Question...

[ForsakenConservative]

Is it “worth it”? Thats up to you.... Your time, Your resources, Your room, Your expectations, Your decision. I have not yet started loading 9mm, although I do have the equipment and supplies-it just has not seemed “worth it” to me yet, I stocked up factory ammo before the insanity. If things do not calm down, I will work up some loads....
I started 30 years ago with a Lee anniversary kit (I STILL use it!), loading 270 Win and 45acp. I didn’t save any money, but I shot a LOT more! I did not have any help, so the 45s were a long fight to get right (there is an art to the auto pistol rounds), but the 270s were an instant success. I now own several rifles in somewhat exotic calibers that I must load for. Even if I find factory ammo, the cost is offensive (even before the insanity). With bolt action rifles, you can really tailor the ammo to the gun, making it run like a custom rig and I find that very rewarding!
I always recommend to team up with someone who has the main equipment and experience loading.
You can shop for consumables, get what you think you want, then with help, get that first box loaded. Of course you can do it by yourself, but the “costs” of time and supplies might be higher than it would be with a coach....
I would never tell a fellow shooter not to try reloading. It is rewarding, and a great excuse to spend more time with guns & gear!
All that said, I will stick with the advice of finding someone you know who loads to help you get started, then YOU can decide if it’s worthwhile.

 

[BReeves]

Another post pretty well confirms the Lee Loader only does the neck on rifels, usually not a problem of you only reload brass fired from the same gun.
I reloaded a ton of 44 special back in the 70's with one and when I first started reloading 45 Colt I bought a Lee Loader because it was cheap. I was lucky enough to have a friend give me a 3 die Lee turret then was even luckier to find the parts to convert it to a 4 position and 45 Colt dies. One can turn out allot of ammo with a turret without a high investment.

 

[BReeves]

Just discovered Midway has the Lee Breech Lock progressive in stock for $157.99. not a bad way to go. You will need dies and a shell holder. I would also get the auto drum powder measure.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019986419

Just placed an order for the press, shell holder 45 Colt, and an Auto Drum powder measure. Already have the dies. Total came to $243.00 with free shipping. That would get you started with a very nice setup. Get Lee dies with the through powder die and factory crimp die for your caliber, you should still be under $300.00. you can always add the case feeder and primer feeder later if you want.

 

[O4L]

Thanks again to everyone for their info and input!

So if a guy doesn't have any room for a reloading bench but gets a press very cheap, maybe even for free, what about making a stand for it?

I'm thinking something portable that could be weighted with sand bags or concrete blocks and stored away when not in use.

I know some of you think I'm nuts but play along. It definitely won't be the ultimate set up but surely this is doable somehow and like I've said before, I have a lot of free time so I might as well be doing something worthwhile.

 

[ForsakenConservative]

I think you would be fine with a small stand for pistol cases (I started with one made from a saw horse). I think you can buy one if you didn’t want to build. If/when you get into rifle work, the full length sizing will require a very sturdy base. My current bench is an old garbage computer desk with a LOT of strategic reinforcement....... It still worries me when I size my big magnum cases!

 

[ForsakenConservative]

Lee has one on their website (it’s out of stock, but you’ll get the idea.....note the concrete block!).

 

[BReeves]

I have my press mounted to a board which I clamp to my desk with C clamps when I want to reload. Really doesn't take much room, use the kitchen table if that is all you have. The clamps only touch the board and the underside of the table, won't mess up anything you can see.

 

[BReeves]

Lee has one on their website (it’s out of stock, but you’ll get the idea.....note the concrete block!).

Not cheap either at $172.00 msrp, am sure most can come up with something that will work for allot less.

 

[O4L]

I think you would be fine with a small stand for pistol cases (I started with one made from a saw horse). I think you can buy one if you didn’t want to build. If/when you get into rifle work, the full length sizing will require a very sturdy base. My current bench is an old garbage computer desk with a LOT of strategic reinforcement....... It still worries me when I size my big magnum cases!

I really plan on reloading 9mm but you never know. I might try .223 at some point.

I have my press mounted to a board which I clamp to my desk with C clamps when I want to reload. Really doesn't take much room, use the kitchen table if that is all you have. The clamps only touch the board and the underside of the table, won't mess up anything you can see.

I will most likely be trying the clamp it to the kitchen table method to start with but I'm going to see what I can come up with for a stand if that doesn't work well enough.

 

[ForsakenConservative]

Go for it, just be careful! Loading presses can quickly become real-life experiments in leverage and moment arms, especially when the contents of a table end up on the floor!