would.

you don't NEED a bullet feeder, (but they are nice) you just use your fingers to set the bullet on the case, and crank the arm.

Brian

hawkiye · « **Reply #23 on:** February 05, 2009, 05:55:19 PM »

I have a Lee Loadmaster progressive and I have never used it. All the reviews I have read on the various boards say there is a learning curve but that it works excellent. I have been telling my self it's time to get it out and learn to reload

Bill, Idaho · « **Reply #24 on:** February 05, 2009, 06:40:39 PM »

Another thread went on recently regarding another style of press--the turret press. Generally speaking, they are cheaper than a progressive and a lot faster than a single stage. They will work as a single stage as well. Kind of the best of both worlds. Personally, I would strongly recommend a turret. The other thread goes into greater detail, no need to waste bandwidth again.
I have a gaggle of presses. Single stages, turrets, and a few progressives. In one of my reloading cabinets lay several Lee handloading kits. I started out pounding out (literally pounding out) hundreds of .45 rounds thirty years ago. I would sit and watch the Muppet show while hammering the dies with a mallet. Now, hundreds (upon hundreds) of thousands of rounds later, I think a person should start out watching someone else run the various presses and decide whether to start with a single stage or a turret. I would not recommend anyone starting out on a progressive, no matter how "easy" the manufacturers claim that are to use. You need to understand exactly what takes place during every step of the process. Remember you are dealing with several types of safety concerns. In the process of reloading you will be dealing with mechanical devices that produce thousands of pounds of pressure. Having your fingers in the wrong place can result in the literal removal of aforementioned finger(s). Faster than you can realize what you just did. Then there are the "secondary" pressure issues involved in the reloading process. Setting up something with the wrong clearances can cause something to break. Many parts on a reloading press are hardened or tempered. Breaking these parts result in pieces flying at a velocity capable of allowing air to ventilate the INSIDE of your body. Generally a bad thing.
Then there are the pressure issues once that reload is fired. Not much to elaborate on here. One time in your life where you really DON'T want more bang for your buck!
I think a guy needs to figure and accept how much they want to reload. By that I mean how many rounds in a given time. If you are going to reload a few hundred rounds a month, a single stage would seem most practical. Then you get to where a few hundred ain't enough. Soon you will start to lean towards a faster press (turret or progressive). At that time you will need to take another look at how many rounds, but now you need to include time involved. At some point time will play a larger role in your decision.
And I haven't even mentioned the money aspect. Are you married? Got kids?