crunching some numbers for reloading

[beknar]

Here are some better deals on the equipment:
btw, Grafs only charges $5 for shipping regardless of how much is on the order. Coupon code "blue" may still take the $5 off.
The cost ends up about the same, but you get better (and more) equipment from a more reputable seller.

$160 - LEE PRO 1000 RELOADER 223 REM w/RIFLE CHG DIE

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/8020

$72 - FRANKFORD ARSENAL QUICK-N-EZ CASE TUMBLER KIT (Tumbler, sifter, media, polish)

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/778

for future reference:
$7 for 10 quarts of tumbler media (aka -Zilla Ground English Walnut Shells Reptile Bedding)

http://www.petco.com/product/102881/Zilla-Ground-English-Walnut-Shells-Reptile-Bedding.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

For a reloading book, this is a good one:
LYMAN RELOADING MANUAL 49th EDITION SOFT COVER
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/...roductId/10641

Fantastic links, THANKS!!

[olhunter]

I reload, but don't particularly enjoy it.

I hate the case prep and will buy processed brass. Then save the empties for credit against the next batch. My cost goes up, but it's worth it to me.

I like the ability to create my own loads though. I'm not in it for the savings really.

If I'm patient and shop around, I can buy ammo for pretty close to what it costs (me) to reload.

My big savings is reloading with lead-free bullets. Buying factory lead-free is ridiculous.

[killshot44]

what is with the .224 sizing of the bullets? why isn't it .223?

Based on that question I feel you should hold off buying ANYTHING until you've read at least the Lyman manual if not more....
This is a good read: http://www.6mmbr.com/jgcaseprep.html (forget about neck turning/sizing)
So is this: http://www.inlandshooters.net/index.php?contentid=99
This:

You should know that well-made handloads are much better than factory "match" ammo. Compare your cost per round to that, not the cheapest PMC you can buy (though PMC is pretty decent brass for 4/5 loads).

As others noted, you've left out a bunch of incidentals that add up:
Loading Blocks, Powder funnels, Powder Trickler, Powder thrower, GOOD Scale, Trimming tool(s) w/chamferers, Primer Pocket Cleaner, Flash Hole Deburrer, really GOOD calipers, Headspace Gage and Bushings - those are just the basics.

[rsrocket1]

first the required equipment-
1 pound small rifle powder for 13.99:

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=HD&prodID=HDPYR&prodTitle=Hodgdon%20Pyrodex%20Rifle%20Powder%201%20lb

Seeing this seems to imply you need to start with a reloading book first. Don't even consider anything else yet.

You point to a black powder substitute. This should never be used in .223. Most smokeless rifle powders go for about $20/pound. A little less when you buy 8 pound jugs.

An inexpensive single stage press setup will cost you about $200 all up (including dies which you don't show). A Progressive like the Lee will require close to $300 for the right loading tools not including the cleaning supplies (not needed if you really want to save money, those techniques are in the reloading books you need to get).

Good starting books:
"ABC's of Reloading"
Lee "Modern Reloading Manual "

[bumpo628]

First off, I agree that it looks like you need to read the Lyman manual before you get going. Second, starting off with a rifle caliber makes it more difficult due to the additional work required for case preparation. I started on pistol calibers, then shotgun, and finally I am starting on rifle (30-06). I have purchased all my rifle reloading gear, but I still haven't loaded a round yet. I'm still reading and learning.

If you shoot any pistols, you might want to learn the basics first, then step up to rifle reloading. Otherwise, you are in for a steep learning curve. Don't rush to get started.

Here is some more equipment you will need:

This is the best scale (don't bother with the Lee scale, you'll just buy this one later anyway):
$56 - DILLON SCALE ELIMINATOR TRIPLE POISE BEAM

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/3018

For 223, you will also need case lube, case trimmers (possum hollow is the best), chamfer/deburring tool, primer pocket reamer for crimped primer pockets, and I'm sure there's more. I'll try to post links later.

[pdq_wizzard]

Seeing this seems to imply you need to start with a reloading book first. Don't even consider anything else yet.

You point to a black powder substitute. This should never be used in .223. Most smokeless rifle powders go for about $20/pound. A little less when you buy 8 pound jugs.

An inexpensive single stage press setup will cost you about $200 all up (including dies which you don't show). A Progressive like the Lee will require close to $300 for the right loading tools not including the cleaning supplies (not needed if you really want to save money, those techniques are in the reloading books you need to get).

Good starting books:
"ABC's of Reloading"
Lee "Modern Reloading Manual "

^^^ This ^^^ Read it / Know it Live it !!!

And I do mean Live!!!

[beknar]

Looks like I have a bunch of reading to do. Good thing I'll be at a bookstore tomorrow.

[J-cat]

You don't need a progressive reloader.

[Fishslayer]

:Can I use the media over and over again?

You can save on media by buying lizard litter at your local feed store. It's finely crushed walnut shell. Cleans faster than cob but doesn't give that brilliant shine. Add a bit of Nu Finish car polish & your brass will look pretty good pretty quickly.

[bumpo628]

Here's a list of rifle-specific tooling that I bought (I purchased 30-06 tools, but I adapted the list to your 223 example). None of this is needed for pistol calibers. I just remembered that you will also need a set of dial calipers ($15) if you don't have them already.

$25 - Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer 223 Remington (indexes off the shoulder)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=127743

$10 - Possum Hollow Power Adapter (can be used with case trimmer or deburring tool)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=295771

$19 - RCBS Chamfer and Deburring Tool 17 to 45 Caliber (does inside and outside the case mouth)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=143728

$10 - Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer Tool Small (to remove crimp)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=501588

$5 - Lee Decapper and Base 22 Caliber (crimped brass is hard to remove primer first time)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=297408

$18 - Lyman Case Lube Kit (or you could opt for a spray lube if you prefer)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=130319

$7 - Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray 50-Round Plastic Blue (you might not need this with a progressive, but can't hurt)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=122368

$32 - Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gage 5 Bushing Set with Comparator (measures from base to shoulder)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=479704

[jwest]

FWIW I did a spreadsheet that was previously posted in this group determining the break even for shotshell reloading using Wally World as a basis for 12 Ga. shell cost and calculating the break using a Dillon SL 900. Break even occurred before 3K rounds - so that puts it into perspective. We're talking shot shell cost from Wally World.

[killshot44]

Looks like I have a bunch of reading to do. Good thing I'll be at a bookstore tomorrow.

Sadly, you won't find any of the needed references in a book store or most librarys.

You point to a black powder substitute. This should never be used in .223.

Oh, brother. I didn't even check his link. Yikes.

[SixPointEight]

Sadly, you won't find any of the needed references in a book store or most librarys.



Oh, brother. I didn't even check his link. Yikes.

Me niether. We both almost let this guy blow himself up lol

[bumpo628]

FWIW I did a spreadsheet that was previously posted in this group determining the break even for shotshell reloading using Wally World as a basis for 12 Ga. shell cost and calculating the break using a Dillon SL 900. Break even occurred before 3K rounds - so that puts it into perspective. We're talking shot shell cost from Wally World.

Those are great spreadsheets for calculating break even points.
(linked earlier by XDRoX: http://10xshooters.com/calculators/H...Calculator.htm)

I don't mean to threadjack here, but how does an $870 press pay off in 3000 rounds? You would have to save $0.30 per round. Wal-Mart ammo doesn't even cost that much, maybe $.25 out the door. Just curious about your numbers, that's all.

[iareConfusE]

Those are great spreadsheets for calculating break even points.
(linked earlier by XDRoX: http://10xshooters.com/calculators/H...Calculator.htm)

I don't mean to threadjack here, but how does an $870 press pay off in 3000 rounds? You would have to save $0.30 per round. Wal-Mart ammo doesn't even cost that much, maybe $.25 out the door. Just curious about your numbers, that's all.

For what caliber? When I was calculating this stuff myself before I started reloading, I calculated commercial .45ACP to be around $.40-.50 per round, and reload ammo to be $.16-.17 per round. A cost savings of $.30 per round isn't that far fetched.