Buy Now or at the 1500

[JoshuaW]

Im breaking into reloading soon. I have been reading everything I possibly can, and I have a few manuals in the mail. I have talked to my uncle who used to reload, and my father who reloaded with my uncle some. Both are on board to help me where they can, if I need it. (and to make use of my equipment, of course)

My question is this: Should I buy my equipment now, or should I hold out for the 1500 at the end of October? I have never been to the 1500, so I dont really know if there is significant savings to be had, and if it is worth the wait. If I should be waiting, what things should I have on my 1500 list, and what items should I just purchase now?

For what it is worth, I am leaning towards the Hornady Lock 'n Load AP right now. I shoot a lot, and am confident in my desire to follow through with this hobby. I know the conventional wisdom is to start with a single stage, but I feel comfortable with my decision. I am going to pick up a Lee Classic Kit, so I can better understand the process and appreciate the steps.

 

[kwatters]

You can pick up what you need online cheaper than at the 1500 for most reloading items.
The advantage there is avoiding hazmat. The couple dealers that seem to show up with reloading presses are all Lee.

 

[JoshuaW]

Alright, good to know. I will just order stuff online, and keep my eyes open for materials at the 1500.

 

[Aszerigan]

Or you can check out some of the vendors on INGO that specialize on reloading gear. *wink, wink*

I order hazmat every two weeks, and can get any reloading gear that you might need.

 

[backporch plinker]

Too pricey and not enough reloading supplies at the gun show, you can go to Midway usa.com and many others and try find what you need on sale.

 

[billybob44]

Alright, good to know. I will just order stuff online, and keep my eyes open for materials at the 1500.

Like has been said, I would purchase the HazMat items at the 1500 show. Powder+primers that is. I found that I do best if I walk the show before I buy. Have found $3-6 difference on primers at the show and $2-4 difference on powders. One vendor may have the best price on powders and higher priced primers??
I know we hate to, but some good prices on press, dies, scales,+powder measures can also be had on E-bay.

 

[JoshuaW]

Like has been said, I would purchase the HazMat items at the 1500 show. Powder+primers that is. I found that I do best if I walk the show before I buy. Have found $3-6 difference on primers at the show and $2-4 difference on powders. One vendor may have the best price on powders and higher priced primers??
I know we hate to, but some good prices on press, dies, scales,+powder measures can also be had on E-bay.

I have a few items on my 1500 list that are non-reloading related, so I will be doing a walk around before I buy anything anyways. Always a good idea to shop around!

I am a seasoned eBay seller, so I dont know why that wasnt a first place for me to look.

 

[ggglobert9]

If you have not been on you-tube...lots of great step by step videos.

 

[rjstamp]

Ther is sure to be a lot of deals at the 1500. I might take a few trade in pieces and try and make some deals.

 

[LeeStreet]

If you wait until the 1500, you could do some touching & feeling of reloaders. Also you can gather a lot of opinions, & advice other than no opinion from online sellers.

 

[dagibson1507]

Or you can check out some of the vendors on INGO that specialize on reloading gear. *wink, wink*

I order hazmat every two weeks, and can get any reloading gear that you might need.

+1 for for a forum supporter. Could save your money and not wait until the end of october

 

[Racerdj]

Don't overlook the Dillon 550B

 

[Redemption]

There are no deals at the 1500...and no Dillon.

 

[Life Member]

Plus one for eBay. I just started reloading this year. I purchased my Dillon Square Deal B and other required stuff there. Dillons No Bull warranty works.

 

[indyjoe]

Or you can check out some of the vendors on INGO that specialize on reloading gear. *wink, wink*

I order hazmat every two weeks, and can get any reloading gear that you might need.

Just picked up my hazmat free powder and primers from one of the vendors today.

Wait, it was YOU!

 

[JoshuaW]

Don't overlook the Dillon 550B

I looked at it. I have two major reasons I like the Hornady; the major one being the ability to quickly swap calibers. The "Lock n Load" system seems simple and quick to switch, and that is something that seems to be handy. I intend on loading four calibers eventually, probably more. I want to accommodate that. Second is price. The Hornady is slightly cheaper, and there is the free bullets promotion.

 

[wilbur352]

There is a small gun shop in warsaw on 15 just south of 30 on the west side of the road that has some reloading stuff. The best I have seen in my area is one of the site sponsors( 21st century in bluffton) they have a very nice selection.

 

[mdemetz]

There is a small gun shop in warsaw on 15 just south of 30 on the west side of the road that has some reloading stuff.

Thats probably
Eagle Creek Shooting Supply Co

Granger Guns is near Elkhart as well as Lens Guns, both have reloading stuff.

 

[JoshuaW]

Thats probably
Eagle Creek Shooting Supply Co

Granger Guns is near Elkhart as well as Lens Guns, both have reloading stuff.

I finally made it over to Granger Guns the other day and picked up some stuff. I tried to buy some at the South Bend show, but no one had powder. Bought some Wolf primers (the guy talked me into it, I was hesitant because I never buy ANYTHING Wolf. Should have gone with the feeling, they shoot in my Sub2k, but not in my new PT111 Pro).

I called Lens three times and never got an answer. Lens is in South Bend, which is easier for me to get to after work (I work in Plymouth). Getting to Granger Guns was crazy. Left work at 5, the GPS said it was going to take 57 minutes. I did it in 37

 

[Gunaria]

There's always going to be the argument of single stage vs. progressive reloading, just like 45 vs. 9. One guy I know just decided to go all out and invested about three grand and got all top of the line stuff and he was happy with every cent that he spent. He reloads for every caliber that he owns and couldn't be happier.

So what I'm trying to say is it's your decision, if you see a good deal jump on it.