Dude, this is the video I NEEDED!!!! I've been looking for something like this for two years. I've got the press, but don't have all that need nor the space I need to build. I just got it before I couldn't. But this is the information I was lacking! Thank you!
I started reloading with my Dad at 5yo, So I knew what i was in for ahead of time. I have a progressive press (not Hornady) but it's set up for 9mm only. Never changes as i dont shoot enough rifle ammo to justify the costs for the plates and so on. Realistically you should have started out with a single stage press kit. Mostly to learn all the intricacies and little tricks to make proper rounds (as well as to realize some of the associated costs) prior to getting the progressive press. That way you would already have sooo much of the stuff you mentioned (the scale, micrometer, the case lube, powder, projectiles ect. ect.). I wish you all the luck in the world, reloading is a great winter hobby (spring and summer are for shooting, fall is for hunting). After you've been at it for a couple of years, all of this will seem like a drop in the bucket.
This video was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for reviewing and uploading. I plan on purchasing in a couple of weeks. Just wasn’t sure what to purchase with it..
One reloading book will not do. You often have to get two to five different books to cover the ammo you want to reload due to some of the books do not have the information you need. However, once you have the reloading equipment you are good to go. I have been using my Lee press since 1990. I have had to obtain reloading manuals due to the changing of the powders. Keep your powder and your primers dry! Keep your powder and your primers in a cool location. Adhere to the specifications listed in the reloading manuals. BEWARE of reloading data you see on the internet. It could be good or bad. While you are reloading; make sure you do not: 1.) double charge 2.) make sure you charge EVERY case correctly 3.) make sure you put the primer in the case before the powder. . At all times - - - - have fun and - - - - BE SAFE !!!!!!
Reloading data from a forum I would not use, but reloading data pulled from a powder manufacturers website is as good (sometimes even more current) than a paper manual. I mean, I have 2 manuals myself but there are SOME reliable sources for data on the internet. When I started reloading for 300 BLK there wasn't any data in my manuals so I had to go to manufacturer's websites. Hodgdon and Alliant both have excellent data on their websites for their respective powders and Hodgdon owns IMR and Winchester so they have lots of good data.
It would rather seem to me that if this stuff is catching you off guard that you are perhaps in a bit over your head to get started with this. The best place for anyone to start, barring someone more intimately familiar with the process and setup is the loading manual itself. There are a few chapters prior to actual data that detail all of the steps, explain the equipment requirements and differences, and clearly explain the options, limitations, and warnings. An awful lot of folks don’t go all in with a progressive setup initially but work their way up and wind up having all of the ancillary equipment and hardware by the time they graduate to the more advanced press. Congratulations on your entry into a wonderful, new aspect of the shooting sports! You’ve gotten some first rate gear. It may take a bit of struggle and a steep learning curve to master it all but I hope you’ll find it very gratifying.
Well said. Everyone that asks me about reloading and if I will teach them, is told the same thing. Yes, first get a manual, hornady happens to be a good one and read the first 100 pages. Then we can have an actual conversation and start there.
For this particular press you also need the Lock N Load die adapter rings, or whatever they are called. It comes with 5 of them IIRC, so if you're reloading more than 1 caliber, you'll need extra. The Lock N Load system is awesome by the way: no need to dial in your dies again when you're swapping them. I'm pretty happy with this press. Also recommended: case trimmer and deburr tool, good calipers (you'll use them all the time), cartridge gauges. I found the Hornady bullet puller to be highly useful: if you're a beginning reloader you will (like me) inevitably make mistakes, and this puller will make short work of a botched batch (it mounts right on the press). And for when the unthinkable happens: a Stuck Case Remover set. Last but not least: comfortable safety glasses.
Just picked up the LNL AP today. This is a great video and concept. From the reviews, this is a great piece of equipment, but you are correct that there are ancillary costs for people to be aware of. Like any hobby, you can invest as much or as little money and time as you want. Do your research before you buy, set your budget, and enjoy! Thanks for sharing.
My advice would be buy all the equipment. Then go online and order the stuff like bullets, powder, primers, etcetera. And police your brass for a while before you buy anything else. I have probably somewhere around 5000 rounds worth of brass in various calibers.
The Hornady reloading manual is worth it's weight in gold; it's my bible for reloading. I'm a long time reloader so fortunately I already have all the ancillary stuff. It pays for itself over time.
great video for noobs like me. and, to your point of cost savings, your equipment investment is amortized over the quantity of rounds you produce and compared to the equivalent cost of the rounds produced purchased retail. I estimate, roughly, your real cost savings isn’t realized until after 1,000-1,500 rounds produced on the press....still, if you’re an avid weekend shooter or competition shooter, the investment is well worth the outlay....btw....you forgot to add in the cost of the scotch 😁👍 great video sir, enjoyed it lots!
You legit said everything I did when I was looking at the starter kits from Hornaday! I also had the idea to buy a tumbler and sell my cleaned brass to help me finance my reloading kit lol! Great job!
I really enjoyed your video! I started reloading probably just about the time you posted this video 9 years ago. I started off with a Lee turret press, and eventually went to a RCBS RockChucker single stage. Just recently, I found a deal here locally for a Hornady LNL progressive (those run $600 new, now!) and picked that up. I'm not convinced that we ever save any money reloading, but it sure is fun - it's therapy for me. Very satisfying as well! And reloads tightened my groups up a lot over factory ammo, and that wasn't garbage ammo either. Anyway, thanks for the video, and I hope you're still reloading 9 years later!
This was super informative - you answered alot of questions we probably all have - I wish your prices were still relevant LOL. Thanks for the video. I'm personally on the fence of single stage vs progressive when I finally take the leap. I think for ME I will buy once and cry once. Thanks again.
I bought this same press almost 4 years ago and I am just setting it up today. Yes, today, almost 4 years later. I had some long term health issues and then lost interest after that. I remember buying EVERYTHING that was needed along with several sets of dies for the ammo I required. I spent $1K in 2015 before I ever reloaded a single bullet. Yes, you can buy cheaper equipment and in the long run you do save money BUT, this definitely is not an inexpensive hobby/interest. I realize this video is 5 years old but like I said, I bought my Horandy AP Press almost 4 years ago and I am just setting it up today so I needed a bit of a refresher course. What made me get this out and want to set it up was the fact that my son and I recently began shotgun shell reloading and it is a breeze compared to metallic reloading. It is much cheaper for the equipment and the materials and there is a ton of good quality used stuff everywhere. Now that I opened this box I wonder if I should have left it sealed, lol. Excellent video, thanks for posting.
Great video!! Your price on the kit was not bad at all!! Im and FFL holder and have acess to many wholesalers, but my cost for the Hornady AP, is $408.00 wholesale. Tells you how much we make off the sale of products.
Usually at this advance stage with the progressive, you have a lot of accessories for reloading. That's the reason why they don't include those accessories. You forgot one item a grease gun & grease!
I'm looking to buy one of these now (2021). You got a deal man. This same press is going for $1000 on Amazon, the plates go for $80, the dies go for $130... you got a deal man. Same setup is going to cost you about $1300 to $1400. I bet your real happy you got this stuff when you did... because I'm shit out of luck now. If you're looking to upgrade and sell this, I'll buy it from you.
I worked at Cabelas in the Gun Library and dealt with all the reloading stuff. I would NEVER recommend a progressive press to someone that isn’t already an expert reloader. Way too much stuff going on for someone new. So many things can go wrong and blow up a gun because you’re not in control of every individual process. A progressive press is the next step to take your production to the next level after you’re an expert on a single stage and have a tumbler, scales, trimmer, etc. The single stage classic LNL kit has all the beginner stuff in the box. The AP is not intended for beginners.
Agree and disagree. Just because u have 5 stations doesn’t mean u have to fill 5 stations. U can size and decap all the brass. Then prime everything. Then fill. Then bullet seat. Not to mention it cost $400ish for the AP with a measure fill. Go by a classic and measure fill, same price. Plus u can take the measure fill off the ap and remove some of the auto portions of it, then use it as a single hand loader.
@@katiek.8808 I'm about to do the same thing. I figure, buy once, cry once, and that way I don't have to buy another press down the road when I want to get more advanced with it.
I’m looking to get into it soon. I plan on taking a step at a time so it doesn’t hit the wallet as hard lol. I’ve sorted all my brass and started washing it in buckets of dawn. Gonna get a tumbler, trimmer and tools to get the cases all prepped. Then hopefully I can pick up the press on a Black Friday sale
I appreciate your video. Great information. Here’s the critique, no manufacturer of a reloading press (whether single stage, turret, or progressive), you will need to add to your list of inventory. I could make a cheeky comment like “you have to buy primers and powder”, but that’s part of the hobby. There are pieces that need to be added to a reloaders inventory that is not included in a “Kit”. Outside of that, good info to the person looking at getting into reloading.
WTF?? I thought I could buy a reloader and have a life time supply of bullets. Just kidding, just bought one myself and feel that its a great value for what you get, thanks for the video.
Most step up to the AP so we already have the extras. They do make kits that have the AP and what you need to start. The nice thing about Hornady is everything comes with free bullets.
I had a budget of $250 in order to start loading ammo, for a single caliber, and I was able to make it. I got a $35 Lee C press, Hornady 9mm dies, powder, primers, scale, and everything I needed to load my first 250 rounds of 9mm for $250 dollars. Since then, adding additional calibers, trimming equipment, ect, I would guess its roughly $100 more for each caliber you load, keeping things as cheap as possible.
Expensive? I have 5 shotgun presses, auto hull feeder for the 12g, 1 single stage Rock Chucker, and I just acquired a Hornady LockNLoad, with auto case feeder. 10+ different kinds of Powder, 10,000's+ of bullets, 10,000's+ hulls/cases, 10,000's+ primers, 10+ different die sets, 4 reloading books, scales both digital and beam, 10,000's+ Wads, Bags of shot, lube, spare parts, cases to hold reloaded shells/bullets. Oh my, amazing what 20 years of reloading can do to your budget. I've loaded over 125,000+ shotgun shells and over 14,000+ pistol ammo. I just start metallic reloading about 6 years ago. Turn on the Bose Bluetooth speaker and listen to Pandora all day long. Great hobby. Nice newbie video. Covers most of the basic. Now Read, Watch Video's, find an old timer to help with questions. And go SHOOT
@@davidcruger2237 No need to boast what you have as people can do better. I'll give you a hint, I order my shell cases by the 55 gal drum full. Have a good day. :)
It's no longer available, I think it may be with the imaginary primers. That President of Winchester that says they are shipping everything as fast as they can is lying! I called every gun shop within 100 miles of my zipcode and a bunch in other states, NONE of them have seen expendables for about a year or more! So, where is it going? Afghanistan? Iran? Pakistan? Et al?
Very true about the extras that they forget to tell you about. They show the photos of the press with everything attached , makes you think that it comes complete that way. Loved your video. Only thing that you forgot was the media for your tumbler and a separator or strainer.
It adds up for sure, but no press comes with all the equipment you listed. Most start with a single stage and accumulate most of the stuff. Over time it will pay for itself and you'll be assured that you'll be shooting quality ammo.
Lmao, my wife was laughing everytime you said a number. To date, I'm out $3,800 in just reloading equipment not including bullets, powder, primers, and brass. Like many others have posted, no press comes with everything unless you pick up something like the Lee kit and even then, half that kit is junk. I've lost count on how many rounds I have in the 7 ammo cans I have. Not to mention, I literally have zero idea of how many rounds I have loaded...
A good estimation of what it WILL cost for initial setup. Some other brands come with what they call "complete" kits. I bought a RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit (single stage press) that had most of the stuff (scale, manual, powder drop, hand primer) and several years ago a Lee Loadmaster kit (progressive) that had all the previously mentioned stuff and came with dies in your caliber of choice. BTW, I like the looks of the LnL press. Looks like a really good, solid press.
Look into Harbor Freight for some of these tools. It's a caliper that you are looking for. Just the one question was, how much for the scotch? :)) Overall great video... I am taking a gunsmithing class and now I know what I am looking into getting.
depends on your loads too how quick you get your money back on these. for 223 and 357 magnum the costs to shoot can be harder to get back if your not a high volume shooter for them. if you shoot the 45/70 a lot as i do, these machines have a speedy payback period as often this round costs 1.50-2.00 a round loaded, and using lead bullets can be made for under 50-75 cents or so. Jacked rounds cost more but keep in mind my local range we ONLY shoot paper targets and i have no fears of lead not doing the job as if they can punch through a old scuba tank a 1 inch hole, they have plenty of performance for target practice.
twilson1118 great point, with more expensive rounds you can recoup your costs faster. when I reload 44mag definitely a big saver. but also it's so easy to make 9mm and 45 so making a couple thousand of them is easy
Desk is optional. I bolted mine to a piece of wood and used hand clamps to hold it to my kitchen table.... no desk, let alone a dedicated one, required
@@jonathanrogers9961 Desk, Table, Cupboard, Skull of your enemy... just something you can clamp to is what I was getting at. (I also have mine attached to a block of wood, along with the powder thrower)
@@1978sjt just got a powder thrower a couple weeks back. Have an auto scale but its only slightly faster than trickling by hand, the powder thrower is so so much better, I have been reloading over 12yrs, I feel like a food for not getting one sooner.
@@jonathanrogers9961 I do a bit of a hybrid approach. In addition to the manual thrower that came wit hteh kit, I have a small digital scale and a manual trickler. I throw a charge set slightly under what I want, which will vary up to .4gr, trickle in the last bit and funnel it in to the case. Takes longer than a digital thrower, but much cheaper.
@@1978sjt the digital scale measures well, but on auto throw its only +/- .1g so a 0.3g spread. Its also slow, about the same as by hand. Your method would be better than the auto scale in my opinion. That is the method I am still using for my more accurate loads as well.
I know I'm a little late for the party but none the less this was enjoyable to watch. Have you looked at the prices now for the investment you made back then compared to now 11/10/2023. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your scotch. 👍
I'm researching loading presses. thanks for the video it was informative. the reason I want to reload ammo is to dial in the bullet that is effective, accurate, and reliable with my guns. by reloading my own I won't have to settle for what's in stock, or worry about sales, or look at a bunch of sites to find ammo. I will be able to keep my ammo uniform and consistent. and I can tinker with powder charges, bullet weight and types to get what works for me and it will be cost effective. of course once you find the formula that you like then you can go into high gear and make a bunch. for instance hornady ftx are like 30 bucks for 45 acp and 9mm for a box of 20. have fun and be safe. also you might want to check out ultimate reloader. he has a lot good information
tanx this was very informative before i saw your vidoe i was setting here with my glass of ameretta lol trying to figure what the over all cost would be! great job
That sounds high. But with ammo prices skyrocketing. I bought 100 rounds of .40 s&w and 20 rounds of 25-06. It was over $100. Very expensive. Trying to find 25-06 is very difficult.
Warning !!! To all reloads. Alliant BE-86 powder is HIGHLY corrosive. It destroyed my RCBS powder dispenser. I call Alliant, all they said was, "you should empty your powder hopper." I left BE-86 powder stored in my dispenser for 11 days. It ruined my dispensers. Alliant didn't offer to replace my dispensers. I haven't had any issues with any other brand of power.
You mentioned the tumbler but not the media, polish and used Bounce sheets. Digital calipers and case gauge vital! (Use your pistol barrel as case gauge. For rifle you need a case gauge.) Case prep: chamfer and deburring tool. Primer flash hole tool (first time new brass only). Primer pocket cleaner. Trimmer. Graphite and brush for lubricating inside case neck.
Totally understand where your comming from, I have just bought everything you have on the table as well as the tumbler and bullet puller. However i am in australia and the hornady LnL AP alone cost me $1400! everything else you mentioned you can tripple in cost. Import duties suck!
you have a great video but is sounded like you were upset. i am sorry that you felt slightly tiffed. i researched the whole thing first and foremost because we are disabled and it takes planning to just survive on disability, but i am thinking it would run about $2500 to $3000 to get everything. I just ordered the ammo plant last week which is basically what you have but it comes with a bullet feeder and case feeder for a grand itself, it has a few misc items with it, but not including the book. This week I will order the other misc agendas for about 4 pistol and 2 rifles cartridges .It hurts a tad to think its going to cost about $3K and not $300 but its a hobby that can save you a few dollars at the very very end, lol. Again, great info and I did learn a lot here, but again, I am sorry if you got pissed off a bit, but they say the only difference between us men and boys is the price of their toys.
A set of calipers. If you are loading rifle calibers and are going to load the cases more than 2x, you need a case trimmer. Seriously, I think the minimum that you need tool-wise that isn't included is calipers, a scale, and a way to clean your brass. Then you need dies and a shell plate which are not included because they depend on the caliber you are loading. Think of it this way. The press is your stove, the dies and shell plate are your pots and pans, the powder, primers and bullets are your ingredients. The stove doesn't come with that stuff because it depends on what you're going to cook. It also doesn't come with a cookbook (and you're going to want more than one). Most people don't, I think, start with a progressive. So they accumulate most of this while learning on a single-stage press. Then they upgrade and it goes pretty smoothly because they already know what they are doing. I like the LnL AP. I load a LOT of 9mm. I have my resizing die set up and I never have to adjust it. I use a LEE factory crimp die. Ditto. I have 3 different seating dies. One is set for 115gr ball, one for 124gr Speer Gold Dot HP, and one is set for the 147gr FP that I run subsonic. All I have to do is insert the correct seater and set my powder charge and I can run any of my loads. I can change in minutes. My buddy's Dillon requires a different tool head and a complete set of dies or he's got to readjust. Once I did the initial adjustment I've never changed mine. I don't save a lot loading 115gr ball and I buy a fair bit of that when I can get it cheap (for the brass!). I save a bunch on HP and subsonic. The 300 Blackout? Most of it is close to $1/round or even more. I save a TON on 300BO, especially since I shoot almost exclusively subsonic. I also save a lot on .308 match ammo, on 30/06 for my Garand (match ammo and very specific to fit the pressure profile the Garand likes), and on 30/06 match ammo for my 1903 Springfield. I still use the hell out of my single stage presses and a 60-70 year old Lyman turret press for smaller runs of other calibers (6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmore, 6.5x55 Swede.... I got bit by the 6.5mm bug a while back. Also 45 Super and the occasional push/pull Mexican match reload of 7.62x39 - removing the shitty factory bullet from steel-case Wolf or Tula and replacing it with a quality projectile. BIG difference in accuracy.) Best tip I will give you? www.shootersproshop.com/nosler-products/nosler-blemished-2nds/nosler-blemished-bullets.html Nosler blemished bullets, usually a discoloration of the brass jacket- never anything that really affects performance. Often at DEEP discounts.
When you buy a loading press you can order with all dies and all you need less the primers powder shels cases and bullets. You just have to read what you are buying. All the other things are needed if you not buying new and your reloading spent ammo from a range
I know this video is pretty old, but no press comes with everything you need, not even kits. Manufacturers aren't going to tell you what you need because depending on what caliber you are reloading and whether hunting, precision or plinking, you may need a lot more. There are also different types of specific accessories. For example, I use a $100 tumbler, but one can spend a lot more than that.
Hornady made a 5 part video helping people understand everything this video is talkimg about. They explain that kits are a starter, but you need more than just the kit because they is way to many options to make an all inclusive kit.
I recently bought a lawn mower so I could take of my lawn. Nobody friggin' told me I'd need to buy gas and oil too! Then I had to buy a weedwacker and a blower. You would think they'd come with the mower! Now I gotta go buy gas cans to keep the gas in! This is too much, I'm gonna hire a landscaper.
I bought a lee turret press, it can be used for single stage for accuracy or turreted for volume. The kit cost me right around 200 bucks and came with just about everything featured in this video minus the electronic scale, a few small purchases later to get things to go smoother and the essentials put me right around 300-350. Add some bullets, powder, and primers with brass from some spent factory rounds and youre reloading comfortably for around 400 bucks. A beginner has no business or need spending 1000-1500 bucks to try reloading.
All things considered though Ive been really considering upgrading to the Hornady LnL AP press. But the only thing stopping me is what I have works just fine
"I got this for $380, don't know if it was a good deal".
2021 price : $610
2024 price: $540 and includes $200 of free bullets😂
2024 price is $800
Dude, this is the video I NEEDED!!!! I've been looking for something like this for two years. I've got the press, but don't have all that need nor the space I need to build. I just got it before I couldn't. But this is the information I was lacking! Thank you!
I started reloading with my Dad at 5yo, So I knew what i was in for ahead of time. I have a progressive press (not Hornady) but it's set up for 9mm only. Never changes as i dont shoot enough rifle ammo to justify the costs for the plates and so on. Realistically you should have started out with a single stage press kit. Mostly to learn all the intricacies and little tricks to make proper rounds (as well as to realize some of the associated costs) prior to getting the progressive press. That way you would already have sooo much of the stuff you mentioned (the scale, micrometer, the case lube, powder, projectiles ect. ect.). I wish you all the luck in the world, reloading is a great winter hobby (spring and summer are for shooting, fall is for hunting). After you've been at it for a couple of years, all of this will seem like a drop in the bucket.
Hornady needs to include this video on their website. Excellent video and thank you!!!
This video was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for reviewing and uploading. I plan on purchasing in a couple of weeks. Just wasn’t sure what to purchase with it..
Michael Riggs awesome man glad it could help
One reloading book will not do. You often have to get two to five different books to cover the ammo you want to reload due to some of the books do not have the information you need. However, once you have the reloading equipment you are good to go. I have been using my Lee press since 1990. I have had to obtain reloading manuals due to the changing of the powders.
Keep your powder and your primers dry!
Keep your powder and your primers in a cool location.
Adhere to the specifications listed in the reloading manuals.
BEWARE of reloading data you see on the internet. It could be good or bad.
While you are reloading; make sure you do not:
1.) double charge
2.) make sure you charge EVERY case correctly
3.) make sure you put the primer in the case before the powder.
.
At all times - - - - have fun and - - - - BE SAFE !!!!!!
Reloading data from a forum I would not use, but reloading data pulled from a powder manufacturers website is as good (sometimes even more current) than a paper manual. I mean, I have 2 manuals myself but there are SOME reliable sources for data on the internet. When I started reloading for 300 BLK there wasn't any data in my manuals so I had to go to manufacturer's websites. Hodgdon and Alliant both have excellent data on their websites for their respective powders and Hodgdon owns IMR and Winchester so they have lots of good data.
That scale is 230 when I checked last. 😅
It would rather seem to me that if this stuff is catching you off guard that you are perhaps in a bit over your head to get started with this. The best place for anyone to start, barring someone more intimately familiar with the process and setup is the loading manual itself. There are a few chapters prior to actual data that detail all of the steps, explain the equipment requirements and differences, and clearly explain the options, limitations, and warnings.
An awful lot of folks don’t go all in with a progressive setup initially but work their way up and wind up having all of the ancillary equipment and hardware by the time they graduate to the more advanced press.
Congratulations on your entry into a wonderful, new aspect of the shooting sports! You’ve gotten some first rate gear. It may take a bit of struggle and a steep learning curve to master it all but I hope you’ll find it very gratifying.
Well said. Everyone that asks me about reloading and if I will teach them, is told the same thing. Yes, first get a manual, hornady happens to be a good one and read the first 100 pages. Then we can have an actual conversation and start there.
Thank you for doing the video, it was informative.
I think you did a good job explaining what cost and issue's you ran into.
I am disappointed that it didn't come with a bottle of scotch.
Hahahahahaha!!!! Hahahahahaha!!!
hahahahahaha
For this particular press you also need the Lock N Load die adapter rings, or whatever they are called. It comes with 5 of them IIRC, so if you're reloading more than 1 caliber, you'll need extra. The Lock N Load system is awesome by the way: no need to dial in your dies again when you're swapping them. I'm pretty happy with this press.
Also recommended: case trimmer and deburr tool, good calipers (you'll use them all the time), cartridge gauges.
I found the Hornady bullet puller to be highly useful: if you're a beginning reloader you will (like me) inevitably make mistakes, and this puller will make short work of a botched batch (it mounts right on the press).
And for when the unthinkable happens: a Stuck Case Remover set.
Last but not least: comfortable safety glasses.
You sir just earned my sub. Very informative, thank you. I just purchased this press, wanting to replace my single stage press.
9 years later I’m looking at this for $650 😞
Thanks; very helpful. You can't go wrong providing information to those willing to absorb it.
Just picked up the LNL AP today. This is a great video and concept. From the reviews, this is a great piece of equipment, but you are correct that there are ancillary costs for people to be aware of. Like any hobby, you can invest as much or as little money and time as you want. Do your research before you buy, set your budget, and enjoy! Thanks for sharing.
Very informative video I was not aware there were so much more to making your own ammo
My advice would be buy all the equipment. Then go online and order the stuff like bullets, powder, primers, etcetera. And police your brass for a while before you buy anything else. I have probably somewhere around 5000 rounds worth of brass in various calibers.
The Hornady reloading manual is worth it's weight in gold; it's my bible for reloading. I'm a long time reloader so fortunately I already have all the ancillary stuff. It pays for itself over time.
Great information for those of us that are just starting out. A real eye opener. Thanks
Good video. Thanks for showing all the required parts. 👍x10
great video for noobs like me. and, to your point of cost savings, your equipment investment is amortized over the quantity of rounds you produce and compared to the equivalent cost of the rounds produced purchased retail. I estimate, roughly, your real cost savings isn’t realized until after 1,000-1,500 rounds produced on the press....still, if you’re an avid weekend shooter or competition shooter, the investment is well worth the outlay....btw....you forgot to add in the cost of the scotch 😁👍 great video sir, enjoyed it lots!
You legit said everything I did when I was looking at the starter kits from Hornaday! I also had the idea to buy a tumbler and sell my cleaned brass to help me finance my reloading kit lol! Great job!
This video was very helpful. You answered all my questions.
I'm probably going with the same setup.
Thank you !!
I really enjoyed your video! I started reloading probably just about the time you posted this video 9 years ago. I started off with a Lee turret press, and eventually went to a RCBS RockChucker single stage. Just recently, I found a deal here locally for a Hornady LNL progressive (those run $600 new, now!) and picked that up. I'm not convinced that we ever save any money reloading, but it sure is fun - it's therapy for me. Very satisfying as well! And reloads tightened my groups up a lot over factory ammo, and that wasn't garbage ammo either. Anyway, thanks for the video, and I hope you're still reloading 9 years later!
This was super informative - you answered alot of questions we probably all have - I wish your prices were still relevant LOL. Thanks for the video. I'm personally on the fence of single stage vs progressive when I finally take the leap. I think for ME I will buy once and cry once. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for this video. I'm looking to get into making my own bullets, and this video has helped out tremendously. Thanks
I appreciate it man, I've been looking at the hornady presses and I wasn't quite sure how much more equipment I'd need
extremely helpful. Looking into getting into reloading myself for .223, .270, 9mm, and .300 win mag. tired of buying ammo
That was a great video very insightful thanks I have been thinking about reloading
I bought this same press almost 4 years ago and I am just setting it up today. Yes, today, almost 4 years later. I had some long term health issues and then lost interest after that. I remember buying EVERYTHING that was needed along with several sets of dies for the ammo I required. I spent $1K in 2015 before I ever reloaded a single bullet. Yes, you can buy cheaper equipment and in the long run you do save money BUT, this definitely is not an inexpensive hobby/interest. I realize this video is 5 years old but like I said, I bought my Horandy AP Press almost 4 years ago and I am just setting it up today so I needed a bit of a refresher course. What made me get this out and want to set it up was the fact that my son and I recently began shotgun shell reloading and it is a breeze compared to metallic reloading. It is much cheaper for the equipment and the materials and there is a ton of good quality used stuff everywhere. Now that I opened this box I wonder if I should have left it sealed, lol. Excellent video, thanks for posting.
Thank you. Very informative. Just getting started reloading, have the same press and some of the accessories not all of them yet.
Where does it advertise that is all you need?
Great video!! Your price on the kit was not bad at all!! Im and FFL holder and have acess to many wholesalers, but my cost for the Hornady AP, is $408.00 wholesale. Tells you how much we make off the sale of products.
what about trimmer, case prep tools, tumbler or sonic cleaner, ect ect ect
@Vin Vin 😂🤣😅😂
Don’t forget the automated induction Annealer.
@@charleshetrick3152 🤣
he mentioned all of those things.....
Usually at this advance stage with the progressive, you have a lot of accessories for reloading. That's the reason why they don't include those accessories. You forgot one item a grease gun & grease!
I'm looking to buy one of these now (2021). You got a deal man. This same press is going for $1000 on Amazon, the plates go for $80, the dies go for $130... you got a deal man. Same setup is going to cost you about $1300 to $1400.
I bet your real happy you got this stuff when you did... because I'm shit out of luck now. If you're looking to upgrade and sell this, I'll buy it from you.
I worked at Cabelas in the Gun Library and dealt with all the reloading stuff. I would NEVER recommend a progressive press to someone that isn’t already an expert reloader. Way too much stuff going on for someone new. So many things can go wrong and blow up a gun because you’re not in control of every individual process. A progressive press is the next step to take your production to the next level after you’re an expert on a single stage and have a tumbler, scales, trimmer, etc. The single stage classic LNL kit has all the beginner stuff in the box. The AP is not intended for beginners.
Agree and disagree. Just because u have 5 stations doesn’t mean u have to fill 5 stations. U can size and decap all the brass. Then prime everything. Then fill. Then bullet seat. Not to mention it cost $400ish for the AP with a measure fill. Go by a classic and measure fill, same price. Plus u can take the measure fill off the ap and remove some of the auto portions of it, then use it as a single hand loader.
@troutbum86 I was thinking the same thing. I will be new to this. I figured I could just do one at a time in the beginning.
@@katiek.8808 I'm about to do the same thing. I figure, buy once, cry once, and that way I don't have to buy another press down the road when I want to get more advanced with it.
Most guys start out with a beginner’s kit not top of the line.
I’m looking to get into it soon. I plan on taking a step at a time so it doesn’t hit the wallet as hard lol. I’ve sorted all my brass and started washing it in buckets of dawn. Gonna get a tumbler, trimmer and tools to get the cases all prepped. Then hopefully I can pick up the press on a Black Friday sale
Your video was uploaded over 6 years ago. I'm curious, now that you have had the reloading equipment for awhile what do you think of your purchases?
How about de priming? Can it do that too if I want to re use my cartrage? If not, what is a good tool to get? Thanks
Perfect guide, cheers man🍻
I appreciate your video. Great information. Here’s the critique, no manufacturer of a reloading press (whether single stage, turret, or progressive), you will need to add to your list of inventory. I could make a cheeky comment like “you have to buy primers and powder”, but that’s part of the hobby. There are pieces that need to be added to a reloaders inventory that is not included in a “Kit”. Outside of that, good info to the person looking at getting into reloading.
How much was the scotch?
Actually I'm going with the Stoli elit anyway but good video, and you pronounced chamfer correct so, win column.
Could you make a video of reloading ammo from the very beginning? Like trimming the casings and stuff.
Haha can't imagine walking into a store and buying a box of primers. Thanks for this video it helped me.
WTF?? I thought I could buy a reloader and have a life time supply of bullets. Just kidding, just bought one myself and feel that its a great value for what you get, thanks for the video.
Extremely helpful! Thanks for doing this.
Most step up to the AP so we already have the extras. They do make kits that have the AP and what you need to start. The nice thing about Hornady is everything comes with free bullets.
I had a budget of $250 in order to start loading ammo, for a single caliber, and I was able to make it. I got a $35 Lee C press, Hornady 9mm dies, powder, primers, scale, and everything I needed to load my first 250 rounds of 9mm for $250 dollars. Since then, adding additional calibers, trimming equipment, ect, I would guess its roughly $100 more for each caliber you load, keeping things as cheap as possible.
Thank you for thinking of others!!! I'm a car guy also!
This Carona panic buying right now has me curious about all things self reliance. Nice video.
Expensive hobby no doubt. I have a ton of money into my reloading stuff, but I enjoy it.
Expensive? I have 5 shotgun presses, auto hull feeder for the 12g, 1 single stage Rock Chucker, and I just acquired a Hornady LockNLoad, with auto case feeder. 10+ different kinds of Powder, 10,000's+ of bullets, 10,000's+ hulls/cases, 10,000's+ primers, 10+ different die sets, 4 reloading books, scales both digital and beam, 10,000's+ Wads, Bags of shot, lube, spare parts, cases to hold reloaded shells/bullets. Oh my, amazing what 20 years of reloading can do to your budget. I've loaded over 125,000+ shotgun shells and over 14,000+ pistol ammo. I just start metallic reloading about 6 years ago. Turn on the Bose Bluetooth speaker and listen to Pandora all day long. Great hobby. Nice newbie video. Covers most of the basic. Now Read, Watch Video's, find an old timer to help with questions. And go SHOOT
@@davidcruger2237 No need to boast what you have as people can do better. I'll give you a hint, I order my shell cases by the 55 gal drum full. Have a good day. :)
What kind of Scotch does Hornady make?
I don't know but, six .357 cases make a shot.
It's no longer available, I think it may be with the imaginary primers.
That President of Winchester that says they are shipping everything as fast as they can is lying! I called every gun shop within 100 miles of my zipcode and a bunch in other states, NONE of them have seen expendables for about a year or more! So, where is it going? Afghanistan? Iran? Pakistan? Et al?
Very true about the extras that they forget to tell you about. They show the photos of the press with everything attached , makes you think that it comes complete that way. Loved your video. Only thing that you forgot was the media for your tumbler and a separator or strainer.
I’m cracking up. Lmaoooo
No one said it was ever cheap.
But in 2020 it’s like a money machine.
It adds up for sure, but no press comes with all the equipment you listed. Most start with a single stage and accumulate most of the stuff. Over time it will pay for itself and you'll be assured that you'll be shooting quality ammo.
How much is the DESK to mount all this too lmao
some basic 2x4 and a 1in sheet of wood
Lmao, my wife was laughing everytime you said a number. To date, I'm out $3,800 in just reloading equipment not including bullets, powder, primers, and brass. Like many others have posted, no press comes with everything unless you pick up something like the Lee kit and even then, half that kit is junk. I've lost count on how many rounds I have in the 7 ammo cans I have. Not to mention, I literally have zero idea of how many rounds I have loaded...
A good estimation of what it WILL cost for initial setup. Some other brands come with what they call "complete" kits. I bought a RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit (single stage press) that had most of the stuff (scale, manual, powder drop, hand primer) and several years ago a Lee Loadmaster kit (progressive) that had all the previously mentioned stuff and came with dies in your caliber of choice. BTW, I like the looks of the LnL press. Looks like a really good, solid press.
How much
They never said "this is everything you need" never listen to the sales person. Do your own research.
Awesome video just what I needed I’m thinking about setting one up soon thanks again subbed
Look into Harbor Freight for some of these tools. It's a caliper that you are looking for. Just the one question was, how much for the scotch? :)) Overall great video... I am taking a gunsmithing class and now I know what I am looking into getting.
How much was the scotch? I missed that part. LOL great video!
depends on your loads too how quick you get your money back on these. for 223 and 357 magnum the costs to shoot can be harder to get back if your not a high volume shooter for them. if you shoot the 45/70 a lot as i do, these machines have a speedy payback period as often this round costs 1.50-2.00 a round loaded, and using lead bullets can be made for under 50-75 cents or so. Jacked rounds cost more but keep in mind my local range we ONLY shoot paper targets and i have no fears of lead not doing the job as if they can punch through a old scuba tank a 1 inch hole, they have plenty of performance for target practice.
twilson1118 great point, with more expensive rounds you can recoup your costs faster. when I reload 44mag definitely a big saver. but also it's so easy to make 9mm and 45 so making a couple thousand of them is easy
Very good and informative video bro thank you very much...
you missed "a desk to attach it to" :p
Desk is optional. I bolted mine to a piece of wood and used hand clamps to hold it to my kitchen table.... no desk, let alone a dedicated one, required
@@jonathanrogers9961 Desk, Table, Cupboard, Skull of your enemy... just something you can clamp to is what I was getting at. (I also have mine attached to a block of wood, along with the powder thrower)
@@1978sjt just got a powder thrower a couple weeks back. Have an auto scale but its only slightly faster than trickling by hand, the powder thrower is so so much better, I have been reloading over 12yrs, I feel like a food for not getting one sooner.
@@jonathanrogers9961 I do a bit of a hybrid approach. In addition to the manual thrower that came wit hteh kit, I have a small digital scale and a manual trickler. I throw a charge set slightly under what I want, which will vary up to .4gr, trickle in the last bit and funnel it in to the case. Takes longer than a digital thrower, but much cheaper.
@@1978sjt the digital scale measures well, but on auto throw its only +/- .1g so a 0.3g spread. Its also slow, about the same as by hand. Your method would be better than the auto scale in my opinion. That is the method I am still using for my more accurate loads as well.
I know I'm a little late for the party but none the less this was enjoyable to watch. Have you looked at the prices now for the investment you made back then compared to now 11/10/2023. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your scotch. 👍
I'm researching loading presses. thanks for the video it was informative. the reason I want to reload ammo is to dial in the bullet that is effective, accurate, and reliable with my guns. by reloading my own I won't have to settle for what's in stock, or worry about sales, or look at a bunch of sites to find ammo. I will be able to keep my ammo uniform and consistent. and I can tinker with powder charges, bullet weight and types to get what works for me and it will be cost effective. of course once you find the formula that you like then you can go into high gear and make a bunch. for instance hornady ftx are like 30 bucks for 45 acp and 9mm for a box of 20. have fun and be safe. also you might want to check out ultimate reloader. he has a lot good information
So are you enjoying your press? I am considering this one.
Also... if you reload match then you need different stuff too!
tanx this was very informative before i saw your vidoe i was setting here with my glass of ameretta lol trying to figure what the over all cost would be! great job
How about getting the tumbler? That would remove the spraying.
Great video. New to this subject so am watching plenty of TH-cams before buying.
That sounds high. But with ammo prices skyrocketing. I bought 100 rounds of .40 s&w and 20 rounds of 25-06. It was over $100. Very expensive. Trying to find 25-06 is very difficult.
Warning !!! To all reloads. Alliant BE-86 powder is HIGHLY corrosive. It destroyed my RCBS powder dispenser. I call Alliant, all they said was, "you should empty your powder hopper."
I left BE-86 powder stored in my dispenser for 11 days. It ruined my dispensers. Alliant didn't offer to replace my dispensers. I haven't had any issues with any other brand of power.
Is that booze in the wine glass standard when reloading?
You mentioned the tumbler but not the media, polish and used Bounce sheets.
Digital calipers and case gauge vital! (Use your pistol barrel as case gauge. For rifle you need a case gauge.)
Case prep: chamfer and deburring tool. Primer flash hole tool (first time new brass only). Primer pocket cleaner. Trimmer. Graphite and brush for lubricating inside case neck.
Totally understand where your comming from, I have just bought everything you have on the table as well as the tumbler and bullet puller. However i am in australia and the hornady LnL AP alone cost me $1400! everything else you mentioned you can tripple in cost. Import duties suck!
What about the powder measurer? Did it come with the right one for 223? Or did you have to buy one for small rifle?
Also I want to say that the brass, I'm just started reloading. I've been shooting forever, I've always been a range brass picker upper. 😁
Have any idea where to put all this stuff? I have to much car stuff for working in my garage.
you have a great video but is sounded like you were upset. i am sorry that you felt slightly tiffed. i researched the whole thing first and foremost because we are disabled and it takes planning to just survive on disability, but i am thinking it would run about $2500 to $3000 to get everything. I just ordered the ammo plant last week which is basically what you have but it comes with a bullet feeder and case feeder for a grand itself, it has a few misc items with it, but not including the book. This week I will order the other misc agendas for about 4 pistol and 2 rifles cartridges .It hurts a tad to think its going to cost about $3K and not $300 but its a hobby that can save you a few dollars at the very very end, lol. Again, great info and I did learn a lot here, but again, I am sorry if you got pissed off a bit, but they say the only difference between us men and boys is the price of their toys.
May want to switch to small pistol/magnum primers for the 357 mag, everything else is common sense if you've ever bought any type of reloader.
The door! We are a family of people that repurpose. That was pretty smart for a bench.
You got to put the scotch away until after reloading
In all fairness, he wasn't actually reloading but demonstrating.
A set of calipers. If you are loading rifle calibers and are going to load the cases more than 2x, you need a case trimmer. Seriously, I think the minimum that you need tool-wise that isn't included is calipers, a scale, and a way to clean your brass. Then you need dies and a shell plate which are not included because they depend on the caliber you are loading. Think of it this way. The press is your stove, the dies and shell plate are your pots and pans, the powder, primers and bullets are your ingredients. The stove doesn't come with that stuff because it depends on what you're going to cook. It also doesn't come with a cookbook (and you're going to want more than one). Most people don't, I think, start with a progressive. So they accumulate most of this while learning on a single-stage press. Then they upgrade and it goes pretty smoothly because they already know what they are doing. I like the LnL AP. I load a LOT of 9mm. I have my resizing die set up and I never have to adjust it. I use a LEE factory crimp die. Ditto. I have 3 different seating dies. One is set for 115gr ball, one for 124gr Speer Gold Dot HP, and one is set for the 147gr FP that I run subsonic. All I have to do is insert the correct seater and set my powder charge and I can run any of my loads. I can change in minutes. My buddy's Dillon requires a different tool head and a complete set of dies or he's got to readjust. Once I did the initial adjustment I've never changed mine. I don't save a lot loading 115gr ball and I buy a fair bit of that when I can get it cheap (for the brass!). I save a bunch on HP and subsonic. The 300 Blackout? Most of it is close to $1/round or even more. I save a TON on 300BO, especially since I shoot almost exclusively subsonic. I also save a lot on .308 match ammo, on 30/06 for my Garand (match ammo and very specific to fit the pressure profile the Garand likes), and on 30/06 match ammo for my 1903 Springfield. I still use the hell out of my single stage presses and a 60-70 year old Lyman turret press for smaller runs of other calibers (6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmore, 6.5x55 Swede.... I got bit by the 6.5mm bug a while back. Also 45 Super and the occasional push/pull Mexican match reload of 7.62x39 - removing the shitty factory bullet from steel-case Wolf or Tula and replacing it with a quality projectile. BIG difference in accuracy.) Best tip I will give you? www.shootersproshop.com/nosler-products/nosler-blemished-2nds/nosler-blemished-bullets.html Nosler blemished bullets, usually a discoloration of the brass jacket- never anything that really affects performance. Often at DEEP discounts.
Great price. Just bought one for 530, and that was a deal....
When you buy a loading press you can order with all dies and all you need less the primers powder shels cases and bullets. You just have to read what you are buying. All the other things are needed if you not buying new and your reloading spent ammo from a range
With inflation that reloading book is now $75 here in Canada...... the primers are $130 if you can find any.
I know this video is pretty old, but no press comes with everything you need, not even kits. Manufacturers aren't going to tell you what you need because depending on what caliber you are reloading and whether hunting, precision or plinking, you may need a lot more. There are also different types of specific accessories. For example, I use a $100 tumbler, but one can spend a lot more than that.
Go check the prices today. Haha
Hornady made a 5 part video helping people understand everything this video is talkimg about. They explain that kits are a starter, but you need more than just the kit because they is way to many options to make an all inclusive kit.
great info , thank you ! this helps!! (Feb 2021)
I recently bought a lawn mower so I could take of my lawn. Nobody friggin' told me I'd need to buy gas and oil too! Then I had to buy a weedwacker and a blower. You would think they'd come with the mower! Now I gotta go buy gas cans to keep the gas in! This is too much, I'm gonna hire a landscaper.
Glad it resonated so well with you 😂😂
I had to order a shell plate after I finish assembled it, which I thought it would be included with the kit😂
robert shinenne lol I bet your not alone man! that's an easy one to miss
you forgot the powder cop die (checks your powder level for each bullet so you know the powder level is staying the same.).
I bought a lee turret press, it can be used for single stage for accuracy or turreted for volume. The kit cost me right around 200 bucks and came with just about everything featured in this video minus the electronic scale, a few small purchases later to get things to go smoother and the essentials put me right around 300-350. Add some bullets, powder, and primers with brass from some spent factory rounds and youre reloading comfortably for around 400 bucks. A beginner has no business or need spending 1000-1500 bucks to try reloading.
All things considered though Ive been really considering upgrading to the Hornady LnL AP press. But the only thing stopping me is what I have works just fine
Why does the powder hopper look so sweaty on the inside? Hope you didn't clean the tube w/ the cleaner/ lube....
9 years later that same press cost over $1500 including case and bullet feeder