economics of reloading

[kennedy]

just figured out what it is costing me to reload .308
seirra matchking .27
primers .035
powder .13
shipping .09
total .525per round, Is it worth it?

 

[Pete409]

Reloading Cost

I sure wouldn't reload .308 if it cost over 50 cents per round to reload. It has been about 20 years since I reloaded any .308 and, as I recall, it cost around 14 cents per round at that time.

 

[presspuller]

What do they cost factory made?
That is a high price for primers, at least around here. Almost $30/1K around here. Buy the components local and save the shipping will help also.

Shipping is the killer for me to buy stuff mail order. I would have to buy a truck load to make it worth while to pay the shipping.

I am sure the answer to your question is yes, you can always load cheaper than buy factory(unless you get some on a good sale of course) but those days seem to be long gone.

If I figured in my time it may not be worth it but to me reloading is as much fun as shooting (if not more)

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

but suppose your rifle loves a specific recipe that isn't available commercially. You may only save a few cents per round, but you're getting the perfect ammo for that gun.

It's not always purely about economics. If i pay myself $10 an hour for reloading, I'm paying more or saving next to nothing. But I enjoy reloading and am able to develop pet loads for each gun.

 

[BigSoundRacing]

I have a Dillon 650 that I use to build rounds in .308. Went this route out of the economics of reloading vs factory match grade ammo. Did it because I want to shoot and have the capabilities of building rounds.

No regrets, learned a bunch, enjoy the science and the art.

Be safe, BSR

 

[Ndenway]

you don't see much of a savings buying a little here and there,

you won't see large savings until you begin buying in bulk, maxing out hazmat fees, S&H etc., even when you buy local you gotta add in taxes,

and you gotta shop smart, plenty of deals on the net, but your gonna have to look for them, sign up/register at the loading sites and for their E-Sales notification, midwayusa has plenty of E-coupons that you'll save on, for the most part they cover S&H only, but thats still anywhere from $5 to $30 off an order,

I know it's hard to plunk down 5+ bills on an order, but in the long run it'll save you quite a bit, just this past month I've ordered over $500 in bullets from midway, they had the blemished bullet sale for %50 off, we're not gonna see bullet prices that low again for a long time, if ever,

also look at yard sales/estate sales etc, I've found/bought components for literaly pennies on the dollar,

look at this link and it'll give you a little better idea: http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=9&t=639526

 

[SCW]

I think that's a pretty good price for match grade ammo. Not if you are plinking/training/practicing. I've never spent $35/1K on primers, this seems very high to me. There are LOTS of cheaper solution for bullets, should be able to get that down to more like $0.15-0.20/ea. I think you should be able to shoot for about $0.35-40/shot.

Also, you didn't amortize your brass, but with a mild load you can load them many times. If it's a semi-auto you could figure 4-5 shots before you lose them.

 

[SilentArmy]

The WORST price I have ever seen on primers was $25.99 @ Sportsmans warehouse! I do the math on every caliber and buy locally if I can to avoid hazmat and shipping charges. I can load .50 Beowulf with ranier HP's for about $.50/each!

 

[dcloco]

$10.50 per 20......or $52.50 per 100 of match quality ammo for YOUR rifle? Is it worth it?

I shoot a quarter...every time I pull the trigger...on my 204, 223, or 223 AI...and I shoot prairie dogs! Is it worth it....oh heck yeah.....especially at 685 yards (12 days ago!!!)

 

[alohanole]

Powder Valley has CCI #34 primers right now for $16/k. That's a fantastic deal, and if you buy enough in 1 order, you can minimize the impact of the hazmat fee considerably. They are 7.62 military primers, which with the proper loading are perfect for .308

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even at your prices it's worth it because you will get more accurate ammo than you can buy.

I can make 30-06 rounds with MatchKing bullets for $0.395 each, that's $7.90 a box of 20. The cheapest you can find anywhere is Federal Blue Box for $9.99 when Cabela's runs their sale twice a year. (I usually buy 100 rounds for the Brass at that price)

 

[Chief 101]

If you are wanting to reload for the money savings feature you are going to lose. If it's about money get a Leeloader and a hammer and do one ata time. JMHO. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[Snapping Twig]

All good points!

You're @ 50% below match grade ammo and you make a better round than could be purchased.

That said, like was mentioned earlier, you can do better cost-wise. Pare that down some through judicious exploitation of discounts, specials and bulk buying.

 

[RustyFN]

Using the same bullet you should be able to save at least 10 cents per round on just powder and primer buy shoping around.
Rusty

 

[K3]

Economics of reloading.

Har!

Theoretically it should be cheaper. In reality, you'll spend more money than humanly possible on components, equipment, books, etc. Plus, you'll shoot more.

 

[gandog56]

Yeah, but I shoot more for the same price!

 

[Davo]

Thats what im paying to reload my .308