Reloading Setup at minimum cost

[wbrosha]

For the amount you are looking at reloading I would honestly start with just a Classic LEE Loader in .308 get it from amazon.com it will obviously take more time and not be as accurate as a press but it will definitely do the job. I used one for a year with a good old no marring mallet and a cut 2X4 and loved it! I might be crazy but to me it was relaxing and a kind of stress reliever to an extent. Just be careful reloading gets addicting QUICK!! Now im up to reloading 5 different rounds.

[bohoki]

i do not recommend the lee loader for autoloading firearms

but it is fun for revolvers and bolt guns

reason being i got one for my 30 carbine and did about a hundred and at the range they just didnt have enough oomp to cycle with the little scoop they gave even a heaping scoop

also that one in the video just neck sized the pistol ones need lube and a bit more force

another thing you either need to use boattail bullets or champher the case a tad otherwise you may get a crushed mouth occasionally

[anto]

Might I suggest this then:

$90 Lee Challenger Anniversary Kit
$5 Lee Case length gauge .308

and:

$25 Lee Pacesetter .308 dies
OR
$18 Lee RGB .308 dies

Total:
$120 or $113 off midwayusa for a kit that will last you and hold it's resale value fairly well. For case cleaning you can always wash them with some simple green & water.
OH

add in a few bucks for case lube ( lanolin + 99% Iso alcohol works well)

[rsrocket1]

Might I suggest this then:

$25 Lee Pacesetter .308 dies
OR
$18 Lee RGB .308 dies

If you get the RGB, add $5 for a shell holder. If your .308 is a bolt action, the extra $6 over the Pacesetter for the Lee Deluxe Rifle die set gives you the choice of full length resizing or neck sizing only which will make your cases last longer.

[Cowboy T]

Here's the cheapest single stage press you can get at $29.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7537

It can use the dies you mentioned.

That was my first press, and it had no trouble with resizing .30-06 (did it once just to try it), nor does it have any trouble resizing the tens of thousands of cast boolits that I regularly put through it these days. I've made much .357M and .45 Colt on it, and my cameralady has made much .38 Special on it. It's a good little press.

It also comes in a $32 kit from Midway that includes both the press and the Lee reloading book.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=480380

[EmmaGoldman]

absolute minimum cost is the Lee classic loader. Obviously there are lots of other relatively inexpensive options.

Even with the loader, a scale is a pretty good idea.

[LGB Loader]

I have to admit that I have never handloaded for savings, I learned because you can make custom ammo for a specific firearm. If I was trying keep my costs to a minimum, the Lee 50th anniversary kit with Lee deluxe dies (full sizer, neck sizer, and seater) would be the way to go. I would also buy at least 2 manuals. I recommend the Lyman 49th and the Sierra. I would even upgrade the scale (although the Lee scale does work but a bit too slow). I would also buy the case gauge for the Lee trimmer

This would be the minimum.

The whackamole Lee loader is a great little tool but eventually, that 308 Win brass will require the shoulder to be pushed back or pitched if you have a bolt gun. If you have an semi auto, you will need to full size every single time.

Hope this helps.

LGB

[sbjmg]

People keep mentioning the type of gun, it is a bolt gun. Not that it matters as the consensus I am getting is that I need to invest in this and the whack a mole is not the route to go. I just did not want to get too involved as I hardly shoot due to location. I just got excited when I saw the video of the guy whacking ammo in 40 seconds and though even if it took me a minute per round (after I get proficient) that would be great. I only intend on loading 308 and only for one rifle (my howa 1500).

Thanks for all the info guys.

[Cowboy T]

Bolt gun? Then the Lee Classic Loader ("whack a round") would be a fine choice.

[Sky_DiveR]

I watched quite a few precision guys at the range use the Lee Loader (whack a mole) work up loads. They don't use the dipper but with a scale and powder drop. Pretty interesting when they load 3-5 rounds and then shoot it for precision. Instant feedback on what works and what doesn't. I see nothing wrong with it. Been thinking of buying a set for myself just haven't gotten around to ordering it.

IMHO you can't get any cheaper than that and if you run out of rounds at the range, it's easy enough to load up some more right there.

[LGB Loader]

I just got excited when I saw the video of the guy whacking ammo in 40 seconds and though even if it took me a minute per round (after I get proficient) that would be great. I only intend on loading 308 and only for one rifle (my howa 1500).

Then get it. Get the Lee Loader. Brass may only be able to be reloaded 5-7 times but what the heck, you'll be handloading. Plus... I gotta admit, I like loading with the Lee loader. I always have. and if you are only loading 50 rounds every so often. Do it. But... I suggest you still buy a Lyman 49th edition manual and read the front. read it a few times and then have at it.

Let us know if you need any pointers once you have your book, tool kit and expendables.

Cheers...

LGB

[donger]

Then get it. Get the Lee Loader. Brass may only be able to be reloaded 5-7 times but what the heck, you'll be handloading. Plus... I gotta admit, I like loading with the Lee loader.

LGB

Yeah but it's not possible to bump the shoulders back .001-.002". You're at the mercy of the Lee Loader.

[LGB Loader]

Yeah but it's not possible to bump the shoulders back .001-.002". You're at the mercy of the Lee Loader.

Dude, he wants the Lee Loader, let's support him and be happy for him. He'll upgrade as soon as he pulls the trigger of that Howa 1500 chambered in 308 WIN with one of his handloads for the first time. First the smile, then the addiction. There will be no hope for him after that, just like you, me, and every other handloader on this forum.

Get the Lee Loader, sbjmg. You'll have fun...

LGB

[xbimmers]

Go with a Lee set up. They are the cheapest and they do work.

I want to hand reload .308 the cheapest way I can.

I am not looking at producing massive quantities nor do I shoot very often as ranges are quite a distance from me. So loading 50-100 rounds every couple months is what I am looking for. Which is why I am not looking at spending hundreds.

What is wrong with getting the Lee Deluxe 3 Die Set http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=148525

A nice rubber mallet and some scale. Would this be all I would really need other than components (brass, powder, primer and bullets).

What am I missing? Am I oversimplifying?

[gunboat]

Why would he need to "bump the shoulder back" ? He is using it in a bolt weapon, fireforming the case each time. Even if he did need to, just drive the case a mite deeper in the lee sizer.
Lee loader is not my choice -- tong tool for me -- but it certainly will get the job done.