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Old 11-09-2012, 11:26 AM
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Default Beat the High Cost of Target Shooting

I own a Shield 9 mm and I enjoy taking her to the range. However, if you are like me and very middle class (at least for today) range trips require some budgeting.

Call me crazy but I just purchased a Colt Defender Co2 bb pistol and an indoor target.

I opted for the Colt because it is all metal, but just yesterday I read the M&P full size 45 Co2 shoots tighter groups but she is plastic.

The cost to shoot a co2 gun is around 1/2 a cent per round and the Colt Defender was $55 and I can shoot 1 1/2" groups at 7 yards and the bb travels just under 500 fps. (M&P runs around the same cost and shoots 1 inch groups at 7 yards and travels 380 fps)

I am thinking about a Ruger rifle with scope which puts out 1250 fps and is dead on accurate at 25 yards (Walmart $118) and possibly an upper end competition grade Co2 pistol in the $250 range with a 4 lb trigger.

I don't plan to use my Co2 for conceal carry but it really makes for great target practice in the backyard and how can you argue with 50 cents per 100 rounds!

Russ

P.S. I purchased my Co2 on the internet at airgundepot

Last edited by RussC; 11-09-2012 at 11:31 AM.
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Old 11-09-2012, 12:25 PM
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I shot rimfire to keep costs down.
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Old 11-09-2012, 02:45 PM
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Default Think of the Co2 pistol as a dry fire weapon.

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Originally Posted by Collects View Post
How does the CO2 version of the Colt Defender handle compared to a real Colt Defender? Does handling of the CO2 model promote proper muscle memory for handling the real thing?
The weight and size is about the same as the Colt Defender but of course without the recoil you are not going to condition your muscles for the recoil you will experience with gun powder being ignited.

What I have realized the practice using a co2 pistol has helped me with trigger control. Even with the low recoil of the Co2 I find myself on occasion pulling the pistol when I squeeze the trigger.

Think of the Co2 pistol as your dry fire weapon.

Russ
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Old 11-09-2012, 02:53 PM
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I shot rimfire to keep costs down.
I also shoot rim fire to keep the cost down but what I like about the co2 is I can shoot the gun while in bed at my indoor target. (I just need to make sure I don't miss the target because the bb traveling 500 fps will break a window or punch a hole in the wall.)

Russ
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Old 11-09-2012, 02:53 PM
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That's why I shoot 9mm.. 8)Ron
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Old 11-09-2012, 02:58 PM
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I have found that pellet pistols hold tighter groups. If used with lead pellets they take hold of the rifled barrel better then BB's.. I liked the older .22cal pellet pistols best. Not sure you can still get them in co2 powered pistols.. But would think as long as the barrel is rifled and you shoot a lead pellet you should pull much tighter groups.. George
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Old 11-09-2012, 04:08 PM
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Beat the high costs of target shooting?

It's called Reloading, It cost me $4-$5 a box for pistol rounds, depending on what I shoot. Any serious shooter, unless they are a millionaire or have the last name of Hornady etc needs to reload.

JMO
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Old 11-09-2012, 05:45 PM
Dennis9 Dennis9 is offline
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Cool cost of target shooting

I don't shoot C02 or pellets. I do think shooting any pistol be it whatever helps, but I also believe that shooting your carry or competition pistol is what it really takes to become a better shot. I know that I am not rich enough to buy my ammo and due believe that most GOOD shooters reload their own. I do shoot my 22a pistol alot and it is great but doesn't fill like my 9mm or carry pistol , also 9mm. Anyway you can shoot more, be it bb's, pellets, 22's or centerfire, that's all that matters. Just shoot alot cause it's fun.. Also B_Safe. Target in the bedroom , don't know why I didn't think of that.
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Old 11-09-2012, 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by StatesRightist View Post
Beat the high costs of target shooting?

It's called Reloading, It cost me $4-$5 a box for pistol rounds, depending on what I shoot. Any serious shooter, unless they are a millionaire or have the last name of Hornady etc needs to reload.

JMO
I would like to reload for the cost savings but worry that a) I would not ever recoup the costs of the equipment and b) that the time it would take to do the reloading would be not insignificant and would take away from the precious little time I have away from work already.

I'm going to keep watching the yard sales and pulsing my shooting buddies to see if they know of a fairly complete, inexpensive setup that I can get started with.
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Old 11-09-2012, 08:03 PM
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I would like to reload for the cost savings but worry that a) I would not ever recoup the costs of the equipment and b) that the time it would take to do the reloading would be not insignificant and would take away from the precious little time I have away from work already.

I'm going to keep watching the yard sales and pulsing my shooting buddies to see if they know of a fairly complete, inexpensive setup that I can get started with.
You can get started with a single stage LEE for less than $300. I resisted it for awhile myself, but the rising cost of ammo almost demands it. Plus, for me anyway, it adds something to be shooting a bullet I made. You are right on the time issue, using a single stage press is much cheaper on start up, but not a quick process.
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Old 11-09-2012, 08:42 PM
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I just got into reloading and use the missouri bullet company bullets.

Very accurate in my 45C. I use range pick ups for brass.

Just bought a shield 40 and will reload for that as well

(just need die)

The 45 bullets were about 8 cents per if I remember correctly.

The primers are cheap, as is the powder.

Not counting my time, It costs around 12 cents a round to shoot

Last edited by Dean1818; 11-09-2012 at 08:46 PM.
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Old 11-09-2012, 09:04 PM
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I can agree that handloading is a dollar saver. But when you factor the initial start up costs, you have to shoot a lot of ammo to break even. The more you shoot, the more you spend. That's like the guy that buys the Prius because of the mileage. He pays $4000 more than a similar car, and would take ten years before he breaks even, with the gas savings.

I can buy Walmart 100 count Federal Champion in 9mm for $19.97, 40 S&W for $27.97, and 45 acp for $29.97. This is really good ammo for practice. You can buy bulk boxed ammo for less. I am not an anti handloader, I just put a cost to my time and try to figure how long before I see a payback. Most guys I know that handload start small and end up spending a fortune on "better" equipment.

Bob
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Old 11-09-2012, 10:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robkarrob View Post
I can agree that handloading is a dollar saver. But when you factor the initial start up costs, you have to shoot a lot of ammo to break even. The more you shoot, the more you spend. That's like the guy that buys the Prius because of the mileage. He pays $4000 more than a similar car, and would take ten years before he breaks even, with the gas savings.

I can buy Walmart 100 count Federal Champion in 9mm for $19.97, 40 S&W for $27.97, and 45 acp for $29.97. This is really good ammo for practice. You can buy bulk boxed ammo for less. I am not an anti handloader, I just put a cost to my time and try to figure how long before I see a payback. Most guys I know that handload start small and end up spending a fortune on "better" equipment.

Bob
This is exactly what I've calculated and the last statement is what I fear in myself (always gotta get the better this or that). I resist it fairly well but the more expensive interests I get, the more the pocketbook groans.
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Old 11-10-2012, 12:41 AM
rsrocket1 rsrocket1 is offline
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I now reload and cast. With lead I can get at $0.45/lb, my loaded bullets are now $0.05 each or $50/thousand. Just a little more than .22LR. I've had several weeks now where I've shot 400 rounds or $20 worth. With over 4k shots of 40 S&W alone this past year I'm definitely glad I invested in reloading and casting equipment. In the past, I would be reluctant to use up an entire box of 50 pistol rounds or 20 rifle rounds. Now I just plink as much as I want.

Reloading 100 at a time, it's just a quick 15-20 minute break in the garage and casting 1000 bullets takes a couple of hours on a weekend morning with the Lee 6 banger mold.
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Old 11-10-2012, 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by rsrocket1 View Post
I now reload and cast. With lead I can get at $0.45/lb, my loaded bullets are now $0.05 each or $50/thousand. Just a little more than .22LR. I've had several weeks now where I've shot 400 rounds or $20 worth. With over 4k shots of 40 S&W alone this past year I'm definitely glad I invested in reloading and casting equipment. In the past, I would be reluctant to use up an entire box of 50 pistol rounds or 20 rifle rounds. Now I just plink as much as I want

Reloading 100 at a time, it's just a quick 15-20 minute break in the garage and casting 1000 bullets takes a couple of hours on a weekend morning with the Lee 6 banger mold.

Rsrocket

Does the lead gum up the barrel or require any extra maintenance over standard bullets?

How many times can you reuse brass and what is the cost to replace brass?

What is the startup cost and are there any repair or replacement costs associated with the reload and casting equipment? If yes how many rounds can be reloaded before the equipment needs repaired and what approximate repair and/or replacement costs can be expected?

I know I have asked a lot of questions but I am honestly trying to determine how many reloads it would take before you break even assuming my current factory 9mm load at .20 each.

Russ

Last edited by RussC; 11-10-2012 at 02:04 AM.
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Old 11-10-2012, 07:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robkarrob View Post
I can agree that handloading is a dollar saver. But when you factor the initial start up costs, you have to shoot a lot of ammo to break even. The more you shoot, the more you spend. That's like the guy that buys the Prius because of the mileage. He pays $4000 more than a similar car, and would take ten years before he breaks even, with the gas savings.

I can buy Walmart 100 count Federal Champion in 9mm for $19.97, 40 S&W for $27.97, and 45 acp for $29.97. This is really good ammo for practice. You can buy bulk boxed ammo for less. I am not an anti handloader, I just put a cost to my time and try to figure how long before I see a payback. Most guys I know that handload start small and end up spending a fortune on "better" equipment.

Bob
You can't put a cost to your time for a hobby. If we did, no one would hunt. Antelope steaks would be $55/lb and elk even more for a guided hunt. That's not even figuring in the cost of your rifle and other needed gear.

The problem with handloading is you save money per box so you shoot more. If you shoot more, your shooting may actually improve.

I originally started handloading with a Lee Loader when I was in high school to save money. That first box of cartridges was the most expensive I've ever shot. I now load for 28 separate cartridges and my equipment takes up a 10x12 room.

As far as getting your money back, Midway sells .375 H&H from Nosler for $87/box. It costs me $30/box for the same loads, a savings of $57. You can pay for a RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Kit and dies for less than six boxes.

If you care to figure the cost savings differently, I can shoot match grade .223 ammunition for less than the cost of imported 5.56 NATO mil-surp.

I also question whether or not it takes away from your valuable time after work. Again, it's a hobby. By definition, a hobby is defined as an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation. Shooting itself is a hobby and takes time.

I don't watch much television and I live in an area that has 9 months of winter and 3 months that the sledding is not so good. I have to have something to do. My wife knows where I'm at.
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Old 11-10-2012, 08:27 AM
Dean1818 Dean1818 is offline
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I see so many people that shoot very little at the range because of the cost.

Shooting a 22 or a pellet just doesnt do it for me. (please no offense to the folks that do)

I have 2 pistols that I love and I very much want to shoot them.

Try a single stage used. Shoot missouri bullet..... Have fun at the range.

Ebay is your friend


I went with a Lyman turret press

I havent quite built up the courage for casting my own lead.....

Last edited by Dean1818; 11-10-2012 at 08:33 AM.
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Old 11-10-2012, 08:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussC View Post
I also shoot rim fire to keep the cost down but what I like about the co2 is I can shoot the gun while in bed at my indoor target. (I just need to make sure I don't miss the target because the bb traveling 500 fps will break a window or punch a hole in the wall.)

Russ
"Could Put Your Eye Out" too LOL. Anyway,a ricochet hurts too. ( They make nice BB traps,but also easy to build. My old "pump up" get 870 fps with 10 pumps. Pistol's are much less. I have the M&P 45 Co2 and it's not too bad. Hard finding "Mags" (they are round) for areasonable price.
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Old 11-10-2012, 11:31 AM
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Quote:
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"Could Put Your Eye Out" too LOL. Anyway,a ricochet hurts too. ( They make nice BB traps,but also easy to build. My old "pump up" get 870 fps with 10 pumps. Pistol's are much less. I have the M&P 45 Co2 and it's not too bad. Hard finding "Mags" (they are round) for areasonable price.
Maddox:

The Christmas Story movie is a classic.

I must wear glasses to shoot and due to my poor eye sight to avoid coke bottle glasses I wear carbon lenses. Most likely a ricochet from a bb would not penetrate my carbon lenses and I never shoot indoor with others around.

Bed shots are not common. My wife would never tolerate it. The point I was trying to make using the bed shot analogy is shooting co2 pistols is convenient. If I am in the mood to shoot I don't have to drive to the range, pay the fee wait for a lane for 30 minutes of shooting enjoyment.

If I have a few minutes I can set up the indoor target and pop off 100 rounds (you must empty the co2 which requires about 100 rounds) and do it in my pajamas.

Reloading Posters:

Reloading sounds like a great hobby, but I have a hard time believing the "real cost" (per one poster) if you cast your own bullets is 5 cents for 9mm. Brass eventually will need to be replaced, lead in the barrel will require more cleanup and the brass replacement is going to be a big part of the overall cost of the shell and of course equipment needs to be maintained which is another expense.

I just recently purchased Federal 115 grain 9mm in boxes of 100 for $19.97 at Walmart (.20 each). The cheapest reload I have found locally to purchase is .16 with once used brass.

If the real cost for a reload (factoring replacement brass every so often) is less than .10 cheaper per round than Walmart Federal for a 9mm I am not going to invest in the equipment to save pennies per round.

No offense for those who reload I did it as a boy with my shotgun shells but honestly it is a hobby and most of my hobbies don't save me but cost me money that is why I opted for a Co2 pistol. I want a cheap shooter that I can use to hone my dry fire skills and have some fun for pennies.

I can see reloading if you are a serious weekly shooter but now that I have a reliable ccw the number of range trips has dropped from every 2 weeks to every 6 weeks which over a year is less than a case. (When the children are out of college maybe the weekly range trips will be an option but for now I found a way to enjoy shooting while our children are in college.)


Russ
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Old 11-10-2012, 11:56 AM
nickn10 nickn10 is offline
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Using my 25 yr old Lee turret press, ($150.00) and having loaded at least a total of 25k rounds of 38, 357, 40S&W, and 45acp avg @ 15 cents a round using BullX, Berry or Rainier bullets. I'm way ahead of the game. Rifle 308, 223, less than 50 cents if I use good target or hunting bullets, I don't use the latest superdooper bullets, Sierra or Hornady blems work just fine. If you shoot 1K+ a year reload, if only 100-200 buy Walmart. As for putting a cost on my time....sitting on my butt costs me $0 in dollars but produces $25- $50 of product an hr., a hell of alot cheaper than 18 holes of golf that produces $0. It is my hobby, not my job.

Last edited by nickn10; 11-10-2012 at 12:04 PM.
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