Surprising 9mm Reloading Cost Calculations

[Hambo]

I'm currently shooting about 1K per month, and I wouldn't want to feed that habit with my Co-ax. Even if I'm only hitting 450/hour on my 550 that's a lot faster than a single stage.

[cooterbaldwin]

Yeah, I figured the co-ax would be used for producing some of my ammo but mainly for learning and getting familiar with the process. I assumed a good portion of my 1k per month would still be factory ammo.

[GuanoLoco]

I love this place! Tons of great information in this thread.

I'm considering getting setup to reload for the first time. For the foreseeable future I'd be reloading 9mm only. Many a time I've read the "start on a single stage" advice. If I go single stage I'd likely go with a Forster Co-ax. The co-ax has quick and easy die changes, should last a lifetime and would be perfect for loading bolt gun ammo (mainly 223). I've also read that the 550 makes a good first press because you can operate it as a single stage. I've even read some posts or blog entries stating that starting off on a 650 is doable so long as you take your time and pay attention.

Regardless of press I'm planning on using pick-up brass. I've already been collecting my once-fired factory brass in anticipation of reloading someday. For brass prep the plan was de-priming and then wet tumble (although some of the brass sources listed in this thread have me rethinking that approach).

As I said, for now I'd be reloading 9mm only and shooting around 1k rounds per month. Any comments or recommendations?

550 over single stage anytime. I load 308 on a 550 and hold 3/4MOA at 100 yards - and I'm pretty sure that I, not the ammo or gun, is the limiting factor. 1000 rounds a month is easily do-able on a 550 ... but you will quickly find you shoot a lot more when ammo costs drop. I don't even want to think about 1000/month on a single stage.

A simple Lee single stage, maybe with a Breech Lock quick change head, is handy for occasional odd tasks.

[GuanoLoco]

I love this place! Tons of great information in this thread.

I'm considering getting setup to reload for the first time. For the foreseeable future I'd be reloading 9mm only. Many a time I've read the "start on a single stage" advice. If I go single stage I'd likely go with a Forster Co-ax. The co-ax has quick and easy die changes, should last a lifetime and would be perfect for loading bolt gun ammo (mainly 223). I've also read that the 550 makes a good first press because you can operate it as a single stage. I've even read some posts or blog entries stating that starting off on a 650 is doable so long as you take your time and pay attention.

Regardless of press I'm planning on using pick-up brass. I've already been collecting my once-fired factory brass in anticipation of reloading someday. For brass prep the plan was de-priming and then wet tumble (although some of the brass sources listed in this thread have me rethinking that approach).

As I said, for now I'd be reloading 9mm only and shooting around 1k rounds per month. Any comments or recommendations?

550 over single stage anytime. I load 308 on a 550 and hold 3/4MOA at 100 yards - and I'm pretty sure that I, not the ammo or gun, is the limiting factor. 1000 rounds a month is easily do-able on a 550 ... but you will quickly find you shoot a lot more when ammo costs drop. I don't even want to think about 1000/month on a single stage.

12K/year is an easy payoff - even if you can't get components at bulk prices. Your time IS worth something.

[45dotACP]

Yech...I need a progressive. Hell even a thousand rounds a month is sheer drudgery on my turret press.

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[camsdaddy]

I figured out last night that reloading is expensive. Normally I would shoot
1000 maybe 2000 rounds a year. This year since I started reloading in January I have shot 9000 rounds. Wondering how much it would have been if I had gotten a progressive
Next

[Mitch]

Anyone who recommends to you to start on a single stage when you are only loading pistol ammo must not like you very much. I started on a single stage loading 9mm and 45. I would not recommend anyone doing the same.

A 550 is an excellent way to get started.


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[45dotACP]

Anyone who recommends to you to start on a single stage when you are only loading pistol ammo must not like you very much. I started on a single stage loading 9mm and 45. I would not recommend anyone doing the same.

A 550 is an excellent way to get started.


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This indeed. I started with one of if those handheld deals and went to a turret....A significant improvement, but ultimately, I should have got a Dillon 550 or a Hornady progressive and just skipped the turret press altogether.

[Mitch]

If one is mechanically inclined and only plans to load one caliber I'd look at a 650 or 1050 if you have the scratch.

For loading multiple calibers or wanting to learn a little slower, a 550 is a great machine.


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[olstyn]

Anyone who recommends to you to start on a single stage when you are only loading pistol ammo must not like you very much. I started on a single stage loading 9mm and 45. I would not recommend anyone doing the same.

I think there's some benefit to being taught the basics on a single stage, because you get to see and learn each step individually. That said, F single stage for any kind of pistol ammo loading long-term; it's just too slow. In my mind, ideally a new reloader would find a friend who can show them the steps on a single stage and then immediately buy a 550, 650, or LnL for actual use.