When Loading *IS* Worth Our Time

Qc Pistolero · #51 06-30-2017, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike, SC Hunter

I have a small ammunition/bullet casting "factory" out back.......So......The only thing I really have to by factory is .22.............

Same over here...and for those who like to calculate how much it saves to cast bullets and reload,in my case,the hours I spend in the shop saved me from a divorce;now THAT translates into big savings!
Qc

rwsmith · #52 06-30-2017, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdwhit

I load in small batches so I don't achieve the economies of scale that others do, still I can reload 50 38 Special rounds for about $12. Of course, if I added in the cost of my time those 50 rounds would cost about $90.

So, from a purely financial standpoint, reloading is never "worth" my time. What makes it "worth" my time is the fact it keeps me sane enough, long enough, to go do the work that brings in the money that I spend on reloading.

That was me before I felt I needed to streamline my operation and pick up production. At first I used Lee Hand Loaders. However, I still have my single stage. I just got some new stuff and figured out ways to save steps. I feel like I've moved from a grade 'C' reloader to a 'B', improving the final product and getting rid of bugs that caused problems. I figure if I want to turn case necks and whatever it takes to become a bench shooting competitor, I'll have to become an 'A' reloader.

rwsmith · #53 06-30-2017, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredj338

Only because you didn't buy better gear. On a good progressive press, I am making money reloading my own ammo. Unless you make $100/hr, even loading cheap 9mm, you are making money rolling your own.
At 700 honest rds an hour on my 650, at 11c/rd reloading cost at todays prices, I save $100. So $70 worth of reloading time. Even at $100/hr GROSS, after taxes & am still making money on that one.

I think you are one of the few that actually PROFITS from reloading.

rwsmith · #54 06-30-2017, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugkiller99

I posted this several years ago. Still holds true. ('Cept I've installed an AC now.

)

Was out in the garage sizing and priming some brass, eventually going to work up some loads. Had to wait until evening, as it is hotter than well you know.

Just beginning to reload, and I am beginning to discover some of the "other" enjoyable parts of reloading. Not just the actual product, but the process, and its quietness and solitude. Better half understands the need for no distractions, so I am left alone (or maybe its because it is hotter then h*** Took a moment between calibers to enjoy the peacefulness....crickets, train off in the distance.....

Think I'm gonna like this

I usually wait until it's been dark a while before I go outside, but I can sit out there a few hours, sometimes into the night, with my fan and the crickets and the bugs and the trains....

otisrush · #55 07-01-2017, 12:43 AM

Wow - I never expected to have so many people chime in. It's fun to hear peoples' perspectives.

I tell people I enjoy loading as much as I enjoy shooting. (Meaning - a lot!) It is so rewarding to head to the range with ammo you've crafted - and then have it perform well.

I happen to have one caliber where my loading enables me to use one of my guns at all: A Remington Model 14 (pump) chambered in .32 Remington. It appears .32 Remington can be bought (when it can be found) for roughly $2/round, last time I checked. I was able to get new brass at Graf's. That with some H335 and a common Hornady bullet gives me a round that is really fun to exercise that classic gun with.

OR

Squarebutt · #56 07-01-2017, 09:59 PM

It's not as rare as .32 Remington, but .35 Remington isn't exactly easy to find here in a state that forbids internet ammo purchases. I load .357 revolver bullets for a cheap, light-recoiling plinking round in my old Marlin 336.