Reloading For G21 .45

[Ben Russell]

I am looking at doing some reloading for my .45 G21 and i was wondering what you all think about the cost and the time. If it is worth it or is it better to just go out and buy your ammo.
I mostly need ammo for practicing for duty carrie because all other ammo is supplied. Ie qualifications and what not. But i do like to shoot more then every 6 months that we have qualifications.
So let me hear what you guys have to say on the topic.

 

[trickyasafox]

I would say yes reloading is worth it, but i find it an enjoyable hobby. cost of equipment is conversely proportional to the amount of time you want to spend assembling the ammuntion.

IE sure you can reload for about 35 bucks, but it'll also take you all of a good hour to get a 50 round box of ammo.

spend 250-300 bucks, and now your kicking out over 300 rounds per hour once your confident in the process, figure about a third of that till your comfortable.

 

[BsChoy]

definitely worth it...45 is getting expensive. I use Ranier 230 fmj's over 4.5 of reddot. 1 lb will get me about 1400 rounds and 1000 bullets cost 50-60.00 on a snafu from midway last year. Its easier than rifle reloading and just as fun.

 

[strat81]

Definitely. .45ACP is an easy and forgiving round to load for and the economics of loading for it are good.

If you are a low-medium volume shooter, get a Lee Classic Turret press. I can do about 200 rounds per hour with mine. If you are a high volume shooter, get a progressive. A friend has a Dillon 550 and is doing 400-500 per hour, IIRC.

 

[evan price]

Rainier 230 RN .45s are about 9 cents each, plus 2.5 cents for a primer and a penny for powder, that's 12.5 cents each, that's $6.25 per box of 50, roughly half the price of WWB or equivalent.
If you go to hardcast lead 230 RNs for about a nickle apiece, buy your primers on discount for 2 cents each and your powder is still a penny, that's 8 cents per round, or roughly $4 a box, and no way can you find .45 for less than three times that.