I reload for better accuracy than factory and to ensure I always have ammo for matches. Different purposes require different equipment.
Keep in mind that I do not like reloading. It's more of a chore for me than enjoyment. Nevertheless, it is interesting and rewarding.
I also do not have a dedicated reloading bench. I set it up on my workbench. When it's time to make ammo, I set it up and put it away when I'm done. Presses are bolted to 2x6s that get bolted to the workbench. I prep and size cases as a completely separate operation from loading them.
This set up is the result of a lot of research, thought, and planning. While many of my components are on the low end cost-wise, that's not why I picked them. I picked them because they work the way I want them to. With all that in mind, the list below is what I use for Grendel.
1. Lee single stage press. This gets used for resizing and depriming.
2. Lee turret press with auto prime. I have dedicated turrets for each cartridge I load. The order is a) prime on the empty hole; b) a Lee charging die for filling powder with a Lee funnel cut down to clear the next die put into the charging die; c) a Hornady seating die with the micrometer adjusting attachment; and d) a Lee factory crimp die. Each die is locked in place with the Lee ultimate lock rings. These rings are needed for clearance over other styles of locking rings.
3. An RCBS Chargemaster Link for measuring powder. By the time I've run the round through the press, another charge has been weighed out.
4. Hornady resizing dies.
5. Frankford Arsenal case trim and prep center. It's OK for trimming cases, great for everything else.
6. Hornady cam lock bullet puller for your inevitable mistakes. The inertia pullers suck. This one does not.
7. Case gauge.
8. Measuring calipers.
9. Cartridge tray.
10. Lee decapping die
11. Case lube.
12. Cartridge holders for the presses.
13. Case lube and lube pad.
14. Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner.
15. Hornady One Shot case cleaner.
16. Small crack scale from Amazon or wherever as a check.
That's about as simple and cheap as you can get it. I'm sure all that's well over $1,500 still. You could use one single stage press, but that will really slow you down with minimal cost savings to show for it.
Spend a lot of time thinking, planning, and researching before buying anything. Everyone's needs and resources are different. That said, shooting is an expensive hobby. $1,500 or so isn't all that much to open up a new aspect of it and unlock the accuracy potential of your rifles. Very few people shoot enough to truly save money reloading.
Keep in mind that I do not like reloading. It's more of a chore for me than enjoyment. Nevertheless, it is interesting and rewarding.
I also do not have a dedicated reloading bench. I set it up on my workbench. When it's time to make ammo, I set it up and put it away when I'm done. Presses are bolted to 2x6s that get bolted to the workbench. I prep and size cases as a completely separate operation from loading them.
This set up is the result of a lot of research, thought, and planning. While many of my components are on the low end cost-wise, that's not why I picked them. I picked them because they work the way I want them to. With all that in mind, the list below is what I use for Grendel.
1. Lee single stage press. This gets used for resizing and depriming.
2. Lee turret press with auto prime. I have dedicated turrets for each cartridge I load. The order is a) prime on the empty hole; b) a Lee charging die for filling powder with a Lee funnel cut down to clear the next die put into the charging die; c) a Hornady seating die with the micrometer adjusting attachment; and d) a Lee factory crimp die. Each die is locked in place with the Lee ultimate lock rings. These rings are needed for clearance over other styles of locking rings.
3. An RCBS Chargemaster Link for measuring powder. By the time I've run the round through the press, another charge has been weighed out.
4. Hornady resizing dies.
5. Frankford Arsenal case trim and prep center. It's OK for trimming cases, great for everything else.
6. Hornady cam lock bullet puller for your inevitable mistakes. The inertia pullers suck. This one does not.
7. Case gauge.
8. Measuring calipers.
9. Cartridge tray.
10. Lee decapping die
11. Case lube.
12. Cartridge holders for the presses.
13. Case lube and lube pad.
14. Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner.
15. Hornady One Shot case cleaner.
16. Small crack scale from Amazon or wherever as a check.
That's about as simple and cheap as you can get it. I'm sure all that's well over $1,500 still. You could use one single stage press, but that will really slow you down with minimal cost savings to show for it.
Spend a lot of time thinking, planning, and researching before buying anything. Everyone's needs and resources are different. That said, shooting is an expensive hobby. $1,500 or so isn't all that much to open up a new aspect of it and unlock the accuracy potential of your rifles. Very few people shoot enough to truly save money reloading.