another one crying about the price of ammo

[smokindog]

First let me start by saying I'm not disagreeing here and I reload!!!! It's a relaxing hobby, quality control is better, selection is better, and you get to meet great people! It CAN be less expensive per round but, as pointed out, CAN be more costly because of use

However, I'm finding that reports of "cost per round" for reloading are hard to compare!

Do most people amortize the cost of brass in their figures? I realize that many times it can be "free range" brass and can be used multiple times, but new .45 brass is hovering at $0.20 per case. Add 3-4 cents for a primer, 2-4 cents for powder, 10 cents (and WAY UP) for the bullet. and a first time reloaded round is more than the 32 cents per round I pay for Federal 100 230 gr at Walmart after tax (this being the source for much of my brass!)

I'm going to ignore equipment cost and allocation of space!!!!

I make 9mm 124 grain hollow points, using plated bullets, (which are indoor range friendly), for $12/100.

158 grain 38 Special costs about the same to make and 45 ACP runs me about $18/100.

Of course, I shoot two to three times as much as I did before so the monthly money outlay is about the same!

 

[scooter123]

Handloading being cheaper than factory ammo is simply a MYTH. You simply cannot go out today and buy what you need for reloading and save money. What handloading does do is allow you to customize a loading to your firearm to achive better performance.

This may be true if all you shoot is Russian steel cased 9mm but when you compare costs for reloading to US made brass cased ammunition, the reloads cost a lot less.

Real world current costs. Depending on a sale and how far I'm willing to drive CCI primers currently cost me between 30 and 40 dollars per thousand. So, for budget planning you can expect a per round cost for primers of 3.5 cents.

Powder costs for handgun loads in the common calibers typically average out to about 2.5 cents per round be it 38 special, 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45 ACP. Yeah, I do find it a bit odd that the powder charges between these 4 calibers are so close but I guess it makes sense when you look at the muzzle energy produced. BTW, the excess volume in revolver cases increases the powder required significantly, which is why the very low pressure 38 special requires near the same powder charge as a 9mm using a similar weight bullet. If you are loading something like a 44 Magnum you can probably plan on powder running in the range of 6 cents or a bit more per round.

As for cases, depending on caliber they can cost between 14 and 30 cents per case depending on the caliber. However, loaded to mid range values a quality case from a source such as Starline can be expected to function properly for as many as 50 reload cycles in a high pressure 9mm or up to 100 for a low pressure 38 special. On average for the common calibers a case cost of 2 cents per round can be considered reasonable.

Finally there are the bullets. This is typically the most expensive component and the reason why so many go to the trouble to cast their own. Right now my most expensive range use handgun bullets are the plated 230 grain pills I use for 45 ACP at 15 cents each and with Extreme Bullets current 15% discount 125 grain bullets for 38 special cost me a tick less than 8 cents.

So, total it all up. Primer and powder cost 6 cents. The case is 2 cents. The bullet ranges between 8 and 16 cents. So my actual cost using components sourced this very month is between 16 and 24 cents. That is a cost of 8 to 12 dollars for a box of 50. I can't find ANY factory made in the USA ammunition anywhere on the net or locally that comes close to these prices. Even at Walmart you won't be able to match these prices.

 

[edslow]

That's way I reload. At times 11 cents a round for 9mm.

 

[ladyT]

Bushmaster AR's were selling for two-grand only 11 months ago.
How much do they cost now?

Ammo prices will come down too.
Be patient, and buy at the bottom.

They were saying that back in Feb. and every day since but no change. Do I think prices will drop? NO.

 

[smokindog]

Again, I agree with all but your last statement. 9mm Federal 100 rd 115gr is $25 TTL at Walmart. 45 Federal 100 rd 230gr is $32.50 TTL. 40 Federal 100 rd 180 gr is $29 TTL. While slightly more than your listed numbers, it is within a reasonable comparison cost, especially if you up your bullet cost for plated (apples/apples)!!! However, I'm not sure reloading is all about cost Just want to make sure anyone thinking of setting up to reload is entering with eyes wide open!

This is how I know I'm getting decent once fired brass to reload

That is a cost of 8 to 12 dollars for a box of 50. I can't find ANY factory made in the USA ammunition anywhere on the net or locally that comes close to these prices. Even at Walmart you won't be able to match these prices.

 

[the ringo kid]

The cheapest I can find 9mm ammo is $16 a box of 50 (or $.32 a round and that's not including 10% sales tax). I reload for around $.13 a round (including shipping, hazmat, etc.) I don't have to buy brass, there is plenty lying around the range. Even if the price was the same I would reload just to get the consistency and performance that I want (and this doesn't even consider the spotty availability). Prices on components have gone up and one has to look harder to find what you need, but I buy in bulk when I find it.

IF you want? send me a PM, I know some guys selling a box of 50 for about $12 bucks-and I think its Winchester?? Ill have to call and see but--it will be good stuff.

 

[scooter123]

Smokindog, your quoting prices in ammunition that is not commonly available. Those 100 round paks of Federal Champion were in short supply a year ago BEFORE Newtown and I haven't seen one single box of it in the flesh since the first of the year. Yeah, I know, I've seen the reports and sometimes a box or two does show up. However, one single box of the valuepak in some town in Texas I've never heard of doesn't do me any good at all. If you were to quote the prices for ammunition that is actually present in the stores you'll find that reloads cost about 1/2 the factory ammo for the semi autos and less than a third the cost for the revolver calibers.

BTW, my costs DO reflect the cost for plated. Take a look at Extreme Bullets web sight and see for yourself. BTW, if you do the math you'll see that my cost for 45 ACP is about 3 cents per bullet higher, that's because that 15 cent per bullet cost was RMR's every day price without any discounts.

 

[Engineer1911]

Laundry Room Reloads

250# lead ingots >> $18 for gasoline to shoot at outdoor range.

Lee 6 cavity mold 200 gr SWC, first time used >> $27

Free range brass picked up off the floor

2008 primers @ $18 per thousand

2007 Accurate Arms #5 powder @ 6.7 gr >> $20 per pound

Cast, sized, lubed, reloaded 4,700 rounds of 45 ACP. Total cost = $18 + $27 + $84.60 + 89.98 = $219.58, an yes I reload for free (I'm retired).

$2.34 per 50 rounds -- that's cheaper than 22 LR. And yes I bought a lot of reloading supplies early because I was planning on shooting for 10 more years without any shortages .

 

[smokindog]

Nope, those are current prices and I've been picking them up with great regularity down here!

Smokindog, your quoting prices in ammunition that is not commonly available. Those 100 round paks of Federal Champion were in short supply a year ago BEFORE Newtown and I haven't seen one single box of it in the flesh since the first of the year. Yeah, I know, I've seen the reports and sometimes a box or two does show up. However, one single box of the valuepak in some town in Texas I've never heard of doesn't do me any good at all. If you were to quote the prices for ammunition that is actually present in the stores you'll find that reloads cost about 1/2 the factory ammo for the semi autos and less than a third the cost for the revolver calibers.

BTW, my costs DO reflect the cost for plated. Take a look at Extreme Bullets web sight and see for yourself. BTW, if you do the math you'll see that my cost for 45 ACP is about 3 cents per bullet higher, that's because that 15 cent per bullet cost was RMR's every day price without any discounts.

 

[Bkreutz]

IF you want? send me a PM, I know some guys selling a box of 50 for about $12 bucks-and I think its Winchester?? Ill have to call and see but--it will be good stuff.

Thanks for the offer, but I'll stick with my reloads, the only 2 failures I've had in competition were with factory ammo. Besides, at $12 for a box of 50 is still more than the $6.50 the same number cost me. Another thing that bothers me about factory ammo is that one never knows what the powder charge is. I like to be able to tailor mine to what I want and what works best in my gun.

 

[ladyT]

I disagree that handloading to save money is a myth. If you buy new brass the first round may be close to what a factory round would cost but after that the cost saving is huge as you reuse the brass. I have as many as 15 reloads on 44 mag and 45 acp and the cases are still in great shape.
If I load for one of my rifles and use premium bullets that cost $1 a piece then add 4 cents for a primer and maybe 30-40 cents for powder. You are looking at most 1.35 per round. And that is for premium bullets. Similar savings for handguns.

Equipment costs money as well but since I have been reloading for the last 48 years its not an issue. Add to the fact I can reload anytime I want and not rely on stores to have it in stock.

The only people who think reloading is to expensive are people who don't reload

Like others you forget that your time has value, that the space you use in your home has value so that cost must be added in as any utilities, replacement parts for your press, prepping brass for reloading with its associated costs, dies, powder.brass and on and on and on. It's impossible to reload for less than factory ammo.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I never thought of reloading to be a chore. Space in my home? For petes sake we have a 4,200 sq foot home for my wife and I. She doesn't mind I use half of one room.
I don't view reloading as a job. I think of it as a hobby and I know without a doubt I can make a more accurate round than any factory can.
Been reloading since I was 12 and am now 60 and taught my son how to do it since he was 10. Neither of us have ever shot any big game animal in our lives with factory ammo.
If I use your reasoning for not reloading then everyone should sell all their kitchen utensils and applainces as well as washer and dryers because there is no sense having them take up space, use utilities, cost money to acquire, and take time to prepare food or wash and dry clothes.

 

[blujax01]

Like others you forget that your time has value, that the space you use in your home has value so that cost must be added in as any utilities, replacement parts for your press, prepping brass for reloading with its associated costs, dies, powder.brass and on and on and on. It's impossible to reload for less than factory ammo.

Absolutely agree - if you choose to look at it that way. For folks of this mindset, it is much mo better to utilize that time on a paying job and use the money to buy your ammunition. Minimum wage should cover it.

 

[Snowwolfe]

Absolutely agree - if you choose to look at it that way. For folks of this mindset, it is much mo better to utilize that time on a paying job and use the money to buy your ammunition. Minimum wage should cover it.

I agree as well with the exception much of the ammo the normal person needs is not on the shelf for sale.

On another note I am still waiting to hear back from the gent who says he buys 22LR for 4-5 cents a round online.

 

[smokindog]

Cabelas is the only place I see it for that price ($25.97 TTL ship to store REM 525) but you have to have a store nearby to avoid shipping! Walmart has been getting more recently in that range as well. Usually Win 5X5 and M-22.

Thanks for reminding me, I've got some Rem 525 I need to pick up at Cabelas

I agree as well with the exception much of the ammo the normal person needs is not on the shelf for sale.

On another note I am still waiting to hear back from the gent who says he buys 22LR for 4-5 cents a round online.

 

[arjay]

Cabela's-Remington 525 for $25.97=$.049/ round.Ive bought several,shipping added $4-$5 a box.

 

[Engineer1911]

Reloading costs

Like others you forget that your time has value, that the space you use in your home has value so that cost must be added in as any utilities, replacement parts for your press, prepping brass for reloading with its associated costs, dies, powder.brass and on and on and on. It's impossible to reload for less than factory ammo.

I'm retired and reload ammo to avoid working on the Honey Do list. I bought our new Maytag front loader washer and dryer and built the stand it sits on so if my reloading bench is on the other side of the room -- that's just fine. My "new" wife hasn't bought ammo since we got married in 2005. I came with 5 cases of 22 LR and reloading components for 3 years. I really stocked up (bulk powder and cases of primers) on Wednesday following Big Zeros first election.

My wife doesn't know how to turn off a light, so the electric bill to run a tumbler 8 hours a month is inconsequential. My newest Dillon 550B was bought used for $250 in 2007, the melting pot in 1991, and latest Lee mold cost $27 and just cast 4,800 bullets. That is a mold cost of $0.00563 per bullet with free lead from the range berm. MidwayUSA cheapest price is $0.24 each plus shipping for a 1,000.

You don't save money reloading 100 bullets per month, but you will save money at 200 per week if you buy components in bulk. Now I'm off to the range to shoot some 89¢ per 50 rounds of 22 LR -- yup I bought that early too!

LadyT -- I just read your statement to my wife at work. The nice part of her reply was, "She doesn't know what she's talking about. We never ran out of cheap ammo!"

 

[arjay]

Ive been screwing around in the mountains the last few weeks,sometimes gathering a load of logs and then splitting them by hand into firewood.It would be far more efficient to spend my time at work and just pay the higher gas bill.
It's far more efficient,financially,to become a specialist and to pay another specialist for their service or product.
The trouble with all this specialization,for most of us (I think) is that it causes severe brain damage
Variety really is the spice of life.

 

[the ringo kid]

Thanks for the offer, but I'll stick with my reloads, the only 2 failures I've had in competition were with factory ammo. Besides, at $12 for a box of 50 is still more than the $6.50 the same number cost me. Another thing that bothers me about factory ammo is that one never knows what the powder charge is. I like to be able to tailor mine to what I want and what works best in my gun.

Quite welcome and no prob. Id do the same if I knew how to do it.

 

[the ringo kid]

I was at the WM on Greenwood here in CC, TX yesterday--and they actually had about 20 boxes of 100 rd Winchester 9mm still in stock--originally stocked Friday morning. And whats even more important is--that WM is now selling Shotguns, Rifles including 2-3 diff types of ARs, Lever action stuff--but no handguns.