It's worth it to me
I live on an island in Alaska, where currently one 50 round box of Federal American Eagle costs $29!
That is .58 per round! I reload my own using the following components:
Missouri lead 230gr round nose ball bullets: $78.00/1000 + $10.85 shipping
Large Pistol Primers: Locally cost $39.00/1000
Bullseye Powder: Locally $22.95
45ACP brass: Initially purchased 1000 Once fired from Gunbroker $60 shipped
Total Cost to reload 1000 rounds:
$204.24 or
.21 per round
The above numbers were the initial start up cost and have subsequently dropped because i re-use my brass. Taking the cost of the brass away my loaded rounds now cost me:
$144.24 or
.15 per round
Using the above reference of $29 per box of 50 American Eagle ammo it would cost me
$580/1000
I realize that everyone is not in the situation that i'm in and will have less of a savings between reloaded vs factory ammo. Like many have said before, reloading does not save you any money in the long run because you will find yourself shooting more because you can reload more ammo for the same price.
You can spend as little or as much on equipment as you want, just like any hobby. Using lee equipment will load the same quality of ammo as a Dillon 550 press, but the Lee equipment may not load at the speed of the Dillon. I personally use a lee 4 hole turret press for all of my reloading. I use RCBS dies because of personal choice, no other reason and use an RCBS Little Dandy Pistol Powder Measure. I reload because i enjoy the peaceful time alone in the garage listening to music and creating a finished product with my hands. I reload when i want to and don't force myself to reload if i'm not in the mood. I believe in quality vs quantity. I reload mostly in the winter months when the winter storms prevent me from hunting or shooting.
Only you can determine if your time is worth the effort
Chicken-Farmer
