Cost of reloading: getting started and eventual price per shell

[GunRookie]

Those who have red a few of my other posts know that I am very new to deer hunting and center-fire shooting.  I just bought a 270 that I really like, but my trip to the range confirms that I REALLY need to practice.  With the cost of ammo so high, and going up as we speak, I am looking into reloading.  I was wondering what the cost of startup would be if I went with the most economical options I can find.  I am looking at the Lee kits that are available (the breech lock kit, anniversary kit, even the hand loading kit) and they seem to be the easiest on the wallet.  I know that some have issues with the scale or other items, but I'm only going to be loading for myself in one caliber (for now) so I have to think economics over industrial quality.  I know most of these kits don't come with dies and I will have the initial investment in powder, some brass to get me started, primers, and bullets.  Is there anything else that I would absolutely have to have? and if so, what will the initial investment run me?   

I know that it will take a while for the equipment to pay for itself even if I shoot a good bit (which I plan to if at all possible), but what will my eventual cost per round be?  Currently I am shooting 130gr. Remington Core-Lokt that I can buy at Walmart or Academy's for 18.49 a box.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

[mdi]

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

This is the way I started several years ago. I made a lot of very good, accurate ammo for 2 guns I shot alot. I wouldn't hesitate to recomment this  as a starting set up (I still have 4 Lee Loaders that I use occationally).  But today it is probably recommended that you start with a few reloading manuals like Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Manual, ABCs of Reloading, and Lee Modern Reloading. These manuals provide good "how to" instructions. A single stage press, dies, a beam scale, misc. tools, powder, primers, and bullets can come when you've read the books and know what each tool is and how it's used.

Relaoding is/can be a hobby in itself, as it is for me. I enjoy producing custom ammo tailored for each of my guns. Go slow, double check everything, and enjoy the wonderful world of reloading!

[moosie]

mdi gave excellent data.  Choose the cheapest route at first, then, if the reloading bug bites you, and it will, move forward with better (and more expensive) equipment.  It is exactly what I did almost 40 years ago and I am convinced it was the right choice.  A friend and I both decided to reload our .357s.  We both bought the same cheap reloading kits mentioned above.   I soon realized I wanted more but he did not.  I probably have way more reloading stuff than anyone needs, and he still has only the Lee kit we originally bought. 

 Look at the loading web site mdi gave you and purchase a Lee's Modern Reloading It is a good manual and specifically covers use of the Lee products.  Good luck with your loading.
moosie

[Catfish]

I recomand trying to find an Elmer that is close enough to you that he can get you started. If you`re in West central Ohio I`ll be glad to help you get started.

[briannmilewis]

I started late 08, bought a 22 Hornet and couldn't find a Breechlock Kit near CHRISTmas so I put together a reloading kit with a Lee Breechlock ($55), Two Extra Breechlock Bushings ($7), Basic Lyman Balance Scale (?), Lee Powder Dippers ($10), RCBS Powder Funnel ($3), RCBS Metal Dial Calipers ($35), Lee Deluxe Die set ($40), Lee Factory Crimp Die ($10), Lee Neck Debur and Chamfer Tool ($3), Lee Hand Primer ($15) and a pound of powder ($20).

The cheapest box of 50 x 22 Hornet is $20. I consider my initial brass is free as it is from the factory ammo I tested when I bought the rifle, I can produce 50 rounds for less than $8.

I know the 270 costs more in brass and powder than the Hornet, but even basic practice loads I would guess will cost you no more than 30c-40c. Reloads with top class bullets I would guess will cost you 60c-70c max.

I found a free reloading calculator on the web in Excel format. You may find it useful.

Good luck.

[Sweetwater]

Great recommendations here!! Very definitely "read" as much as you can find, even at your library. There is a learning curve here, no doubt. Every handloader has a unique set of experiences as well as the same experiences that all others have, all a part of the picture.

I was one of the lucky ones. My Dad was my "Elmer", to a point. He did some load testing for his rifles, got them online, and simply made the same loads for the next 50 years. My Grandfather did the same thing, but for fewer years as he was older when he started. I've since inherited all their gear, plus added a bunch to fine tune to what "I" wanted. I've read everything I could get my hands on for the last 52 years and last winter, I made the plunge to supplement the old Herter's Super 3 that came from Dad back in the '70's (he bought it in '57). I added a 1934 Pacific press to the bench - bought it at a gun show for $5.00. Cleaned it up, oiled it, and it is tighter than either of the other two presses. In the spring, I had received my Grandfather's 1961 vintage Pacific "Standard" press. So I went from one press to three. Gives me a lot of flexibility as well as a sort of progressive loading system if I want it to be.

The drift being, there are a lot of used stuff available for a fraction of the new price, and for the most part it just doesn't wear out. Lately I've bought several sets of reloading dies, either new or nearly new for less than half of their new price. Just takes a bit of patience and shopping.

It's a great hobby - good luck and safe shooting!

Regards,
Sweetwater