Reload with a near zero budget/

travistheone · Feb 15, 2010

I am looking for the cheapest possible setup to load .44 mag.

I have zero loading equipment now, and want to load a little bit.

Any links? Used gear? Hints?

Thank you very much.

j8064 · Feb 15, 2010

Probably the cheapest way is a Lee Loader:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=696271
But there are many better ways.

This is a step up:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=624416
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=703076

mike_in_md · Feb 15, 2010

I'd recommend a Lee Anniversary Kit as the absolute minimum for a beginner. It includes most everything you need to start reloading and cost less than $150 (You still need a reloading manual and reloading dies). IMO, Lee is the best bang for the buck for reloading less than 1000 rounds per year. The Lee dies that J8064 linked to is perfect and can be used if you upgrade your reloading press to a progressive press later. If you get the Lee Aniversary Kit, make sure that you also get the Lee 2nd edition Reloading Manual (about $30). The reloading manual is a must have so that you can easily set up the powder measure.

BTW, the reloading manual teaches you how to reload. In one day of reading the Lee 2nd edition reloading manual you will know everything you'll need to know to reload.

I started on the Lee Anniversary Kit and quickly moved to a Dillon 550 setup about a year later. It's an addicating hobby.

Threeband · Feb 15, 2010

Definately check out the Lee Precision product line. You can get this Lee hand press already mentioned

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=624416

But I think something you can bolt down (or clamp temporarily with c-clamps) would be a LOT more convenient to work with. Something like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=480380

That's probably all you'd need, although this one is a bit more robust, for a bit more money
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=176078

You need a press, a set of Lee carbide dies, and some way to measure powder. The Lee dies come with a scoop measure, and a little chart of loads. Using the scoop, you can get by without a scale to start.

You also need load data and instructions. A little basic data comes with the Lee dies. The one press I linked too comes with a book. There's more information on line, some of it good.

Before long, you probably want a scale, and some kind of powder measure. Also, you'll need a case trimmer before long. Again, Lee has something cheap and foolproof:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=476992

and

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=576407

Threeband · Feb 15, 2010

mike_in_md said:
I'd recommend a Lee Aniversary Kit as the absolute minimum. It includes everything you need to start reloading and cost less than $150. IMO, that is the best bang for the buck for reloading less than 1000 rounds per year.

I started on the Lee Aniversary Kit and quickly moved to a Dillon 550 setup about a year later.

Wow! That looks like the deal to go for. Here it is

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc...rce=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=9315

Looks like you order the Lee carbide die st seperately.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=703076

or

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=875273

Biggfoot44 · Feb 15, 2010

Without following the links on smart phone here goes :
the absolute cheapest is the origional "bang with hammer" Lee Loader. Actually loads decent loads, just gives new meaning to slow.
Slightly more , get hand press, autoprime, and die set. The die set comes with one scoop, but it's worth the less than 10.00 to get set of scoops.
You'll eventually want to add a scale, but in case of moderate loads in .44 Mag, you've got plenty of margin as long as powder choice is somewhat sensible .
And manuals.

travistheone · Feb 15, 2010

I like that 91 dollar set, looks to be great compromise.

Keep the tips coming, thank you to everyone so far.

mike_in_md · Feb 15, 2010

When I bought my Anniversary kit it came with the Lee Reloading Manual. It doesn't look like the Anniversary Kit comes with it any more. However, the link Threeband posted includes the manual with the cheaper reloading press for free. If it were me I'd order the Anniversary kit and also get http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=480380 for the reloading manual. Two single stage presses are faster than one. :thumbsup:

boule · Feb 15, 2010

The question is: How much do you want to invest into the equipment and what are your minimum requirements for ammo?

The lee handloaders and classic loader kits are probably the cheapest way of reloading. Nonetheless, they are the slowest and to acieve reproducable results you will need to gain much experience with them.

If you want to have a minimum of comfort, a real bench press and an exchangable die set are the necessary evil, coupeled with a scale and some fine caliphers. In total you might look at approx $130.

- lee challenger anniversary kit: $90
- die set $25
- caliphers $15

I guess the other costs will be for brass (range pickup), primer, powder and bullets (cast ones are cheapest).

j8064 · Feb 15, 2010

travistheone said:
I like that 91 dollar set, looks to be great compromise.

Keep the tips coming, thank you to everyone so far.

You were looking for the cheapest way. So Lee Classic Loaders and/or hand presses get you there...very slowly. The Lee Anniversary kit is where I started 20+ years ago. As others have said, it's a decent and economical beginner's setup. You won't be disappointed in it's performance.

This kit has more tools than the $91 kit. I'd go with it since you'd buy the other pieces anyway:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=121744

If you're starting out with only .44 mags, get the kit + a set of Lee dies. The 4 die set is better to have:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=875273

Clean your cases by hand at first. You'll get a tumbler sooner or later when you get tired of doing it by hand.

And...DO get yourself some reloading manuals and study them well. Reloading is not difficult, but you cannot make mistakes with your rounds! Mistakes are unacceptable and unsafe!!!!

And be aware - reloading is addictive. One caliber leads to another. Last time I looked, I reload about 25 different calibers and it all started with a Lee Anniversary Kit... :banghead:

mike_in_md · Feb 15, 2010

boule said:
The question is: How much do you want to invest into the equipment and what are your minimum requirements for ammo?

The lee handloaders and classic loader kits are probably the cheapest way of reloading. Nonetheless, they are the slowest and to acieve reproducable results you will need to gain much experience with them.

If you want to have a minimum of comfort, a real bench press and an exchangable die set are the necessary evil, coupeled with a scale and some fine caliphers. In total you might look at approx $130.

- lee challenger anniversary kit: $90
- die set $25
- caliphers $15

I guess the other costs will be for brass (range pickup), primer, powder and bullets (cast ones are cheapest).

Good point on the Caliper. It is a must have item. Every reloading setup needs one and the Anniversary Kit doesn't include it. It is important because reloading manual recipies call out cartridge overall length. A caliper is inexpensive and last a lifetime. This is the one I use. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=128288

mike_in_md · Feb 15, 2010

j8064 said:
You were looking for the cheapest way. So Lee Classic Loaders and/or hand presses get you there...very slowly. The Lee Anniversary kit is where I started 20+ years ago. As others have said, it's a decent and economical beginner's setup. You won't be disappointed in it's performance.

This kit has more tools than the $91 kit. I'd go with it since you'd buy the other pieces anyway:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=121744

If you're starting out with only .44 mags, get the kit + a set of Lee dies. The 4 die set is better to have:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=875273

Clean your cases by hand at first. You'll get a tumbler sooner or later when you get tired of doing it by hand.

And...DO get yourself some reloading manuals and study them well. Reloading is not difficult, but you cannot make mistakes with your rounds! Mistakes are unacceptable and unsafe!!!!

And be aware - reloading is addictive. One caliber leads to another. Last time I looked, I reload about 25 different calibers and it all started with a Lee Anniversary Kit...

The difference I see between the $91 Kit and $104 Kit is that the $104 kit has the hand primer tool with shell plates for the hand primer tool . I like the hand primer tool, it's fast. I never tried priming cases on the press. My anniversary kit was like the $104 version.

There is one more must have item, and that is you need a shell plate for the caliber that you are loading for. You need one for each reloading press you have. If you take my suggestion and get two presses, make sure that you get two 44 Magnum shell plates. Here's a link. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=781305

j8064 · Feb 15, 2010

mike_in_md said:
The difference I see between the $91 Kit and $104 Kit is that the $104 kit has the hand primer tool with shell plates for the hand primer tool . I like the hand primer tool, it's fast. I never tried priming cases on the press. My anniversary kit is the 104 version.

There is one more must have item, and that is you shell plate for the caliber that you are loading for. You need one for each reloading press you have. If you take my suggestion and get two presses, make sure that you get two 44 Magnum shell plates. Here's a link. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=578965

Mike, you're correct. A caliper is important to have.

I much prefer my Lee Auto Prime hand priming tool over Lee's press mounted Safety Prime (I have both). The Auto Prime in the larger kit includes shell holders for most popular cases. Those shell holders are not the same as press shell holders.

Also keep in mind that Lee dies include press shell holders. I think that's what you mean by "shell plates".

Sure, two presses are better than one. Progressive presses are better than two single stage presses...

Reloading IS addictive.
:innocent0

Baumer · Feb 15, 2010

You may want to check EBay. There's hundreds of reloading items listed. I've seen some basic presses for $25, calipers for $9 etc...

Biggfoot44 · Feb 15, 2010

If we're talking starting set ups and NEED, you don't need calipers or micrometer.
For .44, just crimp the bullet consistantly in the crimp groove/cannulure, and the col will be ok. As long as rounds fit into cylnder, you're good to go. Starting out with mild to medium loads with sensible powder selction , you don't need to check case head expansion.
You don't ever NEED a powder measure. But a cheap scale to verify your charge wt with a particular lot of powder is something good to eventually have. Particularly before loading any near max pressure loads.
The Lee Hand presses use std dies, and are little if any slower than a bench mounted single stage press.

Cowboy T · Feb 16, 2010

Well, there's the absolute minimum...and then there's the responsible minimum. I'll give you what I consider the responsible minimum. Unless otherwise specified, these are MidwayUSA prices.

Lee Reloader single-stage press: $28.00
Lee Auto-Prime: $13.00
Set of 3 dies (carbide resizer): $27.00
Analog Calipers, Frankford Arsenal: $30.00
Digital Scale (anywhere): $30.00
Tumbler, Frankford Arsenal: $53.00
Corn Cob Media, 5lb (PetSMart): $5.00
Brasso polish (Wal-Mart): $5.00
Media Sifter: $10.00
Lyman's 49th Reloading Manual: $20.00

This comes to $231. Assuming $25.00 shipping, that's $256. Yes, you do need a scale. Yes, you do need a set of calipers. Yes, you do need a reloading manual. Why? Pressure in that round *matters*. You really, *really* don't want a kaBOOM!. And of course you need to clean your fired brass somehow...! :-)

I loaded a whole lot of .357 Magnum with exactly this setup before going turret/progressive. The only difference is that my calipers are digital (I shoulda gotten analog).

helg · Feb 16, 2010

If you are skilled to do, say, oil change in your car, I would suggest to start right from progressive press. Here is Lee Loadmaster kit in 44Mag for $206.

http://wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=6691&dir=210|212|237

Progressive pro 1000 for the caliber is $139
http://wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=6318&dir=210|212|237
It also works fine. You may not be able to load rifle calibers, which are longer than 223, on the pro 1000.

It is not a Lee loader for $25, and not Lee Anniversary kit for $100, but is still less expensive than even single-stage presses from other manufacturers.

With the kit you can start loading right out of the box. Using VMD table and disk powder measure does not require scale to start. Setting up dies with reference round and using chamber of your gun to control round dimensions may allow not to use calipers. Priming, powder measure, all is included into the kit. Later on you can get a caliper (Harborfreight, $10-15) and a powder scale ($20, ebay, "jewelry scale, .002/20 grams"). Brass prep tools, again, are not necessary to start for pistol calibers, while you will enjoy reloading more, when having perfectly clean brass.

With the progressive Loadmaster you can easily crank couple hundred rounds an hour, while on single stage you are stuck with about 50 an hour.

The press, when mounted on 2x8, which is clamped to a desk, and stored in a box, does not take space at all when idle. Unlike single-stage kits, which require some desk space when reloading, the progressive has everything mounted on the press, and clamping it to the desk is the only operation that is needed to make it ready.

I have started reloading from scratch with the Loadmaster. Well, it was not completely from scratch - instructions at loadmastervideos.com made me familiar of the most nuances way before I have received the press.

My friend, being on a budget, started with single stage press. While he has pistol dies and other stuff to reload 9mm, he still reloads only rifle calibers because of the performance, and thinks of buying progressive for pistol.

BenL · Feb 16, 2010

I realize that you have "near zero budget", but you really want to buy certain things to do this safely (scale, calipers, function gauge, reloading manual). If you can't afford those things, put this off until you can.

I have limited space, so my reloading press and charger mounted on this, and it works fine. (...and I reload .50 Beowulf on it.)

If you have a C&R, it's only ~$50. (don't remember the exact price)

300RUM · Feb 16, 2010

I would stick with Lee equipment, I recommend the Anniversary kit already listed above.

One note: reloading can save you money but the initial investment is a lot more. You have to buy supplies in bulk which takes $$$ up front. I feel reloading is an enjoyable hobby by itself, just know you'll have time and money invested.

Biggfoot44 · Feb 16, 2010

Yes, I know better, I have extensive equipment , and substantial collection of manuals.
But , I am taking OP at face value as to near zero budget, for loading moderate quanity of ammo.
At times in my life, and undoubtedly others here theb difference between minumal and reasonable for what is really desirable is significant .
For .44 mag start with 240 SWCs of the ubiquitous Magna Engr design used by 90% commercial casters. Crimp into crimp groove. Use factory round and eyeball to judge crimp. Use cylnder as case gage.
Using dippers only, the dipper of aprox 5gr Bullseye gives very safe mouse fart load. Use dipper for aprox 7.2 231 for very safe medium lite load. Use dipper for aprox 9.2 Unique for quite safe more vigorous medium load. Use dipper for aprox 21.6 of 4227 for "you can tell it's magnum, yet still well below max" .
That will be plenty of choices for OP to meet his ammo jones until he can step up to next round of equipment additions. Which is highly recommended before stepping up to hotter loads.

Reload with a near zero budget/

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