(Added deleted math)

Make 750 rounds vs buy 750 rounds factory .38 S&W special. Costs from my LGS today, $0.54/round Remington 148 grain LHBWC high to $0.34/round GBW 158 grain LRNFP low.

Handloads using Hornady LHBWC $0.33/round first 750, thereafter $0.114/round high to Local cast 150 grain LDEWC $0.274/round first 750 then $0.094 afterwards.

Using 750 rounds (15 boxes as amortization point for durable items: Lee Handpress $38, Lee 4 piece die set $45, Lee Hand Primer $12, and 100 cases Starline brass $18.

First several thousand rounds I loaded I cleaned deprimed cases with hot, hot, hot water in baggie, shaking vigorously.

Distributing per round cost of One Pound Bullseye $18 (2,500 loads of 2.8 grains, which the yellow dipper dips), 1000 primers $26, and $26/250 Hornady LHBWC or locally cast 150 grain LDEWC $15/250.

So looking at out of pocket cost, you CAN buy one box for $17 to $27. That is $204 to $324 per year (600 rounds).

Handloading you buy $113 worth of durable equipment ($98 if you have some brass) and $89 to $122 worth of expendables ($187 to $235 total) to complete 750 rounds, you have made 25 percent more ammo and you have powder and primers (for 1,750 and 250 rounds) on hand.

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Certified Curmudgeon