Cheapest reloading setup

[SanDiego619]

Hello, if I want to dip my toe into reloading (considering buying a 6.5x55 rifle) what is the cheapest setup I could buy that would allow me to properly and safely reload those cases?

I can buy that ammo new for 90 cents per round, how much would I spend reloading one round (minus the initial cost of the equipment)?

I can then calculate if it would be worth it or not. But I also would be interested in reloading to learn how, not just to save money.

Thank you

[Divernhunter]

If you are looking to save money forget it. You will not save a penny at the end of the year. You may tend to shoot more for the same amount of cash but that is about it.
Also now is about the worse time ever to try and start with all the shortages and higher cost of supplies and equipment. Wait until this most recent panic buying is over.

[SanDiego619]

If you are looking to save money forget it. You will not save a penny at the end of the year. You may tend to shoot more for the same amount of cash but that is about it.
Also now is about the worse time ever to try and start with all the shortages and higher cost of supplies and equipment. Wait until this most recent panic buying is over.

Ok, thank you for the advice, I forgot everything was impossible to find right now.

Would reloading make more sense with rare/expensive rounds like 338 Lapua? When prices get back to normal I'll look up how much it would cost to reload vs. buy 6.5x55. If I saved 5 cents a round I can't see how it would be worth it considering I'd not be shooting that rifle very often.

Edit: I also do not do precision or long distance shooting, so I don't think I would benefit from reloading regarding accuracy either.

Thanks again

[SanDiego619]

I just saw there are a few excellent sticky threads that answer all of my questions and more, so feel no need to reply, sorry for making a new thread before looking at the stickies... lots of good info there.

[hermosabeach]

Buy a used single stage press

Lots of deals on Craigslist

You can get a powder measure, scale and tumbler fairly cheap



Reloading - if you reload bulk calibers- 9mm, 223- you won’t save much at all


If you reload low volume calibers- huge savings

.357 and .44 mag are expensive

Some big game rounds are $2-$4 each. Huge value reloading.


NRA has instructors who offer metallic reloading classes

Buy a reloading book. First half is typically about reloading - second half about loads - different bullet weights, different powders- starting to max load data.

[fal_762x51]

The cheapest new would be a Lee C frame press ($45) and some Lee Pacesetter 3 die ($30ish). Try and find just a Lee single die collet die only (neck sizing) to pair with your Pacesetter set. If not get the Pacesetter set and Collet set. Finding a single collet die would save you only $15.

You will need a way to trim the case also.

A deburring and primer pocket cleaning tool.

A beam or GOOD electronic scale for measuring.

A Harbor Freight rotary single tumbler and walnut media from a pet store for cleaning.

You will need resizing wax. I just use Kiwi mink oil in place of the expensive resizing wax.

I started (18 years ago) on a Lee C frame kit, contained almost everything to start reload.

[hambam105]

Until you're committed to excellence in all your Reloading endeavors, I would pay close attention to those that
believe in a free lunch. Listen to the advise that gravitates towards the quick, the easy no fuss no muss
harbor freight way.

A

[edgerly779]

You can get set up for under 200 easily. Just watch for sales on calguns and here. I have a new beam scale for sale $45 in sfv. There is a c press in oc on craigslist for 75 bucks.

[noylj]

Buy a reloading manual or an old edition of "ABCs of Reloading" and read it. Then start to think about what you NEED.
Case cleaning: wipe off case exterior and you have done all that is needed.
Case trimming: use of Lee cartridge specific trimmer is cheap and accurate.
Never let someone else's "want" be your "need."

[the86d]

Cheapest would probably be something like this?:

https://youtu.be/rpV7Qg6zs-M

Second cheapest would probably be the Lee Handpress:

https://youtu.be/7kHgzkWoS64

As you can see, both take a LOT of time...

[AGGRO]

Reloaders that stocked up are the only people with ammo right now besides bulk buyers. Reloading makes sense if you are an avid shooter.

[five.five-six]

In pursuit of the cheapest reloading, I think you will find this time tested video to be quite helpful. Enjoy:

[SanDiego619]

Thanks for the videos and tips!

I always wondered this: can the powder explode when you are putting the bullet in the case? Either from compressing the powder when you push it in or if a flake of powder got between the case and bullet when you pushed it in? It seems like it could blow up.

[drkphibr]

Two words: Lee Precision

[five.five-six]

Thanks for the videos and tips!

I always wondered this: can the powder explode when you are putting the bullet in the case? Either from compressing the powder when you push it in or if a flake of powder got between the case and bullet when you pushed it in? It seems like it could blow up.

short answer no


long answer: nooooooooooooooooo