Why not buy the reloading stuff and a .22? You don't have to go out and buy an Anschutz or a Cooper. You can even hit the pawn shops and scoop up a nice-most of the time scoped- .22 for under $100. I do it all the time. My local shops hold a plethora of old Remingtons, Marlins, etc. All on the cheap.
The Cost of Ammo Is Killing My Hobby. Solutions?
- Thread starter armed85
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Reloading is a fun, safe hobby. It complements your shooting by making you more educated about what is actually going on with your firearm. That being said, you can make reloading as simple or as difficult as you want it to be. Precision reloading, much like precision shooting, take a tremendous investment in time, money, energy, and knowledge.
I reload for economy. The most important things a reloader NEEDS are:
-A quality reloading manual. I like my Lee manual, but Hornady, Speer, and Lyman are also very good and popular. Stick to published loads and don't load past max or under minimum and you'll be fine.
-A scale. I prefer digital, but there's no right or wrong here. My Lee Autodisk powder thrower is consistent, but the charges do not match what's on Lee's documentation. Some powders also meter better than others.
-Calipers. Again, I prefer digital but there are plenty of other choices available. Use them to measure overall length (OAL) to ensure proper feeding in mags and chambers as well as to avoid short cartridges that can raise pressures.
-Eye protection. While it is extremely rare, a blown primer is possible and you do not want debris in your eyes if it does happen.
Haven't started reloading rifle yet, but I can load close to 200 pistol rounds per hour with a Lee Classic Turret Press. If you need hundreds of rounds per week or month, consider a good progressive like a Hornady Lock n Load or a Dillon 650. The majority of my reloading tools are Lee, and I am very happy with them. Don't let anyone let you believe that Lee tools are inferior.
Reloading can save you money, teach you about ballistics, increase the accuracy of your shooting, and improve the consistency of your ammo. What's not to love? You don't require 1,000 square feet to do it. More space makes it a little less cramped, but there's no reason why you can do it in a space no bigger than an average computer desk.
I reload for economy. The most important things a reloader NEEDS are:
-A quality reloading manual. I like my Lee manual, but Hornady, Speer, and Lyman are also very good and popular. Stick to published loads and don't load past max or under minimum and you'll be fine.
-A scale. I prefer digital, but there's no right or wrong here. My Lee Autodisk powder thrower is consistent, but the charges do not match what's on Lee's documentation. Some powders also meter better than others.
-Calipers. Again, I prefer digital but there are plenty of other choices available. Use them to measure overall length (OAL) to ensure proper feeding in mags and chambers as well as to avoid short cartridges that can raise pressures.
-Eye protection. While it is extremely rare, a blown primer is possible and you do not want debris in your eyes if it does happen.
Haven't started reloading rifle yet, but I can load close to 200 pistol rounds per hour with a Lee Classic Turret Press. If you need hundreds of rounds per week or month, consider a good progressive like a Hornady Lock n Load or a Dillon 650. The majority of my reloading tools are Lee, and I am very happy with them. Don't let anyone let you believe that Lee tools are inferior.
Reloading can save you money, teach you about ballistics, increase the accuracy of your shooting, and improve the consistency of your ammo. What's not to love? You don't require 1,000 square feet to do it. More space makes it a little less cramped, but there's no reason why you can do it in a space no bigger than an average computer desk.
MudPuppy
Member
Best thread in a long while! 
Thanks for the question and thanks for the answers. (Billl, I like the way you think!)
Thanks for the question and thanks for the answers. (Billl, I like the way you think!)
I played around on MidwayUSA and got up to $1,488 worth of reloading supplies including Ground Shipping. This includes the RCBS kit, .45 ACP dies, .223 Rem. dies, RCBS shellholder #3, RCBS shellholder #10, RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler, Corn Cob Brass Cleaning Media, and enough unfired brass, primers, powder, and FMJ bullets for 2,000 rounds of .45 ACP and 2,000 rounds of .223 Rem.
A cost comparison to 2,000 of Winchester 230 gr. FMJ .45 and 2,000 rounds of Federal 63 gr. .223 would be $1,818 include Ground Shipping.
The reloading supplies pays for itself and save me $330. That's just for the initial investment. After 4,000 rounds, I'll see real savings.
For example, enough primers, powder, and FMJ bullets for 2,000 rounds of .223 is $383. A cost comparison would be $1,080 for 2,000 rounds of the same factory ammo. $697 in savings!
It would take a long time for me to shoot thousands of rounds of .45 and .223 ammo, so I can spread the cost over a year.
Holy Crap! I sound like an accountant!
A cost comparison to 2,000 of Winchester 230 gr. FMJ .45 and 2,000 rounds of Federal 63 gr. .223 would be $1,818 include Ground Shipping.
The reloading supplies pays for itself and save me $330. That's just for the initial investment. After 4,000 rounds, I'll see real savings.
For example, enough primers, powder, and FMJ bullets for 2,000 rounds of .223 is $383. A cost comparison would be $1,080 for 2,000 rounds of the same factory ammo. $697 in savings!
It would take a long time for me to shoot thousands of rounds of .45 and .223 ammo, so I can spread the cost over a year.
Holy Crap! I sound like an accountant!
Around here $18 for a 20 round box of .30-06 is a good price. Using the same 2,000 round comparison, I can turn $1,800 to $400 or $500.
I think my arm would fall off after shooting 2,000 rounds of .30-06, but it's an interesting comparison. Especially considering I can download for less cost (and less recoil) when target shooting at 100 yards.
The versatility is just a bonus.
I think I've convinced myself. Wouldn't you agree?
I think my arm would fall off after shooting 2,000 rounds of .30-06, but it's an interesting comparison. Especially considering I can download for less cost (and less recoil) when target shooting at 100 yards.
The versatility is just a bonus.
I think I've convinced myself. Wouldn't you agree?
Il Duca, if I can lower the cost of ammo to less than $0.20 per round for my AR-15, I don't see myself shooting a .22 LR.
This is even more true when shooting a bolt action or 1911. These guns don't have near the appetite as my AR. For every round I shoot through a bolt action or 1911, I probably shoot 5 through my AR.
It's funny what a 30 round magazine does to a rifleman. Less concentration on the front sight and marksmanship and more spray and pray. I think I'm going to invest in some quality 10 or 20 round magazines.
A bolt action on the other hand is slow, but forces me to pay attention to what I'm doing.
It's psychological. My AR could best that Remington 700 I'm going to buy, but I as a rifleman would likely shoot more accurately with the bolt action.
The AR has little recoil and is just plain fun to shoot. It's my "22" literally and figuratively. However, paying over $0.50 per round is killing all the fun.
This is even more true when shooting a bolt action or 1911. These guns don't have near the appetite as my AR. For every round I shoot through a bolt action or 1911, I probably shoot 5 through my AR.
It's funny what a 30 round magazine does to a rifleman. Less concentration on the front sight and marksmanship and more spray and pray. I think I'm going to invest in some quality 10 or 20 round magazines.
A bolt action on the other hand is slow, but forces me to pay attention to what I'm doing.
It's psychological. My AR could best that Remington 700 I'm going to buy, but I as a rifleman would likely shoot more accurately with the bolt action.
The AR has little recoil and is just plain fun to shoot. It's my "22" literally and figuratively. However, paying over $0.50 per round is killing all the fun.
g.willikers
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Can't beat archery for cost savings - shoot it, go get it, shoot it again.....
Great exercise, too, and immune from most politicians.
In the firearm department, don't forget black powder arms. Way cheaper than any other smoke pole and loads of fun. Plenty effective and mostly immune from politico nonsense.
Just some more unsolicited advice.
Great exercise, too, and immune from most politicians.
In the firearm department, don't forget black powder arms. Way cheaper than any other smoke pole and loads of fun. Plenty effective and mostly immune from politico nonsense.
Just some more unsolicited advice.
tasco 74
Member
i can't add much to what the other reloaders have said here .. the part about losing your hands and face was kind of funny though.. i've been reloading and casting bullets for over 25years and i'm still intact physically.. i'm like a bear cub wearing boxing gloves so if i can reload you can! JUST PAY ATTENTION!!!!
Stevie-Ray
Member
I'll be reloading for economy fairly soon, also. I used to for target loads to shoot out of a pin gun, for fun, and for economy last. It might be time to get a new tool head for the Dillon SDB along with some 9mm dies. So far only .45 ACP and 10mm are reloaded at this house. Reloading for me is a pain to find the time to do, but when committed, I find it fun. I usually pop out only about 500-600 rounds at a sitting including both calibers. It still goes fast, but when you consider reusing brass and already having bullets, primers, and powder on hand, it feels better than handing out the big bucks for those factory cartridges. The SDB used to be able to reload .223 (only rifle caliber for this press), but it appears that it won't now. Looks like I should have gotten that set of dies long ago.
Am I to understand you currently don't have a .22 rimfire? Reload, yes, but don't forget to purchase at least two .22s, a rifle and handgun. You simply won't know true joy until you do.
Am I to understand you currently don't have a .22 rimfire? Reload, yes, but don't forget to purchase at least two .22s, a rifle and handgun. You simply won't know true joy until you do.
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I've seen a revolver blow up. The owner double charged a .357 Magnum cartridge. He has scars on his face and hands. The cylinder of the revolver was completely split in half and flew off in two directions!
It's sad, but a good lesson for me, which is why I mentioned a book to learn how to do this safely
g.willikers, you post made me laugh Thanks.
It's sad, but a good lesson for me, which is why I mentioned a book to learn how to do this safely
g.willikers, you post made me laugh
Thanks.I am a neophyte reloader. With a non-indexing turret press (which means I use it more like a single stage with pre-adjusted dies), and double checking a lot, I do a very relaxed 100 rounds/hour.
If I were starting again, I would get the Hornady Lock N Load classic kit, two reloading manuals (I have Hornady, Lyman, and Hodgon - I have heard very good thing about the Speer manual). A set of dies, and you'e be ready to go.
I think you could easily get all that for right at $400 from Midway.
Mike
woof
Member
If you go the .22 route, keep in mind that for many there is just something more casual and fun about shooting .22s. I have a cz452 and a 77/22, both expensive and high quality rifles. But the most fun are the lever actions, the Marlin 39 is an heirloom and the Henry is ok. On the handgun side, I probably have more fun with my Ruger single-six than any other gun I shoot. Maybe they just bring out the cowboy in me
Cato the Younger
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I recommend reloading and a 22, if not on a budget.
To whom it may concern-
I suggest both reloading as well as getting a 22 pistol and rifle. the Ruger MkIIs are great, I have had wonderful experiences with them. I also have a 10-22, but as you are getting a bolt action centerfire rifle, perhaps you would want a bolt-action 22 to practice with.
Just my 2 cents.
To whom it may concern-
I suggest both reloading as well as getting a 22 pistol and rifle. the Ruger MkIIs are great, I have had wonderful experiences with them. I also have a 10-22, but as you are getting a bolt action centerfire rifle, perhaps you would want a bolt-action 22 to practice with.
Just my 2 cents.
Reloading is probably going to be a near term necessity for me as well, what with my enthusiasm for 10mm, .38 Super, .41 Magnum, and so on. That said, you're going to want the .22 LR's on their own merits eventually. The 77/22 is a particularly good buy; mine is amazing with factory irons. I grew up in NRA smallbore competition, and I'm not easily impressed with any .22 rifle.
Your money goes a lot further in the .22 rifle market segment, it seems to me. You can be out the door of your local with a near mint example of 1952's hottest competition setup, scoped, for 2/3rds of a Makarov, and it gives up very little to state of the art gear for anyone shooting for their own improvement as opposed to competing for a medal.
Your money goes a lot further in the .22 rifle market segment, it seems to me. You can be out the door of your local with a near mint example of 1952's hottest competition setup, scoped, for 2/3rds of a Makarov, and it gives up very little to state of the art gear for anyone shooting for their own improvement as opposed to competing for a medal.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
give it up for muzzleloader shooting and join the MLF to learn the intricaties of. flintlock are cheap to shoot, capper are getting up there since makers figured they cold screw users of. and BP is shooting (no pun intended) up with shipping cost.
sniper69
Member
reloading seems to be the way to go for some calibers - but reloading components seem to be going up in price too.
Average Joe
Member
I just went out and bought a bunch of .22 rifles, and pistols. With Federal .22 ammo being, $ 9.88 a 550 pk, I shoot all day for pennies.
-------quote---------
It's funny what a 30 round magazine does to a rifleman. Less concentration on the front sight and marksmanship and more spray and pray. I think I'm going to invest in some quality 10 or 20 round magazines.
---------------------
Ah, yes, Grasshopper. You are learning that one need not shoot 1000 rounds in 90 minutes to enjoy 90 minutes of shooting
Take these cues from the High Power Rifle competitors:
For slow fire: load one round at a time into the chamber by hand. Shoot 20 rounds in no more than 20 minutes. Key: TAKE YOUR TIME WITH EACH SHOT.
For Rapid fire, load two rounds in one mag and eight rounds in another. Shoot the two, change mags, and shoot the other eight in no more than 60 seconds.
Score your targets and keep track of your scores over time.
The good HP shooters shoot almost all 10s a few 9s, and every once in a while a really bad flier might result in an 8.
Make a vow that before you ever load your 30 round magazine again, you will shoot to the above standards from 200 yards unsupported, 200 yards sitting rapid fire, 400 yards prone rapid fire, and 600 yards prone slow fire.
You will save a lot of money on ammo versus loading up your 30 round mags and blazing away
It's funny what a 30 round magazine does to a rifleman. Less concentration on the front sight and marksmanship and more spray and pray. I think I'm going to invest in some quality 10 or 20 round magazines.
---------------------
Ah, yes, Grasshopper. You are learning that one need not shoot 1000 rounds in 90 minutes to enjoy 90 minutes of shooting
Take these cues from the High Power Rifle competitors:
For slow fire: load one round at a time into the chamber by hand. Shoot 20 rounds in no more than 20 minutes. Key: TAKE YOUR TIME WITH EACH SHOT.
For Rapid fire, load two rounds in one mag and eight rounds in another. Shoot the two, change mags, and shoot the other eight in no more than 60 seconds.
Score your targets and keep track of your scores over time.
The good HP shooters shoot almost all 10s a few 9s, and every once in a while a really bad flier might result in an 8.
Make a vow that before you ever load your 30 round magazine again, you will shoot to the above standards from 200 yards unsupported, 200 yards sitting rapid fire, 400 yards prone rapid fire, and 600 yards prone slow fire.
You will save a lot of money on ammo versus loading up your 30 round mags and blazing away
PumpAction
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I think it's worth trying a Ruger 10/22 and plinking soda cans or whatever else you've got to shoot (if an outdoor range is available). I think you'll find it's a lot more fun than handguns. However, you may spend even more money because you'll want to shoot both
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You can always go muzzle loader. With a fouled (round ball) rifle-gun (18-19th Century term), it'll take at least a minute to load. You only get a few shots off between sessions so you use less powder and maybe even less lead.
BTW, watch it for those minie rifles. If it isn't humid, you can shoot quite a bit and those 535 grain bullets is a lot of lead to pour downrange. I've shot 60 straight without a hiccup. Ditto for a smoothbore musket.
BTW, watch it for those minie rifles. If it isn't humid, you can shoot quite a bit and those 535 grain bullets is a lot of lead to pour downrange. I've shot 60 straight without a hiccup. Ditto for a smoothbore musket.
silverlance
Member
if you live in a place that will allow it, switch to surplus.
7.62x54r, 5.45, 7.62x25, and 22LR are all surplusable (yes i made that up) rounds that can be had real cheap. the guns that shoot them can also be very good.
7.62x54R: buy a Finnish M39 for $200
5.45: AK
7.62x25: CZ 52 (the most accurate handgun ive ever shot, and I own 5 sigs)
22LR: too many choices to count, but the 10/22 is a good start.
7.62x54r, 5.45, 7.62x25, and 22LR are all surplusable (yes i made that up) rounds that can be had real cheap. the guns that shoot them can also be very good.
7.62x54R: buy a Finnish M39 for $200
5.45: AK
7.62x25: CZ 52 (the most accurate handgun ive ever shot, and I own 5 sigs)
22LR: too many choices to count, but the 10/22 is a good start.
lee n. field
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No problem getting into handloading for that. You can get into a decent progressive press for that. Shop well, and buy a 10/22 as well to cover .22LR.
Read the stickies in the handloading forum here. All your questions are addressed there.
22-rimfire
Member
My shooting is trendy. Of late, it's 22LR. I still shoot the other stuff. People talk about the price of factory ammunition. Even years ago, I thought centerfire ammo was pretty high. I started reloading and then stopped at that time. Maybe I need to get back into it.
I think 22LR is the way to go. Does not have the wow factor, but its still lots of fun. You'll find that if you shoot 22's much beyond plinking or ocasional hunting, you will own several.
I think 22LR is the way to go. Does not have the wow factor, but its still lots of fun. You'll find that if you shoot 22's much beyond plinking or ocasional hunting, you will own several.
xsquidgator
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Intellectually I know reloading makes sense. I started reloading pistol (38/9mm/45) about 6 months ago and then started rifle (7.62x39, x54R, 8mm Mauser) about 3 months ago. My wife tells me I'm not saving money! But, I shoot a lot more, have learned a TON, and I get a LOT of satisfaction out of it. I can't imagine how much I'd have spent shooting as much 45 and 357 as I do, if I didn't reload. Making a box of 50 45's for $6 and a box of 50 357's for $5 really adds up that savings! And even for 9mm I can make lead practice rounds for less than 10 cents each, so my box of 50 9mm reloads is less than $5. What a deal compared to the $8+ for even the cheapest WWB plinking ammo at the store.
When I bought a 45 I about died when I saw what even WWB cost at Walmart, now something like $28 for 100?!?! In maybe 45 minutes or less I can crank out 100 45's on my turret press for only about $12, not even close!
Start reloading. I guarantee you won't regret it and you'll probably wish as I did that you'd started a long time ago. Even if you need to put off getting into reloading (in my case, I had to wait 6 months until finishing some home projects would give me a work area), start saving your spent brass so that you'll have it when you do start reloading.
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