So with everything currently happening in the Socialist State of Maryland, ammo prices are going to jack up through the roof.

[Mdhunter1]

So with everything currently happening in the Socialist State of Maryland, ammo prices are going to jack up through the roof. if this happened, what will they do next? case in point, i really feel like handloading is a very realistic option for me. Do you all know of a kit or inexpensive necessities i should buy? Can you recommend anything? I really need to just be able to load: 7mm-08 Rem and .40 S&W;, but at some point there will be more. Please keep in mind that i am (the first time i have revealed my age on this site) 13 and have a pretty modest budget, $300 is really pushing it. Thanks so much. -Jack

[99explorer]

If you have lots of spare time and don't mind going slow, the Lee Loader is the way to go. I think the kit starts at about $30. Check it out at Cabela's.

[Chewylouie]

I am 14, and have a job, and my budget is $300!

[country road]

Do check out the Lee loading stuff. That's what I've been using since I started reloading a few years ago, and I've turned out some fine, accurate loads. It's not top of the line, but it's in your price range AND IT WORKS.

[jhjimbo]

Check Midway USA.com They have reloading sets that they put on sale from time to time. Almost everything you need to get started.
Read reloading books - ABC's of Reloading is a good one.
Start saving your brass if you don't save it now.
If you know someone who is experienced in reloading see if they will help you get started.

[Mdhunter1]

Chewy, I am kind of one if those people that doesn't spend money, like maybe 10 bucks a month. I have saved up a lot, I never spend birthday money and whenever I am payed for dog sitting or dog training, the money generally goes in my account.

[bruisedsausage]

I would recommend the lee challenger single stage kit, or the 4 hole value kit.

www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit

www.midwayusa.com/product/622290/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-value-kit

both sold out currently at midway, but they are good with honoring the backorders.

[Edward J. Palumbo]

Mdhunter1,
I might recommend purchasing used presses, which are often found at reasonable prices at gun shows. I might recommend purchasing new dies, but a name brand press is a simple, ruggedly constructed mechanism.
I too started with a Lee Loader in 1968, and that's a good recommendation. It'll take more time, patience and physical effort, but it'll soon pay for itself.
If you have a friend with a bench-mounted press, ask if you can purchase the dies and shell holders you need and use his press, reloading manuals, scale and other resources.
I work with friends to load their brass, and that has worked well. That'll stretch your resources and permit you to equip yourself gradually, affordably. It'll also provide opportunities to get reloading equipment as birthday or Christmas gifts, or gift certificates to accomplish that.
Save all of your brass, and shop carefully.

[Treestand]

JMO~ Check out RCBS Reloading Starter Kit in the $175.00
+/-.

[FirstBubba]

There's lots of options out there. I started with a Lee Loader myself.
It was many years later that I learned the Lee Loader only neck sizes your brass. Not a problem if you shoot a bolt gun or a straight wall case.

[Safado]

All of the advice is excellent. I bought a RCBS complete kit that included just about everything except the dies, powder, cartridgfe case, primers and bullets. In your price range I would start with the Lee loader system although I don't have experience with it. I agree with Jhjimbo that your first step would be to purchase a reloading book like the ABC's of Reloading. EJP also gave good advise about buying a used press. Those will last a lifetime if propoerly cared for. I would also look to a mentor or experienced reloader that could help you get started and possibly let you use his press.

[Chewylouie]

Mdhunter- That makes sense. I always tried to save my money but somehow, it always disappeared. Since I have gotten this job though, I have bought 2 guns. I guess that just kinda shows my lack of self control. Both of them were needed though. We had no 12Ga. and we didn't have a hand gun. The particular handgun I bought is probably worth about $2,000. I got it for 400. It is actually a standard military issue 1911 that was made in 1941, and from the way it looks now, it has probably seen combat in WWII. I think that is cool. I am almost scared to shoot it now though because I know it is worth that much.

[Chewylouie]

Sorry, that wasn't on topic!

[DakotaMan]

I agree with EJP... look for used equipment. Check ebay and gunbroker.com. All O-style (where the main press shape is an enclosed "O" shape rather than a "C" shape) presses will work fine but I favor RCBS. Try to buy kits where you get many tools for practically free. Get a good reloading manual (Hornady, Barnes or Nosler). Get some Varget powder for your 7mm-08 and forget all the other powder choices. Reloading will definitely save you money if you intend to shoot and your rifle will likely be much more accurate too. Good luck!

[art6555]

When you get set up, I can recommend a good powder to start with. Look at the group in my avatar, that is Varget with my 308 Win, my 7mm-08 shoots the same with Varget for both 120 grn and 139 grn bullets.

I will be honest, the fact that you are 13 and have a job......I almost cried. I wished more adults were like that. I got some reloading stuff (presses, powder dispensers, scales) on EBAY for cheap. They were good quality also. He still uses them. We also have some auctions and garage sales that advertise reloading components.