Is reloading really worth it for me?

[soonerboomer]

To be honest, I know jack squat about reloading. I'm interested in learning more and maybe getting into it. However, is it really worth it? In other words, considering start up costs, equipment, supplies, etc., how much shooting would I need to do to break even?
Currently, I hit the range about once every couple of months. I'm interested in reloading primarily 9x19mm Para, 9x18mm Makarov, 9x17mm Short, .38 Special, and 32 auto. Not really into the long gun stuff.
My motive is to reload for fun, to offset some of the sky high prices for factory ammo, and maybe hit the range a bit more often.
So... Is it really worth it for me?

Thanks in advance for you input!

 

[Eric F]

depends on your volume of ammunition. For me I shoot 38 super(expensive) 30 remington(non existant) and 50-90 sharps(upwards of $5 per bullet) so I give you this:

Take your volume and figure out a price for that volume based on factory ammo, Then figure your cost to reload using a rough guess on powder brass(but you should have been saving your spent shells any way) primers and bullets.

After all of that if you can reload for even 20% less than factory its worth it. Get a lee cast turet press, it will last for ever and load any rifle you might get into later. Dies are cheapest through lee but every one has a prefrence.

BTW if you really want to have fun with variables load your 38specials with black powder.

 

[Hesenwine]

Reloading will save you a little money over the long haul but you need to decide what your time's worth.

Start-up costs can be low or atrocious - it's all up to you.

Since you only go to the range every couple months, it probably isn't worth it to you.

I, on the other hand, spend several days a week at the range in good weather and lots fewer in the winter and I have "all the goodies" to reload pistol/rifle in several calibers. I haven't used store-bought ammo in years.

I guess you don't buy a Hummer if you're concerned about gas mileage. To each their own

 

[kimbernut]

reload?

Yes! While the 9mm's are ignored by many reloaders in the past I believe many will begin reloading them because shortages may be with us for a while yet. Several of my friends who do not reload are having to limit their range trips because of availability. One friend just ordered 100 rounds of .45 Colt premium ammo and paid over $100 with shipping. I could have reloaded the same ammo for about $35/100. Although the savings aren't anywhere near as much on 9mm you will be able to shoot more by reloading. That is,of course, if you can find the components.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Is it worth it is a good question. I got into it for accuracy and quality control reasons not cost reasons, and I enjoy it. If it were cheaper to buy my ammo I'd still reload because I know what my loads will always do in my guns (relatively speaking). I shoot often, but not many rounds each time or even at the same distance, I am constantly checking different things whether it be the shooting position, windy conditions, rain, heat, snow, cold, early morning light, late evening light etc.

If you enjoy being in a little shop concentrating yourself at repetitive tasks and messing with things that go boom then yes it is worth it.

 

[Wildyams]

http://www.thehighroad.org/files/reload99.zip

here are some interesting spreadsheets to look at. do a little research and find out what you need to buy, then you can just plug the numbers in and it gives you an idea how long it will take you to pay off.

It also all depends on how long you plan to shoot for. I for one, rarely get the chance to shoot, but I'm still young and have a lot of time ahead of me for shooting and reloading. I invested in a nice RCBS Rockchucker press that should last me a very long time and sooner or later I will pay it off with my savings.

and here is another thread that might answer some more questions - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=18835

 

[smokey262]

If you enjoy being in a little shop concentrating yourself at repetitive tasks and messing with things that go boom then yes it is worth it.

I agree 100% with this. A man should know if this sort of work is his cup o' tea before he spends his first dime on reloading tools and such. If you are honest with yourself and do not have the ability to concentrate on details then maybe its not for you. Mistakes made due to short attention spans can hurt you or those around you

 

[longdayjake]

reloading does not save money. It just gives you more bullets for the same money. At first I started reloading for the cost benefit, but now I do it for the consistency and accuracy that I get. After shooting 1 years worth of handloads you will never go back to factory ammo. Unless of course you suck at it.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Forgot to add to my earlier post, add hours upon hours of sitting at a computer researching load data (if you have a few ballistics programs on your computer), studying and comparing ballistics charts, reading loading manuals, reading them again, testing, testing, testing, comparing ballistics charts again, testing again.......

Then again I am loading for speed and long range accuracy while a pistol loader may not be doing this quite so much.

 

[NCsmitty]

Monetarily, it's definitely worth it.
You just have to decide whether you have the discipline to do the tedious things necessary to develop and use your own ammo. The outlay for equipment, and learning to use the different pieces of equipment can be daunting for some.
If you have the resolve and curiosity to perhaps develop loads surpassing what you are using now, then yes, it's worth it.
It's certainly not something to do half-a$$ed.

NCsmitty

 

[jfrey]

In todays economy and diminishing supply of ammo, I found it definately worth the effort to reload my ammo. I started last year and loaded over 10,000 rounds. With factory ammo going for .30 to .50 per round, I am loading for.16 per round. I figure I paid for all my equipment about twice in the first year, just in the savings.

On the other hand, will you save any money? NO! You will inevitably start to shoot more and load more and the cycle goes on. I used to go buy one box and go out and shoot it and be through. Now, I shoot 2,3, or 4 boxes every weekend, and think nothing of it. It still costs less than a round of golf.

You can definately save money reloading, it depends on exactly how much you want to save.

 

[orionengnr]

Lots of honest answers here.

I don't know much about 9x18, but .380 has gone through the roof lately. One can reload all of the calibers you mentioned for a reasonable cost, if you want to make the initial outlay for the dies, etc.

Depending on how much you shoot, you can definitely save money...or spend a whole lot more on dies, components, etc. (that's what I have done).

 

[Furncliff]

I started a year ago. Bought a progresive loader used at a gun show. I'm sure it's cheaper, but as someone here once said it becomes another hobby un-to itself. I found I enjoy researching loads and figuring out best bullet weight and shape. If I were to offer any advice I'd say give it a try. Worse case you don't enjoy it, you can always sell the stuff you have accumulated. And... buy used if you can.

 

[matrem]

how much shooting would I need to do to break even?

ONE round!There's far more to "loadin our own" than most/all that don't do it ,can understand.
And.. Even today,you'll save a bit of money, have more fun,and a lot more pride in what you're shooting.

 

[lgbloader]

You just have to decide whether you have the discipline to do the tedious things necessary

Yup.

LGB

 

[Retooferab]

I just loaded my first batch a week ago. I couldn't wait to get to the range and when I did it was incredable how much better my gun shot. I enjoyed the loading but it made it all the better after shooting them. Now the loading is just as much fun as the shooting ,not to mention the satisfaction of shooting your own loads. I would definately start loading.

 

[tasco 74]

Y e s........................

every dedicated shooter should reload..........................................

 

[FROGO207]

I helped my grandfather reload when I was just a 9 year old, now more than 40 years later I reload over 25 different types of centerfire ammo! Got ahold of an old 30 carbine years ago, soon after started reloading on my own. Now some time later I find that after purchasing a ruger blackhawlk in 30 carbine that the new challenge is to short load (this is dangerous if not done properly) so that at 25 feet the 110 grain lead bullet will just penetrate a single layer of cardboard and not go any deeper. Also have to avoid the bullet sticking in the barrel, also dangerous. Before attempting this, research squib loads. This is the term for what I am describing. I find that you can watch the bullet as it travels to the target it is going so slow sometimes.

 

[ants]

At this very moment, good luck.

Go surf through some online suppliers web sites, or go visit your local store. Equipment and components are on a panic run right now. You won't be able to start up your new hobby until things level out and supplies are available.

 

[dacavasi]

+1 to ants.

Every single source I know of has ZERO primers in stock, and dies are so hit-or-miss you may need to wait months to find the more popular calibers...

 

[qajaq59]

Strangely enough I asked that same question back in the 60s, and I'm still loading my own. Loading is fun and it's educational. And if you're picky, and do it right, you'll be surprised how well it shoots.

Also, when you do get into loading for the long guns, just wait till you drop a hog or a deer on the first shot with your own load. Then you'll really have your answer whether it is worthwhile or not.

 

[Eric F]

Every single source I know of has ZERO primers in stock, and dies are so hit-or-miss you may need to wait months to find the more popular calibers...

What? Dies hard to find? Since when? Midway has most in stock today, if not there then graffs, I find the odd calibers are hit and miss. Primers well I didnt have any problem 2 months ago when I bought my years suply but at ladst check they had 3 cases left selling individual packs now.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I shoot several thousand 40 S&W rounds every year, so its most definitely worth it to me. We're talkin 6$/box versus $15-20/box, do the math on that.

 

[X-Rap]

Yea it pays. Excluding brass which you can either scrounge or have to buy if you shoot factory, most lead pistol loads run .10 - .20 per rd. and add .05 - .10 for good jacketed bulk bullets.
My greatest savings is in the 338-378 Weatherby. Factory loads are $100 - $120 per 20 while brass is $45 - $60 I have 5 loads on 1 box and no signs of trouble so $10 per box on brass plus .90 for primers $20 for bullets and $7 for powder.
So for under $40 I can load saving $60 - $80 per box using top quality components.

 

[marsofold]

Until the primer shortage situation eases, I couldn't recommend reloading to anyone. No point to having the equipment if you have to scrounge all over to find any components. When Midway has Winchester small rifle primers in stock for over a week straight, then go for it...