Considering becoming a reloader

[Doc Waters]

My son and I shoot 100 rounds a week, 50 .45ACP and 50 .38spcl or .357 mag.

I'm wondering about break even points, total equipment cost and floorspace necessary to feed our fix via reloading. We shoot a Defender and Python.

All input will be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Kid Sopris]

Try this link: http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

[haggis]

At your shooting rate, you could get by with a single stage press (Rockchucker is a good example), dies, scale, and a few other things. It will cost you $200-$250. You don't need much space, but you do need a solid reloading bench - I made my first one with 2x4's with a plywood top.

I can estimate some costs for .45ACP. In bulk, $0.03 per primer, $0.01 for powder, 200 grain lead bullet - $0.07, if purchased, almost free if you cast your own. That's a total cost of $0.11 per round, not counting the empty case. Cases can range from free (range pickup) to $0.16 (new brass). Since you can get 5-10 reloadings for a case, that's $6-$7 for a batch of 50 rounds. It can get cheaper still if you cast your own bullets, find bargains on components, and use charge efficient powders (TiteGroup as an example).

Keep in mind that reloading allows you to shoot more (which you will), so it's more about that than saving money. Once you get beyond your current shooting rate, you will be sorely tempted to move to a progressive (multistage) press. It will cost you a bit more for the equipment, but turning out 300-500 finished cartridges an hour does give you more time to shoot.

Have fun,

Buck

[Trapdoor]

I agree reloading is more than just saving money. I think working up new loads and casting my own bullets is just about as much fun as shooting them.

[morecolts]

you will wearout your brass in a month if all you have is 100 rounds or so.

if you google for a "reloading calculator" you will find the info on $/round based on the component price. However, if you dont know the reloading lingo, you wont know crap.

p/u a reloading data book that has the reloading process explained. its an inexpensive investment and you will use it if/when you decide to reload. also learning the lingo is half the battle. There is also the "ABCs of Reloading" and it explains the reloading process. I dont know if the current version has any reloading data tho.

what some or alot of people dont consider is the cost/price of their time. I work and have other things to do too, so my time is limited. others that dont value their time, may feel different.

the "total" cost of the equipment is up to you. Again, get a book and readup on whats involved. you can make a list of the equipment and see what it will cost singly or as a kit. there are beginning/starter kits that gets you started, but dont give you all you may or want later on.

once you know what you want/need you can go to midway or your fav shop and start pricing equipment.

there are a few things to remember:

1. THINK BULK! when doing mail order. Especially powders & primers. dont buy 1 lb of powder or 100 primers. There is a HAZMAT fee for primers & powders and they CAN NOT be shipped togeather. The fee is around $25.00 / shipping box so you can automatically add that to the cost. The more you buy, the cost of the HAZMAT is spreadout. There are some MO companies that have "handling" fees too, so you can add that to the cost. Its best to ASK or read the fine print.
2. KNOW THE COST OF COMPONENTS! If you have gun shows/shops in your area, you can do some shopping and know if its worth it to buy local or mail order.
3. SAVE YOUR BRASS! it doent have a shelf life and you can always sell it if you decide not to reload.
4. WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT! If you decide to reload and you find some powder but you dont know what it is. Dont put powder in unmarked containers. Same, if you have some powder in the hopper and its unknown.

floor space. again, get the book. some go over what space is needed. there are some people that use a B&D workmate. I will tell you now that a good/sturdy bench is nice to have. I have mine bolted to the wall. also, working over carpet is a no-no. Being able to store your compoents is nice.

once last note. you wont save $$$ reloading since you will divert it to buy more components or equipment or guns. what it allows you to do is to customize your loads for whatever you want to do within reason.

also, think really hard about what gun(s) you will buy or want in the future. Rifle or handguns? If you are going to buy more or shoot more, then it maybe worth while to buy a progressive or turret press, or one that is upgradeable.

[broknaxl]

You can also find some good deals on equipment on Ebay, but check the price of new stuff before bidding on used. I've seen guys pay as much as or more for used equipment. Also if you do mail order powder and primers etc. Try and find someone to go in on bulk orders - then you can split the shippng and hazmat fees. it can become as addicting as the shooting part.

[ColtSnakes]

For no more than you shoot, I'd start out with a Lee Anniversary kit. The kit, a manual, and set of dies are about all you need to get started and learn the basics. You can add equipment as you go after you figure out exactly what else you need and/or would like to have. The Lee kit is less than 100 bucks.

[ccw1911]

I would recommend going with a good quality single stage press to start with, like the RCBS rockchucker. It will be useful even if you move on to progressive loaders later and it's always handy to have a one lunger around to do special loads and it's great for loading rifle ammo.

With a single stage you learn all the basics about how reloading is done which is good preparation if you decide to shoot more and move onto a progressive. Don't forget to get a scale , you don't need to spend the bucks on a digital, a balance beam works fine. Also buy carbide dies for your pistol loading, it will save a lot of grief they just work smoother and you don't have to bother with lube although I use One Shot spray even with my carbide dies.

I have to agree you will probably just shoot more rather than shoot cheaper but that's what it's all about. Check around your club for group buys, if you can get in on one for your supplies you can really save some money.

[Coltparker]

My son and I shoot 100 rounds a week, 50 .45ACP and 50 .38spcl or .357 mag.

I'm wondering about break even points, total equipment cost and floorspace necessary to feed our fix via reloading. We shoot a Defender and Python.

All input will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Well, I started with the Lee Classic Loader for 9mm, new for about $25.00 and it is fun!!! Below is video for 44 mag:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwr0FyJOk-4

[ColtSnakes]

Ain't nothing wrong with a Rock Chucker. I bought one as my first press 20 years ago and still have it. However, it is more press than is needed. The Lee press in the anniversary kit will do just as good for far less $$.