check my math - cost of reloading

[Lovesbeer99]

38 Special - 125 grain bullets

Powder -
7000 gr per lb
5 gr per load
1400 loads per lb

So the powder costs me 33.25 per lb, then the powder per round is .023 cents. If this is so then if the powder costs 17.00 per lb, then the powder cost per round is .012 cents per round.

Primers cost between 2-3 cents per round
Bullets cost about 14.00 per 100 or .14 cents per round.

So playing with these numbers on excel it looks like to get my cost down I mostly need to worry about the price of bullets. The powder plays no significant role as if I double the cost from 17.00 to 34.00 the cost per round is still about 1- 2 cents. But if I can cut the cost of the bullets in half, than I can cut the cost of my price per box in half.

I'm I off base here?

Lovesbeer99

 

[P0832177]

You know the #'s. I would suggest that in loading 38's you consider 158gr LSWC or 148gr WC bullets as they will be less then jacketed bullets. Your primer and powder costs will be the same or there abouts, but the bullet cost will be down.

 

[SASS#23149]

around here and buying locally..
200 jacketed bulltets = 28.00
500 lead bullets =25.00

big savings by shooting cast lead bullets IF your range allows them.
Heck,my range won't even allow reloads anymore.
Well,it used to be 'my range.'

 

[scrat]

go cast lead bullets. Cast lead bullets require a lighter charge load saving you more $$$$. then on top of that places like www.nationalbullet.com you can get 9mm cast bullets 500 bullets for $22.50

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Thanks for the replies,

Shoot safe (I do)

Lovesbeer99

 

[1911user]

Now you understand the allure of cast bullets especially from a local caster.
You are right. The primer is a fixed cost. The cost of powder and amount used has little effect on normal pistol loads. It's mostly in the bullet.

Rifle loading is the same although the cost of powder per load is more significant. The bullet is still the major variable in load cost.

 

[RustyFN]

Lead is the cheapest way to go but if you don't want to shoot lead you can still load for a lot less than what you posted. Check out Berry's and Ranier plated bullets. Also check out http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/powders.shtml.
ZERO 38 SUPER (.356) 125 FMJ (500) Yes $31.00
ZERO 38 SUPER (.356) 125 FMJ (1000) Yes $59.00
ZERO 38 SUPER (.356) 125 FMJ (2000) Yes $107.95

 

[armoredman]

Here at Sportsman's Warehouse, I got a pound of Accurate #2 for $15.50.
500 X-Treme 158gr plated FP for $32.
Brass was freebe from good people.
Primers about $2.50 per hundred.

Lessee....3.3gr AA#2 per bunny fart load, that's..$.0073 per round? And the bullets break down to $.064 each. Add in the $.025 for each primer, and that's a whopping $.0963, round up to a dime a pop. I can live with that, especially since the loading process is so enjoyable.