There is a fine line between cost savings and recreational expense.
In raw numbers, most of us would have to shoot more in a month (for several months) than all the ammo expended in Heat, The Matrix and Tombstone combined in order to recoup our equipment outlay.
When you factor in component cost, shipping (or gas) costs, prep time and research, reloading is almost like another highly specialized job. Lot's of initial outlay for tools of the trade and education.
When it comes to practical numbers, reloading is a money saver in many ways over other non income producing activities. How much was your last trip to the movies ? The last bar tab ? The last football or hockey game ? Parking ? How about the cable/PPV/satellite bill ? Compared to MANY other hobbies, reloading is definitely on the low end of the scale in terms of cost.
Ever rebuild a small block and install it ? Cheap it isn't. You fish ? Have any idea how many 1050's I could buy for the price of a used boat ? Ride motorcycles ? How much does it cost for a suspension job, or how much time/effort do you spend jetting the beast ?
One intangible that comes up time and again is the additional benefit of being able to reload may bring if TSHTF, or if ammo is restricted or rationed.
As stated above, load for the 500 S&W, or just about any of the 416 and up calibers and you will quickly find the return from reloading. It is pretty hard to recoup an initial investment of a couple of thousand bucks (typical reloading setup for many people) when you're loading a commonly available pistol caliber. Shoot one season of trap and see how quickly reloading makes financial sense. Shoot two successful seasons of IPSC, IDPA or BE and see how much rolling your own can save.
Reloading isn't (usually) cheaper by any stretch of the imagination if you shoot recreationally once or twice a month, and are the type person who goes with top of the line equipment and accessories. It can get pretty expensive, if you fancy yourself an amatuer researcher and buy a couple of dozen different powders and components and set off on a quest to find the sweet spot on every gun you might own.
The investment in reloading comes down to a personal decision to load your own for a multitude of reasons, cost savings being one *possible* benefit.
If, you happen to curtail (or reduce) partying, socializing or other things due to time spent at the bench or doing your due dillegence, reloading can bring some recognizable cost saving there as well.
If you load on a Lee loader, cast your own and never socialize or see the light of day again other than work, you can save a ton
Otherwise, chalk it up to what it actually is to many; a less expensive hobby that keeps us fascinated and supports our habit of shooting.
BigSlick
