Getting Started With Reloading Rifle Ammo For Less Than $230

I’d recommend not spending too much money at first to see if you stick with it. Reloading ammo can be tedious detail oriented work so it’s not for everyone but at the same time it can save some money, be very rewarding, tune ammo to your rifle, and mainly enables you to shoot more. Start with a simple single stage press and if you stick with it you can start upgrading in certain areas.

Below is an example of all the equipment you’d need to reload 223 Rem/5.56 NATO:

Press: Lee Breech Lock Hand Press (# 90685) ($45)
*Upgrade: Lyman Ideal C Frame Press (# 7726500) ($105)
Die Set: Lee Pacesetter 3 Diet Set (#91932) ($35) (includes full length sizing die, seating die, factory crimp die, powder scoop, shell holder, and 3 smart lock bushings)
Sizing Lube: Lee Resizing Lube (# 90006) ($4) or Redding Sizing Die Wax (# 21022) ($8)
*Optional: Lyman Headspace Gauge (# 7832323) ($25) (not needed, just check the sized brass in your actual chamber)
Case Prep & Trimming: Lee Universal Case Conditioning Kit (# 90950) ($8) + Lee Case Length Gauge & Shell Holder (# 90114) ($5) (Total: $13)
*Optional: Lyman Case Prep Multi Tool (# 7777800) ($25)
*Optional: Military crimp remover (needed if reloading NATO brass): RCBS crimp remover small (# 90386) ($20)
Priming: Lee Ram Prime for Breech Lock Press (# 91612) ($15)
*Upgrade: RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool (# 90201) ($65)
Calipers: Midway 6” Digital Calipers (# 524715) ($15)
Comparators: Whidden .330 Shoulder Bump Gauge ($23)
*Optional: Whidden .224 Bullet Comparator ($23)
Reloading Tray: Frankford Perfect Fit #2 Reloading Tray 2 Pack (# 1183635) ($11)
Powder Funnel: Satern 22 Cal Powder Funnel (# funnel22cal) ($15)
Scale: Smart Weigh GEM20 ($33) or RCBS 502 or 505 Beam Scale ($50 on Ebay) + RCBS Scale Check Weights (# 98991) ($35)
*Optional: Frankford Powder Trickler (# 903535) ($20)
Total: $229

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