If someone wanted to get into handloading...

[TNReb]

Let's say someone wanted to get in to handloading rifle rounds. For a decent single stage press, dies, other tools... how much could one expect to spend if they bought everything new (for a single caliber, not including brass/powder/primers/bullets)?

Would $500 get a good, complete setup? Could $400? Could $300?

 

[mr.big]

if I was starting new now I would start with a Forster co-ax press,,

 

[ADR]

You can buy an RCBS starter kit for around $300. That will definitely get you going and do you a good job. I've scene your turkey patterning and reloading is kinda like that. It's addicting. Always trying to get better. I'm not far from you would happy to help show you my set up and kinda crash course. I'm a long ways from Mr. Big's level but be happy to show you none the less. Pm me if I can help.

Kinda like saying that an Indian creek choke and hevi mag blends will kill a turkey. But if you want to really do it, it takes a little time and experimenting.

 

[DaveB]

You can buy a kit or get the individual components.

First purchase(s): A loading manual or two or three. Some manuals, like Nosler, never tell you how a Sierra or Hornady or Barnes bullet performs so there is a site that sells single caliber manuals that list ALL bullets and powders for a given caliber.

At least, I think that is how it goes, someone chime in, I do not have the link

Next post, A Kit or Components. Why?

 

[DaveB]

First off, hand loading is a hobby that produces tangible rewards, a whole lot like gardening or carpentry or carving--the list goes on. It is the type of hobby where your persistence and focus is absolutely required.

I do not like Kits. They work, they do the job.

When purchasing the pieces individually you can, for an increase in cost, acquire a higher quality component. What a lot of folks on here say: Buy once, cry once.

Are yo going to load for Pistol or Rifle?

 

[Rubberduck270]

A RCBS Rockchucker kit would be a good investment for someone who's never loaded before. I agree with DaveB on buying individual, higher quality pieces but you'll probably want to make sure you like reloading before you jump in headfirst. I've seen a few people who spend a ton on reloading stuff only to use it a few times and decide handloading isn't for them.

The Rockchucker kit is what I started out with (it comes with everything you need minus dies and components). I made a bracket for my press so I could chuck it up in the bench vise in the shop and kept all the boxes for the scales and powder measure so when I was done I could box it all back up and put it away. That lasted for a year or so then I decided I wanted to dedicate a room to just my reloading stuff (because I got tired of having to get it all out everytime I wanted to try a new load and I had a spare bedroom). Once I had everything set up in the reloading room I kept an eye out for stuff to go on sale (like my trimmer, case prep center, casemaster, etc.) and gradually worked my way up to the set up I have now. Even managed to score a new Chargemaster from a buddy who bought a bunch of reloading stuff then decided he didn't like it lol.

 

[DaveB]

I was lucky, I guess. My BIL-to-be helped me with nearly every buying decision. I should note he has a Co-Axial and some of the Forster higher-end die sets. And he bought a Dillon JUST for his 10mm Glock.

The RCBS Kit is probably the best value (I just plain do not like Hornady stuff, sorry). RCBS makes a bench mounted primer tool, kinda pricey but the BEST. You do not need a primer tool if doing just a single caliber, prime using the press.

 

[KPH]

The first thing you need to buy is one or two reloading books read them. After this talk to someone who reloads. Then make up your mind if you really want to reload.

 

[jakeway]

A lot of people talk down on Lee stuff, but unless you're into competition shooting the Lee Anniversary starter kit works just fine. That's what I bought almost 20 years ago ($75 then) and I still haven't replaced it. I load four different cartridges with it

 

[rdl65]

if I was starting new now I would start with a Forster co-ax press,,

Buy once, Cry once.

 

[tsc]

I don't shoot a rifle much so I just got a Lee loader and a powder scale and trickler. I should just shoot factory but I enjoy putting a couple of boxes a year together. That Lee loader just neck sizes, it does fine for what I want.

 

[DixieDawg]

When I got started hand loading the Lyman books were my best friend lots of good information on weights and measures in them

-Proverbs 22:6-