06
Member
I like Divemedic, wish I was living nearby his AO so I could pick up his brass. wc
Thank God for my Dillon 550B
- Thread starter Badlander
- Start date
- Status
Rancho Relaxo
Member
While it's clear that Divemedic has talked himself out of reloading, I'd also have to point out that there are a lot of cartridges that you absolutely cannot afford to shoot unless you reload. Last time I checked (last year) a box of Winchester .410 retailed for $10 where I live, 1/2oz target loads. 28ga was $8 or $9. I could not enjoy subgage skeet shooting at prices like that, but when it costs less than half that to reload, I can't get enough! I haven't calculated it, but I'm almost certain that my match quality 223 reloads are a lot cheaper than buying boxes of Federal Gold Match 223 as well.
divemedic
Member
No, I have looked at reloading several times in the past few years, and I just did not find it to be cost effective, so I decided not to do it.
That is why I said aat least two machines. You would need one for shotgun, one for centerfire.
I based it off of the figures from Dillon for the 550B press. It can process 400 rounds an hour. That works out to 25 hours of handle pulling for 10,000 rounds. There would of course, be extra time for loading the machine, packaging the ammo, quality control checks, etc. You do pull and weigh the occasional charge, correct? Or do you just hope the charge is always correct?
Picking up 1,000 cases should take you about 20 minutes, so picking them up 10 times should take about 200 minutes. Then you must clean them, check them, and ensure that they are not damaged, correct? Or do you just load them and hope for the best? Inspecting and other case prep should take, what, about 10 seconds each? 10,000 times ten seconds is 100,000 seconds, or 27 hours. (After all, you do check case length of your cases, right?)
If you are not performing any quality control at all, you can significantly cut your reloading time, but then again, you are cutting corners.
Sure,, you can use lead bullets, but that makes for inferior ammo.
Sure, you can make ammo more accurate than factory, but then again, that means more QC, more care in weighing charges, checking case and cartridge length, etc. All of which hurts efficiency.
220 Swift is a caliber that is not made in the same bulk as the more common calibers. It is an expensive cartridge. I can shoot .308 for less than 75 cents a round, 7.62x39 for less than 40 cents, and 223 for about 45 cents.
A single stage press slows you down even more. You get, what 100 rounds an hour? So, now we are talking 15 hours or so to reload 1,000 rounds?
I never said it didn't make financial sense for everyone, just that it doesn't for me. Look at the calibers I shoot.
For example:
Last year I bought .357Sig at $163 per 1,000 rounds. This is Speer Lawman RHT frangible lead free ammo. What does that cost to reload? Can you beat 16 cents a round? If you can, by how much? At 200 rounds for each hour of work, you would need to do better than 10 cents a round to save $12 an hour. A part time job as a lifeguard pays more than that. At 12 cents a round, you can work at Taco Bell and beat that.
I can make $200 for teaching a CPR class to a local church in 4 hours, or I can save $60 on making marginally cheaper ammo. Again, not cost effective. Might as well spend my time clipping coupons for dog food.
ETA: I also was just going through my receipts. I have 5,000 rounds of .45 ACP in the house that I bought in December. It is packaged in 500 round ammo cans. I paid $1,200 for 10 cans/5,000 rounds. That is 24 cents a round for 230gr FMC. I have .223 surplus Lake City ammo- I got 3,000 rounds of it in November for $750. Again, 25 cents a round. The rices right now are due to panic buying. By the time I need ammo again, they will be back down. By that time, you guys will be able to get reloading supplies again.
Last edited:
I can reload 9mm for $.15 each, or $15.00 per 100. I can buy it at Wal-Mart for $19.99 per 100 (+tax). Reloading 9mm saves me about $5.00 per 100. In my opinion not worth my time.
I can reload 10mm for $.20 each or $10.00 per 50. The last time I saw American Eagle (usually the cheapest) around here it was $38.00 per 50. Reloading 10mm saves me around $28.00 per 50, well worth doing.
Reloading for the 204Ruger is worth it as well.
It all depends on what your loading. I bought the equipment to reload 22-250 (worth doing). Now that I have the equipment it makes it tough not to consider the more common loads, even if the cost savings isn't as great.
Most reloaders will agree that the equipment is a non-factor. It lasts forever, pays for itself in a few 1000 rounds, and can be re-sold if necessary. Brass can be considered equipment as it last for many uses, pays for itself very quickly, and holds a decent value if selling is required.
Time is the key factor. If you've got more time than money, and can't get a part-time job due to family obligations it's worth it. My 7 year old loves sitting at the bench with me, I alway find something for him to do that helps speed up the process too.
I can reload 10mm for $.20 each or $10.00 per 50. The last time I saw American Eagle (usually the cheapest) around here it was $38.00 per 50. Reloading 10mm saves me around $28.00 per 50, well worth doing.
Reloading for the 204Ruger is worth it as well.
It all depends on what your loading. I bought the equipment to reload 22-250 (worth doing). Now that I have the equipment it makes it tough not to consider the more common loads, even if the cost savings isn't as great.
Most reloaders will agree that the equipment is a non-factor. It lasts forever, pays for itself in a few 1000 rounds, and can be re-sold if necessary. Brass can be considered equipment as it last for many uses, pays for itself very quickly, and holds a decent value if selling is required.
Time is the key factor. If you've got more time than money, and can't get a part-time job due to family obligations it's worth it. My 7 year old loves sitting at the bench with me, I alway find something for him to do that helps speed up the process too.
divemedic
Member
Whitman-
Thank you. As you can see, I shoot common calibers. the original poster was saying that his Dillon 550 was worth it because of the high price of 9mm, .45, and .357. I just think that those calibers are not cost effective to reload, especially if I am buying the equipment just for that.
I took a long, hard look (more than once), and decided that handloading is not effective for me. I shoot IDPA, so handloading for hyper-accuracy will not help. Factory ammo is more than accurate enough for IDPA.
My wife works during the week. My kids are grown up and on their own, and my job has me working 3- 24 hour days a week. This leaves me with a lot of time home alone (3-4 weekdays each week). I choose to teach classes to local medical providers one day a week, which pays me more per hour than I would save by staying home and reloading. I make enough in one day of teaching to buy a couple of thousand rounds of factory ammo.
If I shot a more expensive caliber, I would take another look. Realistically, though for the calibers I shoot, it is more cost effective to buy factory.
ETA: Whether a reloader considers the equipment or not, it is still a factor in the decision. If I were to eload, I would spend the extra $$ and get quality equipment. I believe that if you get quality tools and take care of them, they will serve you well. The cost of those tools must be a factor in deciding whether or not to reload. One thing I disagree with i in not looking at the cost of brass. That is a supply you must buy, and even though you reuse it, it has a finite life. 10 times, 20, whatever, it will get damaged, bent, lost, weakened, whatever. Leaving it out is being dishonest to yourself and to the cost of your hobby.
Example:
I bought a pickup truck. It cost me $25,000. If I drive it for 100,000 miles, using 4,000 gallons of gasoline at $2 a gallon, and I get 30 oil changes at $10 a piece, and it goes into the shop 3 times at a cost of $500 each time, is it more cost effective to buy the truck, or to catch a cab at 30 cents a mile?
Operating the truck costs 9.8 cents a mile, or $9,800 for the 100,000 mile life of the truck. Taking the cab would have cost $30,000 for 100,000 miles.
Including the cost of the truck makes it 34.8 cents a mile, or $34,800. At that point, I have to ask if my old used up truck with 100,000 miles on the ticker is worth $4,800, so I break eve, or should I take a cab.
I know it is a simplified analogy, but all I am saying is that I have to look at the variables.
Thank you. As you can see, I shoot common calibers. the original poster was saying that his Dillon 550 was worth it because of the high price of 9mm, .45, and .357. I just think that those calibers are not cost effective to reload, especially if I am buying the equipment just for that.
I took a long, hard look (more than once), and decided that handloading is not effective for me. I shoot IDPA, so handloading for hyper-accuracy will not help. Factory ammo is more than accurate enough for IDPA.
My wife works during the week. My kids are grown up and on their own, and my job has me working 3- 24 hour days a week. This leaves me with a lot of time home alone (3-4 weekdays each week). I choose to teach classes to local medical providers one day a week, which pays me more per hour than I would save by staying home and reloading. I make enough in one day of teaching to buy a couple of thousand rounds of factory ammo.
If I shot a more expensive caliber, I would take another look. Realistically, though for the calibers I shoot, it is more cost effective to buy factory.
ETA: Whether a reloader considers the equipment or not, it is still a factor in the decision. If I were to eload, I would spend the extra $$ and get quality equipment. I believe that if you get quality tools and take care of them, they will serve you well. The cost of those tools must be a factor in deciding whether or not to reload. One thing I disagree with i in not looking at the cost of brass. That is a supply you must buy, and even though you reuse it, it has a finite life. 10 times, 20, whatever, it will get damaged, bent, lost, weakened, whatever. Leaving it out is being dishonest to yourself and to the cost of your hobby.
Example:
I bought a pickup truck. It cost me $25,000. If I drive it for 100,000 miles, using 4,000 gallons of gasoline at $2 a gallon, and I get 30 oil changes at $10 a piece, and it goes into the shop 3 times at a cost of $500 each time, is it more cost effective to buy the truck, or to catch a cab at 30 cents a mile?
Operating the truck costs 9.8 cents a mile, or $9,800 for the 100,000 mile life of the truck. Taking the cab would have cost $30,000 for 100,000 miles.
Including the cost of the truck makes it 34.8 cents a mile, or $34,800. At that point, I have to ask if my old used up truck with 100,000 miles on the ticker is worth $4,800, so I break eve, or should I take a cab.
I know it is a simplified analogy, but all I am saying is that I have to look at the variables.
Last edited:
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
Your logic is fair, some of us load for dozens of calibers. Some of those are a bit obscure or at the minimum expensive to buy factory loads for.
Weatherby ammo is a good example. I can also say that picking the highest and comparing to the lowest price skews the actual value or savings from either prospective. For example I can find SMK's from $29-$35 per 100. That cost difference can easily be the tipping point to a reloader unless he is set on that bullet for a specialty load.
Millions of shooters do both and have for years and I have no doubt that they all can do math and each places a certain value on their time and what they do with it.
I will say that at this time given the costs casting bullets for me is a waste of time, that will ruffle some feathers so it just proves we all have a value attached to our time.
Weatherby ammo is a good example. I can also say that picking the highest and comparing to the lowest price skews the actual value or savings from either prospective. For example I can find SMK's from $29-$35 per 100. That cost difference can easily be the tipping point to a reloader unless he is set on that bullet for a specialty load.
Millions of shooters do both and have for years and I have no doubt that they all can do math and each places a certain value on their time and what they do with it.
I will say that at this time given the costs casting bullets for me is a waste of time, that will ruffle some feathers so it just proves we all have a value attached to our time.
Landric
Member
Handloading is something that is not for everyone. Clearly it isn't for divemedic. That is fine, though I really don't understand why he would come to the handloading forum and post responses to the thread if he doesn't handload. Everyone values their time differently. To me, its worth it to handload .223, .38 Special, 9x19, and .45ACP in addition to .32S&W Long, .32H&R Mag, .44 Russian, .44 Special, and 45-70 Government.
My only real point of confusion is why he seems to think lead bullet loads are inferior to FMJs. It all depends on the task, for general target shooting (including IDPA which I also shoot a lot of) lead bullets are just as good or superior to FMJ. It is not cutting corners to shoot lead.
As for getting a second job to pay for ammunition, I have no desire to do so. I enjoy my time off, and if I had to work a second job (other than for myself) to be able to afford to shoot, I guess I wouldn't shoot. I happen to enjoy handloading in and of its self. If I didn't, there is probably no amount of savings I could get handloading that would make it worthwile. If you are only looking at what you would save, its not worth the trouble (even though the savings are significant, about 50% over factory for me). I can't afford to shoot as much factory ammo as I can my handloads, but even if I had unlimited funds, I'd still handload.
I don't get paid to shoot, why would I expect to get paid to handload? Anyone could spend the time handloading working a second job, but that is a much more rigid box to put one's self in. If something comes up, I don't have to handload, the same is not true with employment. If one enjoys ones secondary employment, then I suppose it might be worth it to do rather than load ammunition. I can't imagine anyone really enjoys working at Taco Bell. That really is apples to oranges: time spent handloading vs. time spent working in fast food.
My only real point of confusion is why he seems to think lead bullet loads are inferior to FMJs. It all depends on the task, for general target shooting (including IDPA which I also shoot a lot of) lead bullets are just as good or superior to FMJ. It is not cutting corners to shoot lead.
As for getting a second job to pay for ammunition, I have no desire to do so. I enjoy my time off, and if I had to work a second job (other than for myself) to be able to afford to shoot, I guess I wouldn't shoot. I happen to enjoy handloading in and of its self. If I didn't, there is probably no amount of savings I could get handloading that would make it worthwile. If you are only looking at what you would save, its not worth the trouble (even though the savings are significant, about 50% over factory for me). I can't afford to shoot as much factory ammo as I can my handloads, but even if I had unlimited funds, I'd still handload.
I don't get paid to shoot, why would I expect to get paid to handload? Anyone could spend the time handloading working a second job, but that is a much more rigid box to put one's self in. If something comes up, I don't have to handload, the same is not true with employment. If one enjoys ones secondary employment, then I suppose it might be worth it to do rather than load ammunition. I can't imagine anyone really enjoys working at Taco Bell. That really is apples to oranges: time spent handloading vs. time spent working in fast food.
Last edited:
Dive,
I agree, if shooting only common caliburs reloading might not be worth the time. I've only looked at the 9mm, all my other guns are exotic enough to justify reloading.
The reason I don't count brass is because when it's time to reload, brass isn't on my shopping list. I already have it, just like the press and dies. I'll loose some here and there, but I'll find some too. I don't keep my brass sorted by number of uses, virtually impossible for me. I'll cull brass individually when it's worn out. Eventually, I'll have thrown away enough that I'll have to buy a bag of 100. I have 1000 rounds of 22-250 brass, I'll never need to buy another piece.
On that note, I don't go through 10,000 rounds of any one calibur in a year, more like 3 years I'd guess. If I was shooting all the time I would obviously need to replace brass more often.
I cannot buy factory 22-250 ammo that is as accurate as my reloads, period.
The taxi driver won't take me to my Prairie Dog town... Some things you just gotta have...
I'm not trying to talk you into reloading, just arguing the statement that reloading isn't valuable. It's always cheaper, sometimes it's a big enough savings to justify the time, sometimes it isn't.
I agree, if shooting only common caliburs reloading might not be worth the time. I've only looked at the 9mm, all my other guns are exotic enough to justify reloading.
The reason I don't count brass is because when it's time to reload, brass isn't on my shopping list. I already have it, just like the press and dies. I'll loose some here and there, but I'll find some too. I don't keep my brass sorted by number of uses, virtually impossible for me. I'll cull brass individually when it's worn out. Eventually, I'll have thrown away enough that I'll have to buy a bag of 100. I have 1000 rounds of 22-250 brass, I'll never need to buy another piece.
On that note, I don't go through 10,000 rounds of any one calibur in a year, more like 3 years I'd guess. If I was shooting all the time I would obviously need to replace brass more often.
I cannot buy factory 22-250 ammo that is as accurate as my reloads, period.
The taxi driver won't take me to my Prairie Dog town... Some things you just gotta have...
I'm not trying to talk you into reloading, just arguing the statement that reloading isn't valuable. It's always cheaper, sometimes it's a big enough savings to justify the time, sometimes it isn't.
divemedic
Member
For the record, I didn't come to this forum. This thread was originally in "general" and was moved to this forum. I am not a troll, I don't pick fights.
I shoot about 1,000 rounds a month. Sometimes as high as 1,500. One IDPA match Sunday can easily go through 500 rounds.
Landric
Member
divemedic said:
I wasn't trying to suggest that you were a troll, you have been around too long for that. I was just surprised that someone who isn't into handloading was reading this forum, but the movement of the thread explains it.
divemedic said:
Wow, you must shoot really different matches than I do. Even the sanctioned matches rarely involve more than 250 rounds, and 100 is about average (or a little high) for club level matchs.
I wasn't trying to suggest that you were a troll, you have been around too long for that. I was just surprised that someone who isn't into handloading was reading this forum, but the movement of the thread explains it.
divemedic said:
Wow, you must shoot really different matches than I do. Even the sanctioned matches rarely involve more than 250 rounds, and 100 is about average (or a little high) for club level matchs.
I did the math several times and for me, I think reloading is definitely cost effective after about a few thousand rounds. Until that, it is a hobby that is costing me money, but far leass than my radio control hobby costs me!! Beyond that, reloading saves me money.
But no matter what it cost, it was worth it just to see the beaming smile on my son's face when we got home from the range and he ran to show his mom his groupings from ten factory rounds, and his reloaded rounds. (He bench mounted his gun so he could compare them fairly.) I think his pride was only slightly more than dear old Dad's!!
Any hobby shared, especially with my family, is worth every penny, regardless.
But no matter what it cost, it was worth it just to see the beaming smile on my son's face when we got home from the range and he ran to show his mom his groupings from ten factory rounds, and his reloaded rounds. (He bench mounted his gun so he could compare them fairly.) I think his pride was only slightly more than dear old Dad's!!
Any hobby shared, especially with my family, is worth every penny, regardless.
schmeky
Member
:banghead:mp43sniper
Member
Look at it this way. How much would I spend on Prvi Partisan 7.92x33 kurz (for MP44's) purchased outright......
versus....
Basically free equipment (friend and his dad gave me an older rock chucker and cheaper components they replaced over the years but were still functional) and free brass I get from reenactments? We have an MG34 in the unit and I made a spent case catcher for it. I found another guy in need of some MP44 parts and he traded me both the forming and reloading die sets for them.
The only thing I'll ever pay for in the future is bullets, powder, and primers. There are some calibers where reloading pays BIG TIME. The rest of the time I consider half the value as knowing I can easily make more. Wal Mart won't be open when the zombies attack!
Craig
versus....
Basically free equipment (friend and his dad gave me an older rock chucker and cheaper components they replaced over the years but were still functional) and free brass I get from reenactments? We have an MG34 in the unit and I made a spent case catcher for it. I found another guy in need of some MP44 parts and he traded me both the forming and reloading die sets for them.
The only thing I'll ever pay for in the future is bullets, powder, and primers. There are some calibers where reloading pays BIG TIME. The rest of the time I consider half the value as knowing I can easily make more. Wal Mart won't be open when the zombies attack!
Craig
Hoxviii
Member
Like has been said, reload for the hobby of it- not the cost savings if all you're going to load are really, really common calibers. The cost savings is just an added benefit.
However, shoot an "obscure" cartridge and cost savings does become a major driving factor. Reloading 45-70 saves me $1.50-$3.50 PER ROUND. 45 colt, 50 cents-75 cents per round (not counting cowboy loads).
It adds up even faster for big game cartridges.
Just between 45-70 and 45 colt, i've recouped most of the cost of my loading setup in 6 months.
However, shoot an "obscure" cartridge and cost savings does become a major driving factor. Reloading 45-70 saves me $1.50-$3.50 PER ROUND. 45 colt, 50 cents-75 cents per round (not counting cowboy loads).
It adds up even faster for big game cartridges.
Just between 45-70 and 45 colt, i've recouped most of the cost of my loading setup in 6 months.
divemedic
Member
schmecky:
So educate me. I have always worried about the problems associated with lead bullets. If I can get away with unjacketed lead, I can cut my ammo costs quite a bit.
There is a lot of unjacketed ammo out there for cheap.
So educate me. I have always worried about the problems associated with lead bullets. If I can get away with unjacketed lead, I can cut my ammo costs quite a bit.
There is a lot of unjacketed ammo out there for cheap.
Steve H
Member
I bought most of my equiptment (except a new ChargeMaster1500) about 15 yeas ago so I do not figure it into the price of a reload. I can reload .45 with a Berry's 230 gr RN plated bullet over a charge of 6.0 grs. of Unique in brass that I have reused for years using primers that I bought YESTERDAY (CCI APS for $2.60/100). I don't count my time as I am retired. My cost comes out to under 20 cents a round. Yesterday I could have bought Remington UMC 45 at WalMart for 36 cents a round plus tax. I think my reload is higher quality than UMC and at almos 1/2 the price to me.
No brainer, I reload.
No brainer, I reload.
redneck2
Member
I shoot lead in my 45LC and 45 acp. Cost per box of 50 reloads is about $4-5 (8-10 cents each) depending on cost of the bullets themselves.
Lead can be as or more accurate than cheap jacketed.
I assume the "problems" would be leading, which doesn't happen with the right bullet and powder combo.
In non-military calibers, reloading typically saves 60-75%.
Lead can be as or more accurate than cheap jacketed.
I assume the "problems" would be leading, which doesn't happen with the right bullet and powder combo.
In non-military calibers, reloading typically saves 60-75%.
Dean Williams
Member
Divemedic, if you don't want to reload, that's fine and good. It's not for everyone. However, your pricing of reloading components is a fair bit off the mark.
You have;
"Cost for 10,000 rounds:
Bullets, 45 230gr FMJ $1,400
Brass, 1000 pieces: $200
Primers: 10,000 pieces $300
Powder, 20 pounds (don't forget the $22 haz mat fee): $580"
(Quote abridged.).
I didn't shop around for the prices I looked up. Just went to the common suppliers I use;
Primers, $260 per 10k, (Grafs).
Powder, $148 for 8# W231, which is all you need for 10k rounds, (Grafs).
Hazmat chg for above, $22.50. All covered under one fee.
Brass, $151 per 1000 inc shipping, (direct from Starline).
Bullets, about what you have if you want FMJ. Much less for lead.
A difference of nearly $500, even if you spend extra on FMJ bullets. Also, that $500 goes a long way toward the $600 worth of loading equipment you mentioned.
Using lead bullets will drop the price quite a lot more. I don't know why the comments about lead being inferior. It certainly is not when it comes to shooting targets, and if you're using FMJ's I'm guessing you are not using that particular gun for SD or hunting. So, you're target shooting, maybe?
If it's accuracy you're thinking about, lead looses nothing to FMJ bullets. I shot bullseye competition for years. Almost everyone uses lead bullets, and remember, it's Bullseye.
Keep in mind that most people's reloading gear has been amortized out years ago. Even a new reloader will recover equipment costs quickly if he is an enthusiastic shooter.
Of course, if one doesn't like the idea of reloading, none of this matters, except for the cost of factory ammo. It doesn't change the fact that reloading is less costly. It just changes where you will spend a portion of your time... At home, working at the reloading bench, or at a job working for another man. Neither is worse than the other, depending on what you like.
You have;
"Cost for 10,000 rounds:
Bullets, 45 230gr FMJ $1,400
Brass, 1000 pieces: $200
Primers: 10,000 pieces $300
Powder, 20 pounds (don't forget the $22 haz mat fee): $580"
(Quote abridged.).
I didn't shop around for the prices I looked up. Just went to the common suppliers I use;
Primers, $260 per 10k, (Grafs).
Powder, $148 for 8# W231, which is all you need for 10k rounds, (Grafs).
Hazmat chg for above, $22.50. All covered under one fee.
Brass, $151 per 1000 inc shipping, (direct from Starline).
Bullets, about what you have if you want FMJ. Much less for lead.
A difference of nearly $500, even if you spend extra on FMJ bullets. Also, that $500 goes a long way toward the $600 worth of loading equipment you mentioned.
Using lead bullets will drop the price quite a lot more. I don't know why the comments about lead being inferior. It certainly is not when it comes to shooting targets, and if you're using FMJ's I'm guessing you are not using that particular gun for SD or hunting. So, you're target shooting, maybe?
If it's accuracy you're thinking about, lead looses nothing to FMJ bullets. I shot bullseye competition for years. Almost everyone uses lead bullets, and remember, it's Bullseye.
Keep in mind that most people's reloading gear has been amortized out years ago. Even a new reloader will recover equipment costs quickly if he is an enthusiastic shooter.
Of course, if one doesn't like the idea of reloading, none of this matters, except for the cost of factory ammo. It doesn't change the fact that reloading is less costly. It just changes where you will spend a portion of your time... At home, working at the reloading bench, or at a job working for another man. Neither is worse than the other, depending on what you like.
I beg to differ. I would say I make considerably more than that (trying to make a point here, not to brag) and it is well worth it for me to reload. It's an entirely unique hobby to me. The ability to make accurate/precise ammunition to your exact specifications is amazing. It's even more amazing when you shoot your own ammo. Over the course of time, the equipment cost IMO becomes negligible. Sure, if you're adding up the cost to make ammo for a period of say 1 year then equipment cost factor will be high, but I've been reloading for the past 4 years and am probably going to keep reloading until I'm old and gray (33 now). It costs me about $7.00 for 45acp 50rds and $3.00 for .223rem 20 rds to reload. I think that's a great value. I understand the point the OP is trying to make. Time and effort costs money, so if think getting into reloading is a hassle or you might not save that much money short term to make it worthwhile then maybe it's best that you find good deals on factory ammo.
Oh, BTW, a good caliber to contrast is 44magnum. I just started reloading it. I initially bought 3 boxes (50/each) of walmart winchester 44 mag target ammo for $34/box, yikes!!! Every shot is almost 80 cents. After firing all the rounds in my 629 and Anaconda, I decided to spend $130 for 44mag dies and conversion kit for my dillon xl650 loader. Using the once fired brass, 2400 powder, nosler 240g JSP bullets and WLP primers, my cost to make each bullet is 20 cents, or $10.00 for a box of 50. Not only is the reloaded ammo more accurate, but my pocket book thanks me for it. So you have to weigh a lot of factors to make the decision to reload or not, and one of the key decisions is deciding which caliber(s) you want load.
Last edited:
jfrey
Member
It is up to each one of us, individually,if we choose to reload or not. That said, I don't save a dime reloading, I just shoot a lot more. When I was buying a box at a time, I was frugal with my shooting. Now, with several thousand rounds loaded on hand, I shoot until I get tired. I figure I paid for my equipment the first year in savings over the cost of store-bought ammo. I split the cost of everything 50/50 with my father-in-law so the cost to me is even less. That is just my experience and not everyone may find that to be true. As far as my time is concerned, if I am not loading ammo, I would just be sitting on my behind looking at the idiot box and getting nothing for it. I find reloading ammo to actually be relaxing. I can concentrate on that and get my mind off the daily troubles for a while.
Certainly reloading is not for everyone, but I don't have $3500.00 to drop on ammo in one pop either.
Certainly reloading is not for everyone, but I don't have $3500.00 to drop on ammo in one pop either.
SSN Vet
Member
"if" you can find it in stock...
more and more, that's turning out to be one big "if"....
article on the radio today said that even the Maine State Police are having problems sourcing ammo.
I just set up to load 9mm Luger.... and after some waiting for back orders to be filled, I have a decent stock of components.
No more trips to Wally World just to stare at empty shelves.
Buy plated bullets in decent volume and you'll get that 9mm load price down to $12/c
Well, someone said "its not worth it".
I personally know that I am saving $12.50 a box for 45acp, $10 a box for .40S&W, and about $5 a box for 9mm, and $40+ per thousand for 7.62x39. I can make around 180-200 rounds an hour. I bought my press/powder measure for about $240, dies are $35 each. A couple years ago, the savings were far smaller. A couple years from now, ammo could go back down in price making reloading of some calibers, like 7.62x39, not cost effective. So, sometimes you save very little or none, and sometimes you save a lot.
I buy bullets by the thousand, and they range from .05 (lead 9mm) to .11 (7.62x39 fmj). I buy primers by the 5k, and powder by the 8# jug (Powder valley sells 8lbs of 231 for $112, 8 lbs of Bullseye for $96, primers for $20 per 1k). I shoot about 2000-3000 per year. My equipment "paid for itself" during the first year.
Further, I don't have to wonder if I will have ammo to shoot next week. I had no idea that there was a run on ammo until I read it in the forums because I only shoot what I make.
- Status
