Curious About Handloading

[memphis]

It seems that many advantages to handloading exist, and I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how much materials cost to "do it yourself".  I guess it probably depends on what type of cartridge you want, so if it helps any, I would like to reload 22 Hornets.  Any help is greatly appreciated.
                                                          Thanks!

[Majic]

First, this is not an inexpensive adventure to start off, but in time it will pay for itself.
1) Buy your press in a kit, you will receive most of the needed components for reloading that way. It is best to start with a single stage press while starting the learning curve. Prices vary widely, from around $100 to $300. Lee has the lowest prices and can do a fine job. RCBS cost more, but has lifetime waranty and real quality. Lyman and others have very good equipment also.
2) Rifle dies will be around $20.
3) A pound of powder will cost around $15 to $25.
4) Primers will cost close to $20 for 1000.
5) Brass for Hornets should be around $15 for 100. This is the most expensive part of a cartridge, but the recycling process of reloading offsets this.
6) Bullets can cost from $10 to $25 for 50 or 100. Bullet designs dictate this, premium bullets command high prices. Cast lead bullets will be even cheaper and sold in bulk (250 to 1000).
7) Manuals range from free (obtainable over the net) to over $30. Some press kits come with a manual, but try to get atleast 2.

This will get you started and the cost savings in shooting your reloads will in time offset the inital investment. Pop over to the Handloading/Reloading pages and you will find a wealth of information there. If you decide to take the plunge in the wonderful world of reloading then answers to questions is just a few keystrokes away.

[HBL]

You may even consider bulk bullets for the hornet. I used to only shoot the nosler 45gr hornet which is very accurate, but since have gone to buying bulk 45gr hornet bullets from remington. Not quite as accurate as nosler but the bullets, from what I can remember cost $28/500 from either arms & ammor or shooters. I can't remember which since I buy from so many different companies.

Just another option open for savings.

HBL

[Questor]

I suggest first reading the Lyman reloading handbook to get an idea of the process and the equipment used.  This should give you an idea of whether you want to proceed. If you do decide to get the equipment and start reloading, by all means, buy quality. You'll be happier in the long run.  I recommend the RCBS Master reloading kit, which goes for about $250. In addition, you'll need a Lee Autoprime tool (about $15), dies for 22 hornet (about $25), and shop goggles.

Poweder costs about $17 per pound, bullets can vary a lot but good jacketed bullets will cost about $10 to $20 per hundred. Primers are about $3 per hundred.  I'm not sure what 22 hornet brass costs, but it won't be very expensive.

The RCBS kit comes with an excellent handloading manual from Speer.

[ricciardelli]

The cost to get started can vary a great deal, depending on how much and what you plan on reloading.  If you aren't really critical, an dwill not be loading much, you can get away for around $85 with the Lee thing-a-ma-bob.

If you want go go about it the right way you need two kits, both from RCBS.

You need the Rock Chucker Kit and the Accessory Kit.

They will run you around $304 total, if you shop right.

What you will get is:
Rock Chucker Press
5-0-5 Scale
Uniflow Powder Measure
Speer Reloading Manual
Hex Key Set
Two Case Loading Blocks
Case Lube Kit
Automatic Primer Feed
Primer Tray
Powder Funnel
Deburring Tool
Trim Pro Manual Case Trimmer
Powder Measure Piggyback Stand
Powder Trickler
Primer Pocket Brushes
Stainless Steel Caliper
Case Neck Brushes.

RCBS Dies and Shellholder should run around $26, and I would also suggest the RCBS Neck Die for another $19.

Remington cases run around $12/100 (if you buy 1000, then it is $100).
Remington 6-1/2 primers run around $15/1000 (if you buy 5000, it is $73).
IMR-4227 powder runs around $16/pound ($112/8 pounds and $271 for 20 pounds).
Sierra bullets from 40 grain to 50 grain in weight are around $8/100 (I would suggest that if you have a .223 bore you use the 45 grain hornet bullet, and if you have a .224 bore you use the 50 grain blitz).

So what will it cost you to reload?

If you buy minimum quantities it will run around:
TOTAL COST PER ROUND       $0.24
TOTAL COST PER 20          $4.83
TOTAL COST PER 50          $12.06
TOTAL COST PER 100          $24.13

If you buy large quantities it will run around:
TOTAL COST PER ROUND       $0.22
TOTAL COST PER 20          $4.36
TOTAL COST PER 50          $10.90
TOTAL COST PER 100          $21.80

Now...factory ammo with comparable specs and components cost around:
$21 for 50
$200 for 500

you have to figure out what the best would be for you, but if you plan on shooting only that one caliber, and if plan on shooting less than 500 rounds, then factory ammo is your best bet financially.

[1GLOCK]

I spent about $700 getting all set up with a Dillon 550b and 1000 rounds worth of components.  Box of rounds $11.00 (50).  Reloaded $5.00 (50). This is what it adds up to If I would have Bought 1000 Rounds of factory amo $220.00. What it cost to reload that same 1000 rounds $100.00. Thats one months worth of usage for me so In about 6 to 8 months (with the cost of buying additional bullets, powder and Primers (reuse the brass) the cost of setting up is covered. If you shoot more then it takes less time to cover the set up cost.  Me, Im banking the cash im saving to buy more guns.

[BobMachus]

You could get a Lee anniversary kit for $70,  a set of dies, and a good manual and be loading bullets in a day (you will want to read the manual carefully at least once).  You could also buy a Dillon 650, a set of dies, and a good manual for $1000, and be loading in a day.  The Lee kit will enable you to make great ammo.  I started with a Lee basic kit 10 years ago and still use the same press.  I have bought a few toys along the way to make loading a bit faster and more accurate like a Powder measure, case trimmer, Lee Autoprime, etc, but I think the anniversary kit has that stuff.  I bought mine thinking I would upgrade if I started doing a lot of reloading.  I still use the same press.  I load thousands and thousands of .223, a bunch of 6mm TCU, a bunch of .45 LC, some .357, some .38, some 7mm Rem Mag, some .270.  My press has probably been used for over 25,000 rounds.  Some folks will tell yyou "Ya get what ya' pay for" and to only buy Dillon, some will say only RCBS, reloaders' superstitions and brand loyalty is even more than non-reloading shooters.  Lee stuff works fine and will make perfectly good ammo.  The finish gets better on other brands as prices go up.  I bought my reloading gear to save $$$ and get better ammo.  I would rather put the few-to-several hundred dollars difference into reloading components or a new rifle.  If I were a serious benchrester or rapid fire shooter I would have a different set-up, but for me the Lee has worked fine.

[Snout]

Big M,
I've got some reloading pieces I'll give you to help you get started.   I reload for the Hornet and I'm from Memphis also.   Send me an email if your still interested in reloading.

[Hud]

I started out in 1970 with a Lee Loader Kit and a plastic hammer. It took just a few rat pelts to pay for it all, the kit, the hammer, 1 lb powder, 100 primers, and 100 bullets. I loaded the 32 Special cartridge. Then I later "upgraded" to Herter's stuff.  The Herter's equipment is what I mostly use, even now. I buy mostly Lee dies now though.

A Lee Loader Kit in the caliber of your choice is now about 20 bucks, I think.  Plastic hammer $10; Primers $2; Powder $10 to $20lb; Bullets probably average 15 cents each but can be way less or way more.

Hud

[just learning]

memphis, for me it started out on a rcbs single stage , and it grew into as some have mentioned a little expensive,but what i dont think has been said is the fun, the thrill ,the thought process you put into it , the research and then finnally, the moment when you hit your target with the round you made, awww reloading is great.     (ps i even get my two girls involved). :-)

[longwinters]

I have just started reloading with an RCBS Turret Delux Kit.  With the extra things I bought (like a trimmer, 3 sets of dies various bullets, brass, various powders a second manual) I have probably $500.00 into it.  Today I will buy 2-3 more types of powder and some more bullets.  Cost about $75.00.  To reload for one caliber is alot cheaper than reloading for 3 or 4 like I am.  If you go with the Lyman turret kit, it is probably $100.00 cheaper than the RCBS where you have to buy the trimmer on the side.  But I have to say it is becoming a very fun hobby. If you get into it just to save money (like I thought I was) I think you will be somewhat disappointed.  It's like a really good piece of pie.  Always gotta have "just another sliver please".

[jamie]

Truth is you will not save one single dime if you reload.  We have (most of us anyway) a set amount of money to spend on our hobbies, and being people that is exactly how much we will spend.   You will get to shoot alot more for that amount of money, but either way you will spend everything you have alotted.  So, get a Lyman manual,read through as it will teach you alot then start reloading and have fun,  but make no mistake you will still run out money because you will try all kinds of powders, bullets, dies, and scales. :-D  :-D  :-D  :-D  :-D   Oh, you're gonna get hooked.