[Third_Rail]

Okay, I don't care about corrosive vs. non, I clean my rifle. I just want to know, for accuracy of 4" at 200 yards, which would be cheaper; surplus (mostly Korean and remanufactured) or handloading/reloading used brass?

Again, accuracy only needs to be around 4" at 200 yards, possibly 6". Any more than that won't do it for me, but any less is fine. Cost must be kept LOW, as in less than 25 cents a round, preferably down near 20.

Thanks in advance.

[Poodleshooter]

Buy:
http://www.wideners.com/cart.asp?Action=Details&item=SMA3006K
Look for Korean 30/06 in case of 400rds. Should be about $70. It is non-corrosive stamped PS-75, and is pretty decent stuff. Shipped, it's probably close to .20 per round.

Reloading:
I'd have to recommend GI Brass,Powder Valley or www.ammunitionstore.com for cheap 147gr FMJBT or 150gr FMJ, and kegs of powder. If you have to mail order everything, HAZMAT on the powder and primers will drive your costs WAY up. If you can buy bulk powder in kegs,bulk FMJ bullets and primers at a local show, you can compute your costs and see if it's worth it.

There's too many variables in internet vs. local costs to do the comparison for you,particularly when you factor in your time.

[Third_Rail]

Alright, it seems that I may as well stick with the www.ammoman.com Korean stuff. $80/376 rounds shipped.

[Dave R]

Ahhh, but its more fun to shoot bullets you've loaded yourself ;)

[Third_Rail]

Yes, that's true. But for range plinking/hoarding, it's cheaper to buy surplus it seems. And I'm on a budget, here! :D :D

[PaulTX]

I have gone with both choices. I bought a case of Danish and I reload. I'll shoot some of the Danish, but it's a comfort to have a stash of ammo in the closet. I also reload and do it for about the cost of the Korean surplus. I like my reloads better than any surplus and I know they are going to work and be accurate.

Reloading for a rifle is pretty cheap because you can do very well with a single stage press!

[NavajoNPaleFace]

Theoretically reloaded ammo is always more accurate as long as one takes the time to experiment with various powders, bullet types, bullet weights, etc. to work up a round that is highly accurate for that particular rifle.

I have two Springfield Remington A3 and each one has its own particular load it likes.

I also find that among my other rifles, too, such as my two Swede M96s, three M48s, five Mosin Nagants, etc. which all have their own particular load preferrences.

But for general plinking or even hunting, for that matter, commercial or military surplus will work just fine.

I simply love reloading and really enjoy being able to put shots on target that literally go through previous holes. Now...that is accurate.:D

[Roadkill]

I also do both, for some reason my M1 does well with 1960 FN instead of my reloads but the 03,03A3, and P17 are great with them. I love rolling my own. My hand loads are all I shoot in my AR15, M1 Carbine, and pistols.

rk

[Fatelvis]

I would reload, using good match 168 grn bullets, and surplus 4895. I think that combo will do much better at 100 yds than any surplus. Why be satisfied with such large groups? Go for the gusto, try to shoot `em all through the same hole!!

[Sunray]

Hand loading should give you less than 4" at 200 yards. Handloading isn't about cheap ammo. It's about using the best ammo for your rifle. Mind you, it does sound like you're thinking hunting accuracy. The other thing is that surplus .30-06 is running out and a reliable supply of good ammo is more important than cost. Hand loading is the only way that will happen.