I have read the threads for beginners and plan on getting two manuals to read before I do anything. Let me just say I have been shooting and hunting for a long time but just never started reloading. Well, the benefits of reloading really seem to be pulling on me. The cost of factory ammo and the accuracy potential with handloads are the two main factors. I guess my question is how much $$ can I expect to spend to get started? I primarily want to load for .30-06, and .44 mag. Maybe .30-30 also but I can still get factory ammo that is really accurate in my Marlin for a reasonable price. My carry weapon is a .40 and I plan on using factory ammo in it.

If you can lay aside at least a couple hundred dollars, that will pay for your equipment and enough components to load a good many rounds of ammunition. Like many hobbys, you can spend all you want or can afford on it.

The sooner the better RifleFan. You won't regret the investment in the tools. Handloads are good stuff. Pick up a used Lee Loader in a caliber that you shoot to get your "feet wet" to see how easy it can be. A simple tool can make great ammo.
$20 can get you started(plus componants).

You are already "hooked". Go for it!

Cheezywan

I agree with KenK. You can spend as much as you want. I started two of my sons into handloading with mostly yard sale, gun show and ebay used equipment. I spent less than $100 on each of 'em not counting bullets, powder and primers.

I spent about 300 hundred dollors getting set up, added a few more for "the things I couldn't live without". Could go cheaper but, Why not get what you want when you need it? Now ,there is no way I will ever buy factory ammo again.I have 3 guns that have never shot a factory round. they like my loads best.Q

Check the internet sales at places like Midwayusa, Midsouth and Natchez shooters supply. They often have the starter kits at a really good prices. One of these will give you everything you need to get started less the powder, primer and bullets. You won't regret it. Reloading will really open the shooting world up to you.

Get the Lee Anniversary kit for around a hundred bucks. Add the dies you need and go for it. Midway is a great place to order from.

Thanks guys. I really think I am going to start very soon. I am ordering the manuals from Midway in the next week or so. There was a good article on getting started in Shooting Times this month. Along with a good article on the new Marlin bolt action that has me excited....whoops, that is for another forum!!

Bob, is this what you are talking about:

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit

Thanks again.

I'm pretty sure all my stuff was free... I load for about 9 calibers now, but just one caliber 204 Ruger, I reloaded 600 rounds a few weeks ago, and that has more than paid for everything I've invested in my equipment. Yes, I've spent a lot on reloading stuff, but this stuff is going to last a lifetime, and you can almost sell it for what you paid for it. Several companies warranty their products for life, Lee does not, but their stuff is dirt cheap by comparison, we are all hobbyists and it doesn't matter what color your equipment is, I can pretty much guarantee you will enjoy it.

You are heading in the right direction Riflefan.
The guys pretty much spelled it out for you.
I agree that the best bang for your buck is to start with Lee products.
They look cheap, but are very high quality.

I also like your idea of getting two different loading books.
Always cross reference your loads when starting.

I have reloaded all of my adult life, and very few of my guns have seen factory ammo shot through them.
The quality of good reloads can't be topped.

Good Luck.

Eric

I did the math on loading for .204, and it was 31% cheaper buying all new components, and 59% cheaper reusing the brass.

First off, you are wise to use factory ammo in your carry weapon while carrying. For practice, which you should do frequently, handloaded target rounds have their place.

As for equipment, the Lee Aniversary Kit is hard to beat. You do get what you pay for, but if you aren't sure and don't have much assistance it is a great place to start. Another great option would be a Lee hand press kit as the press will be fine for your purposes, but you will need to add a few things to be fully equiped.

My first kit was a RCBS Rock Chucker Master Reloader kit and I am qutie happy with it. I had the advantage of learning handloading from a friend and knew I would be loading a lot for a long time. 15 years later I am now looking to replace the press with a Forster Co-Ax (for a LOT more money) and relegate the Rock Chucker to backup duty, not because of any problem with the RCBS but because I can get an incremental improvement with the Co-Ax.

I have a Lee hand press and use it mostly for "secondary" purposes, but I am perfectly comfortable using it for all processes with handgun or other straight wall cartridges and for bottlenecked cartridges when neck sizing only.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/49