Cheapest reloading setup

[ysr_racer]

I can't even spell RCBS, but a Rock Crusher is a great place to start.

[RNE228]

Sacramento CraigsList has had reloading stuff frequently. So has the Sales area for reloading here on CGN.

I like my older RCBS stuff, but Lee has some nice budget setups

[fnlrun]

I have literally loaded THOUSAND of 9mm, 223, 45, 9mm and a few others. I use it all on a Lee single stage press. I also consider it a hobby since I retired out of RC pylon racing.--You thought guns were expensive-- I enjoy it. But primers are difficult at best right now. Powder, cases, and bullets are easy to find if you know where to look.

[edgerly779]

^^ Me too been reloading for 50 years. I have 3 single stage presses. I do it in stages tumble. process, prime, charge cases and inspect powder levels, seat bullets and tumble again. Rinse and repeat .223's without cost of cases 15-20 cents lead-copper. Primers are pricey now.

[kcheung2]

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

[RNE228]

I started reloading because it looked like fun, 38 some odd years ago.

I loaded 30-06 for hunting and target that was more accurate than factory loads, and cheaper. Since then, have done that with other cartridges like 44mag, 308. Next up is 45/70.

If you do not shoot a cartridge or rifle very often, you wont see the benefits.

I like to save money on more precise rounds. But I also enjoy the whole process. It's similar to working up recipes for the smoker or in the kitchen; I enjoy cooking. Same with reloading; I really enjoy the load development.

It's not all about saving money.

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.

[hambam105]

short answer no


long answer: nooooooooooooooooo

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.

Gunpowder will ignite by spark, heat, or pressure.

Premature ignition by pressure for a hobbyist reloaders following safe reloading practices as
spelled out in any reputable reloading manual, is, thankfully, highly unlikely.

Remind me later to tell you the story of the assistant who told the lead firearms examiner that
it's impossible for cartridges to ignite on a motel room style hot plate.

[hermosabeach]

Boom

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.

If reloading once fired military brass, the primer pocket was swaged- crimped- so the primer is less likely to blow out.

If you don’t remove the swaging, you can ruin or detonate a primer when priming a case.


Powder- as a kid I hit a pile of powder with a ball peen hammer- nothing happened


Powder does not go off easily with impact.


Most loads are not compressed. There is room in the case for air....

[five.five-six]

Gunpowder will ignite by spark, heat, or pressure.

Premature ignition by pressure for a hobbyist reloaders following safe reloading practices as
spelled out in any reputable reloading manual, is, thankfully, highly unlikely.

Remind me later to tell you the story of the assistant who told the lead firearms examiner that
it's impossible for cartridges to ignite on a motel room style hot plate.

[hambam105]

I don't need to jump off the roof and injure myself to prove to you that gravity works, especially around the house.

The OP asked a perfectly reasonable reloading safety related question. Aside from refusal to perform home in flight
experiments, my response is closely related to the safe reloading practices printed in about 20 reloading manuals.

Where are you getting your information from?

[bubbapug1]

If u want to throw your money away after trash buy a Lee. They’re junk.

At least buy a used rock chucker or something but everything Lee produces is one step below the quality you need to reload efficiently.

[sofbak]

^^Spoken as a real-life knuckle dragging, neandrathal, low-intelligence maroon...

[DolphinFan]

What ever happened to old school hand loading?
I use a Lee hand de primer, with a hand primer seater, I then measure out my load, pour it into my casing, seat my bullet put it into my die, and give a good whack with a rubber hammer/mallet.
It is the least expensive way to reload.

[golfish]

I bought this kit about two years ago. There's still a lot more stuff that you need for loading. I'm really happy with it. I doubt I'll ever buy another press.
I think I paid the same price ($379.00) and got a $100.00 rebate to boot.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013036852

[edgerly779]

Dolphin fan a fan of high top shoes. Never a Lee handloader use a c or h single stage press. Uniform results and better quality loads a lot easer on the hands. The Lee presses are fine. I have a rockchucker and a lachmiller and a CH.