9mm....how many rounds before it pays to reload?
- Thread starter Redneck with a 40
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I don't know if it's worth it to reload for 9mm once you factor your time in.
However, 9mm was one of the first cartridges I reloaded for and I learned a lot about reloading by practicing on the 9mm. The experience gained from it served me well as I went on to reload other rounds, so I think you should reload for it even if you don't save any money.
However, 9mm was one of the first cartridges I reloaded for and I learned a lot about reloading by practicing on the 9mm. The experience gained from it served me well as I went on to reload other rounds, so I think you should reload for it even if you don't save any money.
Furncliff
Member
No... buy your ammo.
It is not about money, working up a load for your gun and producing accurate reliable consistent ammo is time consuming and tedious. The machinery is aggravatingly finicky and the number of variables associated with the components and how they go together is mind numbing. If it's just cheap nine your after... buy it.
It is not about money, working up a load for your gun and producing accurate reliable consistent ammo is time consuming and tedious. The machinery is aggravatingly finicky and the number of variables associated with the components and how they go together is mind numbing. If it's just cheap nine your after... buy it.
Tom609
Member
Excellent points, all. From personal experience, I shoot more and don't really save money, but enjoy reloading. Most of my reloading is done in the winter months when I can't get out as often as I would like and want to do something gun related. I know I can load more accurate ammo than I can buy. I'd suggest you save your brass and look for deals on bullets. Have a stockpile of 2000 for when/if you decide to reload. Then you can buy a Lee Turret press and accessories for $200 and be ready to take the plunge. You can always sell components for more than you pay for them if you shop wisely. You do have to have the ability and interest. Good luck!
Redneck with a 40
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I went ahead and ordered the case of S&B 115 grain from surplus ammo for $200/shipped. I'll save this brass and reload it once I shoot the ammo. The only thing I need to buy for 9mm is the bullets, I've got the primers, powder, press, scale, dies, all that stuff. I've been reloading 40 S&W, 357 mag, 223 rem, and 308 win, since 2005.
LiveLife
Member
Keep in mind that S&B cases have very tight primer pockets.
I need an extra "Ooomph" to fully seat the primers on the press or on the hand primer.
Otherwise they are good cases to reload.
I need an extra "Ooomph" to fully seat the primers on the press or on the hand primer.
Otherwise they are good cases to reload.
Otto
Member
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- May 14, 2007
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- 2,355
Be aware that S&B makes steel cases that are almost indistinguishable from real brass cases.
All S&B casings need to be tested with a magnet before reloading.
Here's three casings, one is steel the other two are brass. Can you tell which one is steel?
All S&B casings need to be tested with a magnet before reloading.
Here's three casings, one is steel the other two are brass. Can you tell which one is steel?
Simply put if you do not have the time and inclination then reloading is not for you! PERIOD. It is a hobby! Get over the costs! Ever wonder how much that venison really costs? Or burning up fuel going to the lake, using that 30K ski boat/trailer a few times month in warm months? Come on it is a Hobby! So, you have to deal with the costs!
Either you have the time and inclination or you do not! I get sick and tired of people whining about the cost of equipment, components, and shipping costs. They are FACTS and not changeable! Reloading does many things, it decreases your cost per round of ammo. And, there are the side bennies of tailoring the ammo to your gun, increased accruacy, and excuses for more time at the range. There is usually an increased use rate amongst reloaders so they shoot more!
Bet, you do not go to the Super America and piss and whine about fuel costs? They are what they are!
Shotgunners reloaders are worst about whining! Then come the 3 Gun shooters who reload! Jeez!
If you want play you gotta pay! Just like buying live bait!
Either you have the time and inclination or you do not! I get sick and tired of people whining about the cost of equipment, components, and shipping costs. They are FACTS and not changeable! Reloading does many things, it decreases your cost per round of ammo. And, there are the side bennies of tailoring the ammo to your gun, increased accruacy, and excuses for more time at the range. There is usually an increased use rate amongst reloaders so they shoot more!
Bet, you do not go to the Super America and piss and whine about fuel costs? They are what they are!
Shotgunners reloaders are worst about whining! Then come the 3 Gun shooters who reload! Jeez!
If you want play you gotta pay! Just like buying live bait!
the count
Member
Costs around $6 to reload 50 pistol rounds, if you have the brass. You do the rest of the math. Biggest savings with more exotic calibers like 45 LC.
1SOW
Member
I agree with Mr. User.
I started reloading 9mm to cut costs of expensive and later, "hard-to-find" ammo. It did that and more. I grew to enjoy the process of shooting 'my' ammo in 'my' pistols.
Additionally, if you don't shoot regularly, all bets are off. Buying K-Mart ammo works fine for ocassional plinking.
If another bullet/primer shortage happens, I'm still good-to-go for a number of months.
I started reloading 9mm to cut costs of expensive and later, "hard-to-find" ammo. It did that and more. I grew to enjoy the process of shooting 'my' ammo in 'my' pistols.
Additionally, if you don't shoot regularly, all bets are off. Buying K-Mart ammo works fine for ocassional plinking.
If another bullet/primer shortage happens, I'm still good-to-go for a number of months.
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