Cost effectiveness?

[Etruett]

I think it’s very cost effective once you cover the cost of equipment, especially if you shoot a lot and don’t put a price on your time. Even with today’s prices you can still save a good bit on 9mm which for years was pretty hard to do. Primers are running .10m- powder .02 - bullets can be found as cheap as .06. Pick up brass and you are in for 9.00 a box. As every else has stated, other calibers are where you really save the money. Thankfully I’ve got enough primers bought before the panic that I should be covered until I cross to the other side. If I out live the primers I have, I’ll gladly pay .10 each.

 

[Toprudder]

sounds like the 357/44 B&D, 9mm Win Mag, 45 Win Mag all thanks to the Contender Pistol

-Snoopz

I admit the Contender/Encore line has intrigued me, but my 429 is a Desert Eagle. I don't know if the Contender has a 429 barrel available, but it would be simple to rechamber a 44 mag barrel.

 

[Snoopz]

I admit the Contender/Encore line has intrigued me, but my 429 is a Desert Eagle. I don't know if the Contender has a 429 barrel available, but it would be simple to rechamber a 44 mag barrel.

Yeah got a DE 50AE one of the first ones, that one is still in the box. The Contender (early ones), what I like you can go from Rimfire to centerfire,
or if you managed to get one of the first 45 Colt / 410 barrels, you can go into the barn and shoot critters. Most of the barrels here, picked up from
Midsouth Shooters long ago was having clearance on barrels, external choke barrels, 8" octagon barrels, odd ball rounds, $55-$85 each.
Got into metallic Silhouette Shooting back then, Used the Contender and a Modded XP100. Had to many shooting hobbies back then, out of
all of them was bowling pin shoots, burned up a ton of 45's, got pissed one time and took the MAC to em. (private club)

-Snoopz

 

[Jabroni]

Its losing cost effectiveness quickly with the availability and subsequent costs of components lately. Add the "time is money" factor and then it just becomes cheaper and easier to buy in bulk for certain things (9mm as an example).

That said, I still enjoy loading 223 and 308 though.

 

[Toprudder]

Its losing cost effectiveness quickly with the availability and subsequent costs of components lately. Add the "time is money" factor and then it just becomes cheaper and easier to buy in bulk for certain things (9mm as an example).

That said, I still enjoy loading 223 and 308 though.

Well, yes and no. As long as the ammo prices are jacked, reloading should still be cost effective. If 9mm ammo comes back down to under 20 cents per round, but primers are still 10 cents per, then yeah, not cost effective.

 

[Snoopz]

Well, yes and no. As long as the ammo prices are jacked, reloading should still be cost effective. If 9mm ammo comes back down to under 20 cents per round, but primers are still 10 cents per, then yeah, not cost effective.

agreed, "if" ammo comes down / primers stay high. then maybe not as much. just means more brass for me, if you cast then it would be lower
primers closing in on $100 per k is crazy. it seems that "they" don't want us to reload. Time I don't even figure that in. Not punching a clock so
I get it. It's relaxing to me. whether it be using the Rock Chucker or the Star, numbers of rounds is just that a number.. turn the tunes on and
reload..

-Snoopz

 

[rufrdr]

My time has no value so I don't count that. My tools and equipment were depreciated a long time ago. I was fortunate to buy components when they were cheap. With old guy reloaders passing on, new bargains in components and tools are always popping up.

 

[Dave951]

Is it truly more cost effective to reload your ammo? If so, what can one expect from the process. (About how much does a set up cost)?

I’ve thought about it before and I’m trying to weigh

It is a completely erroneous assumption that you will save money. What WILL happen is you'll have better ammo tailored to your gun and you'll shoot more.

 

[Snoopz]

My time has no value so I don't count that. My tools and equipment were depreciated a long time ago. I was fortunate to buy components when they were cheap. With old guy reloaders passing on, new bargains in components and tools are always popping up.

Bought all mine also when cheap, and from reloaders who couldn't reload anymore due to health issues, age, etc.
"the right place at the right time" deals are still out there..estates or even a neighbor or family member of that neighbor.

-Snoopz

 

[Jabroni]

My time has no value so I don't count that.

Wanna reload some 9mm for me? Heh. Totally Kidding!

It absolutely does have a value IMO. You could be spending it doing something else (like shooting!).

Loading 9mm on a single stage (what I use) its just not worth it to me at present... not for a 100 buck (or thereabouts)in savings.

 

[73Chall]

Is it truly more cost effective to reload your ammo? If so, what can one expect from the process. (About how much does a set up cost)?

I’ve thought about it before and I’m trying to weigh

I‘m assuming your referring to metallic reloading which I saved a small fortune in reloading .45acp but of late even more reloading 38Spl 148g full wadcutter “MidRange” loads for my S&W Model 52’s

Shof shell as well since I discovered components (namely Claybuster CB-12-0175 12ga 3/4oz wads and Alliant Extra Light powder) which allow me to easily load 5/8oz #8 shit in Winchester 12ga AA HS hulls and 1/2oz with some extra fiddling (but NO other “fillers”). We’re talking 850 loads out of a 25-lb bag of shot and skeet targets don't know the difference!

But, in the end, ya gotta buy your components in bulk and at todays prices (wont even get into lack of availability :-/ that is the deal breaker for most folks I shoot with …

 

[73Chall]

Bought all mine also when cheap, and from reloaders who couldn't reload anymore due to health issues, age, etc.
"the right place at the right time" deals are still out there..estates or even a neighbor or family member of that neighbor.

-Snoopz

^Estate^ sales are likely where some savvy buyers are haunting; however; even then one needs be cautious they don’t get caught up. I’m aware of a seller in FL with 3 used, well worn MEC 9000’s he picked up at an estate sale and he’s asking $600 (+ shipping) for each press!!! Either he is smoking something spectacular or he really, REALLY a overpaid for each press, at the estate sale!

 

[Snoopz]

^Estate^ sales are likely where some savvy buyers are haunting; however; even then one needs be cautious they don’t get caught up. I’m aware of a seller in FL with 3 used, well worn MEC 9000’s he picked up at an estate sale and he’s asking $600 (+ shipping) for each press!!! Either he is smoking something spectacular or he really, REALLY a overpaid for each press, at the estate sale!

very true. I know there are people out there that think they have "gold" because of the market.
seen a Hornady Projector on Fleabay for $400 another for $300, neither appear to have the Priming
system, the guy must of bumped his head. The MEC's $600 no way, maybe $175-$200 if that.
Also check out the HiBid Auctions, don't know if NC or SC has any haven't checked
up here there are several and PA is like a gold mine some times for reloading equipment,
firearms, etc.

-Snoopz

 

[Snoopz]

I‘m assuming your referring to metallic reloading which I saved a small fortune in reloading .45acp but of late even more reloading 38Spl 148g full wadcutter “MidRange” loads for my S&W Model 52’s

Shof shell as well since I discovered components (namely Claybuster CB-12-0175 12ga 3/4oz wads and Alliant Extra Light powder) which allow me to easily load 5/8oz #8 shit in Winchester 12ga AA HS hulls and 1/2oz with some extra fiddling (but NO other “fillers”). We’re talking 850 loads out of a 25-lb bag of shot and skeet targets don't know the difference!

But, in the end, ya gotta buy your components in bulk and at todays prices (wont even get into lack of availability :-/ that is the deal breaker for most folks I shoot with …

the good old 148 WC , nice plinking rounds 2.7grs. BE, 45ACP is the cast H&G 68, 5.1gr W231..Save some money for sure.
And like you say buy in Bulk, the more the better ...if you can

the days of WW-844, WW-846 mil pull down at $42-$56 for 8# is gone

-Snoopz

 

[Crazy Carl]

One caliber I reload is 429 DE. Factory ammo was over $2.00 per round, before the crazy stuff happened. I can reload it for $0.35 per round. But, the fact is, I may never shoot that cartridge enough to realize any savings. HOWEVER, I would not be surprised if that cartridge will no longer be chambered in a gun (only one right now, that I know of) so it may become an orphan that no one makes ammo for anymore. I will be able to continue shooting it until the gun wears out, if I want.

Same with my .357 Maximum & especially my .41 Special, as it isn't SAAMI certified & has never been chambered in a factory gun.

 

[rufrdr]

Wanna reload some 9mm for me? Heh. Totally Kidding!

It absolutely does have a value IMO. You could be spending it doing something else (like shooting!).

Loading 9mm on a single stage (what I use) its just not worth it to me at present... not for a 100 buck (or thereabouts)in savings.

I find it therapeutic. I use a single stage press and it takes 400 pulls of the lever to do 100 rounds of handgun ammo. It will take me a couple weeks to load 200 rounds of handgun ammo because I do it in between other things. I started 200 .45 acp rounds last week, I'm finally to the point to charge cases. I might do that tonight or maybe next week. Since I don't put off doing other, more important things (like cutting grass or reading a book) for reloading, the time spent on it is immaterial. Just my point of view.

 

[Bigdave0924]

If you like the idea of spending thousands to save hundreds then reloading is the hobby for you. I spend way more money now than I used to before I started to reload. Primers are expensive, powder is expensive, I still spend about the same amount of $ every month on factory ammo I can just concentrate my efforts on buying a couple calibers while I reload for the rest. Don’t get in to the hobby thinking you’ll save a whole lot of money it doesn’t work like that.

 

[Toprudder]

I will say that it IS possible to reload for a lot less money than most people spend. The hand press or the C press from Lee, and minimal but enough auxiliary equipment ($25 scale, $40 calipers, etc) and $40 for die set. It is possible to make quality ammo for not many dollars. I don't know anyone that got into reloading that doesn't end up spending more money for nicer equipment, though, but it was their choice to do so. I've spent a LOT of money on equipment, but it wasn't necessary for anything more than improving my own enjoyment of the hobby, because that is what it is to me - a hobby.

 

[Snoopz]

even this was cheap way back then to reload
Ideal / Lyman 310 Tool aka "nutcracker"


Picked up one of these in 220 Swift complete, with 38spl, 44, 45 Colt dies plus 280 RP 220 Swift cases
for a plain Jane box of 9mm about 2 years ago. Works great.

 

[rufrdr]

I started with Lee Loaders, periodically I'd set off a primer when I was pounding it home and it would blow the seating rod out of the case!

 

[Snoopz]

I started with Lee Loaders, periodically I'd set off a primer when I was pounding it home and it would blow the seating rod out of the case!

Woolco had them decades ago, got one don't remember what cartridge, haven't found
it yet in packing up. may have given it away. like I did with a Load-All in 12ga.
I was thinking about that with the Lee Loaders, I'm banging on this...that's probably why
I didn't use it. Some people I knew back then was using them.

-Snoopz

 

[Snoopz]

I find it therapeutic. I use a single stage press and it takes 400 pulls of the lever to do 100 rounds of handgun ammo. It will take me a couple weeks to load 200 rounds of handgun ammo because I do it in between other things. I started 200 .45 acp rounds last week, I'm finally to the point to charge cases. I might do that tonight or maybe next week. Since I don't put off doing other, more important things (like cutting grass or reading a book) for reloading, the time spent on it is immaterial. Just my point of view.

We used to have "reloading parties" 3 of us would go out shooting, we fired the same rounds basically
Had 3 Rock Chuckers, one size, one seat, one taper crimp, dads drill press to remove primer crimps, bevel
the case mouth, we would do it in stages. we could not afford progressive back then. Today I still do things
in "batch mode" sort, clean, deprime, ream, size, trim. prime, depending on cartridge.

-Snoopz

 

[FritztheCat]

Cost effectiveness depends on when you got started rolling your own. If you started three years ago and bought a lot of stuff, especially primers, you might be okay. If you started less than two years ago, you're probably rowing upstream. If you started more than five years ago and you don't have enough components to last for a couple of years, I'm jealous of the amount of time you have to shoot or, you missed a good opportunity.

 

[Dave951]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned and that's if you have a gun with an obsolete caliber or you want to make black powder cartridges. That stuff generally isn't sold anywhere and obsolete cartridges are often collector items. I have a 50/70 and ammo is pretty much a reloading proposition.

 

[ronn47]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned and that's if you have a gun with an obsolete caliber or you want to make black powder cartridges. That stuff generally isn't sold anywhere and obsolete cartridges are often collector items. I have a 50/70 and ammo is pretty much a reloading proposition.

I sold/traded a Springfield Trapdoor 50-70 some years ago because I could not find ammo.

 

[Downeast]

After reading everyone's posts the big question always seems to be "is reloading cost effective" Well, mostly not. But its the intangibles that one cannot really define. People tell me that it is such a waste of money to reload ammo and shoot a $3500 rifle at paper targets. Right now I have a close friend who is selling his 3 year old boat for a bigger boat! Most likely he will have over $100K in it when it's all said and done. He wants to go fishing in the ocean. 100K will buy a lot of fish and seafood! Yet no one says anything about how foolish he is by buying a boat. It will cost several hundred dollars in fuel each time he takes it out. After a few trips many of his friends will quit chipping in on the gas and just buy some lobsters and tuna when they get a hankering for seafood. I've seen it happen many times. The same goes for the folks that play golf. How much money do they save out on the greens every weekend? I reload because I enjoy it. When I get a bit frustrated with life then I go sip on a little single malt and prep a little brass or read some of my notes (no loading while sipping, ). There are two things in life that we strive to do. Work and Play. You work so that you can play. Be it guns and reloading, fishing, hookers, boats, cars, bowling, golf, running, single malts, whatever.

If you want to really save money on guns and ammo then buy a cheap AR and a .22 pistol and a 1,000 rounds of ammo for each and put them in the back of the closet. Then go play at something else.

 

[Dave951]

"Cost effective" is really a nebulous question. It all boils down to the "why". If all I did was go to the range, pop off a couple shots, be satisfied with mediocrity, then reloading makes no sense. In my case, I want the best ammo possible for my match guns and ammo for my obsolete ones, ergo reloading makes complete sense for me.

 

[Snoopz]

After reading everyone's posts the big question always seems to be "is reloading cost effective" Well, mostly not. But its the intangibles that one cannot really define. People tell me that it is such a waste of money to reload ammo and shoot a $3500 rifle at paper targets. Right now I have a close friend who is selling his 3 year old boat for a bigger boat! Most likely he will have over $100K in it when it's all said and done. He wants to go fishing in the ocean. 100K will buy a lot of fish and seafood! Yet no one says anything about how foolish he is by buying a boat. It will cost several hundred dollars in fuel each time he takes it out. After a few trips many of his friends will quit chipping in on the gas and just buy some lobsters and tuna when they get a hankering for seafood. I've seen it happen many times. The same goes for the folks that play golf. How much money do they save out on the greens every weekend? I reload because I enjoy it. When I get a bit frustrated with life then I go sip on a little single malt and prep a little brass or read some of my notes (no loading while sipping, ). There are two things in life that we strive to do. Work and Play. You work so that you can play. Be it guns and reloading, fishing, hookers, boats, cars, bowling, golf, running, single malts, whatever.

If you want to really save money on guns and ammo then buy a cheap AR and a .22 pistol and a 1,000 rounds of ammo for each and put them in the back of the closet. Then go play at something else.

Good Comparisons. Have a friend that liked to go Marlin fishing, crabing, just plan fishing, what he spent on a boat, everything else, yes he worked hard, owned a Construction
company back then would he ever get his money out of it, I doubt it. It was his R & R. Now he builds boats, really nice boats. I was into Muscle cars, you can sink some money
into them. Then High End Audio Equipment, would I get my money back, back then, no way. Now is a different story. Reloading is a hobby, others have come and gone. As
mentioned, get the same thing, "it's a waste of money" time, etc. My only responses are, I'm shooting your not and why do you ask to buy some ammo from me, chip in $$,
offer to help now?

-Snoopz

 

[rufrdr]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned and that's if you have a gun with an obsolete caliber or you want to make black powder cartridges. That stuff generally isn't sold anywhere and obsolete cartridges are often collector items. I have a 50/70 and ammo is pretty much a reloading proposition.

I shoot .455 Webley, .38/200, 7.5 Swiss, 6.5 Swede. I used to shoot 7.5 French, 577/450 Martini Henry .45/70, .30-40 Krag....they are all available (sometimes) as factory ammo but not frequently in most instances.

 

[Lager]

On Dillion reloading website, all the way on the bottom there is a link for cost calculation. Your going to need to know all your costs per round before it will give you an accurate figure. I have been reloading for a really long time for all the reasons everyone has already mentioned.

 

[Alfred]

I believe the real question is whether low volume home reloading has any value . Sure there can be outright cost savings if you have purchased components wisely and focus on rounds that have been historically over-priced or hard to find. Certainly I never thought of reloading 9mm. To me though, the real value is that I have no availability worries nor do I have to chase every "in stock" notice or politically driven bullsheet price gouging driven by the news. That independence and peace of mind is priceless to me- there's intangibles associated with being able to roll your own that do not involve $.

 

[Snoopz]

I shoot .455 Webley, .38/200, 7.5 Swiss, 6.5 Swede. I used to shoot 7.5 French, 577/450 Martini Henry .45/70, .30-40 Krag....they are all available (sometimes) as factory ammo but not frequently in most instances.

oldies but goodies...
Shoot from time to time. 22 Hornet, 22 K Hornet, 256WM, 222, 9mm WM, 45 WM, 44-SPL, 221 FB, just to name a few
458WM, 460 Weatherby, 300 H&H, 6mm/244 Rem.

Then again swaging bullets from 22LR cases, Handgun cases, was / is another branch of reloading. Now it's
costly. Casting your own helps but then again more equipment.. more cost, reloading Shotgun depending
which gauge can pay-off but again more cost. It can be like that with any hobby.. collecting knives get costly
custom hand built, your may start out with a "Buck Folding hunter" then end up with some early Al Mar's
and the sky is the limit. Katana's in the $5k-$15k range. (off Topic..sorry)

-Snoopz

 

[GoWolfpack]

It's a hobby, and hobbies cost money. If you can afford it, and you like it, you should do it.

There may be a way you could squint at it so that it looks like you're saving money, but if you have other things you wish you could be doing maybe just do them and buy some ammo.

 

[jjwestbrook]

I was set up and we'll stocked long before the stuff went crazy. I was loading 9mm for .11/ rd now at .15. .223 was at .18 now at .28. Still much cheaper than buying at current Market

 

[Tarowah]

As it has been said several times already, it depends on what you’re loading.

I started hand loading because “target” .458 Socom ammo was running me $2 to $3 per round, quality ammo was running $4-$5 per round, and that was during “good” times.

I can load 325gr FTX .458 Socom close to .40-.50 per round, I haven’t had to purchase components for the caliber in over a year but I’m sure it’s double that now, but it’s still way, way cheaper than buying factory ammo.

The 6.5 Grendel with 123gr ELD match is currently running me .60-.70 (I’m pulling that out of my arse, because I don’t math good and I’m lazy) but that’s still much cheaper factory match ammo.

 

[Opus X]

Ammunition reloading load cost calculator | X-Reload

Use our custom load calculator and find out how much more bang for your bucks you can get with reloading. Try it now.

x-reload.com

this will tell you the cost. Now compare what you would pay for production ammunition. I do it because I enjoy it and I make my perfect round

 

[Snoopz]

I posted a spreadsheet in this thread that does that, gives you breakdowns, etc.

 

[Opus X]

To answer your question it depends what you are reloading caliber wise.
You will get your Return on Investment quicker with the odd ball calibers
or not to common rounds. The common ones would be 5.56, 9mm, maybe
45ACP, 6.5CM. Where you see the greater payoff is 22 Hornet, 256WM,
38/357, 44Mag, 338LM, 45 Colt, 7.62, 458WM, 460 Weatherby, 375 H&H,
Herrett Rounds, JDJ Rounds and Wildcats, or 50BMG... just some examples.

To start now the cost and availability of components, some consider it not, but
also with the factory loaded ammo being hit or miss, that's why many got into
reloading. The setup cost is where the money comes into play, just to get started
Press, Dies, Scale, Powder measure, trimmer, manuals, misc. odds n ends. Then
you source the components.

Cost: That also depends on what you want: Single Stage press, Progressive, and
who's. Scales: Beam or digital, Powder Measures: Uniflow - Harrells ($$$), Dies:
Lee - Redding, Sinclair, Whidden, Mighty Armory or custom. The variables, are
endless.

Determine your needs, how much do you plan on shooting, what are you shooting?
LR, Precision, 3-Gun, Matches, Comp., calibers your going to reload.

Your gonna get a lot of buy this and buy that, find a mentor, someone who left you
"pull the handle" and try different presses. Some go to Progressive from the get go.
Some use Single Stage for development or just plain use a Single Stage. It may be
all they can afford at the moment. Find what works for you and does what you want
it to. Me personally I'm not "brand loyal" don't care what color it is, Pink, blue, green,
red, black, rust colored, as long as it works for me. Have a gambit of presses, like the
old Vintage stuff, Stars, Hollywoods, etc. Even the ole "nut cracker" works great, Ideal
310 tool.

Progressives ..
They all have Pro's and Con's
They all have their liker's and hater's
They all need to be setup properly
They all need tweaked, here and there
They all produce a finished round, some faster than others.
They all work eventually....

Started on RCBS Rock Chucker in the early 70's, and it grew from there, presses here
and presses there. Under the bench on top of the bench. Powder measures all kinds

Then you will "branch" out, casting your own bullets, Swaging taking copper
jackets, 22LR cases and even pistol cases to make bullet jackets. Swaging is
where the dollars add up quickly.

Sum it up:
Determine your needs. once again. Make a list of what your gonna need and them
go shopping. Remember this: Be safe, stay focused, it ain't a race, in doubt dump it
out, never assume, one powder one the bench at a time and that's the one your currently
using.. you want things to go "bang" not "boom", or you may be missing body parts
or body injury.. Some people are so worried about "MAX" when it comes to powder
charges.... Reloading, casting, swaging is another hobby for me, it's fun, relaxing, the
other half calls me "cellar dweller"(basement here), that will change in SC, No basement.

Advantages:
Tailor the load to the firearm, more consistent, and savings depending on caliber

Here's a Spreadsheet to try out I've used.. it's a direct link as it will ask to download
it, it's safe. Lot's of tabs.

https://ballisticxlr.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/reloadingxlr_v3.3.xlsx

-Snoopz

That’s a great spreadsheet. Thanks for sharing

 

[Snoopz]

That’s a great spreadsheet. Thanks for sharing

No problem, It's really handy

here's the spreadsheet link again for those

https://ballisticxlr.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/reloadingxlr_v3.3.xlsx

-Snoopz

 

[Etruett]

We used to have "reloading parties" 3 of us would go out shooting, we fired the same rounds basically
Had 3 Rock Chuckers, one size, one seat, one taper crimp, dads drill press to remove primer crimps, bevel
the case mouth, we would do it in stages. we could not afford progressive back then. Today I still do things
in "batch mode" sort, clean, deprime, ream, size, trim. prime, depending on cartridge.

-Snoopz

Same here. When I was around 18 and just getting started shooting, I didn’t have extra money. One of my mentors sold me a complete set up for $100. The older guys took me under their wing and since we all shot 38spl, we worked together. We all had our loading set ups in one building. Wheel weights were free and we had buckets full. We would get together for a couple of nights and drink beer and cast wadcutters. 3-4 of us had bullet molds for 148grwc and we had 2 sizing presses. We would cast and size until we had at least 5k bullets. A few nights later we would get together and load em up. When we had them all loaded, we split them up. when they were gone, we started over. What a grand time we had. The fellowship we shared loading rivaled the fun we had shooting. Brass and lead was free. Bullseye powder I think was around $4/lb and primers around a penny each. With the little cost of bullet lube figured in, we were loading for 2 cents a round.