Looking at learning to reload, cost effective or better to keep buying cheap ammo

That link I gave was the cheapest listing on there that I found. Another guy wanted something like 50-60US to ship to NZ for express shipping but that is just too steep. I got some Lyman 308 dies off there a couple of years back for about $30NZ including shipping and they were brand new. Also give Lee Reloading Supplies | Reloading Equipment Lee Precision | Discount Reloading Supplies by Lee | Titan Reloading a browse if you want some reasonably priced lee gear like shell holders, dies etc even the shipping is also reasonable.

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Originally Posted by hunter308

That link I gave was the cheapest listing on there that I found. Another guy wanted something like 50-60US to ship to NZ for express shipping but that is just too steep. I got some Lyman 308 dies off there a couple of years back for about $30NZ including shipping and they were brand new. Also give Lee Reloading Supplies | Reloading Equipment Lee Precision | Discount Reloading Supplies by Lee | Titan Reloading a browse if you want some reasonably priced lee gear like shell holders, dies etc even the shipping is also reasonable.

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Thanks again Hunter,

I sent the link to my girl this morning for her to order it. Within 3 hours it was sent and got a tracking number:)

i didn't even bother to check out any others on eBay as that price on that listing was a fair price and i couldn't find one here.

I'll keep working on my list of what i need and want, so far after running the stuff through a spreadsheet and working out the NZ prices vs US prices, Shipping and Customs & GST it works out very similar,

So i'll support the local guy and try and get a discount or free postage :cool:

Now wheres that book!!!!

Just remember to keep your orders under $400NZ including shipping so you don't get whacked for duty fees and GST.

Also check out the customs FAQ page Frequently Asked Questions | Duty Estimator

Cheer guys

I'm all up with importing, i've imported heaps of stuff into Aus and NZ, it does suck with the lower limit over here, at least it was $1000 in Aus.

I've got my NZ client code for importing:)

I think loading myself just for FTR I'll save $40 a month, on 100rounds over club bought ammo (so not including extra for competitions) so 20months payback for $800 worth of mostly Lee reloading kit (Im going to get better 308w dies I think), 2 seasons. Plus my son wants to shoot plus WSRA ammo. I could do 50~70 rounds a month for WSRA (even double that, incl son), $150~$250 a month on reloading, that sure adds up.

:oh noes:

but it keeps me in the man cave out of harms way, so all good

:thumbsup:

In terms of reloading kit I think the Lee 50th anniversary press kit plus a set of Lee dies is a good start, so $300 delivered ($200+$70+delivery). NB I saw such a set go on trademe last week second hand (2 die sets though) for over $280 so you get most of your $s back if you dont like it. With an ultrasonic cleaner ($200), digital scales ($70), calipers ($50+), a good data reloading book ($40+) and other bits I think its $700~800 odd investment up front. There are more expensive press kits, double that easily, hard pushed to say they are worth it to start with, some ppl say yes some ppl say no Lee is fine....Ive gone Lee...

Get onto youtube, look up ammosmith, and iraqveteran888 great videos IMHO.

Reloading: A Complete Beginner's Guide to Handloading for your Rifle - YouTube

Reloading Basics (Decisions To Make) - YouTube

Ammosmith Reloading - YouTube

I was recommended the lee classic cast press. and I have no problems with it.

If you are looking at a cheap way to get started, I aquired one of those archaic Lee hammer kits (303) in my dealings. Surprisingly it actually works, the priming system seams a bit sus though.

Steven,how do you get to 40c saving ? I'm working on about 20c cheaper....

Thanks guy, i know can start with Lee, but i know what i'm like, ill use it fir 6 months and then end up getting something better, and spending more in the long run

i'm currently looking at the hornady lock n load range, as Dillion is quite pricey and "RED" is my lucky colour, so that rules out Dillion, lol

Another problem, is i am one of the those guys that likes things to look the same, hence my woodworking shed if full of Festool tools in Ports and Lie Nielsen Tools :)

Attachment 11201



I have issues:ORLY:

Sweet jeezus ! FESTOOL :drool:

Is there any reason you are stuck on hornady gear? there are other good brands to choose from as well Lyman, RCBS and redding are other really good options oh and redding and RCBS colours will match the green bits on those drawers

Workshop Innovation - Gunsmithing & Reloading Tools: Reloading Stuff +, Reloading Kits

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Originally Posted by hunter308

Is there any reason you are stuck on hornady gear? there are other good brands to choose from as well Lyman, RCBS and redding are other really good options oh and redding and RCBS colours will match the green bits on those drawers

Workshop Innovation - Gunsmithing & Reloading Tools: Reloading Stuff +, Reloading Kits

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No real reason, Cause they are red and i can get dust covers for them:) i will look at the other brands

I normally research the shit out of something for a month and think about it thoroughly before pulling the trigger and spending the coin.

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Originally Posted by ebf

Sweet jeezus ! FESTOOL :drool:

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Best work working power tools you can buy, German made of course

The Festool vac is awesome, that works with all of the tools, dust free workshop is great.

I got the festool Kapex drop saw as well, and a festool clock and festool radio

Once you go Festool you never go back, unless you end up bankrupt... i should curb my spending, lol

i've even labeled the gauge of the screws and length as well as head type, yes i have issues, lol

I would say that reloading is a way to save money. I bought my kit second hand and the money I've saved on reloading would easily have paid for the gear. The 243 and 308 I've been saving about $1 a round on and have made about 400 rounds. The kit and components didn't cost anywhere near that. I just look for good deals. $40 for an ultrasonic cleaner. $16 for a reasonable pair of digital calipers. Plus other handy bits as they come up on Trademe.

This is some of what I started with, and haven't added a great deal more.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/a...20396_full.jpg

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Originally Posted by ebf

Steven,how do you get to 40c saving ? I'm working on about 20c cheaper....

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um....PFC charges $30 for 20 rounds and 4 "free" sighters. I still need to get a firm cost for 2206h or 2208 off them but im assuming 45grains of powder somewhere around 40cents, 7 cents for the primer and I think its 42~48cents for the projectile. I have not counted lapua brass at $111 a hundred....20reloads? 6 cents I suppose, so I can load for just ander $1...on 500gramme powder tins 171 loads, 4kg brings down the price more but 4kg is $500+ and im not keen on that much powder at once.

:yarr:

For 303Brit and 54R I will be using barnual projectiles I think. 185gr fmjs are 31cents each...I got 100 to look at, the obvious thing is their weight varies by 1 gr or more (183 to 185) so I need to batch them. So "Rubbish" for 54R (only 100m) good ones for 303Brit. The cost on the 54r worked out at a bit less than barnual steel 54R ammo, around 78~79cents. 303brit is $162 for 100 so half price reloading on those.

:thumbsup:

At the end of the day it is your choice on what gear you get I have owned an early model lyman crusher press which was my first o frame press and loved it and it churned out many very accurate reloads also I have had the opportunity to reload on a RCBS rock chucker a mate of mine owns and that too was nice to load with. Plus I never used to worry about dust covers for the press even though it pays to keep balance beam scales covered when not in use mind you my presses never wore dust covers as I was in the man cave damn near everyday reloading just to go and shoot off ammo at the range when I was unable to hunt after an operation I had on my knee which took a bit of time to recover from.

ebf, I found my spreadsheet....buying 2206h or 2208 at $75 per 500g, 45grains and 7 cent primer cost, nossler comp in 250 lots I can reload 308 for 89cents not incl brass. If I can get cheaper powder and nossler's through the NRA it gets better.

Sweet, our club ammo is a bit cheaper, and my calcs were done using NRA prices for components & consumables.

If you are going single stage or turret press personally from my limited experience I think Lee is great value, then maybe spend the savings on high quality dies. If you can afford festol of course, well f*ck it yeah buy hornady, though Ive not seen anyone rave about their dies. Redding competition, now yes worth considering by all accounts, Im ordering some.
:thumbsup:

LOL I need a pick of my workshop by comparison....bomb site....I tend to mix tools, bosche, makita, dewalt. I have some AEG, their drill batteries suck BTW dont buy AEG.
:oh noes:

If you are going progressive then dont buy a lee loadmaster unless its very cheap, I got my one for $200 so it was very cheap, but its indexing mechanism is a dog, as an engineer it grates on me....I wouldnt have paid the $550 list price, or been really pissed if I had.

:omg:

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Originally Posted by ebf

Sweet, our club ammo is a bit cheaper, and my calcs were done using NRA prices for components & consumables.

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is your club ammo hand loaded by members? or what?

Can you PM me the NRA cost of the powder and projectiles? or is $75 for 500g of 2208 and 42cents for the nosslers about right?

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Originally Posted by Chupacabra

If you are looking at a cheap way to get started, I aquired one of those archaic Lee hammer kits (303) in my dealings. Surprisingly it actually works, the priming system seams a bit sus though.

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I mate of mine reloads his 54R with one, he says its cheap but good.

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Originally Posted by steven

I mate of mine reloads his 54R with one, he says its cheap but good.

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And you don't need a loading bench set up :)

Lee Loader 303 British - Lee Precision

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Originally Posted by steven

Can you PM me the NRA cost of the powder and projectiles? or is $75 for 500g of 2208 and 42cents for the nosslers about right?

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sounds like retail + 10% to me...

I was going to wait until next month, but shit happens

Hornady Classic press ordered :D along with
Hornady Cam lock trimmer
Hornady Tumbler , media and polish (can't afford a stainless steel tumbler at the moment)
223 full length Dies and shell holder
Hornady Bullet puller
Hornady Primer Cleaner
Some more MTM 223 Cases
a reloading logbook, some ADI brass and federal primers, (couldn't get any AR Federal primers)

Got through Workshop Innovations, thanks Hunter308 for the link,

And got some more stuff through Hunting and outdoors supplies,

Hornady Universal Decapping pin. (want to deprime without sizing before cleaning, plan on getting a sonic cleaner, then tumbler after sonic for a clean inside and polish on the the outside)
Dust covers for power measure and press
Bench bracket for power measure and some cases for dies and other bits

Now to wait for the postie

Still looking at getting a:

Hornady Curved O.A.L gauge
Hornady Bullet Comparator Set (to check over, all the bullets)
Hornady Headspace Gauge set
Hornady Concentricity Gauge, read a review on this in NZ guns & Hunting
Hornady 1.2Ltr Sonic cleaner
Hornady Stuck Case Remover Die set

Still need to get some projectiles and powder, anyone know and places that sell projectiles and powder in Hamilton?, as i'm heading that way next week i think.

Your bench is going to be a sea of red! Awesome mate. :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Bryan

Your bench is going to be a sea of red! Awesome mate. :thumbsup:

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cheers, can't wait to set it up.

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Originally Posted by The Jackel

cheers, can't wait to set it up.

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Definitely post some pictures up of your man bench once you have all your RED gear setup. :cool:

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Originally Posted by The Jackel

Still looking at getting a:

Hornady Curved O.A.L gauge
Hornady Bullet Comparator Set (to check over, all the bullets)
Hornady Headspace Gauge set
Hornady Concentricity Gauge, read a review on this in NZ guns & Hunting
Hornady 1.2Ltr Sonic cleaner
Hornady Stuck Case Remover Die set

Still need to get some projectiles and powder, anyone know and places that sell projectiles and powder in Hamilton?, as i'm heading that way next week i think.

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Cleland Gunsmithing and Engineering he is Awesome

Cheers Mucko

Go and check out Jaycar or trademe for a ultrasonic cleaner you may get one cheaper than a hornady one and they are pretty much the same I got a small one from Jaycar and it does a good job but have to do brass in small batches. Forlongs has the hornady comparator insert set for $80 and the caliper base for $32 but in saying that Ebay might be your freind on those other bits except the ultrasonic cleaner

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Originally Posted by hunter308

Go and check out Jaycar or trademe for a ultrasonic cleaner you may get one cheaper than a hornady one and they are pretty much the same I got a small one from Jaycar and it does a good job but have to do brass in small batches. Forlongs has the hornady comparator insert set for $80 and the caliper base for $32 but in saying that Ebay might be your freind on those other bits except the ultrasonic cleaner

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thats not a bad idea, as I'm running low on funds after buying the initial gear:oh noes: but i got funds for a box of projectiles and powder:D

i got my new copy of hornady reloading manual today, very interesting, can't wait to set up the gear, it should be here tomorrow or saturday.

and with the hornady gear you will have to buy hornady shell holders sadly as the case trimmer won't let you use other branded shell holders which I found out when I bought one and could not use the RCBS shell holder in it, got put right off hornady after that, oh and whatever you do for the love of god DO NOT use the hornady one shot spray lube or you will have one really stuck case I found out the hard way when I first started and lost a FL die because it was stuck solid to the point the stuck case remover ripped out of the bottom of the case and totally wrecked my first press in the process which was a cast alloy lee c-frame, had hornady up about it and they said they would replace the die and never did.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hunter308

and with the hornady gear you will have to buy hornady shell holders sadly as the case trimmer won't let you use other branded shell holders which I found out when I bought one and could not use the RCBS shell holder in it, got put right off hornady after that, oh and whatever you do for the love of god DO NOT use the hornady one shot spray lube or you will have one really stuck case I found out the hard way when I first started and lost a FL die because it was stuck solid to the point the stuck case remover ripped out of the bottom of the case and totally wrecked my first press in the process which was a cast alloy lee c-frame, had hornady up about it and they said they would replace the die and never did.

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Thanks for the heads up about the one shot. what do you use? there are a lot of options out there.

When i was looking at what press to get. i noticed that there was a lot of issues with incompatibility between the brands, so i decided to keep with the one brand. so i should have less issues in the long run, when it comes to amasing dies and use in a newer progressive press, if i can ever afford to pistol shoot;)

I won't use anything else but a lube pad and the lube you use on it(lyman and RCBS case lubes) only hornady lube I will use is some stuff called unique but you have to apply it by hand and you can also get some stuff called imperial sizing wax which alot of people swear by but if spray lube really floats ya boat others have talked about using dillon spray lube with no issues. When I get another reloading set up I will be going with RCBS as they have two single stage presses available that can be converted to a progressive press by purchasing a piggy back unit for them and can also be setup with the hornady lock n load bushings for quicker die changes.