The reason I posted this thread is because it often comes up as a question from Newbies. I guess some new to our hobby think they can save lots and lots of money by rolling their own. Maybe this will help a few who read this.
First off let me state that I am a reloader and have been for about 40 years. My original press was a Dillon Square Deal B, then an RCBS Rock Chucker for the calibers the SD-B wouldn't do and then I saw the light, sold the SD-B and bought a Dillon 650. I currently have the 650 and the RCBS. I also realized what was going to happen to reloading components back a while ago and bought enough for the long haul at normal prices back in the day. When I reload I can save money on ammo as the components were purchased quite reasonably. That is simply not the case any longer! Reloading components are very costly these days and if you are shooting a popular caliber such as 9mm, 223/556, 45c acp etc. and have to buy components at current prices, pay shipping and hazmat I highly doubt there would be any cost savings. Couple that to the cost of the machinery and equipment to reload and really should other reasons you want to get into the hobby other than just cost.
Reloading has some real advantages as well - regardless of money. Some find it very relaxing and a satisfying hobby to make their own ammo. Many make custom loads for target shooting for better accuracy in certain guns, some (such as myself) can make loads in large heavy calibers more shootable by downloading them a bit. You are also able to make ammo for obsolete calibers as I do as well. You are in control of your ammo supple and specific loads - assuming you already have the components in stock of course.
I got into reloading 40 years ago and went through many rounds a week. I competed in Bullseye shooting, PPC and Cowboy SASS matches plus practice sessions - that's quite a bit of ammo! I was also shooting expensive calibers in SASS matches. 45 Colt, 38-55 and 45-70 has always been expensive. Reloading back in the day I saved lots of money. I would shoot thousands of .38 Specials a year and my cost per 50 rounds was well under $5 plus I got to make the loads my guns liked best.
Just a few days ago I saw 9mm ammunition being sold for $10.79 a box of 50 - free shipping when a case was purchased. That's about .22 cents each - delivered to your door. That is probably less than it would cost to load your own at current prices. Don't forget the price of the equipment which will be amortized over the years you reload, shipping and hazmat costs too. If you shoot mostly 9mm, 38 special, .556/223 and are only concerned about the cost - just use your money to buy ammo and stock up when there are sales on it and you will come out ahead.
If you are shooting exotic or expensive calibers and want to be in control of your loads, then by all means get into the reloading hobby. On the less popular and readily available calibers & loadings you can definitely save a few bucks but just remember that when you see an opportunity to but components reasonably - jump! If it is simply something you enjoy doing - it's hard to put a cost on that - most hobbies never pay for themselves - lol.
Let me also add this.......... When purchasing equipment It's not just the press you need to buy. It's the dies, the conversion kits, the primer tubes, the scale, the bullet boxes, a bullet puller, blah, blah, blah! Buying equipment on the cheap is usually the most expensive way in the long run because it's usually the hardest to use and least efficient. Most who buy on the cheap wind up buying better and upgraded equipment such as I did - no real cost savings and working harder and slower for each round. All in all to replace the equipment and tools I currently have I'd be looking at $3,500-$4,000 today - easy! Components...... that's another whole story! So.... I am not trying to discourage anyone from getting into the reloading hobby. I just want those who do enter coming in with their eyes opened.
Another bit of info for Newbies..... Powder and Primers need to be safely stored in a controlled environment so that is something you should be aware of as well. While you don't need to be able to rebuild a cars transmission in your garage (lol), there are some basic mechanical and measuring skills involved. Common sense is an absolute must as is the time, patience and quiet place to do so in. Don't do this if you work 60+ hours a week, have a wife and kids - you will always be rushed and reloading is something you do not want to be rushed at! I hope this has helped at least a few on the fence considering getting into the hobby.
