New guy to get into reloading

[fly boy]

I have wanted to do this for some time now, but need a mentor. I have a buddy that is willing to help, but I need to start getting all the equipment.

My question to you is....

Is there something ALL reloaders can agree on for equipment? I know there is a lot of personal preferance with it, but is there something that everyone has that is the same, or relatively similar? Brand of equipment, books, etc.?

Secondly... can I get away with everything I need to reload for $300 or less?

Thanks

**EDIT**

The $300 was just tools... Dies, press, scale, calipers etc. Did not include actual bullet parts for build
Single reloader - best bang for the buck?


I will be maily using it to reload hunting rounds and some recreational rounds for .308, 7mm, 6.8 SPC II. I will eventually get into reloading .45, but I want to start with long range expensive rounds first. $45 a box of 20 rounds is starting to get rediculous!

I was just looking for a specific brand of Calipers, or scales that people use. Or a brass tumbler/cleaner that everyone enjoys.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Read the abc of reloading before purchasing a thing.

[fly boy]

Read the abc of reloading before purchasing a thing.

That is the 1 advice I have gotten from every single person... READ, READ, READ!!! I have been reading basic stuff from a few different sources, I know about the ballistic coaficience and things like that... Now I am going to start getting into the science of it, and put it all to work. That's why I was curious about equipment... Like is a Chronograph truely a NEEDED tool?

[Great-Kazoo]

Besides the books i would suggest you acquire primers, bullets, & powder (components) before you buy a press. Unless you have a place to get say 3-5K minimum components you might be out of luck. You think loaded ammo is hard to find (in qty) reloading items are a very close second.

[4gunfun]

If you are talking about getting all the reloading tools and all the reloading supplies (primers, powder,bullets and brass) for $300 here is the list.
1 lb of powder $25-$30
say 300 primers $15
few pieces of brass $50
Bullets cheap (lead) $50
dies $35
bullet puller $20
calipers $30
cheap Lee challenger reloading kit $130
$365 To get started loading one caliber. If u have the brass Maybe $300 ish on the very cheap

[XC700116]

It can be done on the cheap, but there's something to be said for "buy once, cry once" especially when concerning your press and scale. Personally I wouldn't considder starting up without having about $700 that I'm ready to spend on the basic tools. It all depends on what you are looking for out of your reloading. Accuracy, and if so to what degree, just saving money on plinking ammo, etc. Those things need to be identified before you buy your equipment, then buy the equipment to match the target reasons for reloading.

[Zombie Steve]

The reason people are telling you to read, read, read is because the software is more important than the hardware. You can make good ammo on the cheapest press, but if you don't know what you're doing, a Dillon 1050 isn't going to help you.

So... on to the hardware - what are you shooting? Are you the kinda guy that shoots 30,000 rounds of 9mm a year in competition and not much else, or are you spread out over a dozen calibers and shoot 250 each a year?

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a RCBS Rockchucker. Learn on that, and even though you might move up to a turret or progressive later on, you'll still always have a use for a single stage press. I'd say if you're tooling up budget is $300, you are most likely going to be let down and not enjoy your new hobby very much. It doesn't take much in savings to break even on your gear. Even if it's a year out, the rest of your life is gravy.

[Cthulhu]

Dillion.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you are talking about getting all the reloading tools and all the reloading supplies (primers, powder,bullets and brass) for $300 here is the list.
1 lb of powder $25-$30
say 300 primers $15
few pieces of brass $50
Bullets cheap (lead) $50
dies $35
bullet puller $20
calipers $30
cheap Lee challenger reloading kit $130
$365 To get started loading one caliber. If u have the brass Maybe $300 ish on the very cheap

Maybe before. Now 300 primers for $15. not happening. If you find them in 100ct most likely it's wally world. Their shelves wiped so clean, 3 aisles away are spotless.
Brass he should have, if picked up after shooting. Bullets again unless a local source has them on hand, most if not all on line vendors are OOS.
While the ideas are good, the components are gone. Single stage on CL can be had with dies for under $200. Just a matter o fpatience. BUT be prepared to jump on a good deal, as it will be gone before you decide to buy it.
Here's a good deal.
http://denver.craigslist.org/spo/3564938629.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/spo/3576128870.html

[dwalker460]

Sportsmans will often have that Lee Challenger kit for $139.00, no need to buy from that guy selling for $180.

Primers are the toughest bit, but Bass Pro will have them out by the 100 once or twice a week, although s of yesterday they were totally empty. They might be keeping them behind the counter now though.
Sportsmans has primers usually behind the counter, you have to ask for them, and they only come in boxes of 1000.

Powder is still somewhat available.

Projectiles, even for hunting or odd calibers, are not always in stock. I have been buying in bulk from online sources when they come availble and smallest quantity I have gotten is 500

Dies are hard right now if you are wanting to load 9mm, 223, or 45acp. I have been seeing 45 more often, and Sprotsmans did have 3 sets of 9mm dies in stock last time I was there, but those things disappear amazingly quickly. Expect to pay at least $45 plus tax if you can find them.

If you want to start reloading, try and find someone with the equipment that might show you how and let you use it on a weekend or something and start finding components. Then buy equipment as it comes available.

DO NOT go out and spend a ton of money on something you are trying out, especially in this market.