How to begin reloading?
- Thread starter Mapes
- Start date
Roadrunner
New member
PM'd ya.
RR
SodakJim
New member
Originally Posted By: MapesOk, so Ive made up my mind. Im not going to buy an AR with my taxes,so instead im going to buy some stuff to begin reloading.
The government could benefit from your monetary ethics. I'm sure the guys here will be glad to help with your questions as you get into reloading.
The government could benefit from your monetary ethics. I'm sure the guys here will be glad to help with your questions as you get into reloading.
The Famous Grouse
New member
A lot depends on how much time you want to spend assembling the necessary gear. Buying a complete kit like the RCBS or Lee setups is a great way to go if you can swing it.
But if you use the contents of these kits as a guide to what you need, you can assemble what you need by buying individual components on eBay and by doing that you'll probably to upgrade to a better press for little or no extra money.
The trick is you have to know how to avoid lemons and stuff that's worn out. Overall, it'll add time to the process of getting up and running, so I think the kit is still the best bet in the short term.
I totally agree with you, the road to the poorhouse is lined with .243 cases. I just bought one and had to have some factory fodder until the dies I ordered showed up. $21 per box with tax! What a ripoff, over a buck a bang.
Right now, I estimate my costs for reloaded smaller-bore ammo (243, 22-250, 223) using good bullets are averaging $.37 per shot, not including the cost of the brass.
Powder .09
Slug .23
Primer .05
These are just my numbers buying locally and in variable quantities. If you buy huge quantities you can cut these costs down a little.
Grouse
But if you use the contents of these kits as a guide to what you need, you can assemble what you need by buying individual components on eBay and by doing that you'll probably to upgrade to a better press for little or no extra money.
The trick is you have to know how to avoid lemons and stuff that's worn out. Overall, it'll add time to the process of getting up and running, so I think the kit is still the best bet in the short term.
I totally agree with you, the road to the poorhouse is lined with .243 cases. I just bought one and had to have some factory fodder until the dies I ordered showed up. $21 per box with tax! What a ripoff, over a buck a bang.
Right now, I estimate my costs for reloaded smaller-bore ammo (243, 22-250, 223) using good bullets are averaging $.37 per shot, not including the cost of the brass.
Powder .09
Slug .23
Primer .05
These are just my numbers buying locally and in variable quantities. If you buy huge quantities you can cut these costs down a little.
Grouse
SodakJim
New member
Originally Posted By: MapesAre you saying its a good idea?haha..i just dont get the "monetary ethics" lingo.LOL
Yes it's a good idea to get into reloading since you will use it for a lifetime of reduced cost.
It's OK that you don't get the "monetary ethics", because the government doesn't get it either.
Yes it's a good idea to get into reloading since you will use it for a lifetime of reduced cost.
It's OK that you don't get the "monetary ethics", because the government doesn't get it either.
I've been reloading for over 30 years, I bought a used rcbs
rockchucker at a gun show,I still use it for all my rifle
reloading.you can save money on used equip.
I always tumble my brass before reloading,you don't want to
scratch your dies.
A lee hand primer works really well.you also need a good powder scale. and a good reloading manual.case trimmer and
caliper.
before you know it,you will have a full on, well stocked
reloading bench.
rockchucker at a gun show,I still use it for all my rifle
reloading.you can save money on used equip.
I always tumble my brass before reloading,you don't want to
scratch your dies.
A lee hand primer works really well.you also need a good powder scale. and a good reloading manual.case trimmer and
caliper.
before you know it,you will have a full on, well stocked
reloading bench.
Start with the reloading manual. Read all of the equipment and set-up sections, twice. Then get a different one and do the same.
I have a very simialar problem to yours, space is tight. As a result I'm using a Lee Handpress and doing my reloading on a wooden tv tray. Not the best arrangement I've ever had but it works.
Don't let any of your relatives know that you are reloading for 243. A cousin of mine made that mistake; now ever one of his kids, grandkids as well as nieces and nephews seems to "think" he should always have ammo for them. If it gets much worse I think he will start telling them he got rid of his 243's so is no longer reloading for them. Stupid part on their part is they never bring the brass back.
I have a very simialar problem to yours, space is tight. As a result I'm using a Lee Handpress and doing my reloading on a wooden tv tray. Not the best arrangement I've ever had but it works.
Don't let any of your relatives know that you are reloading for 243. A cousin of mine made that mistake; now ever one of his kids, grandkids as well as nieces and nephews seems to "think" he should always have ammo for them. If it gets much worse I think he will start telling them he got rid of his 243's so is no longer reloading for them. Stupid part on their part is they never bring the brass back.
Jack Roberts
Moderator - Deceased
Originally Posted By: Mapesok..so pretty much look for splits or cracks..if there are none it doesnt need to be trimmed?Or am i wrong again. What is the point of the tumbler?Just for cleaning?
Splits or cracks have nothing to do with trimming.
Splits are usually from hard brass that needs annealing.
Brass needs trimming when it gets too long.
Jack
Splits or cracks have nothing to do with trimming.
Splits are usually from hard brass that needs annealing.
Brass needs trimming when it gets too long.
Jack
Mapes
New member
Well guys..You dont need to post on here anymore. You can if you want to help others, but once again my tax refund is going all towards other bills since my great state wants to only refund me about 10 percent of what I paid in. THanks everybody, but this dream isnt happening either.
OldTurtle
Moderator - Deceased
Mapes, Sorry to hear about the tax information... seems every state is running a shortfall this year and looking for every way they can think of to make up for it...
Social Sec advised us that there would be no Cost of Living increase this, or next, year...However, all of our insurances have gone up, groceries and utilities keep increasing and the post office just announced another increase...
Social Sec advised us that there would be no Cost of Living increase this, or next, year...However, all of our insurances have gone up, groceries and utilities keep increasing and the post office just announced another increase...
sorry to hear about the luck.
But don't give up the dream and still start to plan for it.
You can piece it together a little at a time.
A Lee Anniversary kit is a good starting point on a tight budget.
and there is ton's of material to glean off the net
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1480174#Post1480174
But don't give up the dream and still start to plan for it.
You can piece it together a little at a time.
A Lee Anniversary kit is a good starting point on a tight budget.
and there is ton's of material to glean off the net
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1480174#Post1480174