Potatohead
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If "handloading saves money"- I wish someone would let my credit card bill know! It's apparently unaware..
Save Money Reloading Handgun Ammo?
- Thread starter Tallball
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I find reloading to be a rewarding hobby on it's own, that just happens to support another hobby. Yeah, I save money per box, and depending on caliber sometimes a lot of money, but the satisfaction of creating reliable accurate ammo customized to the firearm is very rewarding.
jwrowland77
Member
Too add to this...as a hunter, I find nothing as rewarding as working on a load for my rifles, finding a load, then using that load to take my game. It's a great sense of accomplishment to go from the beginning making a load then taking game with that load you made with your own two hands.
mstreddy
Member
OP, check out this post: 74 in this thread on "feasibility of saving money loading 9MM"
A lot of further answers to your questions, but I'll add to the loading for "unusual" calibers as well.
If it wouldn't be for reloading I wouldn't have been able to shoot my:
6.5x55 Swede
6.5x50 Jap
7.7x59 Jap
Try finding
30-40 Krag
and a few others.
In 9MM I can load a box of 50 rounds for around $5. 380 for around $4.50, 45 ACP for around $6.50.
45 Colt -- mentioned above is quite the savings.
One other point -- during this latest long lasting panic -- how was finding ammo on the shelves at your favorite supplier? I had plenty of 9MM, 45 ACP, 380, 38 Spcl, 357 Mag, etc... all on my bench and shelf.
That is what reloading is all about for me.
A lot of further answers to your questions, but I'll add to the loading for "unusual" calibers as well.
If it wouldn't be for reloading I wouldn't have been able to shoot my:
6.5x55 Swede
6.5x50 Jap
7.7x59 Jap
Try finding
30-40 Krag
and a few others.
In 9MM I can load a box of 50 rounds for around $5. 380 for around $4.50, 45 ACP for around $6.50.
45 Colt -- mentioned above is quite the savings.
One other point -- during this latest long lasting panic -- how was finding ammo on the shelves at your favorite supplier? I had plenty of 9MM, 45 ACP, 380, 38 Spcl, 357 Mag, etc... all on my bench and shelf.
That is what reloading is all about for me.
If I don't count my time, reloading saves some money. More importantly, it lets me make what I want when I want/need it. It's the same with fly tying.
If your only consideration is financial impact, I suggest that it would make more sense to take a part time job during the holidays. That money will easily be more than the price differential of factory vs hand loads for the casual shooter.
If your only consideration is financial impact, I suggest that it would make more sense to take a part time job during the holidays. That money will easily be more than the price differential of factory vs hand loads for the casual shooter.
another pake
Member
For me, reloading is a pleasant diversion.
Lots of annoying, unpleasantries in my life where I have no control.
This isn't one of them.
Lots of annoying, unpleasantries in my life where I have no control.
This isn't one of them.
Crashbox
Member
I find reloading to be satisfying, almost therapeutic at times. There's just SOMETHING about producing your own ammunition that is very rewarding.
But as far as cost savings go- there is no doubt I save money loading my own cartridges. However, this cost is offset (and then some) by the fact that I shoot a LOT more as a result!
But as far as cost savings go- there is no doubt I save money loading my own cartridges. However, this cost is offset (and then some) by the fact that I shoot a LOT more as a result!
I don't reload to save money (you won't) - I reload so I don't have to rely on high speed mass produced overpriced unavailable junk ammo produced the factories who don't really care if they load rounds with no powder or primers inserted sideways or upside down or bullets that setback because of poor neck tension. It didn't used to be this bad but it is now. It's all about sales volume -not quality.
splattergun
Member
I would venture to say your FIL saw reloading as a chore, not a hobby in its own right. That's ok, to each his own.
Yes, reloading costs less per round. How much varies by many factors as described above. But what you can't place cash value upon is the pleasure and satisfaction, if any, that you derive from the process. For me, there is an intrinsic value to the process and the final result of building my own ammunition.
Yes, reloading costs less per round. How much varies by many factors as described above. But what you can't place cash value upon is the pleasure and satisfaction, if any, that you derive from the process. For me, there is an intrinsic value to the process and the final result of building my own ammunition.
I started reloading last year when I couldn't buy any factory ammo. I've just been buying whatever comes available for both components and factory ammo so I'm sure there is cheaper factory to be found but there are also cheaper components to be found as well. I'm running right at 50% of the cost for 9mm. I don't shoot a lot so I'm just using an inexpensive hand press so my break even point will be around 2 years now.
FWIW - you'll find a never ending supply of handwringers who'll say "NEVER use handloads in your CCW gun! You'll get crucified in court!"
Now, I don't know for a fact that anyone ever has been crucified in court for using handloads, but I DO know for a fact that mass-produced factory ammo can have flawed rounds slip through that may not perform as expected. Maybe not at all. I also know for a fact that with MY handloads, I KNOW what powder is in them, and exactly how much! I also know what primers and bullets are in them, and how carefully they were assembled.
Simply put, I'd trust mine more than I'd trust theirs. JMHO.
Now, I don't know for a fact that anyone ever has been crucified in court for using handloads, but I DO know for a fact that mass-produced factory ammo can have flawed rounds slip through that may not perform as expected. Maybe not at all. I also know for a fact that with MY handloads, I KNOW what powder is in them, and exactly how much! I also know what primers and bullets are in them, and how carefully they were assembled.
Simply put, I'd trust mine more than I'd trust theirs. JMHO.
mstreddy
Member
Tallball, Yeah I have 303 brit as well, but that has proven easier to find than the Swede. Check out the other threads that I mentioned, there is some good discussion. As to saving $$ per box. Think of it this way -- if you load 9MM at around $5-6 a box -- what does a retail box cost? Around 10-12, then that's a 50% savings.
When you talk rifle -- in some calibers there is a better return (normally). A box of 20 rounds of 6.5 Swede cost me ~$8 counting the one time cost of some 1x brass I bought. The next time -- deduct the brass cost and you are at $5 per 20. I also bought some new brass at ~.50 each, so the first time I load them it will be around $15 a box -- almost retail, but each subsequent loading would be $5. You could also amortize the brass cost over X number of loadings and calculate that way, but I'd rather pay "up front" and then save in the future loadings. And if you shoot more common calibers -- there is plenty of free brass laying around.
In any case -- no pun intended -- start saving your brass in all calibers. Read up on the information in the sticky here. And welcome to the addiction.
When you talk rifle -- in some calibers there is a better return (normally). A box of 20 rounds of 6.5 Swede cost me ~$8 counting the one time cost of some 1x brass I bought. The next time -- deduct the brass cost and you are at $5 per 20. I also bought some new brass at ~.50 each, so the first time I load them it will be around $15 a box -- almost retail, but each subsequent loading would be $5. You could also amortize the brass cost over X number of loadings and calculate that way, but I'd rather pay "up front" and then save in the future loadings. And if you shoot more common calibers -- there is plenty of free brass laying around.
In any case -- no pun intended -- start saving your brass in all calibers. Read up on the information in the sticky here. And welcome to the addiction.
Yes, if you think there may ever be a chance you'll want to start reloading, start saving ALL the brass you can find now! Even calibers you don't shoot! You can always sell or trade that brass down the road, or who knows.....maybe someday you'll get a gun in that caliber. I don't have a .300 Win Mag, or a 7mm Rem Mag, or a .300 Weatherby Mag, or a .30-30, or a .270, etc. But I sure seem to find a lot of shiny new once-fired brass for them!
4895
Member
You will ALWAYS save money reloading.
Don't worry about the cost of equipment so much. You can recoup your investment should you decide reloading is not for you.
If you spend the time researching you can limit the number of purchasing mistakes you can make.
Stay away from a kit. You will undoubtedly use things from different manufacturers and kits don't always have you covered.
Don't worry about the cost of equipment so much. You can recoup your investment should you decide reloading is not for you.
If you spend the time researching you can limit the number of purchasing mistakes you can make.
Stay away from a kit. You will undoubtedly use things from different manufacturers and kits don't always have you covered.
Blue68f100
Member
You do save money reloading provided you do not shoot up your saving. But in reality you really don't. The more you shoot the more you save. To get the most saving you have to buy in bulk. Which can be a substantial $$$ investment. The biggest current problem right now is finding pistol powders. They are just scarce as can be. Rifle powders are readily available.
Another advantage if your thinking ahead is having supplies so you can shoot during ammo shortages. I normally keep 2-3 yr supplies of primers & powders for the calibers I shoot. So far this has saved me but it's now coming up on 3yr since I have seen my pistol powders. I did find 2 # at the last gun show but that is only 3k rounds. Which is only about 6mo supplies of ammo.
Like already said some caliber provide a big $$ savings. The main reason I got into reloading almost 40yrs ago was I could not buy ammo that was accurate. My reloads provided the accuracy I wanted.
When I upgraded to a AP press I calculated it would only take me 4500 rounds to re-coop my $700 investment. Which was less than 1 yr. Then I added the brass feeder to make things faster and easier. I had surgery on my left wrist and this allowed me to continue reloading/shooting. Another 2000 rounds and my cost was recovered.
Another advantage if your thinking ahead is having supplies so you can shoot during ammo shortages. I normally keep 2-3 yr supplies of primers & powders for the calibers I shoot. So far this has saved me but it's now coming up on 3yr since I have seen my pistol powders. I did find 2 # at the last gun show but that is only 3k rounds. Which is only about 6mo supplies of ammo.
Like already said some caliber provide a big $$ savings. The main reason I got into reloading almost 40yrs ago was I could not buy ammo that was accurate. My reloads provided the accuracy I wanted.
When I upgraded to a AP press I calculated it would only take me 4500 rounds to re-coop my $700 investment. Which was less than 1 yr. Then I added the brass feeder to make things faster and easier. I had surgery on my left wrist and this allowed me to continue reloading/shooting. Another 2000 rounds and my cost was recovered.
WestKentucky
Member
AMEN.
Reloading is relaxing and repetitive. Fly tying is relaxing but far from repetitive. It requires great focus constantly much like hand weighing charges does while reloading. I very strongly recommend both hobbies for folks who shoot and fish. There is pride with knocking down a big buck or bull with a quality reload, but it's a lot more of a rush tricking Nemo into eating a hunk of metal with stuff tied to it...especially when the stuff ties to it is from critters you got with reloads...and if you eat the fish the remains could be used as bait to get more fly tying materials, and that fuels the ring of hobbies.
Potatohead
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Rc probably hasnt priced 9mm ammo since '78Were do you find 9mm for $10 a box of 50?? Is that with tax or shipping? What brand?
mstreddy
Member
Hey guys, -- come on now -- RC has priced ammo as late as '99 --- 1899!
Sorry RC, couldn't resist.
Potatohead
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What are yall trying to say
I doubt he cares what us peons say or think!
I doubt he cares what us peons say or think!
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