Reloading cost question

rustythread · Jan 27, 2023

A friend of mine near Louisville, KY, needs a couple thousand .223 rounds loaded. He has clean cases, small rifle primers, and projectiles. He does not have powder or the ability to reload.

Any suggestions on where he should look to find a reliable reloader, and what he should expect to pay per round for powder and reloading services ?

Thanks

glenwolde · Jan 27, 2023

The "reloader" would have to have an 06 FFL for ammunition manufacturing. I don't know of anybody that would consider doing this. It's going to be difficult, if not impossible, to find someone to do this.

Your best shot is somebody who is willing to operate outside the law, and is willing to take on the liability for no reason. With such questionable judgement, do you want this person loading your ammo?

cracker57 · Jan 27, 2023

sell the primers, bullets and cases and buy factory...

rustythread · Jan 27, 2023

My error not keeping track of changes in the law--last time I had anything to do with reloading was 20+ years ago, when a friend of mine could and did legally reload for other people.

Mods, I guess you can close this thread.

BE Mike · Jan 27, 2023

He should join a club. He might make friends with someone who has the equipment and will let him use it to reload the rounds he needs loaded. The reloading world is full of people who are generous with their knowledge and time.

AlHunt · Jan 27, 2023

cracker57 said:
sell the primers, bullets and cases and buy factory...

A quick peruse of ammoseek.com for components and factory ammo leads me to believe he can probably break even doing just this. cci 41 primers are about a dime and new ammo starts at about .35.round. He just might break even.

GypsmJim · Jan 27, 2023

Not gonna happen.

He should spend $100 +- for a press and dies and do it himself. Powder IS available for another 30 bucks or so. A manual is another 20 bucks.

Clamp it to his kitchen table or mount it to his workbench with carriage bolts.

A little edumacation add he'll do just fine. An outsider will provide no liability.

If he is a hurry or is an "all thumbs" mechanic, selling the parts and buying factory is the best option.

rustythread · Jan 27, 2023

If I advise him to get a reloader and do it himself, what recommendations for powder, and how much powder for approx. 2000 rounds? Which reloading manuals?

Thanks again.

pantannojack · Jan 27, 2023

Tell him to get permission from his wife and do it himself.

marinevet · Jan 27, 2023

I won't shoot any reloads except my own.............

scooter123 · Jan 27, 2023

I would suggest that your friend purchase a press kit, such as the RCBS Rockcrusher Supreme reloading kit. It will come with the press, scale, powder measure and accessories that will making starting up very easy. Cost for this is 479.00. Then he will need powder. As I have worked up loads for the 223 and the following is based on experience. The powder I would suggest is CFE223 because it's an excellent metering powder that produces good accuracy and good velocity. My personal load is a 60 grain Nosler ballistic tip that uses 26.2 grains of CFE223. Per my calculation an 8 lbs. jug will load 2137 rounds. Currently an 8 lbs jug is in stock at Powder Valley for 264.99. Of course he'll have to add on the 37.50 HAZMAT fee and somewhere around 25 dollars for shipping so the cost as delivered will be in the range of 330 dollars.

wyo-man · Jan 27, 2023

rustythread said:
what recommendations for powder, and how much powder for approx. 2000 rounds? Which reloading manuals?

The reloading manuals will list several powders that will work.

Most powders that will work for .223/5/56 average about 25ish grains with 55 gr. bullets. There are 7,000 grains in a pound.

Most people get about 3 manuals for comparison. Speer, Hornady, Sierra, and others all publish manuals.
Hodgdon has their reloading information online.

Really suggest he find a friend that reloads and watch/learn from him.

wyo-man

raljr1 · Jan 28, 2023

At one time I knew of a company in Woonsocket RI that would reload your components. They were a licensed ammunition remanufacturer. I can't seem to find one today that lists that service on their website, but surely there must be someone out there that offers that.

raljr1 · Jan 28, 2023

These guys say they will.

About – Custom Reloads of Dallas

Depending on the cost of reloading and shipping both ways, the advice to sell your components and buy factory, or reman ammo, might be the most cost effective avenue.

mtgianni · Jan 28, 2023

How much powder for 223? Roughly 25 grains per shot, 7000 gr per lb. 4 shots = 100 gr. 40=1000 gr powder. 7x40=280 rounds per lb. 10 lbs powder should load 2,800 rounds. An 8 lb keg should load about 2,240 rounds which fits for about a couple thousand. Not out of line to find powder for $300 per 8 lbs, bullets should be available.
It is nearly impossible for an individual to ship primers. Anyone who reloads for him would furnish their own.

leadhead2 · Jan 28, 2023

I was told by a 06 reloader that it's legal to load for someone if he
supplies the brass. You can charge him for the powder and primers
and bullets and not be a 06 FFL

rustythread · Jan 28, 2023

leadhead2 said:
I was told by a 06 reloader that it's legal to load for someone if he
supplies the brass. You can charge him for the powder and primers
and bullets and not be a 06 FFL

That would solve the problem. Thanks

glenwolde · Jan 28, 2023

raljr1 said:
These guys say they will.

About – Custom Reloads of Dallas

Depending on the cost of reloading and shipping both ways, the advice to sell your components and buy factory, or reman ammo, might be the most cost effective avenue.

Well there you go. Color me surprised. From reading their website it doesn't seem this is going to save any money, if that's the objective.

AlHunt · Jan 28, 2023

leadhead2 said:
I was told by a 06 reloader that it's legal to load for someone if he
supplies the brass. You can charge him for the powder and primers
and bullets and not be a 06 FFL

Legal or not, I wouldn't load any amount of ammo for my best friend or worst enemy. Too much liability for my tastes.

GypsmJim · Jan 28, 2023

rustythread said:
If I advise him to get a reloader and do it himself, what recommendations for powder, and how much powder for approx. 2000 rounds? Which reloading manuals?

Thanks again.

A Lee Anniversary kit will set him back about $200. It will do a fine job, and include all the parts needed for an initial setup.

I personally use IMR 3031, but others work well as well. An 8 pound jug is what will be needed.

I must have a dozen manuals, but I mostly refer to the Lyman Manual. It will give a variety of loads so you can pick the powder that is most available.

The "Manual" also describes how to do it all. A couple hours of reading is all that is needed.

I started loading in 1972 and simply read the directions. My first ever round was just fine.

Reloading cost question

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads