Basic Equipment and Cost...from a noob

[SunkenShadow]

So...I've discovered the lovely cost of ammo of 30.06 while being a poor college student...so in order to cut the cost of ammo, I've come to the conclusion that I need to start reloading in order to save for the cost of ammo. Of all the research I've done, both on these forum boards and google and other boards....I've gotten mixed suggestions as to what I should/should not purchase and what I need....so far, this is the list I've come up with and the cost of each one.


1. Lee's Hand Press (~35$)
2. Dies for .30-06 (~25$)
3. Power puller (~15$)
4. Primer (~32$ per 1k)
5. Brass (Already have a bunch)
6. Bullets (100$ for 500 mil-spec ammo)
7. Powder (~30$ per lb.)

What else would I need?

Thanks guys

[craneman]

A scale, and a reloading manual are pretty important for your saftym as well as others shooting around you. case trimmer.

[ElvenSoul]

Are you reloading for a M1?

[roc]

i find that a lee hand press is good when you are in a pinch. a good quality used single stage will be far better suited for the job in producing good quality hand loads. for about the same price.

[g17owner]

The LEE anniversary single stage will meet your needs for a budget. I have found some killer deals on older RCBS jr presses too. look around you can cut costs and still produce good ammo and learn alot on a SS press.

[gunboat]

what you NEED --
Press of some sort, hand or otherwise -
dies --shellholder -- means of priming if not on press -
case mouth deburring tool - or sharp knife
primer pocket reamer, sizing button or sharp knife for removing crimp from GI cases -
scale for powder -- funnel to put powder in case - Takes a long time to poke 4831 in an 06 case granule by by granule --
sizing lube -- ink pad is nice as well -
calipers or case length gage -
Handbook - your choice
rag and solvent to wipe off case when finished
Everything else makes the job faster but not necessarily better --
Probably would not hurt to have some old geezer look over your shoulder the first few rounds ----- my ha-penny

[Jonathan Doe]

Actually, I never paid attention to the cost of the set up. I just bought the equipmemtns and supplies that I needed and loaded away. I don't know when I broke even with the cost vs. save.
Besides, I get to make a lot more accurate ammo.

[Nessal]

IMO the Lee Breech lock set is a lot better than the anniversary set. Get that and a set of dies and you're ready to go.

[SunkenShadow]

Yeah, I'm reloading for a M1. I'm also a college kid that doesn't exactly have a large area to work with, that's why I was looking into a Hand Press. A SS press requires a workbench/table for it to be bolted on, does it not?

[SanSacto]

Reloading would definitely cut costs in the long run, but the initial setup costs are what have deterred me from starting to reload.

[gunboat]

A small single stage press could be mounted on a 2 foot piece of 2x12 which then could be clamped to a kitchen table -- A couple of plastic shoe boxes would probably hold the rest or your tooling. I think the 06 may be a bit of a hard sqeeze in a lee hand press.
Don't overlook buying used tooling. a set of dies can last nearly forever if not abused, same with a press. My Herter press was bought about 1960 and will certainly outlast me -

[Bug Splat]

I would defiantly avoid a hand press for large rifle cases. You are going to have a very hard time sizing the brass and if you get one stuck, forget ever getting that bad boy out. Yes, you will get one stuck at some point.

I Lee Ana kit is a great way to go. Everything you need minus dies and shell holders.