Initial Buy In - Reloading

[natasha69]

With ammo prices going up and up, just curious what the initial buy in is for the first 1000 rounds of 45 ammo.

I will personally price all of this out, and update this list, but thought it would be helpful for anyone else who is interested in reloading to use as a resource once I'm done. I wanted to get feedback to make sure I have the key components from you guys and your input. So far I'm just using Midway as my price point.

AAA) - MANUAL AND BOOKS!! - (Speer Reloading Manual, Modern Cartridge Reloading, The ABCs of Reloading)
A) Progressive Reloading Press - Hornady progressive - $400 to $590+ (Dillon 650) or Single Stage Press for about $250
B) Die set - $36
C) Powder - 8 lbs - $120 (this will last for a long time, almost 10k rounds)
D) Primer x 1000 - $31 (large pistol, CCI #300)
E) Brass x 1000 - $70 (box of 1000) (once fired, clean)
F) Slug x 1000 - $110 (box of 1000)
G) Spare parts kit - $20
H) Scale - $140
I) Micrometer - $40
J) Ammo boxes - $20/ea
K) Brass Cleaner/Separator - $170
L) Extra Primer Tubes - $20
M) Poser Cop Die (only for progressive) - checks powder amount - $50
N) Brass Trimmer - $XX - for rifle ammo

Thanks guys - updated as of 3/25/09 - 9:45PM PST

Don't be shy about criticism or advice, please just be constructive so this is a useful thread.

[Juicymeat]

I wouldn't buy brass. Instead I'd just buy ammo, shoot it, collect the brass, then reload. If you're going to order powder/primers off the internet, you really should buy in bulk because of hazmat and shipping fees. Buying $140 of powder with only $31 of primers with a $25 hazmat + $10 minimum shipping fee isn't conducive to saving money. If you're already buying in bulk, ignore that. You might want to get a Go/No go gauge as well as a bullet puller for the ones you mess up on, but you for sure need a set of calipers if you don't already have one. Set of manuals is also very important. Start your loads low, then work up.

Which powder do you plan to use? I currently use W231 mainly because it's clean and I only use 5.0 grains, which is a huge advantage for me because W231 is cheaper than others to start and uses a relatively low grain count to allow even more reloads from a single 8# jug. As far as primers go, CCI 300's are the ones I use and have had no complaints. Hope this helps.

ETA: If you're getting into reloading to save money, I hate to break it to you but most people don't end up saving much as they just end up shooting more. Reloading is pretty fun though. BTW here's a little calculator to help you out http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

[mike100]

I bought wolf primers for $22 per 1000ct this time around as 45 acp isn't going to be hard to light off.

You should have been collecting your brass several months prior. All those factory ammo purchases and you let the $ get swept up by the range.

You might get lucky and find some 3 year old projectiles in the bottom shelf of some gun store that are still marked at 3 years ago prices (I recently scored several boxes this way myself.)

I'd think maybe $1500 would get you well equipped... look used, if not on the press, for the accessories.

[mike100]

also, reloading is a hobby in itself, so consider the purchase a separate thing from the firearms and you won't have to amortize the cost of it over 1000's of rounds, lol.

seriously, though, you will get a good resale on supplies and equipment when you go to sell it (name brand, especially).

[tujungatoes]

look used, if not on the press, for the accessories.

+1

I found some good deals on used reloading gear when I was getting started. Some real good deals pop up on Craigslist, at gun shows, and (I hate to say it)......ebay.

[jwest]

I recommend the Dillon 550B for getting started.

And I agree with buying the ammo and saving brass for reloading - makes some sense right now.

Some experts on the board are 'Chief' and ar15barrels.

HTH,
jwest

[ar15barrels]

The initial buy-in to load a single cartridge can be as little as $200 and as much as $2200 depending on how fancy you want to get and how many rounds per hour you want to produce.

[popeye4]

Learn the techniques on a single stage. Only after you have mastered the process should you look into a progressive press.

[ivanimal]

Learn the techniques on a single stage. Only after you have mastered the process should you look into a progressive press.

I disagree, buy the best first and take the same precautions. Reloading is like electricity, respect it but don't fear it.