ISO 257 Roberts stuff

[Levi Robert]

Hi guys I’ve been thinking a lot about reloading myself, old friend showed me the basics and I really enjoy watching and did a little myself.
Anyways what would it cost for me to get a beginners compleat set up to reload my 257
I’m slowly working on getting brass.
I’m thinking single stage press that’s what I learned on.
I’m also kinda broke but interested in hearing what you guys know,think about how much it would cost me and what ever else you can tell me.

 

[FROGO207]

First welcome to the forum.
Well you can continue reading up on the subject for free on the net. Buying all new is nice but buying used over time as deals appear is how I did it in the dark ages before the internet. You already have the beast tool going and that is someone who is already a reloader that can act as a mentor. When you find a used press ask if it is a good deal and so on.
I have mentored several and teach a reloading class at our local range. I would ask him if you were to buy dies and consumables like primers, bullets, and propellant if you could use his press at first. Make sure it is when he wants you there if he says yes. Also buy the stuff for your own setup as soon as you can so as not to be the guy "that takes advantage forever". Who knows, when he sees you are really serious he may know of other reloaders that have used equipment they will sell for cheap to get you started also. Reloaders seem to be the best of the best in regards to sharing knowledge and surplus items they have outgrown or upgraded from. Just my 2c.

Now on to needs,
A manual could be online but book has a good reloading section to read and refrence.
A press
Away to weigh your charges (used balance beam)
Dies for caliber
A set of cheap calipers (Harbor Freight $12 on sale)
The above mentioned consumables
A way to prime your brass if not provided with press.
************Other*******useful******stuff******
Chamfer deburr tool
Case trimmer tool(s) Lee set is cheapest
Powder measure to speed up loading.
You can use dippers instead of a scale but that limits you a lot.
There are those that will say get the Lee whack-a-mole kit for cheap and a hammer but for 257 Bob I dont think they ever made one so that is off the plate so to speak. Also a handheld press is cheap but frustrating.

The reloading section at the top of this page is a great resource too. Asking questions when you get stumped is always encouraged as well.
A lot of have started with little and over time made out well.

 

[FROGO207]

Heck I got going and never did say how much it might cost but for around $200 there are several kits that would work with the addition of dies. Only cavats are a LOT of people dislike the Lee safety scale and all kits will have something you will not need or will replace with a different item.
Others will be along soon to add more good advice soon.

 

[forty_caliber]

Howdy and welcome to THR from Texas.

There will be much input from some very knowledgeable folks before you know it.

Single stage is the right place to start, but the press is only one of many, many tools that you will need to acquire. Since you are planning to work with gunpowder and explosives, I'd recommend good quality tools. Exactly which tools you might need have many dependencies that only you can answer.

You mentioned budget concerns. Buying used can save some money on hardware items. The reality is that start up costs can be daunting. The list below is just getting your foot in the door.

For some cartridges reloading is the best way or maybe the only way to go. For others (9mm), it's just as easy to buy them at the store. Your time is worth something too. Consider your labor when calculating costs.

• Hardware
  • Manual
  • Press
  • Dies
  • Shellholder
  • Powder measure
  • Scale
  • Case gauge
  • Calipers

• Case prep
  • Inside chamfer tool
  • Outside chamfer tool
  • Case trimmer
  • Pimer pocket cleaner
  • Case cleaning (tumbler etc)

• Consumable Items
  • Propellents
  • Primers
  • Projectiles

.40

 

[stillquietvoice]

Welcome to the forum.

did it in the dark ages before the internet. You already have the beast tool going

Me too my first press, an rcbs special 2, just turned 40. I still have it and use it occasionally.

When I started I had a press, several doe sets, she'll holders, a plastic tubs caliper, Speer manual, and hornandy dipper set.

I used files to trim cases, a jewler screwdriver to clean primer pockets, and a half in countersink to chamfer case mouths.

Later I acquired scales and other tools that made reloading easier andade more accurate ammo.

 

[ballman6711]

Welcome to THR!

I'll start by saying I know nothing about the 257 Roberts.

Now that's out of the way, I started reloading about two years ago, and my up front costs were about $250 not counting powder/primers/bullets/brass. That cost included everything needed to load (press, scale, dies, manual, etc..) except calipers which I already had.

So it can be done for little cost if you're patient and shop around.

Lots of knowledge here and lots of good people willing to help if you have questions.

chris

 

[tmd16556]

Brass is probably the hardest part to find for 257 Roberts.

 

[30Cal]

6mm Rem brass isn’t hard to come by. Just run it through the 257 Rob die and you’ll be all set.

 

[rabid wombat]

Brass is currently available for the 257 at Powder Valley. You can also neck down 7x57....

https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/sho...7-roberts&query_type_caliber-range-sort-by=or

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/load-the-257-roberts

Or just shoot some factory loads and save the brass