The math on reloading... how different it is

[Mark_Mark]

look on the “Were are the components” thread! Cabelas is selling primers at $37 a brick! I told you there is hope!!!!

Good job Cabelas for selling components only in store! this is how you fight the prices fear mongers

 

[FROGO207]

It doesn't help matters that I live 3 hrs one way from the nearest Cabellas and they will not confirm inventory before I drive there. Also no backorders!

 

[Mark_Mark]

It doesn't help matters that I live 3 hrs one way from the nearest Cabellas and they will not confirm inventory before I drive there. Also no backorders!

thats true! If I find some, I’ll mail it to you. What are you looking for? (just pay me the cost please)

I work from home and I go to Cabelas for time away from home

message me! I have a list of things members need and I’m trying to do my part

 

[FROGO207]

Uh you can't ship primers unless you are Haz Mat certified. Regular mail is a no no as well. But thanks for thinking about me.
As a side I have all I need for at least the next 5 years or so at current usage.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Uh you can't ship primers unless you are Haz Mat certified. Regular mail is a no no as well. But thanks for thinking about me.
As a side I have all I need for at least the next 5 years or so at current usage.

i didn’t know regular people could not ship primers. thanks for the info

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Uh you can't ship primers unless you are Haz Mat certified. Regular mail is a no no as well. But thanks for thinking about me.
As a side I have all I need for at least the next 5 years or so at current usage.

If I recall, a “manufacturers” FFL can ship HazMat. Is it 07? 02? One of them. Not being a FFL I don’t know about all those rules but it’s worthwhile asking.

 

[PonyKiller]

When I'm at the reloading bench, I don't drink beer, that in itself evens the ledger

 

[Mark_Mark]

When I'm at the reloading bench, I don't drink beer, that in itself evens the ledger

if I’m sorting brass, or trimming, or sizing, or just sitting there playing Call of Duty. I’m having a few beers. my primers are kept in a sealed separate container, my powder is kept in a sealed container in another room.

 

[Howland937]

Catching my first Musky Fish after a good fight? PRICELESS

Never caught one. They're not as plentiful in our lakes down in south central OH, but we catch a BUNCH of catfish. Channels mostly, for the freezer. A certain bait we use a lot is kinda pricey, as it's not a live bait we can go catch. Guy asked me one time why on earth I'd pay $8 a lb for bait. With the money I have tied up in a boat, license, gear, etc...I ain't letting $8 stand in the way.

I have no clue how much I have in my reloading set-up, though I do know I haven't bought anything new except components and a couple sets of dies. I don't save money. I don't save time. I do have ammo that performs better than anything I've found from the manufacturers since it is tailored for my guns.

 

[kmw1954]

I have no clue how much I have in my reloading set-up, though I do know I haven't bought anything new except components and a couple sets of dies. .

I once added it up for a thread here a year ago or so. 4 presses, shell plates, 7 sets of dies, 3 powder measures, balance bean scale, bullet puller and books. All purchased used with the exception of a Lee ABLP press with a total investment under $600.00

That does not include the bullet casting equipment or a few other things that I have that I didn't buy for myself but given as presents.

 

[Average Joe]

FYI... reloaders need permission from the government to sell reloaded ammo. just a heads up

I don't sell my reloads, What I meant was, that its profitable for ME !

 

[Mark_Mark]

I don't sell my reloads, What I meant was, that its profitable for ME !

not saying you are. just a general fyi for my community

 

[gifbohane]

4 presses, shell plates, 7 sets of dies, 3 powder measures, balance bean scale, bullet puller and books. All purchased used with the exception of a Lee ABLP press with a total investment under $600.00.

Is that correct? You bought FOUR presses for under $600?

 

[ballman6711]

Is that correct? You bought FOUR presses for under $600?

I would think that possible pre-pandemic. I bought a used Lyman single stage in October 2020 for $145, in very good condition, to give to my nieces husband to get him started. I bought my press kit new for $220 (including tax and shipping) in 2018.

IMO, the deals are still out there, just harder to find right now.

On topic, I recently bought a box of 480 Ruger for $40, whereas I can load a box (using new brass) for $17. Using my once fired brass brings my cost down to about $7.50 per box. One box = twenty rounds. Significant savings.

But I didn't start reloading to save money, I started out of curiosity to see if I'd like it and if I could make better ammo than the factory made. I do like it and I have made better ammo for my guns. Saving money on a per round basis is just a bonus for me since I look at reloading as another hobby to enjoy.

chris

 

[Mark_Mark]

I would think that possible pre-pandemic. I bought a used Lyman single stage in October 2020 for $145, in very good condition, to give to my nieces husband to get him started. I bought my press kit new for $220 (including tax and shipping) in 2018.

IMO, the deals are still out there, just harder to find right now.

On topic, I recently bought a box of 480 Ruger for $40, whereas I can load a box (using new brass) for $17. Using my once fired brass brings my cost down to about $7.50 per box. One box = twenty rounds. Significant savings.

But I didn't start reloading to save money, I started out of curiosity to see if I'd like it and if I could make better ammo than the factory made. I do like it and I have made better ammo for my guns. Saving money on a per round basis is just a bonus for me since I look at reloading as another hobby to enjoy.

chris

reloading is like driving a Mercedes when a Honda will work just fine

 

[Howland937]

Is that correct? You bought FOUR presses for under $600?

Can't speak for him, but I have 4 "presses" total. Old RCBS RS2, RCBS RC2, a Lee Challenger (not sure it counts as a press, but it claims to be) and my Hornady LNL AP. I'm at $435 total in them. $375 of it was the LNL AP. The Challenger came in the box of accessories I got with it . Got them last summer. RC2 was $35 and the RS2 was $25, but I've had them a few years and all of them came with "extras" like dies, shell holders, tricklers, lube mat, scales, etc.

I used to buy RCBS dies anytime I found them for $15, no matter the caliber... Lee dies for $10 if they were in popular calibers. On 2nd thought, I have bought shell plates new...wasn't thinking about that. 3 of them @ $30 each along with a couple used ones.

To answer the OP, I suck at math...but I'm sure I haven't saved money so far. Like I said before though, I've never tried to.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Most of you know I'm a pistol reloader at this time. Thinking back on all those threads of is it worth it to reload? Is it worth it to reload 9mm? Etc etc.

Funny to think that my press is dumping out lead bullets and there cost is now at precious metal prices. Lead=rebel gold has never been more true in its humorous statement.

Another reason to give thanks to the moderators who do so well at keeping us all on track and all you forum members that have helped my reloading journey progress at a much more rapid pace than if left to my own devices.

Does reloading and you money? No, you just shoot better ammo and more of it... unless there is a pandemelection that outstrips supply so that demand makes prices skyrocket.

---
If you're wondering when all of this is going to return to some imaginary "normal," the answer is it isn't.
Headline: Copper Prices Highest Since 2012...

C260 brass, sometimes referred to as "yellow brass," is used in making rifle, pistol and shotgun brass cases. It has a nominal composition of 70% copper and 30% zinc.
All brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
All bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
Jacketed bullets consist of a copper, bronze, or steel outer jackets over a lead or soft steel core.

Headline: The Great Ammo Shortage Is Now Impacting Police Depts.

Smaller departments cannot afford higher prices and do not have the volume purchasing power of larger departments for manufacturer's to justify making single-runs or dedicating production to their needs.

All other factors aside, this is simple market economics at work.

 

[kmw1954]

Is that correct? You bought FOUR presses for under $600?

Yes 4.
The first one was when I got back into the sport and hobby about 5 years ago. That was a Lee Pro1000, $96.81 including shipping. Second was a RCBS JR3 with priming parts, $38.12 including shipping. Third was a Lee 3 hole Value with Auto Index press that was NOS. I paid a premium for that one as it was unused and still in the box and I wanted a 3 hole press to use with my Pro1000 tool heads. That press with shipping was $70.00.. the Fourth press was a Brand New Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro $115.00 shipped.

Now if still curious, Yes I do use each and every one of those presses still today. Since then I also picked up a second value press that came with a Auto Disk powder measure and 2 turret heads for $55.00. I basically bought that one for spare parts and the turrets.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I have been given a Lee C press when I purchased dies and turrets at a flee market, he said if I took the C press I could have everything else for 25$, I use it for decapping before cleaning, I've purchased Lee 3 hole turrets for 20$ with dies and extra turrets and dies and then sold the press and 1 turret for 20$. I enjoy loading and teaching my grandson, I let him help with case prep but I load without him so I'm not distracted.
My money pit now is antique motorcycles, currently a 62 panhead, next a 31 flathead.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I have been given a Lee C press when I purchased dies and turrets at a flee market, he said if I took the C press I could have everything else for 25$, I use it for decapping before cleaning, I've purchased Lee 3 hole turrets for 20$ with dies and extra turrets and dies and then sold the press and 1 turret for 20$. I enjoy loading and teaching my grandson, I let him help with case prep but I load without him so I'm not distracted.
My money pit now is antique motorcycles, currently a 62 panhead, next a 31 flathead.

Antique motorcycles... Been there done that. May the Lord have mercy.