Cost of .38spl to reload?

R

_Rab_

Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2008
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Location
Dallas, Tx
Like everyone else, ammo prices are killing me. I'm thinking about reloading .38spl, and 10mm.

How much (per round, or per 50 rounds, etc) does it cost you to reload?

Considering I just bought a 50rd box of .38spl for 24 bucks, i'm pretty sure I can save money by reloading...

Rab
 
you certainly can rab...big time...i can do 50 rounds of 158gr.swc for about $6.00...if you cast your own lead bullets...you can about another $2.00...thats if you save your brass or pick it up free at the range...its a fun hobby,better ammo,mega savings....whats not to like?
icon_biggrin.gif
 
Go to several component supplier websites and gather costs.

Then go here. and plug your numbers in.

Then go here where we just talked about this subject only for a different caliber.


FWIW
 
depending on certain factors, type of bullets, where you get brass, etc. cost will fluctuate. rifle and pistol average about one third the cost for reloads compared to factory ammo, which in my opinion, is never as good.
 
You can save plenty with 38spl, but the 10mm savings can be huge. Only costs about a penny a round more than the Specials, but check the retail.
 
500 158 gr LSWC are $33, 500 small pistol primers are $15, never calculated powder costt per round but it has to be mere pennies. Best guess is around $60 per 500 or $6 per box...
 
I still have a few sources off free wheel weights so I cast my own. Right now I have 2 cents each in primers and about .7 cents in powder for each 38 Special I load. So my cost is around $1.35 a box if I figured right.

Lets see, $20 per K for primers, 8lb keg of BE for $98, nominal cost in bullet lube, 3.5gn BE powder charge is roughly 2000 per lb of powder. Yeah something like that.
 
Sweet! Thanks for the quick answers. Now I just need some good books/websites telling me what I need, and how things work.
 
I'm at around $5.00 / box for .38 Specials. I get my cast bullets from The Bulletworks in Breckenridge Texas.
 
Originally posted by Emerson:
I'm at around $5.00 / box for .38 Specials. I get my cast bullets from The Bulletworks in Breckenridge Texas.
Click to expand...
Me too at $5 a box...I get my .357 lead 158 gr bullets from a guy in Phoenix for $25/500.
 
Rab, Buy some reloading manuals like the Speer and Hornady ones.Also Lymans Pistol & Revolver Handbook is very good for people just starting out.

Don't be afraid to ask questions everybody here a beginner at one point. It's not really that hard.
 
I get bullets for 25 bucks for 500 at the Dayton show. Paying high price for primers, my cost for 9mm is $7 dollars per box of 50.
 
rab,

I'm in the same boat. just bought a book on reloading and getting ready to start it. I can't even find 357 around here, even the expensive stuff. 38 special isn't cheap either. but one place had blazer brass for 14.95 a few weeks ago which relatively speaking is not bad i guess.
 
Primers: $24.99/K
Powder: $21.99/lb.
Bullets: $60/K
At current prices I can build 148gr DEWC .38 Special rounds for $0.096/round, $4.80/50, $95.98/1,000 rounds.
 
I already handload all of my practice ammunition. I'm thinking about getting into casting now. I don't think it's safe to do it in my apartment (Correct me if I'm wrong.), so I've started talking to a friend who also shoots about doing it in his garage or back yard. It should drive my costs down considerably.
 
Originally posted by cmort666:
I already handload all of my practice ammunition. I'm thinking about getting into casting now. I don't think it's safe to do it in my apartment (Correct me if I'm wrong.), so I've started talking to a friend who also shoots about doing it in his garage or back yard. It should drive my costs down considerably.
Click to expand...

The only risk is vapors and fumes, not fire. If your apartment has a back patio you could cast there. I know people who cast using an old iron pot, a casting dipper, and the single burner on a discarded propane grill. The grills you see set out for the trash usually have the main grill burners wore out but the little side burners are usually in great shape.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

BE Mike
No Space to Reload?
2
Replies
32
Views
1K
Toxophilus
T
AJ
Cost Averaging Reloads
2 3 4
Replies
63
Views
2K
AlHunt
A
T
Cost for reloading 9mm vs. buying new ammo
2 3
Replies
56
Views
5K
Timothy2700
T
R
Hornady Quick Trickler
Replies
6
Views
342
Rick H.
R
fordson
Reload Testing Apps Recommendations
Replies
0
Views
247
fordson
fordson

Latest posts

Back
Top