I am sure this comes up but could not find info.

Here is the question, I shoot revolvers/lever action in 357, 41, 44 mag and 45 Colt. I do not shoot a lot. However, I am retired and have the time and it seems like the type of thing I would like to do. My brother got into reloading a couple of years ago, but he is hyper active and doesn't like it at all. says it is a waste of time and money.

My only question is what % on average do you save per round? not worried about labor, that would be a plus giving me something to do.Thanks!

On average, I'd guesstimate it at about half price over buying factory cartridges. That's really kinda hard to pin down cause the prices have fluctuated so much over the years, different bullets, primers, powder charges, etc. I'm sure someone else would figger 35 percent and yet another person 75 percent. Fifty percent is pretty roundball inclusive of the primers I've paid $10 per carton for, the ones I've paid $6 for, and the ones that have been haunting my shelves and drawers for decades. Same concept with powder and bullets. I figger I'm a bit below $20 a box for my smoke and thunder .38 Special loads.

It also doesn't need to be overly complex or expensive. I've made tens of thousands of rounds on a Lee hand press, mostly while re-watching old spaghetti westerns and such. I could fit the necessary tools into a large boot box. Good luck in your decision!

If you disregard the costs of equipment (press, dies, scale, powder measure, etc), and your costs are limited to components (primers, powder and bullets — I assume you have cases for the ammo corresponding to your guns) you can save about 50% over factory ammo.

Amortizing the cost of equipment is more difficult to calculate. Generally, the more ammo you reload, the less the amortized equipment cost of your ammo.

In OP’s situation, where his current ammunition consumption is modest, I’d expect his reloading volume to also be modest resulting in higher amortization costs.

Many of us have seen folks who started reloading and increased their shooting. This could be a result of the less expensive ammo, but I think it’s more likely because reloading opened new elements in the shooting sports such as load development for various applications.

Let’s see…. Your brother has reloading gear and doesn’t like it. You are interested in trying it. Seems like a no-brainer!

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Uvidíme se později, aligátore.

LOL I think he would give me the equipment for free. So the equipment is not a factor in the cost. So what I am hearing is reloading saves about 50% is that correct?

I'd say that's about right on average. More with the .41, .44, .45 Colt. A bit less savings on .38/.357 vs. the big bores but still 50%. The worst is 9mm.

But there's more to it. You can develop a .41 load and shoot that for the rest of your life. Hard to do that with factory ammo. It comes, it goes. I've been shooting the same .38 spl load for 40 years.

I've been loading for 5 years...357/38 only. always loaded shotgun...started right after I retired...Love it, you should try it, great experience...plus you save money to boot!...I shoot more

I save nothing, I just shoot more, lots more.

OK I went and priced out my .41 load. I use lead bullets for my target load. Figuring $110/m for bullets, $40 # for powder, $80 for 1,000 primers I get $11.36 for 50. I can actually beat those prices a bit

Go shopping, and google "reloading calculator".

I have reloaded for 50 years or so, and I have saved a lot of money over the years. Better than that, though, I have had ammo to shoot when others couldn’t die to one shortage or another.

Having said that, if I had to start over today, I don’t know that I would. Equipment is more and more expensive, and factoring that in, I don’t know that it would be worth it.

I can reload .45ACP, for example,for about $25.00/$26.00 for 100 rounds, but my equipmemt is long paid for.

I don't have a dedicated place to set up and work . I gave it serious consideration but decided not to for that reason . I'm retired so it would be ideal for me though . Oh well ..

In you older years it is not about saving money.

It is about being able to load and get out and shoot.......................
before the gates close!!

Get er done.

I had it all and sold it off along with 1,000's of rounds of components. Thought I was done with revolver shooting. Boy do i wish I had it back. If nothing else to load light wadcutter 38's and a mild 44 Special load. Grab it. Don't think you will regret it.

I would guess that number too if you had to buy new brass every time. It's a lot less than that after you pay for the equipment. Every time you see the price of new ammo you will be proud that you don't have to pay that.

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

Assuming you have fired cases, I load full-house .41 Magnum with Hornady 210 XTP bullets for $27/50. If using new brass, $39/50... but those cases last at least 5 firings, bringing the cost down to $30/50 . Factory is $79/50.

.38 Special with cast lead bullets, $8/50. Factory practice ammo by me is $39/50.

Reloading is a win on the marginal cost. It's hobby so my time ia not calculated... people who argue about the cost of your time spent reloading probably make enough money that reloading isn't necessary. Except when there is no ammo on the shelves: they have none, and my own shelves are full. Buy reloading components when cheap, and stack deep.

I can also create loads that either not readily available on the market, or that shoot more accurately in my own guns, or have better terminal performance, or are simply equivalent to "premium" loads at 1/3 the cost.

If you can get your brothers equipment for a song or less [Or just borrow it] you can’t go wrong. Components are coming back but buy buy buy. We are 2 years away from another stupid election cycle and while it shouldn’t matter it does in today’s America. Plus part of the draw is the ability to make custom ammo that you can’t buy tailored for your firearms. I have reloaded for almost 40 years and still consider it a necessary chore.

For me hand loading can be an end in itself. I enjoy doing the research, finding components, and testing variables until I find a load that works well in a particular firearm. Then I can have consistent ammunition until I stop shooting. You just can’t do that with store bought anymore because of “supply chain” issues.

With 9mm Luger, 38 Special, and 45 ACP, I do buy loaded ammunition sometimes because the savings aren’t all that great. 45 Colt? I don’t understand why a box of 50 is $50 but I can assemble it for a LOT less. I’d bet 41 Magnum is more of the same.

Loading pistol ammo isn’t all that exciting. It just solves availability and consistency issues. Dialing in a hand load for a bolt action rifle is big fun when you find the right bullet/powder/COAL/charge weight etc. to get the most accurate results.

Save you some time! Simple spreadsheet to figure cost per round/box and amortize all costs related as well as print box labels.

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Lots of good answers here...except maybe this one.
You want to spend your retirement years as a little old lady, sitting in front of the TV knitting a scarf?
You don't need much room or a laboratory to reload, I've been doing it since 1980 with this same equipment.
The leg-less chair is recent though, I do like to be comfortable in front of the TV, just be sure to pause the movie when it's time to add powder.

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I doubt you will save any money be reloading. I've been reloading for about 35 years now, have yet to save one penny. What I have found is that I shoot about twice as many rounds of my reloads as I would if I just bought factory ammo, so no savings, just more shooting. Reloading can be a fun and fascinating thing to do. I find it enjoyable and even relaxing.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I am also retired. I spend cold winter days reloading, then have the ammo, and the time during good weather to shoot to my hearts content. I am al blessed to have my own range.

I bought a portable reloading table, about18-20 " square. Put a single stage lee on it with a powder dispenser on the opposite side.
I use the he'll out of it! More than my two Dillon progressive combined.

I have not read everyone's input. If you have to go out and buy the equipment an dcomponents from scratch, it will be a couple of years before you see any savings. If you factor in the cost of your labor then probably never will see a real savings. I am lucky and got into reloading years ago when components were cheap. Have bought from estates, both equipment and components at very reduced prices. I look at it as a hobby and as a way to relax. I can tailor ammo to specific guns at my discretion. All this said ammo for common calibers is way down in price from the last couple of years of craziness. Components are down some, but still high to me. Will I continue to reload? Yes. If I did not have all this stuff, would I spend the money to get it all? I doubt it..........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

The calibers you listed, reloading will definitely save you money plus it is relaxing.
Get you one of these from Home Depot

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I started reloading in 1967 , because I wanted to shoot 38 / 357 cast bullet SWC loads and the local gun shop didn't sell them ... I was told "If you want cast lead SWC ammo you will have to load your own ! " So I bought a reloading setup (Lee Classic Loader) and Lee bullet mould ( 1-cavity) and was off .
I enjoy casting bullets and I enjoy reloading ... I find it relaxing and rewarding ... and I bet you would also .
Saving money ... haven't saved a dime ... I shoot more and buy new reloading "stuff" . Casting , Reloading and Shooting are my hobbies , I do them because I enjoy them and the money spent is for my enjoyment .

I also get a lot of personal satisfaction from crafting safe accurate ammo that can exceed the accuracy of "store bought" .
Also I have never known an ammo shortage ... I have always kept a good stock of powder and primers on hand . I have bullet moulds for every firearm I own (and some I don't own ...yet ) .
After 50+ years I still like doing reloading and can't tell you how much it costs me to reload a single round ... because it doesn't matter ... If I save any money ... I just shoot it up !
Don't let savings be your guide ...get a little Lee Hand Press Kit (better than a Classic Loader) , not expensive and get your reloading feet wet ... you just might enjoy the hobby !
Even though I have 5 bench mounted reloading presses , I reload all my handgun and 30-30 rifle on a Lee Hand Press sitting inside the air-conditioned / heated house at desk or table .
One of Lee's handiest inventions ...the Hand Press will take care of your needs ... the 41 Magnum begs for cast lead handloads !
You can always upgrade to a bench mounted press ...even if you do , the Hand Press will still get used ... I bought a second for brass prep ! They just so Handy !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

You don't need that at all. When I started reloading i lived in an apartment and had no room. I mounted my reloading press to a wood block and clamped it to the kitchen table when reloading. Any other time all the reloading stuff was in the closet on a shelf.

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

I have a travel kit with a Lee hand press, a set of dies, various accessories, plus a pound of powder and 1,000 primers and it all fits in a large plastic ammo can. I keep the bullets elsewhere.

It's not the most comfortable way to reload but perfectly doable. I can do 100 rounds in an hour taking my time.

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LOL, I don't need to know all that. I'm doing it regardless. Like I stated above I've been shooting the same .38 load for 40 years. I'm not changing now.

I spend enough time reloading without adding accounting to it. Besides actually accounting for all the variation in prices of components over time and tracking what you used in each box gets pretty complicated if you really want to know your exact cost for each box. It's a rabbit hole, and I got over it. Back of the envelope is close enough for me.

You'll save money, since you are getting the equipment for free. As long as you are the kind of person who is patient, careful and has attention to detail, you'll do fine. Having been retired for a long time, I find that I don't have the free time that I thought I would as my housekeeping and lawn/ landscaping duties have increased dramatically. I make time to shoot once a week and reload instead of wasting time, like now, on the internet or watching tv.

.41 is one of my favorite rounds. The above calculation is probably pretty close. At an average store bought cost of ~$50.00, that ain't too shabby.

I have been reloading for 52 years. As such, I have watched the current events and "know" when a catastrophe is coming (i.e. covid, sandy hook, etc.) With that knowledge (and having enough spare cash) you just know when to stock up on components and stock 'em deep.

I have another advantage, though, and that is that I cast my own boolits. When lead wheel weights could be had for a couple bucks a pail, I packed in half a ton.

Currently, with pre-covid "sale" pricing for all my components, I am loading .41 Magnum for about $2.50 a box. If I had to buy current primers, it would rise to about 6 bucks.

Also being retired, I DO have many hobbies. I usually have my days planned. But, when it snows it rains, sometimes I wonder "What am I going to do today?" Never a problem. I can go to my workshop, turn on some music, and start pumping out fourty-ones!

I've been reloading for over 50 years. I could buy new equipment every year and still be far ahead. Today it't not about savings, it's about tailoring loads to Your guns. I shoot 38 wadcutter, 41 Mag, 44 Mag, and 475 Linebaugh. I use 210, 215, and 220 Gr LSWC in the 41, 240, and 255 Gr LSWC in the 44, and 385, and 430 cast LBT in the 475. I also have some 250 and 265 Gr LBT for the 41. Different loads, different bullets, and different guns. If You have time on Your hands and want to spend some, reloading is a pleasant way to spend some. The frustration doesn't start until You get to the range and find out some loads just plain don't work. It's what is called load development. Whatever You decide, there are many smart people here that can answer questions.

If you cast your own bullets, your reloads can be less expensive than 22LR rimfire ammo.
But, cost savings is only a part of reloading.

I don't understand the idea that reloading is "not worth it" because of the time or effort.
That's like saying it's not worth knowing how to cook because you can just go to McDonald's and buy a Quarter Pounder Value Meal.
Or better yet, like saying, it's not worth the effort to learn how to read because you can just watch TV or stream videos.

Reloading has both economic and recreational benefits. Loads can be tailored for various purposes, including precision shooting. However, it is not advisable to load for maximum velocity. Leave that to the professionals (e.g., Buffalo Bore). Safety first! Give it your full attention.

For me, the key benefit is time. I use a progressive press, which can load up to 400 rounds/hour (200 typical). That's enough for an hour on the pistol range.

AJ said:But hey... he's retired. Social Security and/or his pensions are paying for his labor costs.

And if considered as a hobby, then labor costs are not applicable.

I say go for it. The 41 magnum and 45 Colt loads alone will justify the venture.They are usually pretty hard to find on the shelf and pricey at that.

John

I see the savings mainly in larger cartridges and harder to find ammo. Something like 9mm or even .223 range fodders doesn't save you much. You have to factor in you time to prep and load. When you get into the 45 colts, 45-70, or 38-55, that is where you really save the money. If you cast your own boolits then you see some real savings in things like the 45-70.

Seems like I have seen the 38-55 like $75 for a box of 20. I can load them with my own cast boolits for like $6 at current primer and powder prices using converted 30-30 brass.

When it comes to hunting or target type loads in a high power rifle, you can save a bunch there also and can tune it for your gun.

Also, when there is an ammo drought, if you have a good supply of components, it has little bearing on you. You just make more.

With primers and powder still being hard to come by, I save my components for those things that are hard to come by. I won't use primers in 9mm right now because they are available at reasonable prices. However, 38 special is ridiculous right now, so I use the primers in it or the like.

Rosewood

As others have noted, the case is 50-60% of the cost of a factory loaded round. When you recycle those, you save money. How much money kinda depends upon various factors, some powders are much more expensive than others, mild loads extend case life and so forth.

I recently bought 100 specialty rifle match brass for target loads. Paid $106 for the box. The factory loaded ammo runs $120-plus shipping-per 50. I should get at least 5-6 loads out of each case.

The return on investment isn't as great with handgun ammo, but it's still there. And, if you stock up on components, generally, the prices only go up.

Nor do I, so I set up a rig that can be stowed when I’m not using it.

I don’t reload to save money, I do it because I like all things gun, and that includes the satisfaction of making my own ammo.

Here is my rig (sideways ) set up for .45 Colt; aren’t those big thunkers beautiful?

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Richard

I have my presses mounted on a microwave cart with a butcher block top. Been doing it this way for about 18 years. I reckon I could make a permanent table and mount it, but I can move this to another room if need be. Although, it hasn't moved out of that room since I moved here in 2009.

I store some powder and primers as well as bullets, tools and other press parts in the drawer and cabinet part of the cart.

I also installed the spike nuts on the underside and made some plates that allow me to swap presses on the same spot with 4 allen head screws in about 5 minutes.

Rosewood

My play area,

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I used current prices because they are all that's relevant to the OP.

With my hoarded components I'm actually at about $7.00 a box with current purchased bullets. I gave up casting, too time consuming for me and not worth the effort. It's not something I enjoy doing. Not to mention the toxicity.

I do however have all my equipment and some metal stashed, but not a lot. I concentrate on stocking primers and powder, and making the level of one match the other. I can always get lead somewhere. If you have extra SP primers you can trade for anything you want in a shortage.

My first caliber to handload was the 357 Maximum. I love that caliber for shooting silhouette. it's expensive.

The 357 maximum costs well over $2 per round. I make it for $.10 with older components. That was easy math to calculate savings. 20 to 1.

A few years ago, I got hooked on .32, all 7 of them; 32 ACP, 32 S&W, 32 S&W long, 32-20 WCF, TC 30-20, 32 H&Rmag, and the 327fedmag. Handloading equipment required very few changes to load 7 calibers. That's great when those calibers are not often seen on shelves.

Savings is not what I search for. The best accuracy on every firearm, and enjoyment in the task is what I seek.

But NOW, I handload because I totally enjoy the entire experience. At 74, handloading keeps my mind active and alert. You need to do due diligence before using a new recipe and that means verifying your homework several times. The calculations and lab testing environment (shooting) keeps me sharp. I can't go shooting every day, but I can head to garage and enjoy handloading.

You wouldn't believe my spreadsheets on every recipe I have made. I love switching powders (and weights) as well as bullets. I always save samples of every lot that I make for my library. My library of handloaded cartridges using hundreds of different recipes, on 14 different calibers, contains several thousand rounds now.
The library means I can quickly find the right load for a new gun and try it immediately.

Reloading is making hundreds or thousands of rounds with the exact same recipe; like the factory. Handloading is making small lots of custom rounds for each different firearm. I'm a handloader.

Fun, fun, fun.

Prescut

OK, you seem to be rather serious!

Because my local gun shop doesn't stock powder, and might have primers once in a blue moon for about 20 minutes, I've had to pay hazmat fees when ordering online. (or burn up a lot of gas)
Hard to save money that way, so I've decided to just order remanufactured .223 from an online vender when I use up the rest of those components.

Handgun calibers like the .41 Magnum & .38/.357 are an entirely different story.
Powders like Bullseye and Unique go a long way so I don't have to order very often.

And what's with the sideways pictures, is there an easy way to fix that?
I have to turn my phone sideways to compensate and that doesn't
Always work.

Where is the 30 SC?

For the techno challenged..

Strange, the preview still shows sideways, but when you mouseover, it turns upright.

I didn't realize it is the new Lee APP press until I turned it.. Love mine, use for brass sizing in bulk and sizing some cast boolits also.

Rosewood

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Cost is not the main reason I reload. Grab that gear from your brother and give it a go.

Try it, you might like it!

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

My pre-plandemic shortages and price explosions, not counting the price of brass because it is reusable, reloaded .45ACP coated lead cartridges cost 13¢ each and factory ball was 35¢ each. Don't know current prices.

If space is a concern,
Frankford Arsenal has a folding loading stand that is surprisingly adequate for a single stage press.

The Black & Decker workmate (WM-425-A) from Amazon for $119.99 works well for a single stage press.

I’ve used mine for the last 30 years without a problem. Very sturdy, folds up for easy storage, easy to use.

More, if you cast your own projectiles. 2 to 5 cents for the bullet, 5 to 7 for the primer, maybe a dime for the powder. For the rounds you mention, that's a huge savings.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

Google "EXIF data". The way I fix it is to open the picture in Paint. It will display right side up, due to the EXIF data. Even though it looks to be the correct orientation, rotate it, then rotate it back to upright, and save it. This will store it in the correct orientation so when you upload the picture it's not sideways.