[ScottyS]

Equipment costs are a factor, especially if you buy the high-speed stuff. Still, if you shoot 1000's of rounds per year it pays for itself pretty fast. I bought my progressive over 12 years ago, so that's taken care of.

"specialized pliers, cutters, and a scale" --- dude, that is the funniest description of reloading gear I've ever heard.

Let's say for example that you could get a basic kit (new retail) for....oh....$250 tops. That's good quality stuff that will last a lifetime. To add a caliber is only like $40 (new retail). To go progressive and get a bunch of other time-saving devices say $1000 total.

It's not like the tools wear out, either. You're still only talking a maximum of 50% depreciation as long as you buy the good brands. In the case of my antique tools, they are actually appreciating even as I use them.

All the accuracy gear is pricey, but you aren't trying to save money with that --- you are trying to win.


Oh, and a few reloaders "make" their own bullets too --- lead, linotype, molds, and a sizing setup....personally, I just drive over to West Coast Bullet at Mound House and pick them up cheap (handgun bullets, that is).