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Startup Cost for Handloading/Reloading

CertifiedSIllyGoose

CertifiedSIllyGoose

Operator
Realistically, if I wanted to get into hand/reloading for 380 and 9mm only, assuming I wanted "Good quality/middle of the road" equipment, what would I be looking at for a start-up cost to get everything I needed? (Not including brass/powder/bullets/primers) Just the tools.

I wouldn't need the best of the best, just good enough to make reliable range ammo
 
ECS686 said:
You could get set up with a single stage Lee for probably 250 ish for one caliber a Lee Progressive 1000 for probably 400 ish for everything in one caliber

Dillion 550 probably 600-700 of my memory is right.
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But that 600-700 range should include the dies, locator pins, powder finnel, shellplate and toolhead. Not sure if the powder hopper is in the price with the 550? What you do get with the Dillon is a 100% warranty if something breaks that cost you ZERO $ to replace/repair. I can't say that about other brands. Keep in mind you'll still need a scale, trimmer (possibly not with pistol brass as it's a decision to or not to), primeer flipper tray and some other items. Going single stage will still be the less cos direction, but still could be under $500. If you get lucky on sales it could be under $300 for all needed items.
 
Right now is not a good time to start reloading. Shortages of powder and primers are hurting a lot of us. I've quit reloading common calibers and am saving what components I have to reload my more obscure and harder to find calibers. I do better buying common calibers in bulk.

OTOH, many reloaders are quitting due to a number of reasons including the shortages. Look around and you might find a complete used set-up for just a couple of hundred.
 
luggcampion said:
.380 and 9mm are big time finger biters. Unless you shoot 500 rounds a week I'd just buy what is on sale.
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Agree..
I reload for 30+ calibers and right now, 9mm is about as cheap as you can get. 380 might be worthwhile to reload for, just not the 9. Same goes for 5.56. If you have a 222 or 222 Mag, you have to reload, More obscure/exotic the caliber, more reason to reload.
 
Grayfox said:
Right now is not a good time to start reloading. Shortages of powder and primers are hurting a lot of us. I've quit reloading common calibers and am saving what components I have to reload my more obscure and harder to find calibers. I do better buying common calibers in bulk.

OTOH, many reloaders are quitting due to a number of reasons including the shortages. Look around and you might find a complete used set-up for just a couple of hundred.
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Everyone keeps saying shortage and while a few powders have been scarce (Green Dot and a lot of Allient stuff) I have found a steady supply of Winchester Super Field, 296 and others.

My biggest issue is for 45
Acp if I want new brass I have to specifically get Winchester as that’s one that I know has large pistol primers as I don’t want to mix the small bs large primer 45
Cases

That said not sure how big an issue the Iran/Israel thing will be either
 
I asked Ai Grok and this is the result- :)
Grok was using its latest data from 2023.
I would say a pretty good estimate.
Each higher level also includes higher priced, dies, powder measure, scale, accessories etc.

Estimated Costs

Minimalist Option
For the absolute cheapest setup, a Lee Loader (hand tool, no press) for each caliber costs $40–$50 per caliber. With a basic scale ($30), calipers ($20), and manual ($25), you could start for ~$150–$200, but it’s slow and labor-intensive
(I did not see Lee Loader for 380 listed)
An additional note from Lee about this hand tool and 9MM:
Please note: For this caliber, the Classic Lee Loader full length resizes the cases. For best results, we recommend using brass that has been fired through your firearm only. If you are using mixed range brass, we recommend full length sizing with a reloading press and set of carbide reloading dies.)

Basic Setup (Single-Stage, Budget):
Press: $80 (Lee Breech Lock)
Dies: $80 (2 sets, Lee Carbide)
Shell Holders: $20
Powder Measure: $25
Scale: $30
Calipers: $20
Priming Tool: $20
Manual: $25
Accessories: $50
Total: ~$350–$450
Note: Excludes case cleaning equipment. Used equipment (e.g., from local gun shops or forums) can reduce costs significantly, potentially to ~$200–$300.

Mid-Range Setup (Turret Press):
Press: $150 (Lee Classic Turret)
Dies: $100 (2 sets, Hornady)
Shell Holders: $30
Powder Measure: $50
Scale: $50
Calipers: $30
Case Cleaner: $50
Priming Tool: $20
Manual: $25
Accessories: $75
Total: ~$580–$680

High-End Setup (Progressive Press):
Press: $600 (Dillon XL650)
Dies: $120 (2 sets, Dillon)
Shell Plates: $80
Powder Measure: $80 (included or upgraded)
Scale: $100
Calipers: $40
Case Cleaner: $70
Manual: $25
Accessories: $100
Total: ~$1,200–$1,500
 
CSG, I'd been considering re-loading since the scamdemic. I learned that the only reason to reload now is to make your own specific loaded rounds for a purpose (accuracy being the prime one for competitive shooters). You will not save money unless you are re-loading less-common calibers.
 
Jfal said:
CSG, I'd been considering re-loading since the scamdemic. I learned that the only reason to reload now is to make your own specific loaded rounds for a purpose (accuracy being the prime one for competitive shooters). You will not save money unless you are re-loading less-common calibers.
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That's what I was afraid of.
 
The first thing to understand about reloading-handloading is that no one ever actually saves money.

You’ll find yourself getting all manner of tools and accoutrements and this and that …. don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing hobby, but you will spend more money (and maybe time) at your bench in pursuit of shooting. That’s a good thing from a therapeutic standpoint. But you’ll also find many, many ways to spend money.
I’m not trying to talk you out of it - but offering advice as a one time hard core handloading nerd who sometimes relapses from his sobriety 🤣

I’ve been a “loader” for over 40 years now. Hard for me to believe sometimes. I’ve lost count of the guns and cartridges I’ve acquired and tinkered with and let go. I even ventured into competitive benchrest, handgun silhouette, and combat pistol / pin shooting throughout the years. All of it is fun, but now you have the internet and it’s vast knowledge base. That simplifies so much nowadays. And we are all mentors to you, eager to pass along our mistakes so the next generation doesn’t make the same ones!

Lots of experience here on this site, and lots of strong opinions to match.

So, welcome!
 
The big thing is do you have the patience to sit and load 1000 rounds of 9mm or 380. gotta be time consuming and would get boring to me in a hurry as i have ADD and OCD. lol
 
CertifiedSIllyGoose said:
No, I get that... too many variables. I was just looking for a ballpark number
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We're not trying to shine you on , there really are two many variables to make a generalized statement about " middle of the road " .

You pay for Speed of production, which is roughly traded off for Cost and Flexibility.

"Whack a Mole " Lee Loaders , under $50 .


Hand Press using standard diesel used to be $100 ‐ish , today full retail , more like $150 . Very compact and portable , production rates overlapping with bench mounted single stage .

Speed - We're talking better part of an hour per box . ( give or take , but ballpark ).

Does this reasonably fit your requirements ? Do you shoot several hundred rounds per caliber per year , or several thousand per week ?

A bench mounted Turret Press , $100 ‐ish more , production speed double , or a little more .

Then quantum leap to Progressives at $700 ‐ish and up , for 500 & up rounds per hour . The post popular & most recommended would be 900 something for one caliber .
 
Jfal said:
CSG, I'd been considering re-loading since the scamdemic. I learned that the only reason to reload now is to make your own specific loaded rounds for a purpose (accuracy being the prime one for competitive shooters). You will not save money unless you are re-loading less-common calibers.
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If you are speaking generic 9mm FMJ , stack it by the case , and don't bother to reload .

Yeah, it's again the 9mm Era , it's hugely popular , lots of people own Only 9mm guns , specifically because of the cheap ammo .

The farther you move away for 9mm fmj in mass popularity , the more worthwhile it is to load your own .

.40 & .45acp is not outrageous to buy , but you can save some $ . .38 Spl , even " range ammo " is far too expensive to buy compared to reloading .

.45 Colt , .44 Spl or Mag , .41 , .357 , various .32 Revolvers ctgs , you absolutely want to load your own for tailoring your loads , plus major $$ savings .
 
seriously loaded question :ROFLMAO:
i bought a square deal b back in 2010.....iirc all in was a bit under 1k
then 3 tool dies set ups so it was easier to change calibers, brass, tons of primers and powder, followed by tons of bullets
then a few months of use, i built a custom bench, brass vibrator cleaner,
then a few months later bought more 1911s and 9mm pistols,
then a few months later more bullets, powder and primers
then more brass, then harvesting fresh brass at range
followed by more bullets, primers and powder, followed by more range time and more brass harvesting
followed by brass buys, primers, powders , bullets
repeat
lost track of costs
back when primers were 27 per 1k it made sense money wise...not its more for relaxation
i buy powder in 8 lb jugs and 4 at a time of i can.
i think i figured it once at 4 to 7 cents per round if i had the brass... pistol brass lasts long time unless you over pressurize or damage it.
i have reloaded many 45 brass over 10 times easy. usually primer pockets wear out before it splits
 
I really wish l had bought a SDB a couple years ago . At 2025 prices , the the $729 MSRP isn't worth it , compared to a 550 .

The niche for the SDB is for loading as singe caliber ( or a .most a second caliber using same basic set up , only changing dies ) . Using unique dies in the SDB , the 550 , 750 , etc are inherently better suited for loading a buncha different calibers .
 
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