Is $600 enough to get started reloading?

[zacattack]

I think the title says it all. Might as well use my government bread crumbs for something useful. So, could I get setup to reload for less than $600?

 

[lennywd87]

I think the title says it all. Might as well use my government bread crumbs for something useful. So, could I get setup to reload for less than $600?

Yep, key word being “started” it’s a rabbit hole to say the very least.


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[orelkaddict]

Started yes, but as said above it can become a deep deep rabbit hole!! But 1 I enjoy a lot.

 

[HighUintas]

Certainly. I got started for about $225, I think. Lee dies and a Lee hand press. It makes some very consistent ammo. You can watch TV or hang out with your family while prepping brass

 

[Rusty85]

Yes. I’ve got a few things laying around if you’re interested. Scale, powder throw, dies etc. PM me if you’re interested

 

[5 shot group]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013036852?pid=937051

This will get you started. Add some dies, powder, bullets, and primers (good luck finding them though) and you will be able to start.

Personally, I don't like Lee brand stuff (except the bullet crimp dies) and I have replaced everything I had originally with rcbs, Hornady, redding, ect now.

 

[zacattack]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I’ve been watching some videos it does seem like it’s a hole as deep or as shallow as you want it to be. Getting our basement redone in a few weeks, hopefully the wife won’t mind a new bench down there.
Also, are those all in ones ok or should I buy different components? I’ve done that in the past and it’s has always been frustrating because some of the components will be “ok” but end up tossing them and buying again.

 

[lennywd87]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I’ve been watching some videos it does seem like it’s a hole as deep or as shallow as you want it to be. Getting our basement redone in a few weeks, hopefully the wife won’t mind a new bench down there.
Also, are those all in ones ok or should I buy different components? I’ve done that in the past and it’s has always been frustrating because some of the components will be “ok” but end up tossing them and buying again.

I have a rock chucker kit just like that one and it’s quality stuff to get going with and I’m still using all my stuff after four years in one way or another.


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[HighUintas]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I’ve been watching some videos it does seem like it’s a hole as deep or as shallow as you want it to be. Getting our basement redone in a few weeks, hopefully the wife won’t mind a new bench down there.
Also, are those all in ones ok or should I buy different components? I’ve done that in the past and it’s has always been frustrating because some of the components will be “ok” but end up tossing them and buying again.

I believe in not buying a set of anything unless you're going to just occasionally or rarely use it. If I were a chef, I'd buy the exact knife for each job.

You do save some money, but you may end up replacing parts with other stuff you've realized you like better. But, you won't know exactly what those pieces are until you start using it.

I started with a Lee hand press set, whatever dies came with it, got their pacesetter 3 die set for my cartridge, and a Lyman digital scale because I didn't want to deal with the slowness of a balance. I figured I didn't want a thrower because I knew I'd be testing a variety of powders and I didn't want to spend the time setting it up for different charges. I also like to weigh every charge.

I ended up replacing my scale with a balance because I wanted more accuracy and precision in my charges. Then I replaced that with a pricey digital scale to save time.

The only other stuff I've added on are things to measure the consistency of my cartridges: calipers, Hornady comparator tool, run-out gauge.

So..... It's hard to say

 

[hodgeman]

You could get started for that and depending on your level of interest, that might be enough for a long time.

You can certainly make ammo with a $600 investment.

 

[NorthernHunter]

Reloading for me is relaxing and cost effective. It is also nice having rounds tailored to my rifles. Cheap...not always. Getting components to reload now is difficult. Once things come back around stock up.

 

[PRC_GUY]

$600 to start is not too bad or not too good, more $$$ will come out of your wallet later on.
Happy Reloading and shooting!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Yup

 

[ericacymcdonald]

600 should get you half a box of primers off gunbroker right now

 

[Sekora]

I also started with the above kit. You will need to buy some more items but its a solid kit. I still use most of the items from time to time. I did buy a Lyman Case Prep station on sale that was a game changer and an RCBS Chargemaster at a great price. The problem right now will be finding components.

 

[AK_Skeeter]

I got started a long time ago with $25 from a garage sale.
Still use that 1972 RCBS single stage press today....

 

[manitou1]

I started with a Lee anniversary kit (about a hundred bucks) and used it for 10 yrs. Still use some of it. That kit had no problem turning out 1/2" grouping ammo. Some dies for 35 bucks, bullets, primers, and powder and you could have enough components to load up several hundred rounds... all for under $250.00. That is under NORMAL circumstances. Right now, all components (the bullets, powder and primers) are rare, if not impossible to purchase. I wouldn't let that discourage you though. Get your tools and buy the components as they come available. Your #1 most important tool: Good reloading manuals.
Personally, with hindsight being 20/20, I would spend a bit more and go with the RCBS Rockchukar press and RCBS balance scale. They could serve your needs until the grave.

 

[wyosam]

Not if you have to buy primers off gunbroker, but in general, yes.


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[AaronMColeman]

Usually yes. Now hard to say.

What I’d recommend is putting together a list of what you need: press, primer tool, scale, which powder, bullets, primers etc. then let this be a couple month process. Buy what is available now and collect the rest as it becomes available.

I made the mistake of getting a couple new rifles then not being able to get powder or bullets I wanted. Now I’m stuck trying to figure out how to make ammo with what I have not what I want.

 

[AaronMColeman]

To add to the above, set up accounts at midway and other suppliers and set alerts for when components you need are in stock.

I spent about $500 or so on my initial set up. Basically an rcbs rockchucker kit. Haven’t spent much more after that. Of course that doesn’t include components (primer brass powder bullet).