Do you re-load?

[jr_tex]

I used to reload, but as I never cast my own bullets, I never really found any substantial savings, but most everyone who reloads claims a huge savings. (Sort of like how seemingly everyone except me seems to make a profit selling their used car.)

Figure the cost of components, and especially with semi-autos with unsupported chambers making reloading sort of like Russian Roulette, requiring more frequent replacement of brass cases, it is especially less likely to be cost effective these days, provided you are paying for everything, including the lead and alloy used for casting. Used wheel weights "ain't what they used to be."

I guess it depends on your definition of substantial. I reload 45 ACP (230 grn) for about $10/50 and 9MM (115 grn) for about $8/50. I haven't bought brass for a very long time because I usually pick up more than I shoot when done. If you add brass from LEO for example they are $6-9 per 100. But how many reloads do you get from a piece of brass? That drives the cost way done. 5 reloads add $.90 to the 50 cost. So, 45 ACP cost $11/50 compared to $20-$22/box and 9MM costs $9/50 compared to $15/box. That is a lot of savings to me. And I have never had a split case in 10 years of reloading. (knock on wood)

Casting your own bullets would bring down the above costs even more.

 

[arjay]

I figured out years ago,using a single stage,that I was making maybe $35 an hour.
A progressive would be 2-3 times that.

 

[Smilodon]

Started reloading in 1977 or 78. I load 4 handgun calibers and 3 rifle. I generally don't like anyone shooting my reloads due to liability.

I used to reload for others, until I was reloading some 45 LC for a guy and found a horribly bulged case. It was a 44 mag! This guy had accidentally put a 44 mag in his 45 LC and fired it. Only the strength of revolver's design saved him. The thoughts of someone doing something so stupid with one of my reloads stopped me from reloading for anyone else.

 

[Smilodon]

I used to reload, but as I never cast my own bullets, I never really found any substantial savings, but most everyone who reloads claims a huge savings. (Sort of like how seemingly everyone except me seems to make a profit selling their used car.)

Figure the cost of components, and especially with semi-autos with unsupported chambers making reloading sort of like Russian Roulette, requiring more frequent replacement of brass cases, it is especially less likely to be cost effective these days, provided you are paying for everything, including the lead and alloy used for casting. Used wheel weights "ain't what they used to be."

Seriously? I used $25.00/lb for powder, $30.00/1,000 primers, $88.00 + $15.00 shipping for 41 mag, $63.00 + 15.00 shipping for 9mm in my calculations. At the last gun show, I paid $>25.00 for powder, and $30.00/1000 primers. That come out to be:

reloaded 41 mag $9.85 vs. Factory >$50.00

reloaded 9mm $5.92 vs. Factory >$15.00

I deliberately chose 9mm because it gave the least savings. The 41 mag was not the greatest savings, just good savings.

BTW, even though I cast bullets, I used precast bullets in the calculations because wheel weights "ain't what they used to be." Separating zinc and steel wws from the lead ones is not rocket science, and is still pretty cheap.

As for case head failure, I've never had one. On rare occasions, I discard cases with split on the mouth, and even rarer splits on the side. And I do shoot those awful Glocks that are always bulging the brass ( the infamous Glock smile) when they are not kabooming.

So, if you are still reading, savings run from >30% to >80%. If I was restricted to factory ammo, I simply could not afford it. Not to mention some calibers have been dead for years, so reloading is mandatory.

 

[jmmitc06]

I'm new to reloading only about 2 months now and I love it. Started off reloading for 45acp when I got my 1911 and ammo was nearly impossible to find here in Louisville.

I find it interesting that the factor most people cite is the savings with reloading, while this was a factor in my decision to reload, I find not having to search for that box of 9mm or 45 before a day at the range refreshing. Also, reloading has allowed me to purchase several guns that would be impractical or impossible to shoot without reloading (a Webley Mark VI that requires uber-low pressure 45acp and a 41mag that would kill my student budget if buying factory, if you can find it!). I will soon move into casting bullets both for money savings but also it's nice to learn about different alloys and whatnot (this speciality of chemistry was sorely lacking in my chem degree)

Also, as a chemist and tinkerer, its so much fun to buy different powders, get out my calipers, and think about pressure-time curves and all that, then go to the range and see my own creations perform excellently. All of this while shooting stuff, how much more fun can you have?

 

[blujax01]

Wait.... some folks actually save money?

 

[Bugkiller99]

Yes. Just started, still mainly using single stage press. Already decided to start accumulating lead. Once I reach a critical mass, I'll start casting.
Not driven by cost. Availability is a part of it. And, well, I enjoy it!

 

[stavman11]

This is why I reload... well One reason why

On Tuesday I decided I needed some Fresh .223 Brass So Busted out some American Eagle .223 FMJ 55gr factory Rounds

This is 20 at 100yds, thats a 1-3/4" Dot

Next up was 10rds of my re-loaded Hornady 55gr SP's

Pretty much speaks for itself