Been casting now since 1966. Over that term I ROUGHLY estimate that I've cast over 1/2 million bullets.... I KNOW that over 1/4 million .38 Special bullets were cast to serve two active Bullseye competition shooters.
Yes, my cost per bullet is far below buying commercial components. Most of my alloy is free or very inexpensive, and a box (50) of 9mm/.38 ammo costs less than three bucks. out-of-pocket... maybe MUCH less.
The great benefits of casting, to my mind, are
-independence (with a stock of inexpensive components, I do NOT have to depend on outside sources to keep me shooting), and
-the ability to create what *I* want at any particular time.
By buying tooling and supplies a bit at a time, one soon amasses an astounding amount of "stuff". I now own over 100 moulds, 60,000 primers, THOUSANDS of cases, forty different powder types, over a ton of lead alloys.... you get the idea. I do believe I am one of them there "nuts" we hear about.
On top of all the above, casting is enjoyable and relaxing to boot.
Yes, my cost per bullet is far below buying commercial components. Most of my alloy is free or very inexpensive, and a box (50) of 9mm/.38 ammo costs less than three bucks. out-of-pocket... maybe MUCH less.
The great benefits of casting, to my mind, are
-independence (with a stock of inexpensive components, I do NOT have to depend on outside sources to keep me shooting), and
-the ability to create what *I* want at any particular time.
By buying tooling and supplies a bit at a time, one soon amasses an astounding amount of "stuff". I now own over 100 moulds, 60,000 primers, THOUSANDS of cases, forty different powder types, over a ton of lead alloys.... you get the idea. I do believe I am one of them there "nuts" we hear about.
On top of all the above, casting is enjoyable and relaxing to boot.