Considering reloading - worth it?

[BHPSteel]

I've been loading for 40yrs. I'd really have to think it over because of the investment needed to start today. I've never loaded 9mm. Back in the day loading big bore pistol was a nice savings. If it were me, I'd just have to run the numbers to see if it was worth the investment and time. Also having to dedicate a space for it.
If you want to get the most out of your shooting, this is the route. But these days you may not be able to save money. I just have a Lee turret press. I've loaded pistol and rifle on it. The large African game cartridges are a bit much for it though. The ole tried and true RCBS Rock Chucker is as strong as they get. But you can only use one die at a time. So it is slower. Then you have the Progressive set up. Expensive and you have to maintain it to work correctly.

Personally, if I was to start out reloading from scratch today, I'd probably get a turret press that had removable 'decks', similar to the Dillon and Lee idea. Set the dies up the way you want them, and demount the whole lot when you change to a different caliber.

Of course, that might be because that's a type of press that I don't own, and therefore don't know any better.

 

[Howard Shadix]

For me it’s more about being involved in the process and just knowing something. Sorta like building your own arrow if you shoot bows. All about what your goals are. Enjoy whichever path you choose!

 

[jpm2953]

If I didn't already have the equipment and a metric ton of components, i wouldn't get into reloading now. Rifle loading takes forever. You'll burn out on that quickly if you are a high volume shooter. I'm heavily invested so I'm stuck reloading for life now.
I'll make you a good deal on a dillon 650 if you decide to jump in

 

[1gunsnotenough]

I have a Dillon 650 I have had for years. I used to use it a lot when I was shooting UPSA and other sports. In UPSA I was shooting .40. But now I'm mostly shooting 9mm and I found the cost savings vs the time on 9MM it's not worth reloading. The last 9mm I bought was about 4 or 5 years ago and I gave $8 for Blazer Brass. When it gets under $10 again I'll restock.

 

[jas4u]

If you only factor out cost, you'll break even. But if you include the knowledge and the enjoyment, it's well worth it.

 

[basstracker89]

Personally, if I was to start out reloading from scratch today, I'd probably get a turret press that had removable 'decks', similar to the Dillon and Lee idea. Set the dies up the way you want them, and demount the whole lot when you change to a different caliber.

Of course, that might be because that's a type of press that I don't own, and therefore don't know any better.

The Turret has to be adjusted every once in a while. Other than that, it's been pretty good. My Wife actually got it for me for Christmas a long time ago. I have no idea what I would've bought if I'd purchased myself. Every Once in a while, I'll see a deal on a Rock Chucker. Not a bad idea if you're loading heavy cartridges. Otherwise the turret does well. That Progressive might drive me crazy. I've heard of lots of issues with those. But again my knowledge is dated. I haven't loaded much in a while now. But it's set up anytime I'm ready

 

[patriot15joe]

My answer is yes, but it’s not because of the cost. 2008-2012 ammo dried up and was hard to find. Is it cheaper, not really. But I’m never without.

 

[owen58]

My answer is yes, but it’s not because of the cost. 2008-2012 ammo dried up and was hard to find. Is it cheaper, not really. But I’m never without.

Absolutely true! I haven't had to worry about ammo shortages in many years.

 

[StefanB]

Thank you all, this has been amazing information and very helpful.
I think I'll try my hand at loading for my 6.5CM as that seems the easiest and most cost efficient place to start. Sounds like a turret press would be right.
What is your go to place for reloading supplies? Is there a local to Atlanta store or everything online?
Also what reloading manual do you suggest I start with for loads?

 

[BHPSteel]

Thank you all, this has been amazing information and very helpful.
I think I'll try my hand at loading for my 6.5CM as that seems the easiest and most cost efficient place to start. Sounds like a turret press would be right.
What is your go to place for reloading supplies? Is there a local to Atlanta store or everything online?
Also what reloading manual do you suggest I start with for loads?

Reloading supplies - well, you have projectiles and brass, which don't attract HAZMAT fees. You can buy them online. Ammoseek.com doesn't only track ammo, but components. For powder and primers, again, you can find deals on ammoseek, but when you factor in shipping and HAZMAT fees, sometimes places like Cabelas/Bass Pro can be price competitive.

If you're in the North-area of Atlanta, there's TruPrep and GA Firing Line up in Marietta, David's Gun Room in Norcross and a number of others. If you're actually further out of Atlanta than that, give us some more specific indication of your area and we can certainly come up with candidates.

I do want to take issue with one word in your posting - "easiest".

What you're really talking about if you want that 6.5CM for PRS, is handloading. If you're trying to build ammo that will get you winning prizes, you'll be measuring powder with a really precise scale and NOT a powder dropper. You'll want to take (even new and unfired brass) and potentially trim it to size. You'll want to exercise a lot of control and precision over your process to get the accuracy you want.

That's not to say you can't or shouldn't. But as a new reloader, it's going to take a while to build ammo like that because there's a lot to the subject. I'm probably only just out of the 'beginner' stage at reloading, and fortunately there's a lot of far more experienced people than me on ODT whose opinions and advice I've come to rely on and value over the last couple of years.

On reloading manuals, I personally like the Lyman (currently in 51st edition) but hodgdonreloading.com has an online reloading manual that JUST covers loads that I find useful. The good thing about the physical manuals (Certainly Lyman) is that it also covers all of the techniques you'll end up mastering to build the perfect-for-you handloaded 6.5CM round.

Good luck on your mission.