Should you reload?

[Twentyfootdaredevil]

Do you think a Dillon 550B is too much for a beginner? I hate buying twice.

Its hard to look at it like you are buying twice. You will always have a use for a single stage press. I load all my rifle loads except plinking .223 ammo.

 

[DRob]

Keeping up

The prairie dogs reproduce every year. Reloading is my only response!

 

[Scott357]

Reloading allows me to shoot more!

 

[gabrigger]

A Dillon 550 is not too much for a beginner. You can still load one round at a time until you are comfortable with reloading in general and are familiar with the operation of the press. With a little practice, you shouldn't have any trouble with a 550 at all.

 

[xM3RC1L3SS1x]

I plan on it when I can actually go out and shoot as much as I want.

 

[Que]

Well, it's been almost three years. Is anyone still "thinking about it?"

 

[Gluemanz28]

Doing more than just thinking about it. I have put about 10,000 rounds together this winter.

You been riding that bike yet?

 

[remauto1187]

Not me. Ive "graduated" from a single stage RCBS to a Hornady LocknLoad AP. Only took me 13yrs or so to make the move to AP.

 

[lubemupski]

I don't. If I did it would be 12 ga. target loads, as that is what i shoot most. I have done the math and after sourcing materials I would be able to put a box of 25 together for ~ $4.75-$5.00. I can buy bulk (20 flats) of Fiocchi for $5.75 delivered. With these numbers, it would take me 500 boxes just to pay for a decent reloader. Of course, every reloader i have ever asked always say that it is not about the money. It is either an extension of the hobby, or even a hobby in itself. I totally get that and know that i probably would get into it if i tried it. For now the cost-beneifit, hassle of saving shells, sourcing materials, and time invested just is not worth it to me. Of course if you ask me tomorrow it could be completely different tale.

 

[ilcaveman]

I agree with the 12ga. reloading, i did it early on. Its not worth it to me. I dont shoot shotgun that much. I reload rifle and pistol for the cost savings and the hobby, mostly hobby. The 550b is a good choice, you save about 60% reloading reloading pistol.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

A Dillon 550 is not too much for a beginner. You can still load one round at a time until you are comfortable with reloading in general and are familiar with the operation of the press. With a little practice, you shouldn't have any trouble with a 550 at all.

I started with a single stage press, then upgraded to a 550 after about 6 months.
When I set up the 550 and started loading on it, kept thinking to my self that I could have been reloading on the 550 from the beginning.
Learning to reload on a 550 is fine. NO Worries!

 

[JohnMcClane]

From someone who knows nothing yet about reloading, how long does it take per round? or how many can be done in an hour? I've been told a lot of this can be based on the equipment you have. Just curious... Thanks...

 

[IndyGlockMan]

I can easily reload a couple hundred an hour on my Dillon 550.
If I don't stop to much I can do 300-400 an hour, but I'm usually not in a bug hurry when I reload.
If I had a case feeder, I could probably do another hundred more per hour

 

[JohnMcClane]

Ok cool. I just wasn't sure what might be typical.

 

[RUSH2112]

I just started reloading .303....I am just tired of ordering it online, paying for shipping etc.

 

[tonybia]

Can you reload .223 cheaper than what the going rate is say at .35 a round? Do you only save if you are using already spent cases for the second time, so the initial cost of the case is already accounted for?

 

[sponge80]

I just recently started reloading, can't really say how much I have invested so far but I have enjoyed what little I've done. To me it's relaxing I have 5 kids and what can be a some what stressful work place, so I get home shut the door and just figure stuff out. A shout out to the guys at Profire in Indy for all the help!

 

[IndyGlockMan]

Can you reload .223 cheaper than what the going rate is say at .35 a round? Do you only save if you are using already spent cases for the second time, so the initial cost of the case is already accounted for?

Definitely.
55 gr FMJ bullet is about .10 cents per round
Primers are about .04 cents each
Powder is about .08 cents per round.

That's .22 cents per round.
Not a big savings, but when 223 was .50 cents or higher, it was a great deal.

 

[scoutsniper]

anyone around the indianapolis area willing to let me come by and watch someone do some reloading to get a feel for it?? i have some .357 and 30-06 brass ill give you for your time. (it is dirty and about 7 months old probably 20 of each) but i dont have anything in those calibers.

Newbie looking to start.

 

[tonybia]

Definitely.
55 gr FMJ bullet is about .10 cents per round
Primers are about .04 cents each
Powder is about .08 cents per round.

That's .22 cents per round.
Not a big savings, but when 223 was .50 cents or higher, it was a great deal.

So if you add in brass cost the first time around you will be somewhere close to new cost and then re-using the brass is where you save some cash?
How many times can you reliably reload the brass? Does certain brass cases last longer through more reloads?