Want to start reloading on the cheap

Now I wished I lived closer. I'd like to see the Redding and Dillon in action.

Maybe I should get the hand dies then , LOL.

SubGunFan wrote:45acp and 38spl are probably the 2 easiest cartridges to load. OK, if you have LOTS of time and no place to setup a press, and shoot very little (say less than 200rds per week). And getting started the cheapest. Then I recommend the following......

Press: LEE hand press. No mounting required.

Dies: LEE carbine dies. LEE Factory Crimp die. NOTE: LEE dies come with a shell holder.

Priming: LEE Auto-Prime.

Powder measure: LEE dipper set.

Dimension measure: Franklin Arsenal digital caliper.

Help: Someone to show you how to set the dies.

You should be able to find all these items at Midway USA.
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+1 but you don't even need the caliper if you are making a duplicate of a factory round, you can use a new cartridge to set up your dies. A hand press will get rather tedious, a bottom of the line bench press is just $28.. Wait, hold the presses, at midway a hand press is $4 more than their C frame bench press. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/665540/lee-breech-lock-hand-press

There is no such thing as reloading on the cheap. By the time you buy the basics, press, dies, scale, manual(s), brass, bullets, primers powder, etc., you are spending a ton of money up front. If you are going to shoot a lot, buying in bulk is the only way to go, otherwise you nickel and dime yourself to death. Best bet is a progressive press that will accomodate multiple calibers without a lot of work. Dillon 550 is probably the best. Multiple toolheads allow you to change calibers with the least amount of work. If you go with a single stage or one of the hand loaders, you will get frustrated in a hurry spending two to three hours to load 100 rounds.

Bottem line is after 35 years of reloading, all I can say is that reloading does not save you any money, it just lets you shoot a lot more for the same amount, and if necessary, tailor your loads for a specific firearm.

My .02. YMMV.

I'll take you up on that offer Miker. Send me a pm when it's good.

TankerHC wrote:Im taking rdinak up on his offer, will be meeting up with him in a couple weeks to get some lessons. After I get some lessons, and do some research, then I will buy my equipment.

If rdinak is willing, I'd like to tag along for this too if it's OK. I am still learning what's what with my Rock Chucker but I'd love to see some other presses in action. Someone please shoot me a PM if it's OK for me to attend the Reloading class.

I went to castboolits.gunloads.com last night. On the homepage there are some links to youtube. I watch 2 different presses being used and kinda talk you through it. There were plenty more to watch.

I started with the Lee Turret (4) and I'm glad because a single stage would have driven me crazy after a while. Worked very well for a beginner but also good as you become more experienced. I got a great deal at titanreloading.com...generally very good prices.