When reloaders tell you they are saving 30%-70%, they are not including the cost of their tools. After you have the tools and are only paying for expendables, then reloading is very cost effective.

Whether you load for pistol, rifle, or shotgun, you are going to need tools and cases or shells suitable for reloading. You will need expendables like primers, powder, bullets or shot and wads for shot shells. The savings come from being able to use the cases or hulls many times, purchasing expendables in bulk, and assembling the cartridges yourself.

The reality is that the first box of cartridges or shells you reload is going to be more expensive than buying new in the box cartridges. Most of the tools required for reloading will last you a lifetime, but they do cost. The simplest and least expensive setup I am aware of is the Lee Classic Loader at $30-$40 suitable for loading a single cartridge type. Single stage press kits start around $200 and go up to near $1,000. Turret or progressive presses cost more than single stage presses and increase your production rate. The more expensive kits have bigger presses, systems for making die adjustment easier or quicker, fancier digital powder measures, fancier case trimmers, and gold plated funnels (just kidding). Some “complete” kits are more complete than others. Even complete kits normally do not include dies and shell holder. Dies are caliber specific tools that screw into the press to allow you to perform the reloading functions. You need a different set of dies for each caliber you intend to reload. The dies cost $30-$75 dollars depending on brand and options you choose.

For many years I could buy a box 9mm Luger cartridges for about $5 at local discount stores or sporting goods stores. I remember saving only about $0.50 per box of shells when I reloaded my own. It just wasn't worth the time for the kind of shooting I was doing.

If you shoot military cartridges, there are occasionally bargains on surplus ammunition that make reloading harder to justify. These bargains are not always available and they may not have bullets suitable for your purposes.

Used reloading tools may be available locally, or over internet auction sites. These tools shouldn't have worn out, but may have been abused or allowed to rust. Buyer beware.

All in all, the savings from reloading can be quite substantial if you shoot more than a few boxes per year.