Questions on Costs of handloading. PLEASE READ -Updated Apr 22

[Johnny Guest]

Questions on Costs of handloading. PLEASE READ

Hi, everyone - - -
Another moderator, Steve Smith, has brought to my attention that a recurrent theme in Handloading & Reloading forum has to do with the economy of the activity. In an attempt to make this forum a little more efficient, and to provide a compilation of this type information, I’m trying an experiment.

Each time this general topic comes up, I will merge it with the others of the type. The running title will be, “Economics of handloading - - Compiled Threads,†simply because this is most descriptive. That thread is to be found at
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18821&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
A general SEARCH using a number of terms should bring the searcher to either the post you’re now reading, or to the compiled thread.

economics
savings
how much can I save
costs of handloading
costs of reloading
cost per box

As of this moment, 17 APR 2003, I’ve only gone back 75 days, and the thread will comprise the following:

Economics of handloading
started by TheLastBoyScout on April 12, 2003

Would reloading be worthwhile for me?
started by JPoe on March 11, 2003

How Much Can You Save By Reloading .45 ACP?
started by cslinger on April 17, 2003

Other related topics, such as requests for specific cartridge load information, will be left separate. Please let me know what you think of this procedure–either by post reply, e-mail, or private message. We strive to please! If this works out, I may do something similar with the “Newbie Question†and “Getting started in loading†topics.

Best,
Johnny Guest
Moderator, THR H&R Forum

 

[Steve Smith]

I'd like to permanently attact a ZIP file of an AWESOME spreadsheet. Does anyone know how I can do this?

 

[Poodleshooter]

Steve,
Have you tried posting a reply, then attaching the file in the "attach file" section right below the "Options" field? It claims that zip extensions are available for download, so that should work provided the zipped file is small enough.

One of the hardest things for newbies to learn about is the actual cost of components. They ask "how cheap can I reload", and we give them a spreadsheet that requires cost of components, but usually don't tell them where to get components cheap!
If we had both the spreadsheet and a list of vendors,I think that would be really helpful.

 

[JohnK]

Sounds good Johnny. What about also making it sticky so it's always on top? That would (hopefully) keep people from starting new threads if the combined one dropps off the font page.

 

[Steve Smith]

Hmm, I can't get it to go either.

I want to thank Significent for this spreadsheet. Its really worthwhile. Also, welcome to THR!

Here's that vendor list.

http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.brunoshooters.com/catalo...g_frameset.html
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
http://www.grafs.com/
http://www.lockstock.com/
http://www.natchezss.com/
http://www.leeprecision.com/
http://www.tntreloading.com/
http://www.tntreloading.com/index2.ivnu
http://www.fmreloading.com/
http://www.kinneman.com/catalog/whole_catalog.html
http://www.neconos.com/
http://www.wideners.com/
http://www.atozreloading.com/indexns.html
http://www.sinclairintl.com/
http://www.snowcrest.net/oldwest/
http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/linksammo.htm
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/main.htm
http://www.wholesalehunter.com/product/search.htm
http://www.starlinebrass.com/
http://www.blue-star-inc.com/
http://www.bhshooters.com/
http://www.gibrass.com/
http://www.southernbellebrass.com/contact.htm
http://ammunition-reloading.virtualave.net/products.htm
http://www.reloadingcentral.com/
http://www.georgiaprecision.com/order.htm
http://www.customreloads.com/
http://www.tyko.com/
http://www.huntingtons.com/
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/
http://www.precisionreloading.com/
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
https://www.midwayusa.com/prodsearch.dll/category
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.midwayusa.com/home.html
http://www.cabelas.com/texis/script...bFALL1998AAAnAA
http://www.gamaliel.com/
http://www.rmss.com/
http://www.championshooters.com/
http://www.pla-net.net/~rcomer/ammo.htm
http://www.buffaloarms.com/baco2.htm#39
http://www.z-hat.com/Cylinder.htm
Bullet manufacturer
http://missoula.bigsky.net/western/
http://www.proshootpro.com/
http://www.bonusbullets.com/
http://www.castperformance.com/Default.htm
http://www.castperformance.com/
http://www.carrollbullets.com/
http://www.laser-cast.com/
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/index.htm
http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/
http://www.scharch.com/r-bullets.htm
http://www.nationalbullet.com/
http://www.shooterstore.com/acb/web..._ID=345&DID=108
http://hometown.aol.com/lishsu/home.html
http://hometown.aol.com/lishsu/home.html
http://www.phoenixbullet.com/products.htm
http://www.mkcb.com/
http://www.precisionbullets.com/products.html
http://www.NWARMS.com/
http://www.magnusbullets.com/index.html
http://www.westcoastbullet.com/#products
http://www.bergerbullets.com/faq.htm
http://www.hornady.com/
http://www.nosler.com/
http://www.speer-bullets.com/
http://www.sierrabullets.com/
http://www.barnesbullets.com/
http://www.jdcomponents.com/prices/prices.html
http://www.maadigriffin.com/
http://www.theshop.net/chas/sureshot/products.htm
http://www.neihandtools.com/
http://www.beast-enterprises.com/slugs.html
http://benchrest.com/bib/proven.html
surplus powder
http://www.zcr.com/hitech
http://web.mountain.net/~kneiper/surpow.htm
http://powdervalleyinc.com/
http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html
http://www.chestnutridge.com/products/brass.asp
http://www.alabamaammo.com/
used brass
http://www.turngray.com/
http://www.southernbellebrass.com/rifle.htm
http://www.cheyennebrass.com/
http://www.scharch.com/
die manufacturor
http://www.leeprecision.com/
http://www.hornady.com/
http://www.rcbs.com/
http://lewilson.com/About_L_E__Wils..._e__wilson.html
http://www.neiljones.com/
http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/main.htm
http://www.reddingreloading.com/

 

[echo3mike]

I like the idea of floating the FAQ kind of questions, or at least having an area dedicated to those questions that seem to pop up frequently.

Keeps folks from typing "DO A SEARCH" every few visits!

S.

BTW: thanks for the links Steve 'n crew!

 

[BigG]

I think it's a good idea. Thanks!

 

[yankytrash]

Might want to add, for THR's sake, that any vendors wanting to add themselves to Steve's post above can PM Steve with a link to their website (and a reminder of this thread's location: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18835). I'm sure, being a mod, he can indefinitely add information to that post. Can't forget that there's lotsa smaller companies out there that might've gotten overlooked.

If I may be so bold as to speak for THR for this moment, we don't want to appear that we play favorites around here. Any praise/grievences on specific vendors are easily posted in other areas of the forums.

Also for THR's sake, that'll be the only time I speak on behalf of THR.

For copy and paste, a short but to-the-point form letter could be as follows:

Steve,

Please add my website, http://www.mysite.com, to the list of reloading supply vendors/manufacturers located at http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18835 under the category of "xxxxx".

Thank you,

Mr reloadin vendor

 

[Steve Smith]

any vendors wanting to add themselves to Steve's post above can PM Steve with a link to their website

Hey, how about asking me if I'd mind doing that first!

No, I don't mind, as long as its just a few a week or whatever.

Steve

 

[SodaPop]

Where were you guys when I first started reloading? Your a little late

Think about all the stress I've had in my life because you guys didn't think of this 7yrs ago.

 

[yzguy]

I have hung around here in other areas, but recently decided I may get into reloading for accuracy with my new .308 bolt action.

My point is has anyone thought of maybe adding to this one (or creating a new sticky) with some of the how to, or what do I need stuf? I'm sure it's all here, and possibly a link to a faq page on a reloading site might do...

I'm just now starting my research (to see what exactly I need, and how much it will cost for the equipment not just the cases, bullets, and powder) and thought that something like this may be a helpfull sticky as well. (I know I can look up prices for everything with the above links, but what EXACTLY do I NEED to get started?? and what is just extra stuff that is cool, or maybe makes things quicker.)

edit:
this page is a good start:
http://rcbs.com/guide/printsteps.html

another decent link:
http://www.huntingnut.com/reloading.html

 

[Steve Smith]

I think this is a good idea. Its up to Johnny if he wants it as a separate thread or just alter the title of this one.

I'll start, I reckon.

#1 Don't get into reloading if you just want to save money. Chances are great that you'll spend just as much as you already do on ammo, but you'll shoot a lot more. Either that or you'll go off the deep end (like may of us) and start experimenting with expensive components to see what will happen "if."

#2, Don't do it if you aren't a careful person...I like my head and cranium accessories where they are, thank you. Hmm, maybe this oughtta be #1, oh well too late now.

#3, Don't do this if you always have to have the "most" of something. Loading to max can be fun if you are very careful, but it does wear on guns and you can make a mistake and blow yourself or a loved one to pieces. I take my own safety as less important than other's. Thinking about my reloads hurting someone I care about is a good sanity check for me. Do whatever you have to to be safe.

#4 DO get into reloading if you want to complete the circle of shooting. Reloading has increased my shooting enjoyment at least 5 TIMES that of what it was before I re/handloaded. Shooting is much more fulfilling now.

#5 DO get into reloading if you are the type that cannot be satisfied with "accurate enough."

#6 DO get into reloading if you are thinking about shooting competitively. There is no way most competitors can purchase enough ammo to supply their needs.


Things you need (incomplete, I'm sure that other members will add to the list):

Press
Dies
Scale
Bullet Puller
Calipers that measure to .001"
Way to clean brass

For Rifle:
Bullet lube
Case Trimmer

This is just a start and with no descriptions. Hopefully we can flesh this out in a week or so.

FWIW, Johnny and I have been talking and we will work on a thread for this topic. Don't expect a finished product in the next hour, though.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Progressive Reloader Group List

Anyone with a Progressive Reloader is welcome to read my web site Star Reloaders Discussion and Support Group

We discuss Lead poisioning prevention, quality of the components fed to our reloaders, competition loads, quality of bullet molds, bullet lubes and other things of interest are in our archives readable by anyone. We have owners of Star Reloaders, Star lubersizers, C-H Auto Champs, RCBS Green Machines.

http://www.topica.com/lists/StarReloadersGroup

John Paul

 

[winwun]

A dedicated site for the economics of loading is a great idea.

A note to newbie loaders: most persons start out loading for economy, but the agenda quickly changes to versatility and/or improved performance. The economy is still there, but it isn't the prime consideration, that's all. The .38 you load for 3.5 cents is generally not going to perform as well as the .38 that cost you .10 or .11 cents. (or more)