[RiceCakes]

hey guys. Ive been looking into reloading for a bit now, trying to figure out if it is really worth it. For my .40 and .223 (rifle), I can buy suplus, plinking ammo for about 18-20 cents a round. Can it be reloaded much cheaper than that? Im already pretty sure I can reload match ammo much cheaper than 1 buck per round, so the .308 is already there. Also, what is a good, inexpensive starter setup that I can learn on? Something to make maybe 100-200 rounds an hour? Ive looked at Dillons, but Im not really sure I want to spend 500 bucks to start reloading. Thanks for helping.
-RC

 

[Shooter]

Dillon is a good start.....sounds like the 650 ?? Bought mine a long time ago so I forget what the cost is. The 550 is also good though you have to index the round yourself. The warranty is a no BS deal too, and I haven't heard any complaints of them welching...........45, 223, 10mm, 357sig. should all see a savings, if not the 40cal too.............9mm is getting expensive also so its a good time to invest.......... :wink:
Of course if NATO dumps the 9mm for the 45.........start smiling :lol:

 

[RiceCakes]

The 550 is still at about 350, plus all the gizmos to get it going, plus 60 bucks for dies, plus 60 bucks per conversion. Im easily getting up to 500-600 dollars. Frankly I dont want to spend that kind of money to start something completely new to me. Are there any kind of presses out there more in the 100-200 dollar range that will get the job done?

 

[Shooter]

I just saw an RCBS torret press in Natchez for under $200.00....give that a try and its warranted for life also, and RCBS is a no BS company too.....

 

[RiceCakes]

Looking at the Lee Pro 1000 for 125, and the loadmaster for 215. Will be loading 40, .223, and a few match grade .308. Which means I either get the loadmaster, or the 1000 and a single stage for the .308. Ive heard they are ok to use if you are mechanically inclined or a tinkerer. Im both. And I just cant justify spending that kind of change on a Dillon setup. I really just want to go blasting 40 and 223 like crazy, without wincing at 20 cents a round. I think the 1000 will handle this just fine. I may even get the bullet holder and case feeder thing. What are your guys' thoughts, what equipment do you have?
Thanks,
-RC

 

[rckrzy1]

OK FIRST , I found with the cost of gunpowder and such that .223 is allmost a break even deal and I'll let someone else handle the resizing and such with rifle rounds.

But I reload my .40 and 9 and may save some money but get the rounds the way I like them and I enjoy reloading.

And as for brands, Chevy and Hornaday LNL get my money, it's a serious
chevy ford thing when it comes to reloaders, blue vs green vs red.

I like the Hornaday for it's lock n load dies, makes changing calibers easier than the other guys. I also have a case feeder which realy speeds things up. On a good day I get about 400 rounds an hour, seriuosly, but that requires some practice.

 

[cyzonyx]

I have just recently gone from a single stage to a progressive. Like you, I did not want to spend a lot of cash on equipment. After lurking on several reloading forums, I came to the conclusion that the Lee products make just as good ammo as the Dillon products. I went with the Lee Loadmaster. Personally I thought the instructions that came with the press were a joke. Had it not been for the videos on Lee's website, I really don't think I could have set everything up. (especially this being my first progressive). I took my time setting it up and have not had any problems. I have only loaded about 200 rounds so far, but I do not see any potential problems. Actually now that I think about it, I do have one problem with the case feeder. The weight of the cases tend tip over the case that is next in line to be sized/deprimed. I haven't looked into how to fix it yet.

Hope this helps.

 

[RiceCakes]

That does, thanks. If I cant save any money rolling my own for 223 of 40, I may just get a single stage to load 308 with. Going to have to do the math. I hate math :evil:

 

[nixon]

I've tried three major brands - first was the RCBS progressive (forgot the exact model, however it's the only one) did pretty well but there were some bugs with it cant remember exactly what the problem was, twas a long time ago. Returned it.
Lee progressive - didn't do as good as the RCBS I have to return it as well.
I finally got a Dillon 650 - problem solved I'm a happy camper ever since. And no BS lifetime warranty is real. Not a single issue except typical maintenance. I believe I've had my Dillon for 10 yrs. now. IMHO, you cant get a reasonably good and fast loading machine in your price range. Maybe try looking for a used dillon 550 or 650 and you still have the no BS warranty regarless of ownership. Also, you have to ask yourself if you want to make it as a hobby and find it enjoyable and interesting to load while saving some $$ (not necessarily putting $ in our wallet but shooting way a lot more for your $). I do.