How much does it usually cost to start reloading?

[V4Vendetta]

I apologize if this has been asked before but I looked 5 pages & didn't see it. I would be reloading 7.62x39 & maybe .223 if I get an AR later.

Is it very difficult?

[mniesen89]

Well I've been reloading for about 4 months now, and as far as the difficulty level goes, yes you have to pay attention to what your doing but it doesnt require a degree in astrophysics! As far as the cost, I'd have to know how much ammo you want to reload and how quickly,or if you live in an apartment or have a large garage.....basically depends on how in depth you want to go with it.

Michael

[V4Vendetta]

As far as the cost, I'd have to know how much ammo you want to reload and how quickly,or if you live in an apartment or have a large garage.....basically depends on how in depth you want to go with it.

Just reloading over time. No rush. Just want to save. I heard reloaders can shoot about 500 rounds for $90. I don't have a garage but I do have little building I could use.

[retrieverman]

I am just getting into reloading too and have been paying $1.50 a shot for factory 270 ammo, and I have cut my per shot cost to 35 cents. That is buying supplies locally at "retail" prices and not counting my time. That being said, you can shop the net and find components much cheaper than what I have paid.

I am also going the "budget route" and using Lee Hand Presses instead of a bench mounted press. From my results, I have no intention of changing my methods or equipment.

[V4Vendetta]

That being said, you can shop the net and find components much cheaper than what I have paid.

What did you pay if you don't mind my asking?

[mniesen89]

Go To Midway Usa To Start Pricing Some Stuff Out....i've Found There Equipment To Be Reasonbly Priced

[chris112]

I have heard people spend thousands (and could justify every cent) on their set up and also heard of people getting started for less than $100.00. When I started, back in the late 1960's, I started with a Lee Loader. It and the components cost me $20.00.

Most people find that they can start just fine with an RCBS Rock chucker kit.
They are around $250.00. At the same time you can start for a lot less than that if you go with Lee.

[BigJimP]

$250 - $500 will probably cover your startup and it depends on what kind of a press and powder scale you want primarily. You can spend a lot more if you get into progressive presses - probably $ 1500 total for higher end equipment.

Is it hard - no - you just have to read and understand your equipment / understand the recipe's / pay attention to what you're doing. I've reloaded for 40 years more or less - gone thru a lot of different equipment - but I've always enjoyed the process of reloading and shooting my own reloads in handguns, rifles and shotguns. My best advice is to try and find someone in your area that will mentor you - get you started right, get you over the learning curve hump a lot quicker and make some recommendations on equipment. Talk to as many guys as you can / find out what they're loading and if they like their equipment.

[The Tourist]

I started for less than 100 bucks.

I bought a C style press with a primer arm already attached. I had a pie plate filled with a 50/50 mix of candle wax and Vaseline to lube cast bullets, and I scrounged lead for free.

I scrounged range brass, I bought primers in bulk, or simply traded for the things I needed. As for powder, I simply took what was on sale.

(And I still have some of the stuff. I bought four huge cannisters of Alcan AL-8, paying $2.65 per pound. I think half of it is still left, and it works just fine.)

As I saved money on commercial catridges, I invested in more and better tools.

[Tim R]

Is it difficult? Depends on the person as you will be your own QC. Some are not cut out for reloading. I had a guy who worked for me who had a some what higher IQ than most. He could not figure out how to keep his 357 from getting smashed down to 38 Spl size. (way too much crimp) He gave it up even after being shown what the problem was.

I started out reloading when the wife thought a box of '06 was too much ($12.50 for Winchester 150 gr silver tip) and suggested I get into reloading. '06 was my only center fire then.

I went to the gun shop and ended up buying a RCBS kit many years ago. Today I reload not only '06, but 308, 223, 30-30, 300 H&H, 9mm, 38/357, 38 super, 40 and 45 ACP. My list is not all that long. I still use the RCBS kit I bought so long ago. I load mostly rifle as I competitvley shoot NRA High Power with at first 308 and now 223 to the tune of at least 15 matches a year. I also shoot John C. Garand matches and reload for those when ammo isn't supplied. I have added equipment over the years. I like to buy once and try to buy the best at the time.

If I were shooting pistol matches then I would have a Dillon in the caliber I was shooting. But I don't and don't have the need for great speed. Some people find reloading relaxing and a hobby all in it's self.

[V4Vendetta]

How big of an area do I need?

EDIT: I just measured the area I have in mind. The desk is 7' long with 3 equally long shelves above it.

[mniesen89]

that should be ample space to get started with...organization is key though...you'll realize that when you get more in depth with it.A good sturdy table is required though is you have a bench mounted press

[V4Vendetta]

Do I need a license or something to make my own ammunition? What if I decide to sell some of it?

Is it possible to profit by selling folks reloaded ammunition?

[Linear Thinker]

Do I need a license or something to make my own ammunition? What if I decide to sell some of it?

I am not aware of any licensing for personal handloading, and I started reloading while living in NYC! There may be fire codes, but that is different. Once you start selling, you may come under zoning rules.

Is it possible to profit by selling folks reloaded ammunition?

I used to load commercially, it's not a high margin business, or at least it wasn't 20 years back. You will need to do a lot of volume to make it pay. Liability insurance will probably be your biggest expense, and then the bullets.
With ammo prices being what they are - perhaps you will make $$. It takes time and lots of equipment to reload commercially. Your product will need to be 100% or nearly so.
Are you new to reloading, or to running a business? Don't do it.

[BigJimP]

Size - my bench for metallic loading is about 6 feet long so you should be fine.

You don't need a license to re-load ammo for yourself in my community / but your local municipality / fire marshall may have restrictions on how much powder and how many primers you can have on site / how you need to store them, etc. Not that you need to store that much anyway ...

Selling ammunition is up to you / but I wouldn't do it. The liability issue is a real big deal ! You will probably find your homeowner's insurance policy won't give you any liability coverage if you sell ammo - but you ought to talk to your agent / and getting a commercial insurance policy to manufacture ammo would be cost prohibitive. Personally, I don't reload for my friends either - if someone got hurt, even if they misused the ammo, it would be a terrible thing to live with. I load for myself, my kids and grandkids - but nothing outside that circle - and I am very confident my reloads are better than anything produced commercially.

[V4Vendetta]

Ok. I won't sell the ammunition but at least I now know what to expect. Thanks guys.

[Shane Tuttle]

I don't find it difficult as much as time consuming. To me, this isn't a big deal. As Tim said, it's very relaxing to me. I don't consider "time is money" in my hobbies.

Your bench should be plenty to get up and running w/o stuff packed everywhere. Just be tidy and organized.

Just reloading over time. No rush. Just want to save.

This is an arguement that goes round and round with people. My belief is if you do your homework and don't mind being frugal, it will pay off dearly. Some hints:
1. You can invest in a tumbler and media, or you can mix up a simple cleaning agent and wash your brass for less money.
2. Pick up range brass that is in good shape.
3. The Lee Anniversary Kit press will get you off to a great start minus dies and shellholder for the cartridge you want to reload for well under $80.
4. There's nothing wrong with using Lee dies. Others are more expensive, but Lee provides quality dies that will provide favorable results.
5. Actually, most Lee products are recommended because price is on their side and their products work.
6. Invest in reloading books. You can find used ones from time to time.
7. DON'T be afraid to start new threads and ask questions. BUT, use the search function and read the sticky notes FIRST. You'll get most of your answers out of these sources.
8. ALWAYS get clarification from multiple sources to achieve a formed opinion on critical steps in reloading.

If you need some real sound advice, PM me and I'll tell you who to contact on this board. There's a couple of guys here that I like to pick their brains from time to time and they're always willing to help.

Hope this helps...

[Silentarmy]

Building ammunition for sale requires a class 6 FFL and about a 4 Million dollar liablility policy. I know many who used to load and sell the ammo but could not make a buck! Even using the fastest Progressives available, there is not much $$ in it. Start with a single stage setup or that little Lee turret kit to se if you are serious and if you get addicted, then you go for the Big Blue stuff! You can load enough on the Dillon 650 to pay for it in about 3 hours! (yes, I am serious)

[Ed the Rangerat]

Biggest start-up cost is the equipment. What you read on most forums for start up cost is quite optimistic. Of course, you can start with minimal equipment which you will soon realize is not enough if you are reloading reasonable quantities.

I just purchased a progressive Dillon 550B with the bells and whistles to load two calibers with quick change and digital scale. The total was about $1,100. It certainly can be done cheaper but after significant research I decided what I ordered up front included what I would end up ordering within the next year.

[Antipasta]

I've been reloading for about a year now and have done approximately 5,000 rounds. Mostly hand gun, but I recently started doing some .30-06. I can't add much to what the others have said, but I'm not sure if I'm even close to saving money yet. There always seems to be one more thingy I want to get. I think I'll be doing more reloading in the winter when I can't get out to the range as often, and less in the warm summer months.

[jamaica]

How big of an area do I need?

This simple setup takes up about four feet of the bench.
I can't say about the cost of something like this as most of it was
purchased many years ago. You will have to see what is available and
how much it costs.

The plastic file boxes are for storage of components and tools.
Not in the picture is a tumbler and a cardboard box holding empty
brass.

Basic tools include: Press, dies, shell holder, scales, powder measure, calipers, de-burring tool, handbook, and priming tool.

Components include: powder, brass, primer and bullet.
The cost savings is in re-using the brass.
I have found that I can reload for about half the cost of factory ammo.

My ammo needs are 100 to 300 a week and this setup is adequate for that. I can't justify a progressive for that amount of ammo.

[CrustyFN]

Just reloading over time. No rush. Just want to save. I heard reloaders can shoot about 500 rounds for $90. I don't have a garage but I do have little building I could use.

It doesn't take much room to reload. My bench is four feet wide and I only use half of that to reload, the rest is storage and clutter. As far as a building outside you don't want to store powder and primers in it if it gets really hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. I don't load 7.62 but I do load a lot of 223. I can load 1,000 rounds of 223 for around $90. You will hear a lot of people say that you won't save money because you will shoot twice as much. That might be true for a lot of people but for me, I save money.

Quote:
That being said, you can shop the net and find components much cheaper than what I have paid.


What did you pay if you don't mind my asking?

I have a C&R lisence and buy primers at Grafs for $80 per 5,000. I go in with some friends and we buy 50,000 at a time. It ends up being $15.20 per 1,000. I also buy powder with friends and we get it for close to $12 per pound when we buy 50 pounds at a time. Powder Valley and Grafs will ship powder and primers together for the one hazmat fee if you don't want to buy only primers or powder. Graf's will also give you 5% off if you spend over $500. A group buy with friends is a great way to save money. Check out Powdervalleyinc.com, you can buy powder and primers cheap there. I started with a Lee Classic Turret press. It cost $200 and can load around 200 rounds per hour. If you are thinking of loading pistol I would recommend something faster than a single stage. My press was paid off in three to four months.
Rusty

[kestak]

Greetings,

I began to reload 4-5 months ago. I bought a Dillon 550B and 4 pistol calibers, tumbler, caliber and electronic scale:1200$.

Then I bought a whole bunch of reloading components: 800$.
Then, each month I buy more and more components: 400$ per months

I have enough components now to manufacture enough ammo to sustain a small afircan country...hehehehehehe

Thank you

[ConfuseUs]

My reloading set up (for .223):

Lee hand Press Kit: $30
Calipers: $20 from Harbor Freight Tool
Lee Deluxe .223 Rem dies: $24
Lee Lock Stud and Cutter: $5
Lee .223 Pilot and shell holder: $3.50
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner: $3
Lee Safety Scale $20
2 RCBS univ. loading trays $15
RCBS primer turning tray $5
Lee case mouth chamfer/deburring tool: $2.79
Lyman 48th ed. loading manual: $18

All prices are off MidwayUSA's website, unless otherwise noted.

My set up cost around $145-150. All of my tools (so far) will fit into an 800 rd 5.56mm ammo box, which is great since I live in an apartment. Unfortunately Lee doesn't seem to market the hand press as a set up that beginning reloaders would be interested in. The kit only comes with the press, case lube, powder funnel, and ram prime, so you have to buy a lot of other essential reloading tools if you're starting out.

The hand press isn't especially fast, but I like that it is cheap and doesn't require more than a kitchen table or desk to work at. As a plus, you can use it for some case prep tasks while watching TV. It works OK for .223 cartridges, but for cases that take a lot of effort to size I would want something else.

[V4Vendetta]

It works OK for .223 cartridges, but for cases that take a lot of effort to size I would want something else.

Would 7.62x39mm rounds take more effort to size?

.223 & 7.62x39mm would be the main rounds I'd be reloading.