Sound off here. I’ve been reloading my own ammo since 1986. It’s fun and relaxing if you’ve never tried it. Always willing to teach anyone whose interested.
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How expensive would be be to start loading common things like 9mm and .45? What’s the start up equipment?
Started reloading just before the lockdowns. First brick of primers I bought were $35. Still kicking myself for not stocking up at that price. Little did I know at the time.
Started on a gifted to me RCBS Single Stage. Cranking on a Dillon XL750 now.
Depends on your budget. How much time you want to spend reloading is big factor in cost of the equipment.
You can probably get going equipment wise for under $500, less if you go used.
One thing I learned is the cost savings bit is a bit of a myth for common calibers. There’s always something new to buy to make things easier or faster. Cost per round vs factory is less when just looking at the components. Add in all of the equipment, it takes many rounds to break even and see ROI. Some people factor in their time in cost per round, others don’t. If you are disciplined in your purchases, you will come out ahead financially sooner.
Another benefit, in my opinion, is not needing the State’s permission to buy ammunition anymore.
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I have been reloading mostly pistol since 1978. I used to do shotgun too but I sold all my shotgun stuff to Scorpio 64. Doing 10mm, .45,.38/.357, 9mm and .380 now.
I Reload whenever it’s cheaper than buying factory ammo! Right now, ammo prices are low. When that changes, I roll my own! I have all the brass, primers, powder and heads I need should need be!
It’s really not the right time to get into it as a way to save money. Primers are near impossible to get and expensive when you do find some, powder is getting harder and harder to get especially since Alliant suspended powder for other than military
If you are looking to reload rifle for accuracy it’s worth it, otherwise be very patient and look for deals on quality equipment and components (don’t buy open powder) and don’t expect to get started reloading for quite some time.
Also, it helps a lot to pour and coat your own seeds, that’s a whole 'nuther animal with a it’s own equipment and knowledge base (start looking for that gear on the cheap as well)
9mm is hard to justify with cost savings vs effort involved. .45 will be much more cost effective in general, but bullets will cost more, and right now large pistol and parge rifle primers are more scarce, thus more spendy.
You need a press, dies, calipers, scale, powder measure of some sort, load data, brass, powder, primers. probably a loading block. That being said, you probably want a hand primer and case holders for same, and probably a bullet puller.
The lee 4 hole turret is a good place to start. Disable the auto advance and it can be used for batch reloading which is a bit more noob friendly. Then if you move on to progressive, it makes for a good second press for rifle case preep or your low volume cartrdiges. The kit is pretty usable if you augment it with the missing things.
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I have all the tools, empty brass, powder, primers, heads, etc. Even though I could reload 9mm and .45 right now, why should I when factory ammo prices are so low? SGammo has great prices and over $200 always has free shipping!
Ammo is cheaper to buy today than it is to make! Many of my reloading components were purchased pre-Covid so in my case I could make them for than buying new, but say the completely ban all ammo sales. That’s when I reload!
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I had mentioned in my intro post that I didn’t have a reloading setup and that I’d used a friend’s place to do my custom loads for USPSA 9mm Major. I won’t have time nor do I know anyone in NJ that I would ask so once I can post ‘for sale’ info I’m planning on selling the 9mm bullets, powder, primers, and brass.
I started shooting USPSA Open in 2010 with a 9mm and there was no commercial ammo available that could make the power factor. A friend developed a really nice load for me and 've used it since then. For those unfamiliar with USPSA PF’s, the calculation is(Bullet weight x Muzzle velocity) / 100,000 You also build in a cushion so my final load used 125 gr JHP and Autocomp producing a velocity of 1400 fps. I won a SIG 1911 at a Regional Tourney so I also loaded .45 for a different shooting category and reloaded that due to commercial ammo prices.
When I can advertise, which’ll probably be in a month or 2 at most, I’ll be listing 9mm 125 gr JHP, Autocomp, Small and Large Pistol Primers and 9mm uncleaned but individually inspected brass.
Hey damnyankee, As with editing a post, in an effort to prevent scammers access to post in the Marketplace is restricted to Trust Level 2 and above. We also allow members immediate access to the Marketplace that are pledging to support this site. Since the site is just starting out and there is only a small group we are not looking for any funding until January.
Currently 2 ways to get access to the Marketplace, reach Trust Level 2 or let us know you will be a supporting member and we will add you to the sellers group.
Either way s OK. I won’t be listing the details until mid to late November and I’ll have reached TL2 by then. I will be a supporting member as long as the cost isn’t exorbitant.
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Also, thanks for the efforts you’re putting in to do this replacement forum. Greatly appreciated.
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Our plan is to keep it the same as it was, at least through the first year and figure out if we need a bigger server or additional services. We would even like it to be less, all depends on how many supporters we have.
I call dibs on the Autocomp! 
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It’ll be yours in accordance with the rules of the forum. I haven’t priced it yet but it won’t be out of line.
The issue is once you find the cost savings in reloading you wind up spending as much as you did for factory ammo reloading. You wind up shooting more. Not a bad thing
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Welcome Griz! I’m really glad you made it over here! I missed your wisdom! 
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Being wise is a trait people give you. If no one else did something youve done once you are the expert!!!
GRIZ!!!
Howdy my friend!