RELOADING BUDGET

[rolly]

Hello,

Iam a newbee ...did not even received my rifle yet!

I plan to buy amno first for a few months, keep the brass and then go into reloading.
Now I do not need something to reload 500 amno / hour. Why would I need that?

In fact I have too many - expensive - hobbies/toys (motox, hotrod, jeep, music) and my wife is going to kill me if I buy a $1000 machine tool.

So the reloading and shoting are going to be part of my SAME time and financial budget for my hobby Riffle. (700vtr 308).
I will not worry if the reloading is slow.

What should I get? what should I expect?

Thank you

[Jicko]

Read through the "Ammo and Reloading" section of this forum.

Everything you need to know are there, pricing, recommendation, how to do it... etc...

If you don't want to invest a lot of money, at least, invest some time...

[JeffM]

Also purchase and read the book "ABCs of Reloading"

It goes through the basics step-by-step in an easy to read and understand format.

[Chaingun]

Get a 550B and expect sub MOA

The 550B allows either single stage or progressive.

[rolly]

Read through the "Ammo and Reloading" section of this forum.

Everything you need to know are there, pricing, recommendation, how to do it... etc...

If you don't want to invest a lot of money, at least, invest some time...

I will for sure !

[rolly]

Also purchase and read the book "ABCs of Reloading"

It goes through the basics step-by-step in an easy to read and understand format.

for me to do this weekend !

[rolly]

Get a 550B and expect sub MOA

The 550B allows either single stage or progressive.

yes sounds delicious, but the 550B is $1000!

[ocabj]

I got my friend started via this deal when they came out with in 2007:

http://www.hornady.com/get_loaded.php

[Fjold]

If you are just starting out reloading for one rifle you do not need a progressive press.

A single stage or turret press will do everything what you want to do.

[Rule .308]

yes sounds delicious, but the 550B is $1000!

The 550 is a $400.00 dollar machine plus shipping and a set of dies, you would be into it for less than $500.00. Last time I checked the 550 does not come with a single stage option, it is progressive. I started with an RCBS master kit years and years ago and it has never failed me. If you wanted to try easing into it you could go that avenue and if you decide it is not for you then you will have a little bit less invested and if you decide to pursue it further and get into a progressive machine the single stage press can either be sold off or keep it around for small batches and brass prep, which is what I did.

What ever your decision is I would definitely keep an eye on the board for reloading equipment, stuff is always coming up for sale and some of it is pretty darn inexpensive.

One of the few ways that you are really going to see a savings by reloading is to buy in bulk, unfortunately that means you need to spend in bulk too so keep your eyes open for the occasional group buys from places like Powder Valley, I just got in on the one Randall Rausch is running, picked up an 8# jug of powder and get to split the shipping and haz mat fees with the rest of the participants.

If you are going to be shooting bulk bullets for your typical EBR you can get that stuff in bulk and split it with a buddy or two. Just one example being Widener's, they have .224 55GR. BTWC (typical AR-15 .223 round) at $345.00 for 5K including shipping. Split that one with a buddy or two and you are into bullets at $69.00 per K shipped to your door, not too bad.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I just got the 550B and I am glad I did not go the cheap route. Sure it cost a little more but it was well worth it in my opinion. It comes with a lifetime warranty that I hear is very good. When you look at everything you need to buy for a single stage set-up it is not really that much cheaper than the 550B.

[ar15barrels]

The 550 is a $400.00 dollar machine plus shipping and a set of dies, you would be into it for less than $500.00. Last time I checked the 550 does not come with a single stage option, it is progressive.

You don't have to load on the 550 as a progressive press.
You can setup each station and run 1 case through at a time like a turret press.
This is how I teach people before releasing them into progressive loading.

[1911su16b870]

+1 Randall, I am doing my load developments exactly like you described!

What does that "Budget" word mean?

[gunboat]

You need: dies to decap, size and seat. Press or hand tool to hold dies. priming tool if not part of press. Lube for sizing cases. Primers, powder and bullets. A scale or calibrated dipper. A loading manual - possibly read at library. A vernier caliper to set overall length.
All these can be bought used, brand is mostly immaterial.
Thats about all you NEED, lots of other tools improve things.

[rolly]

GUYS! You are GREAT !

I am going to buy a book today and I already emailed DILLON for information.

I will let you know soon...


is dillon better than hornady?