I have never reloaded. However, I have heard some people say that it is worth it while others deny that claim. So, how much can I expect to save if I reload each of the following: .40 SW, .45 GAP, .357 mag, .30-06, .308, .223, and 3.5" 12 gauge? Also, what all do I need to start reloading? What equipment, what do I need for the actual, rounds, etc.? I should mention that the rounds, with the exception of the .30-06, .308, and 12 gauge will be used for plinking and I am looking for the cheapest deal possible. Thank.
Is reloading really worth it?
- Thread starter marineman
- Start date
- Status
BullsEye10x
Member
Using premium components (jacketed bullets, quality powder and primers) I can load .38 and .357 for about $7 per box (50). That's while getting bullets in bulk and buying small amounts of powder/primers locally. If someone can tell me where to buy equal quality factory ammo at that price today, I'll put my reloading stuff up for sale.
Is it worth it? Depends on how much you shoot, and if you like taking the time to make your own ammunition. I spent less than $250 for a complete setup. With my current burn rate of 300-400 rounds per month, it will have paid for itself in a few months (even sooner if I start loading multiple calibers).
Is it worth it? Depends on how much you shoot, and if you like taking the time to make your own ammunition. I spent less than $250 for a complete setup. With my current burn rate of 300-400 rounds per month, it will have paid for itself in a few months (even sooner if I start loading multiple calibers).
1) Handgun ammo costs me about half of retail. Rifle ammo is an even better deal. If I were more willing to shop for cheap components I'd save even more money, but at some point you have to put a "pricetag" on your time.
2) I've never loaded for shotgun, but I looked into it pretty carefully at one time. IIRC, reloaded ammo would have been MORE expensive than what I was buying. Most of my reloading would have been for trap and skeet, for which I used promo ammo (the crap that's way cheaper than anything else).
3) For a list of equipment/information/advice, see the stickies in H & R.
I got the Rockchucker Supreme from RCBS. Nice deal. There are some things you have to buy beyond the kit... shell holders, trimmer, tumbler, another manual, more shell holders, ammo trays, etc.
I don't really save any money cuz I just shoot more. I do, however, like the idea of knowing how to do it. Nothing wrong with adding an additional skill.
2) I've never loaded for shotgun, but I looked into it pretty carefully at one time. IIRC, reloaded ammo would have been MORE expensive than what I was buying. Most of my reloading would have been for trap and skeet, for which I used promo ammo (the crap that's way cheaper than anything else).
3) For a list of equipment/information/advice, see the stickies in H & R.
I got the Rockchucker Supreme from RCBS. Nice deal. There are some things you have to buy beyond the kit... shell holders, trimmer, tumbler, another manual, more shell holders, ammo trays, etc.
I don't really save any money cuz I just shoot more. I do, however, like the idea of knowing how to do it. Nothing wrong with adding an additional skill.
I hardly ever shoot the 12 gauge, so let's only worry about the rifle and pistol rounds. I am most concerned about .223. What are all the supplies that I need for a complete reloading set? From my understanding, I will need brass, primers, powder, and bullets for the actual cartridges. What kind of powder, primers, etc. should I get? I have plenty of time. How many times can I reuse .223 brass? Also, I heard that you have to trim the brass. I will be shooting it from an AR. Thanks.
Reloading shot for a 12 is break even at best, now reloading for my 16ga is money saving, but not much.( last couple years of lead prices going thru the roof killed the cost savings)
Pistol rounds, comparing simlar loads, you really don't save that much, 25% if your lucky( plinking ammo) Now if you start shooting lead vs jacked bullets, you will save around 50%
Rifle, if you have a rare chambering, you will save money, but most do it for accuracy rather then money.
Pistol rounds, comparing simlar loads, you really don't save that much, 25% if your lucky( plinking ammo) Now if you start shooting lead vs jacked bullets, you will save around 50%
Rifle, if you have a rare chambering, you will save money, but most do it for accuracy rather then money.
DaveInFloweryBranchGA
Member
I cast my own pistol bullets using wheel weights. I also cast some of my rifle bullets. My cost on pistol cartridges is less than 2 bucks a box of fifty. My cost on rifle depends on who makes the bullets, me or someone else. If I use full metal jacket, the cost goes up a good bit, but the accuracy of the cartridges is far superior to most factory ammo, as I'm custom loading for each rifle I own matching the ammo to the firearm.
I have gotten to the point I hate using the factory ammo for most firearms, as it just isn't accurate enough to satisfy me.
Cost is cheaper to some extent, but I shoot so much more I can't tell the difference in what I spend. On the other hand, I also enjoy reloading, so I gained another hobby when it's too wet, cold, nasty or whatever to go shooting or fishing.
Regards,
Dave
I have gotten to the point I hate using the factory ammo for most firearms, as it just isn't accurate enough to satisfy me.
Cost is cheaper to some extent, but I shoot so much more I can't tell the difference in what I spend. On the other hand, I also enjoy reloading, so I gained another hobby when it's too wet, cold, nasty or whatever to go shooting or fishing.
Regards,
Dave
Selfdfenz
Member
Reloading for me = spend the same amount of money but shoot more & better quality/more consistant ammo in many different platforms. In each case the load is custom made for my firearm.
Then there are the other things. I can order a fairly hefty bundle of reloading supplies over the I-net and poof...in 3-4 days the nice man in the brown or white truck hands'em to me on my porch. Cost $16 dollars. Time I spent ordering say 1-2 hours, but more like 10 minutes.
Alternative. Shop in town for factory ammo or even components, make several trips, pay high prices and perhaps still not have what I was looking for. Pretty much the same for gunshows in this area. Time I spend min. 1/2 day but more like parts of several days over several weeks.
Gas is nearly $4/gal. You can do the math.
JMHumbleO but rather than ask for information that may or may not be 100% accurate no matter how well intentioned, why don't you:
-Try the search function
-Pick up a couple of the more popular reloading manuals and begin your education for real.
I hope I don't come off as an a-- but the questions you are asking cannot be adequately answered in this venue. Also consult the stickies.
S-
Then there are the other things. I can order a fairly hefty bundle of reloading supplies over the I-net and poof...in 3-4 days the nice man in the brown or white truck hands'em to me on my porch. Cost $16 dollars. Time I spent ordering say 1-2 hours, but more like 10 minutes.
Alternative. Shop in town for factory ammo or even components, make several trips, pay high prices and perhaps still not have what I was looking for. Pretty much the same for gunshows in this area. Time I spend min. 1/2 day but more like parts of several days over several weeks.
Gas is nearly $4/gal. You can do the math.
JMHumbleO but rather than ask for information that may or may not be 100% accurate no matter how well intentioned, why don't you:
-Try the search function
-Pick up a couple of the more popular reloading manuals and begin your education for real.
I hope I don't come off as an a-- but the questions you are asking cannot be adequately answered in this venue. Also consult the stickies.
S-
mlw332
Member
the 223 load i am loading now is costing about $14 per100. thats using once fired brass cci primer imr powder and 50gr vmax.
If it's just a matter of cost savings, forget it.
If you're making your decision based upon how much money you will save, forget it. It ain't for you.
It takes a ton of dedication, personal interest, curiosity, hard work, innovation, experimentation, and a desire to improve things that are already performing acceptably but you might able to make them perform beautifully. You must also be willing to be careful and disciplined so you don't blow yourself up.
Never do it for the money. Do it because it's the next logical extension of your shooting hobby.
If you're making your decision based upon how much money you will save, forget it. It ain't for you.
It takes a ton of dedication, personal interest, curiosity, hard work, innovation, experimentation, and a desire to improve things that are already performing acceptably but you might able to make them perform beautifully. You must also be willing to be careful and disciplined so you don't blow yourself up.
Never do it for the money. Do it because it's the next logical extension of your shooting hobby.
No, just leave your brass on the ground, or better yet, put it back in the box before you place it in the garbage can. I'll take it from there.
I think ants covered it very well. Don't do it for the money, do it for an extension of a hobby that you already enjoy.
jeepmor
I think ants covered it very well. Don't do it for the money, do it for an extension of a hobby that you already enjoy.
jeepmor
zxcvbob
Member
ants, I agree with you, but if you shoot a .45 Colt, .44 Special, or 10mm, it's worth it just for the money you'll save.
I reload for all the reasons you listed, but also because that's the only way I can afford to shoot my .45 and be able to enjoy it. Paying almost $1 per round takes all the fun out of shooting it. And I can reload better ammo for about 5¢ per shot.
I reload for all the reasons you listed, but also because that's the only way I can afford to shoot my .45 and be able to enjoy it. Paying almost $1 per round takes all the fun out of shooting it. And I can reload better ammo for about 5¢ per shot.
Agreed , and I'll add 357 and 44 Mag , would not be shooting either one if it were not for reloading. It was the 1980s the last time I ever bought factory 44 Mag ammo
A real big savings is loading precision or match rifle loads. As example - the Federal Gold Medal .223 with the Sierra 69 MatchKing is $27.93 for 20 rounds in the latest Midsouth catalog. I can load the same bullet for considerably less and seat the bullet to the length which works best in my particular rifle.
So is it worth it to me? You bet , without reloading my 22lr or pellet guns would be the only guns I could afford to shoot.
Then there is the great satisfaction of firing a fantastic group , target or score with ammo you assembled yourself.
fecmech
Member
You will not save a penny by reloading! You will reduce your per round cost dramatically and you will shoot one hell of a lot. Take it from a guy with 3 metallic presses(2 progessive) 2 progressive shotshell presses,1500+ lbs of lead in his garage,a casting furnace, over a dozen 4 and 6 cavity moulds,2 lubrisizers, too many cases to count and on and on. Get the picture. I enjoy the whole process, casting ,loading and shooting. It's a great hobby but no money saver.
Encoreman
Member
Hey Marine, I strongly urge you to learn to properly reload. It is a worthwhile hobby and safer than cutting the grass. Yes after you reload for awhile, depending how much you shoot, you will break even. After that you are reloading some "cheap-accurate ammo". Just put the pencil to some 30/30 I loaded with 150gr JRN $5.64 for 20 rounds. Next time you go to wallyworld do a price check. You do the math! Mac
Otto
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 2,355
If you're starting from scratch, figure spending $1000 for a progressive setup or $500 or a single stage.
Most people here have far more invested than that in their tools.
To get a decent supply of primers, powder and bullets, plan on spending another $1000.
Most people here have far more invested than that in their tools.
To get a decent supply of primers, powder and bullets, plan on spending another $1000.
Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
I started reloading to save money. I opened a can of worms. Truth be told, if you don't increase your shooting habits (and get into casting) you'll save tons. Odds are, you'll shoot 4 times as much and be way better at it than you are.
If it's a rainy day and I can't shoot, I can research and work up a new load. Thus I remain closer to the hobby than I could otherwise.
If it's a rainy day and I can't shoot, I can research and work up a new load. Thus I remain closer to the hobby than I could otherwise.
So, if I would like to get into reloading, what all do I need as far as equipment. Post links if possible. Also, I don't quite know how much powder I would need for so many rounds of .223 or what kind of powder. Please let me know. I will do some pencil pushing and make an educated decision if it is something I would like to pursue. Thanks for the replies so far.
[email protected]
member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2007
- Messages
- 85
you can save reloading your own loads, but its not about saving money when you reload its about load quality. the only way you will save is if shoot enough to justifiy it. myself i reload only because i can tailor the loads for my guns to be more accurate.
coloradokevin
Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2008
- Messages
- 3,285
TAB said:
I dunno TAB, 25-50% off retail is hardly something to sneeze at!
By the way, I ran some numbers for .45 GAP ammo the other day (thinking of throwing it into my reloading mix).
Anyway, current boxed factory ammo cost is $24.50/50rds of cheap stuff where I live.
I figure I can reload it for no more than $10-10.80/50 rds using store bought jacketed bullets (depending on how heavy I load, and how many times I cycle the brass).
That's a huge savings over factory ammo!
mlw332
Member
marineman,
i have been buying locally.
i have been buying locally.
BoilerUP
Member
I loaded my first 22-250 reloads for about $65, which included a used gun show Lee Loader for $10, a Lee reloading manual for $16, a pound of Win 760 powder, 200 large rifle primers, 100 Remington 55gr soft point bullets and some Lee case lube.
I supplied my own 1x6 board and dead-blow hammer, and it took me about an hour to do those first 16 reloads (only brass I had).
Somehow I managed to get some decent groups with those loads. Got even better accuracy with a few 40 and 55gr V-Max bullets that were given to me. Satisfaction level went through the roof.
I've since bought a Lee Challenger Press, Perfect Powder Measure, 22-250 Deluxe rifle dies, 243 RGB dies, 243 case length gage, a pound of Varget, more primers, .224 A-Max and V-Max bullets and .243 100gr Interlock bullets. I'm trying VERY hard to pick up a few items each month to stay within my monthly budget...my next dies will probably be 270 RGB, followed by 223 and 260 Pacesetter.
I'm completely hooked on reloading. I shot 80+ reloads out of the 22-250 this weekend, and found a couple loads I'm going to develop further. Still learning a lot and have a lot more to learn, but that's part of the fun.
Besides, the wife doesn't bother me when I'm in the basement now at the workbench!
I supplied my own 1x6 board and dead-blow hammer, and it took me about an hour to do those first 16 reloads (only brass I had).
Somehow I managed to get some decent groups with those loads. Got even better accuracy with a few 40 and 55gr V-Max bullets that were given to me. Satisfaction level went through the roof.
I've since bought a Lee Challenger Press, Perfect Powder Measure, 22-250 Deluxe rifle dies, 243 RGB dies, 243 case length gage, a pound of Varget, more primers, .224 A-Max and V-Max bullets and .243 100gr Interlock bullets. I'm trying VERY hard to pick up a few items each month to stay within my monthly budget...my next dies will probably be 270 RGB, followed by 223 and 260 Pacesetter.
I'm completely hooked on reloading. I shot 80+ reloads out of the 22-250 this weekend, and found a couple loads I'm going to develop further. Still learning a lot and have a lot more to learn, but that's part of the fun.
Besides, the wife doesn't bother me when I'm in the basement now at the workbench!
Encoreman
Member
Marine, I just ran some quick numbers on .223 55gr fmj using 23.5 gr of IMR-4895 I can load 1000 for $180.00 using brass I already had. There is 7000 grains in 1lb. of powder just divide by number of grains you load the particular round and this will give you a ballpark # you can load with 1 lb. the load above figures 297 rounds per pound. Thanks Mac
- Status
