how much $ to start reloading?

[iamquaker]

i am thinking about reloading in the near future. how much money does it take to get started? nothing fancy just the basics for reloading .223

[Tailgunner]

Press, scale, dies, caliper, chamfer tool, powder measure, current loading manual (from the people that make the bullets your planning to use is prefered).
Cost will depend on weather you go new or used. You can get by with a RCBS JR or Partner press. Lee dies and other accessories are of good quality, but their presses and scales live somthing to be desired.
Check out the auction sites like E-Barf or Gun-Choaker to get some priceing ideas, along with retailers like Midsouth, Midway, etc.

[Ivanimal]

I started out with a Pacific press that a fellow hunter handed down, went to the local gun store and asked a lot of questions. I got a lot of information although not all good. By far the best information was afforded to me from reading the Lyman and Speer reloading books. I didn't stop with those books but I highly recommend either as a starting point. The basic tools I use are Calipers, Powder Scale, Trickler, Funnel, Case length reamer, Primer pocket reamer, Tumbler and media. I have graduated to a Dillon 550B, I highly recomend their products. A master reloading kit from rcbs should get most of the stuff above plus a o style press for a couple hundred bucks, but dont go cheap, the reloading equiptment eventually pays for itself. But thats not the reason I reload, I love accuracy and the pleasure of seeing my loads do their stuff in the field.:usa:

[Sniper]

If you know someone who reloads you may want to try it out first to see if it's something you want to get into. In "The Trader" around here I've seen some equipment for sale saying it was used very little. I'm only guessing that it's because the individual didn't like doing it after the set-up was purchased.

I've been reloading for years and enjoy it, personally. I've been able to find out what powder, bullet, primer and all of the other variables work best in what weapon. I'm a fan of RCBS. The scales and dispenser are the only thing I've changed throughout the years. Still have the same RockChucker, tumbler, trimmer and hand toolsI purchased in the mid-70's.


:sniper:

[Ivanimal]

I have no problem with the RCBS products, they last forever. I will say to buy a lot of decapping pins if you shoot semi auto military weapons. They break easily and you can get a berdan primed case mixed in even if you are careful.

[1badassmagnum]

here is what i just spent

rcbs rock chucker- $250
rcbs dies $30
dial calipers $20
starline brass $25(100 cases)
speer bullets $20(100)
powder 1 lb $20
primers(500) $20
tumbler $40
misc $50



total------------->under $500 including shipping from midway

[dvdstdg]

Hey 1badassmagnum

Get in your car and drive down 71 to the Ashland exit and go to Fin Fur & Feather. You wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy over paid for everything except the tumbler.

[1badassmagnum]

just trying to give a honest estimate.ordered everything from midway,and these quotes are from memory.I have not seen anyone cheaper than midway,could you please elaborate on what I overpaid for.thanks for your reply,I appreciate you saving me some money:) :rapid:

[dvdstdg]

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