Considering Reloading.

[Coedwards5]

Hey all, I can't shoot as often as I would like because ammo prices for .40 and .38 special are a bit expensive. Do you all recommend purchasing equipment for reloading my own? If so, what's the average cost per box of 50 so I can get an idea. Also, who's the best reloading equipment manufacturer out there?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Whistler]

http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

[lifeon2]

I couldnt tell you how much a box but I cast all my own bullets and reload for about $75-80 per thousand on those two rounds.

[gnihcraes]

I usually estimate half price of retail. (FMJ)

But for practice/plinking in 38, I usually just shoot Hard Cast, really cheap and no issues cleaning etc.

[Great-Kazoo]

$105 per K of .38

$95 per K of 9mm

I'm focusing on getting the .38 load down then will move on to 9mm. Too many irons in the fire get me side tracked.

[Colorado Osprey]

You won't save any money by reloading... you just end up shooting more knowing that each round cost you less.

[rondog]

I love reloading, but it's a whole 'nother hobby by itself. I load about 12 calibers, and damn sure make more than I ever get to shoot. Can't comment on the cost vs. retail though, I don't track it.

AFA equipment, that's a whole 'nother can o' worms. I can't even begin to count how many manufacturers and types of presses there are, and each has its own fan base. I use a Lee Cast Classic Turret Press, and it works great for me. Just realize that you'll always turn around and be needing (or wanting), some other reloading item. Not to mention that you'll become a brass picker overnight.....you'll grab every reloadable case you see, whether you shoot that caliber or not.

But it's a lot of fun!

[spqrzilla]

When talking about progressive presses, then it almost makes sense to discuss the "best" manufacturer. Hornady has its fans and Dillon has its fans.

But otherwise, there is not any "best" manufacturer. Lee's reloading die sets are good value. I like RCBS single stage presses but Lee's, Lyman's, and others all work well enough. Handheld priming tools is a place where I have strong opinions (Lee's sucks, Hornady's works best for me) but you'll find others that disagree with me.

A single stage reloading press does not have to be very expensive, and buying a used one makes a lot of sense. Even if you think you'll want a progressive, start with a single stage and learn reloading. The single stage will always have a purpose even after you buy a progressive later.

[Coedwards5]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I have a buddy that reloads. Maybe I could pay him for the mats and a little extra for his time, since he's retired and get some rounds cranked out. I don't know that I would have enough time to do this anyway, but it does give me ideas for later on.

Maybe I'll turn into a brass picker now and store up for the future. I know I've had people at the range grab my .40 casings while i was still shooting.

[Hoser]

Equipment wise....

Single Stage, RCBS is fine and is completely bulletproof. The Rockchucker is most likely the most popular press out there. I had one for a long time and now I use a Forster Co-Ax.

Progressive, there is Dillon then everyone else. Everyone has great warranties and customer service. But Dillons hold their value where the others do not. My first progressive was a RCBS Ammomaster. It blew goat. Then I got a used Dillon 1050. Now I have three 1050s and two 550s.