Question about initial cost

[TMB]

I've been considering reloading for a while. I just didn't shoot enough. I've recently quit some of my other extra activities which frees up time to go to the range. Reloading is again in my thoughts.

While researching equipment I found a "Complete setup" at one of the LGS. It seems to be a good way to begin. It has a Horniday Lock-n- Load Classic Kit along with one set of dies, a digital scale, brass tumbler with media, deburing tool and enough brass, lead, primers and powder to load 100 rounds. All for $655. The salesman said they would use the Horniday dies so I would get "free ammo" from Horniday as well.

Is this as good as it seems?

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[JEBar]

Hornady is a solid company .... they produce good products and provide solid service/backing of their products after the sale .... if they will custom tailor components (power, bullets, etc) and dies to the caliber(s) you wish to load, that probably wouldn't be a bad deal ....

[TMB]

They will set you up with the caliber that you want. For me it will be .45 Colt. Not sure what powder is provided or if I can choose.
They recommended I read "The ABC's of Reloading." And they have their favorite loading manual which is different from the Horniday one that comes with the kit. So that is an addition of about $50 for those books. I figure I'll have more than one manual anyway, I like books.

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Been doing some research and price checking on reloading equipment and components. Like you , just kinda getting interested in reloading .45 colt and also .45-70. This starter kits price seems reasonable for sure with what your getting for your money. Have always liked the Hornady brand and the company. Folks on the Forum , of which there are many seasoned veterans of reloading , also recommended to me to first get a manual and read through it as well. The very one you mentioned recommended specifically by several folks. If you end up purchasing the kit , please let us know how it works for you. Sure be interested to know. It sounds like what I would need too.

[clovishound]

The thing to consider is whether the equipment in the kit is likely to be the equipment you will want. It won't save you any money if you end up replacing a bunch of stuff down the road. Of course, that presupposes that you have an idea of what kind of equipment you want.

For example, the kit includes a vibratory tumbler. This is the most popular cleaning method out there. Some folks don't like them, however. On top of that, a case cleaner is not actually necessary. Yes, you will probably want a method to clean cases. You probably won't know what the best system for you is until you have some experience under your belt. I loaded for several years cleaning my cases every 4 or 5 loadings in a plastic bucket with dish detergent and citric acid.

The same can be said for powder scales. Some love electronic scales. Some hate them. I have a love/hate relationship with the electronic myself. I do, however, have a quality beam scale as backup/double check for my electronic. I would recommend a good beam scale for those starting out.

I like to support my local stores, but reloading equipment is one area that I buy online predominantly. Not only is there a cost savings, but I frequently cannot find the equipment I really want at my local stores. Places like Midway and Titan have a wide selection of equipment at excellent prices.

[Ozarkridgerunner]

The thing to consider is whether the equipment in the kit is likely to be the equipment you will want. It won't save you any money if you end up replacing a bunch of stuff down the road. Of course, that presupposes that you have an idea of what kind of equipment you want.

For example, the kit includes a vibratory tumbler. This is the most popular cleaning method out there. Some folks don't like them, however. On top of that, a case cleaner is not actually necessary. Yes, you will probably want a method to clean cases. You probably won't know what the best system for you is until you have some experience under your belt. I loaded for several years cleaning my cases every 4 or 5 loadings in a plastic bucket with dish detergent and citric acid.

The same can be said for powder scales. Some love electronic scales. Some hate them. I have a love/hate relationship with the electronic myself. I do, however, have a quality beam scale as backup/double check for my electronic. I would recommend a good beam scale for those starting out.

I like to support my local stores, but reloading equipment is one area that I buy online predominantly. Not only is there a cost savings, but I frequently cannot find the equipment I really want at my local stores. Places like Midway and Titan have a wide selection of equipment at excellent prices.

I definitely can see the points you made. Especially the manual scales for starters. The idea of a starter kit was appealing to me as well since I'm not really sure of all I need. But I get your point that one might be buying something you won't use or that there is a better type such as the tumbler, etc. I reckon Reading a good manual and visiting folks who are experienced reloaders is where to gain the knowledge for what basic equipment one would need and what has worked for them

[Mistered]

The thing to consider is whether the equipment in the kit is likely to be the equipment you will want. It won't save you any money if you end up replacing a bunch of stuff down the road.

I was about to post something similar But Clovis must have 'heard my thinking!' so I I'll just support what he said, and I agree completely with the scale and case cleaning part of it. Initially you don't need a case cleaning system as dish detergent, lemon juice and couple plastic containers with screw to lids work well. A squeeze of detergent and a splash of lemon juice in the containers, filled with hot water and shaken, and let sit for a while cleans cases surprisingly well, with a rinse and dry being all thats left. I use this method as a pre-clean on all my cases upon returning home from shooting. Eventually you will want a case cleaning system but it's not a necessity immediately - along with the electronic scale - I STILL have never felt the need for one after 40 + years of reloading.

[Slugnut]

Midway USA, has sale prices on Hornady reloading supplies and kits. Give'm a look see.

[PT7]

Ozark,

Noticed your reloading chat with Clovishound about mechanical powder scales. If you're at all interested in chatting about a new one I have, which I've never used and need to let go, just send me a PM.

A little background about my reloading "experience." Some time ago I bought all the equipment I thought I would need to reload .357 magnum ammo, but never got started. On top of that, I then have "discovered" about myself that I don't want to reload. After I did that about face, I sold everything except the powder scale. Why I did the 180* is another standalone story.

Here is a some info about my mechanical scale. It is an RCBS M500. Like I said, brand new in original box, never used. Personally, I think this is a well-built, quality scale....was pleased with the materials used to make it. The Cabelas in KC, KS sells a lot of the RCBS equipment, which is where I got mine. You can check this scale out at the RCBS web site here: http://rcbs.com/Products/Powder-Measure ... Scale.aspx

OK. Best to you as you begin your reloading journey.
Take care.
PT7

The thing to consider is whether the equipment in the kit is likely to be the equipment you will want. It won't save you any money if you end up replacing a bunch of stuff down the road. Of course, that presupposes that you have an idea of what kind of equipment you want.

The same can be said for powder scales. Some love electronic scales. Some hate them. I have a love/hate relationship with the electronic myself. I do, however, have a quality beam scale as backup/double check for my electronic. I would recommend a good beam scale for those starting out.

I definitely can see the points you made. Especially the manual scales for starters. The idea of a starter kit was appealing to me as well since I'm not really sure of all I need. But I get your point that one might be buying something you won't use or that there is a better type such as the tumbler, etc. I reckon Reading a good manual and visiting folks who are experienced reloaders is where to gain the knowledge for what basic equipment one would need and what has worked for them

[JEBar]

with reloading equipment (like most everything else) one size doesn't fit all ... personal preferences vary widely .... power scales are a good example .... I started with a balance beam and used it for decades .... still have it but since getting a digital scale, that's all I use .... for me there is no doubt that the digital is more accurate and quicker ....

[CT_Shooter]

I started to reload .357 magnums shortly after I got my first pistol permit in 2013. I bought the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit, and highly recommend it. It's a single stage press, but after four years, I don't think I'll ever need more than that. I can reload a hundred rounds in just about 90 minutes or so... an hour if I've already primed the cases.

I only had to add the Lee four die set, buy some bullets, powder, and primers and I was in business. Later on I bought bushings to make changing the the dies faster, a digital scale, a trimming gauge, a tumbler, and a few other accessories, but none were absolutely necessary; just nice to have. Lee is a great company with outstanding customer service.

https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-Br ... dpSrc=srch

[TMB]

Thanks all for the great discussion. What I'm reading here is what I've been thinking. Basically, what do I really need and at what price point. I am a techno-nerd so when I see something I want I have a tendency to want all the latest technology. My father was the practical type so he taught me to look for only what I need to get a job done. He was also frugal so he looked for the best price. All of which causes me to confuse myself and take some time making up my mind.

[Steve51]

Like CT-Shooter, I started out with the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Loading Kit. Initial investment back then was less than $200. Over the years I have purchased a digital scale and additional dies (I now load for several calibers). I purchased a rock polisher from Harbor Freight for cleaning my brass. I only load for myself as my kids are grown. This starter set still meets my needs. The added benefit for me is I like to hand load my own ammunition. I can also load ammo types that are not always available commercially.

In reality, I am not sure I have saved any money in the long run but I can sure do a lot more shooting for the buck and if you own a Henry or s single action revolver, you want to shoot it.

I don't think you will regret buying a starter kit - most important is to go slow and be safe!

[Mistered]

In reality, I am not sure I have saved any money in the long run but I can sure do a lot more shooting for the buck and if you own a Henry or s single action revolver, you want to shoot it.

Pretty much the ‘cornerstone’ of reloading and I would like to add to prospective reloaders it should be regarded as an extension of your interest in shooting and not a chore, specifically The ability to ‘tailor’ ammo for a specific purpose. For example I finally found a powder/bullet combination that shoots equally well in my BBB .357 as well as my mod 66 Smith. Matter of fact a friend of mine was quite impressed with my shooting of the 66 yesterday with literally 1.5 “ (rested) groups at 25 yards!

[TMB]

I went to Cabela's today and looked at the Lee presses. They seemed to be good ones. The thing I liked about Hornady was the Lock-n- Load feature. Lee has the Breech lock feature which is similar. It seems with the Lee system and dies my initial cost would be right at $200 at Cabela's and maybe a bit less with equipment from Midway. My wallet likes that.
While at Cabela's I looked for dies which generated my next question. 3 or 4 die sets? Lee has a 4 die set that includes a crimping die. Do the 3 die sets crimp?
I like Steve51 idea of getting a rock polisher for cleaning.

[CT_Shooter]

While at Cabela's I looked for dies which generated my next question. 3 or 4 die sets? Lee has a 4 die set that includes a crimping die. Do the 3 die sets crimp?

The bullet seating die in the Lee three die set does crimp, though I don't use it. It crimps while the bullet is moving into the case.

I strongly recommend getting the four die set and using the Factory Crimping Die instead. Not only does it provide a range from light to strong roll crimps, it also resizes the cartridge one final time.

Lee Factory Crimp Die sizes the cartridge while being crimped so every round will positively chamber freely with factory like dependability. This die applies a roll crimp. The adjusting screw quickly and easily sets the desired amount of crimp. Trim Length is not critical so this extra operation takes less time than it would if cases were trimmed and chamfered. A firm crimp is essential for dependable and accurate ammunition, as it eliminates the problems of poor ignition of slow burning magnum powders.

https://leeprecision.com/carbide-factor ... 8-357.html

[bandit1250]

Last year when a friend of mine wanted to get set up to load his ammo we got everything he needed used at several shows. We had plenty of stuff to choose from and found a like new RCBS Rockchucker press and a brand new RCBS balance beam scale in the box and a Lyman 55 powder measure(one of the best in my opinion.) He also bought dies in the boxes that looked brand new for several calibers he owns. Even found a new Lyman trimmer and a Redding powder trickler. Piecing things together like he did saved quite a bit of money and you get what you want instead of the company selling you some stuff you don't need right away and can be picked up at shows and flea markets. The small shows are the best for getting things cheaper than the big shows. Those guys are there to sell things and not haul them back home. It only took about three small fire men shows and we had all he needed except the Redding trickler. I got him a couple reloading manual for $4 each. Speer and Sierra manuals. His press was $70 and I got him a lower price on the scale at $40. We got the Lyman 55 measure for $30 from the same seller. Just one show got him all three sets of dies ($18/set) and his trimmer for $40 with the pilots. The little Redding trickler was the hardest to find. They are the best because they are quite heavy and don't up set easy as plastic or aluminum models.($10 for it.) I have my Redding trickler on a small magnet from a speaker to give it added height above the scale pan and more weight than it already had. I wish I would have got all my loading things from shows but never really was into shows at the time. He got his things for less than $250. He has since bought a used Lyman tumbler. By the way I had two digital scales and hated both of them. Went back to the Ohaus balance beam and never looked back. Reloading is not about fancy equipment but tools that do the job that needs to be done and that last a long time. Redding and RCBS is really good reloading tools to buy.

[Steve51]

I prefer the 4 die set.

I always use the factory crimp die on my hand loads. It is wise to put a heavier crimp on magnum ammunition fired from a rifle with a tubular magazine (like the Henry's).

I once loaded some .44 magnum ammo with a lighter crimp for my Big Boy and the recoil caused the bullets to push down into the case, which would increase the pressure. I was fortunate and noticed that problem before any of those rounds were fired.

Just a note TMB. I was not trying to influence you to purchase a Lee set over a Hornady set. I just think these combo sets are a good choice for many beginning re-loaders. For some, like me, they will be adequate for many years and others will want a set up that will do the job quicker.

[TMB]

Just a note TMB. I was not trying to influence you to purchase a Lee set over a Hornady set. I just think these combo sets are a good choice for many beginning re-loaders. For some, like me, they will be adequate for many years and others will want a set up that will do the job quicker.

Your post was just the type of information I was asking for. The book I'm reading recommends that you ask people who actually reload about their setup and that you "ask why they use the things..."

[ESquared]

Am reading back through this thread, as I've got the reloading bug. Am in strict research mode and the "3-die vs. 4-die" conversation struck me, as I've seen Hornady 30-30 die sets that are only 2 dies.
Anyone have any opinions/experience with this Lee "Ultimate" 4-die set from Midway? Seems like for an extra 9 bucks, why wouldn't you?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/64835 ... -4-die-set