used reloading gear value?

[woodpuppy]

Hi, just testing the waters to find what your general experiences have been buying and selling used reloading gear- what would you say the general fair market value of used reloading gear is, expressed in terms of % retail price?

thanks!
Dave

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

Depending on brand and condition, probably 70% on down. This is assuming you're talking about something still in production.

 

[woodpuppy]

generally speaking, Lee case trimming tools & the 4 hole turret press (not classic)

 

[GP100man]

Hard to say !!! Iron Mike Golf hits very close !!!

I just paid 50 for a Lyman M-5 scale by Ohaus Looks in VG condition & measures accurate & goes to 1,010 grs.

I was happy with the purchase because the rcbs version is what 150 now ???

An aluminum framed press ,I`d have to see it in person before considering purchasing !

 

[slowrider]

Some of my experience has taught me a lesson. Make sure you know exactly what you are buying.....all the little pieces, screws, collets, shellholders, handles, etc. etc. that are supposed to be included and confirm they are all there before sending payment. On the flip side, RCBS and other makers are good about sometimes sending you pieces for free. But if not, know that you will pay premium for some of the missing parts.....making your used buy not so great.

 

[mikld]

Some of my experience has taught me a lesson. Make sure you know exactly what you are buying.....all the little pieces, screws, collets, shellholders, handles, etc. etc. that are supposed to be included and confirm they are all there before sending payment. On the flip side, RCBS and other makers are good about sometimes sending you pieces for free. But if not, know that you will pay premium for some of the missing parts.....making your used buy not so great.

Yep, know what you're going to buy, especially from ebay. I got stung twice on ebay; once when the sizing die I bought had grit embedded in the ID and ruined the brass, and once when I bought an RCBS scale with missing parts. If I buy used now I will go to the "classified" section of my favorite forums; usually better, more reasonably priced stuff and honest vendors/sellers.

 

[woodpuppy]

For the purposes of my question, let's assume everything is complete and correct, in used but very good condition. It's more a question of general value, I'm not looking at a specific sale. I want to be able to compare my experiences selling gear to others'. For example, I had to sell an RCBS uniflow measure & stand for $40 at the last gunshow to get it to move.

 

[WESHOOT2]

"market value"; what will someone ACTUALLY pay?

That's the only true measure of value.

 

[Mobuck]

IMHO. Used LEE presses are selling for more than they MIGHT be worth. I see many of the presses bringing 75%+ of new on sale prices. I have used LEE presses for years and consider them a consumeable product. If they are disassembled occasionally and the pivot points greased and the plunger lubed, they will last much longer. Very few users do this, therefore the linkages get worn much sooner as does the point where the plunger slides through the frame. If not lubed the turrets wear significantly where they contact the frame and where the indexing ball detents are located. I used to buy preowned presses on ebay but lately I just buy new ones due to the high resale prices on used ones.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I bought my Bonanza Co-Ax for $10.

 

[mikld]

If the item is still in production, I' think up to 75% of new cost if in the shape you mention. "Discontinued items" even less. If the item is no longer made, but still known good, it just depends on how bad you want it. (I bought a used C-H single stage press that weighs 35 lbs., extra heavy duty, well designed press that I would have paid $50.00 for)

 

[woodpuppy]

Thanks for the comments.

I ended up placing an order with Factorysales.com for the Lee Classic Cast turret press, extra turrets, & a few accessories. The extra durability of the cast iron base and the primer collection arrangement were worth the minor extra expense. I load for 5 pistol calibers, and this Lee will be faster than the Redding, which will now be dedicated to my 4 rifle cartridges. In fact, of all the dies I own, the only one that won't get mounted in a press is the FL size die for .45-70! Now there's a die that would be worth having in carbide...

Mobuck, I do in fact disassemble, clean, and lube my presses. I learned that lesson with my Redding T7- it started to stiffen, and I realized the linkage pivot points were dry from the factory and had started galling! A little careful filing and a lube job, and she's been right as rain since. For both the Redding and this new Lee press, spent primers fall through the ram and are collected in a tube, so no primer pocket grunge should collect where the ram passes through the base. I use grease on the ram and on all pivots. It stays put, and a little goes a long way. I will heed your warning about the turrets wearing in the head.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I bought my Bonanza Co-Ax for $10.

Want to keep an eye out for a second one?

I've always wanted to try one of these, but I'm not about to spend $400 on one "just to see". And I thought they were only about $350...

To the OP: You will be very happy with your Lee Classic Cast Turret.

-- Sam