Cost to start loading .45 acp

lindalecowboy

I tried to do a search because I know you guys have talked about this already, but about how much + or - $100 would it cost a guy to get into reloading .45 acp? That's about all I shoot that matters, by that I mean that I need to reload. I hear .223 is a lot of trouble and the only other thing I shoot a ton is .22 LR.

Thoughts on cost and how to best get started reloading .45.

Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom and insights.

brier-49

check out Dillon square deal B

20gabob

Depends on whether you want new or used equipment. i have a lee challenger loader, 45acp lee carbide dies, lee primer tool,that would get you started for $60. all you would have to add is primers, powder, and bullets and if needed could help you on those. not an offer to sell but just information for you. hopes this helps you out.

partisan

You can't go wrong with an RCBS starter combo. I have used mine since 1974 with NO problems. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty if there is a problem.

flyingtorpedo

Go to www.midwayusa.com and read reviews on different single stage kits. But you may be able to find what you want cheaper at other places. The cost can vary quite a bit depending on the kit.

torizus

I would think a reasonable $ amount would be $150 - $200 (cheap side)
A dedicated (.45) press (single stage), preferably a kit...kits usually have most of what you need to start (scale,etc). Definitely at least 2 load manuals. The die set (carbide much easier).
Components would be brass,bullets,powder and the primers.
Primers are probably your biggest investment as far as bang for buck right now.
Read manuals first is a must, I recommend The ABC's of reloading .
Good luck, focus and be safe

Easton Archer 66

If you have a local gun shop near you who can help you get started by showing you how the equipment works, keep your money in your town by supporting the locals. I sold the LEE Turret Press Kit by the dozen in my shop because I used one and had it set up where I could set a customer down at the handle and showed them how to make ammo while I sat and watched, giving any advise they needed to work them through it one round at a time. The Kit comes set up in the handgun caliber of your choice as well as a powder measure which comes with 4 discs and a calibration of powder to disc # sheet. Buy a decent scale and you are ready to go, other than the loading supplies. As an example, a 3.5 grain load will give you 2000 loads per pound of powder, as there are 7000 grains in a pound.

partisan

EASTON ARCHER is right on the money! If you aren't real familiar with reloading, a local guy will be glad to answer questions. I would go with the single stage press unless you need to load a couple hundred rounds an hour.

smith52

This does not pertain to the cost of getting started, but I think Easton Archer 66 is on the right track. A Lee Turret Press w/ manual index is a good place to start. As alot of the others have recommended single stage presses, you can use the turret press w/ manual index as a single stage. By having the turret you can leave all three or four dies in place all the time, no taking one die out to install another, just rotate the turret when you finish one step and your ready for the next(maybe some minor adjustments) and if you decide at some piont to reload a different caliber buy an extra turret when you purchase your dies. If you buy a Lee Turret kit I would purchase a different powder scale. The Lee Safety scale works but its not very handy, kind of a pain to calibrate and the pan does not separate from the arm it hanges on. Also buy some reloading books so you have something to refer back to. Call the NRA and ask them if there are any metallic reloading instructors in your area, you might be suprized who lives near by. Good Luck and Happy Reloading.[:D]