What does it cost to set yourself up to reload the 30-06? I'm not looking for a cheap-o way to get into reloading, but I'm just trying to figure out about how much it costs to get into the game. Maybe someone could post an FAQ post about starting out in reloading? That would be a great help to a lot of people I'm sure.

Basically 150 to 300 dollars.

Basic setup purchasing new equipment: around #350 to $450. To get all the little bells and whistles: $500 and up. RCBS is quality equipment and for someone new to reloading they offer a few kits with much of the machinery and tools needed to get started at a cost less than if you purchased the items individually.

You'll get a wide variety of answers on this question. I purchased all of my equipment....and enough brass, bullets, powder and primers to load about 160 rounds or so, for a bit less than $150.00, in total. I use Lee equipment, including a hand press, which does just fine for me...and I only handload for ONE cartridge.

You see, you can spend rather little..... or rather alot - depending on the details.

Primarily I will be loading for the 30-06, and probably some other stuff for friends of mine eventually. It just makes me mad to pay 30 bucks a box for some 180 grain nosler factory loads. I think that cost wise, there has to be some sense in reloading rather than spending $1.50 per round sent down range.

Tom,
Your premise is correct. You CAN save money by handloading...quite a bit, in fact. Many people will say that they've never saved anything by handloading - because they increased how often/ how many rounds they shoot, thus absorbing any savings that they might have realised. But, assuming that you don't do this.... handloading can save alot. For example, all I load for is 8mm Mauser...which normally runs $17 - $18 per box....and that's NOT with premium bullets. (Milsurp ammo can be had very cheaply - but it does not come with bullets suitable for hunting - so let's forget about it, for the moment.) I handload my own 8mm ammo, for between roughly $6.00 - $11.00 per box. The reason for the cost range has to do with the brass - the first time I use it, I count the total cost of the brass, in my calculations (so the first loads with new brass run about $11.00/ 20). Thereafter, I am reusing the brass - so I don't count the cost of it anymore (so the cost drops to around $6.00/ 20). $6.00 is 1/3 of the price (approximately) of the commercial Mauser ammo. So, you can easily see what I mean about saving $$......

Of course, I am not including the costs of my handloading equipment, in the calculated cost of my ammo. The equipment is a long-term investment. At a savings of $7 to $12 per 20 rounds, though, my equipment costs were amortized by the time I loaded 250 rounds, by any reckoning. So, I have passed this mark by - and the equipment no longer figures into it.

This example only takes into account MY numbers...and it does not consider the extra equipment costs for loading multiple cartridges (requiring a different set of dies for each one). Also, as my hunting needs don't require it, I do not use "premium bullets" (like the Nosler Partition). Using these bullets will increase costs, in some cases, quite a bit. (Some of the premium bullets on the market sell for $40 per 50 - I use ordinary softpoints, which I get for about $13 per hundred.) Also, you can spend huge amounts of money on equipment, if you prefer, (as opposed to my basic, low-volume setup). Obviously, spending $500 - $700 on a full complement of the "finest" equipment, as well as a bench and other items...will increase the overall costs dramatically. But, these are things which are under your control.

In summary, you definitely CAN save money by handloading, if you don't go nuts with the equipment or components you buy. Handloading is also very rewarding and fun. It sort of becomes a hobby, in and of itself. A small warning though, it can get under your skin - I always end up reloading my empty cases the day after I make a trip to the range...because I can't stand for them to be empty any longer. I am always on the lookout for deals on additional brass, as well, eventhough I don't really need it. If I get more brass, I just end up keeping more loaded cartridges in store. Then it takes longer to use them, so I want to get MORE brass..... so I can reload more often.....(you see what I mean ?)

It depends on what your willing to spend. You can do it on the value added side and purchase mostly Lee products, or spend a more on the big name brands. Does that mean Lee is poor quality, not at all where the Lee presses are made of a lighter material the RCBS is steel. Dies, the Lee dies work plain and simple and you get the shellholder, all the others make you buy it separately. You pay for your dies and make the others pay for theirs and you get to keep them. DEFINITELY SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY FOR A QUALITY SCALE!!!!!!!
Figure the bare minimum basics, press, dies for the 06, tumbler, and a better scale. I'd estimate around $200 but you can save some money buy buying a Lee kit such as this one, http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0003080210524a&navCount=1&podI d=0003080&parentId=cat20847&navAction=jump &cmCat=MainCatcat20712&catalogCode=XF& rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847&amp ;hasJS=true
you get most of what you'll need to get started. Like I said ditch the safety scale and buy a better one. Check out ebay there are great deals to be had.