Minimal equipment required for loading 6.5 Grendel?

[Glenn54]

Can you guys recommend a minimal setup for reloading 6.5 Grendel? Factory loads are still not easy or cheap to find. Would reloading be any less expensive? Are the components getting any easier to find? Appreciate any info. Thanks.

[Klem]

Glenn,

What loading equipment do you already have?

Handloading the same components as factory is always cheaper. That assumes you don't put a dollar value on your time, or factor in the fixed costs of the equipment. The cost of your equipment is amortized over the life of your reloading. You will learn a lot about how it all works by hand-loading, and should be able to load more accurate ammo than what you can buy.

[Rusty Shackelford]

It also depends on how much you plan to shoot. If you're only going to plink and/or hunt a few times a year, then factory ammo will probably be cheaper.

If however, you will be training and shooting in competitions or plinking every weekend, then reloading can definitely save you some money. Maybe not as much as a few years ago but still cheaper than factory.

I personally wouldn't factor in the cost of equipment and manuals as part of the initial cost of reloading. I consider these items an investment in the future.
R.

[LR1955]

Glenn:

Also, run some searches or look through the thread titles under Reloading (here).

There are a number of threads on equipment based on how much a guy shoots, plus a discussion on reloading costs. I haven't seen such a discussion in about a year though so you may have to go back some time.

A good idea is to present the guys with your needs from reloading and the gear you are looking at. I would surely run gear decisions past the guys here before spending the money because quality reloading gear is expensive an a second or third opinion is good.

Do not buy a kit is about all I will recommend here and now. Spend the money on components, even if they are from different companies. The threads that exist have good listings of quality gear so do some searching.

LR-55

[Bigs28]

Reloading may be less expensive per round but you will shoot more so end up spending more

[Harpoon1]

[Popeye212]

Reloading may be less expensive per round but you will shoot more so end up spending more

What HE ^ said.

[TedBrewer5]

[se3388]

What the guys said. To start with the minimum would be,
cases
primers with some type of primer seater
powder
powder dispenser (dipper or measure)
scale if using powder measure
bullets
press, hand or bench mount
dies
shell holder
lube
loading manual/ manufacturers website

I believe that might be the bare basics but then we start wanting to get this little neat accessory and then that one and before long we have a bunch of reloading toys. I probably have forgot something but not the firearm. Don't need it to reload just to put them to use after the reloading fun is over, LOL.

Steve...........

[LRRPF52]

The absolute best and most important resource you will have in reloading is a competent mentor who has been doing it safely for decades.

They will also be able to steer you into tools and equipment that will help you, and away from some that are a waste of money or not as effective.

[se3388]

Knew I would forget something.

Steve..........

[Constitutionalist]

What the guys said. To start with the minimum would be,
cases
primers with some type of primer seater
powder
powder dispenser (dipper or measure)
scale if using powder measure
bullets
press, hand or bench mount
dies
shell holder
lube
loading manual/ manufacturers website

I believe that might be the bare basics but then we start wanting to get this little neat accessory and then that one and before long we have a bunch of reloading toys. I probably have forgot something but not the firearm. Don't need it to reload just to put them to use after the reloading fun is over, LOL.

Steve...........

I agree with everything Steve says. You start with the basics. Now I have 3 single stage metallic presses, 2 hand presses, 2 Pro 1000s, and 5 assorted shotgun presses. These are divided up between my home and my camp. The only cartridges I can load at home but not the Camp are .410s and 50BMG. It becomes an addiction....



John

[Bonas]

Components are getting easier to find. You might as well shoot factory to build a supply of brass, though. I wouldn't bother with putting together a reloading set up until you have at least 500 rounds of brass. The next few times you see factory ammo that your gun shoots well, buy all of it you possibly can. That's step 1 for reloading.

I've put together a somewhat minimalist set up that produces accurate ammo and a reasonable production rate. I'll try to remember to post it up tomorrow.

[GitU1]

What the guys said. To start with the minimum would be,
cases
primers with some type of primer seater
powder
powder dispenser (dipper or measure)
scale if using powder measure
bullets
press, hand or bench mount
dies
shell holder
lube
loading manual/ manufacturers website

I believe that might be the bare basics but then we start wanting to get this little neat accessory and then that one and before long we have a bunch of reloading toys. I probably have forgot something but not the firearm. Don't need it to reload just to put them to use after the reloading fun is over, LOL.

Steve...........

I would add a digital caliper and case/head space gage for the caliber you intend to reload. It can save you a lot of time having to pull loaded rounds back apart

[JASmith]