My experience & opinion as to costs of reloading now days.

[chief38]

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.

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

Very, very well said @chief38. And very true in all regards.

I started reloading back in the late 70’s and now considering getting back into it mainly to download .357 cases to approximate 38 special wad cutter rounds.
My longtime reloading buddy and I have an opportunity to relieve a former PPC, IDPA and IPSC shooter of his entire reloading room that includes a Dillon 550C, a single stage press, 6000 primers, 2000 9mm bullets, a tumbler, media and sifter, a slew of dies, powder, cases and so much other stuff that it’s mind boggling. All for $1000.

These days I primarily shoot 9mm and for all the reasons you mentioned I’d definitely stick with buying cases. I figured the cost comparison and can only see (maybe) saving $10 per 1000 rds. From my experience that just ain’t worth the time and trouble.

JMHO

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have been reloading for about 50 years, for three basic reasons. It saves money (usually), in varying amounts depending on market forces. I can get exactly what I want rather than what is available. Also, I find it to be therapeutic.

 

[Krogen]

Another long time reloader here. I got into it because as a pup, .357 Magnum ammo was too pricey for a kid's salary. I did the math and found I could save quite a bit, even when considering the cost of equipment. It's still true that one can save money by reloading, but not for common fodder like 9mm. I even tried loading trap shotshells. I didn't take long to find out I could buy them for about the same price and not have the hassle of 7 1/2 shot all over the floor.

One aspect of reloading that isn't often mentioned is the universal use of many components. Especially for more uncommon cartridges, one is able to mix n' match components to create ammo. An example is .444 Marlin. As long as I have usable brass, I can use 44 Mag bullets, various powders and primers - all of which I have for other cartridges. Factory ammo isn't all that common and when you do find it, it's pricey.

Another example is feeding Dad's old Model 94 in .32 Special. If I can source jacketed bullets, or cast some gas check bullets I'm good. Using 30-30 brass necked up and powders/primers I have I have ammo. The last time I saw .32 Special factory ammo was . . . . I dunno!

Admittedly I'm an inveterate reloader. At last count I load or have loaded 46 different cartridges. A number of them are oddballs that require reloading. Not everyone swallowed the hook like I did. If all you shoot is 9mm, then reloading may not be beneficial. If you shoot weird stuff, it may be your only hope.

 

[sjmjax]

You’ve made a very good point.

I also started reloading a very log time ago and specifically for some very uncommon cartridges.

There’s times and particular cartridges when it still makes economic sense.

However in general, I believe if you factor in your time at a minimum wage rate that you’re unlikely saving any money even under the best of circumstances.

I continue to reload and shoot mostly my own cartridges. Only principle exceptions are of course 22’s and just can’t justify reloading 9mm. Components alone nearly the cost of loaded ammo as you’ve pointed out.

If I weren’t retired, I would probably be reloading far fewer calibers. At times if I’m honest, reloading is just an excuse to not do other chores.

 

[BloodyThumb]

I went from a single stage press in the early 80’s to a progressive in the late 80’s through the 90’s when I was competing.

After that and up till today I am back to a single stage press for low round count calibers that I still like to shoot for fun. 41mag, 45Colt, 38/357 and a little 10mm for hunting loads.

Other than that it seems that if I include minimum wage for my time reloading what I still shoot a lot of, 9mm, 45acp, 556, and 762, I can’t reload for much if ANY less that I can buy it for. I buy only in case lots, or multiple case lots for better pricing. Even if reloading is a little less, it is not enough to make me go back to bulk reloading. I shoot about 1000rd a month of 9 and 500 or so 45 and 556 and probably 150 or so 762. That is all practice ammo with fmj projectiles.

Carry and duty is always factory ammo.

 

[desi2358]

I started reloading way back in the 70's when I bought a single action 45 Colt revolver. Not having a lot of extra money made reloading an attractive idea and since I had been shooting muzzle loaders for a while it wasn't a big shift to assemble my own ammunition. I still reload most of what I shoot but some calibers I rarely do simply because factory ammo and high component prices make it less economical. Anyone thinking of getting into reloading should consider what calibers they shoot as they're not likely to save anything over simply buying factory ammo in calibers such as 9mm or 223.

Where savings can still be realized the most is in things like large caliber revolvers (357, 44 Mag or special, etc.) and many rifle loads. If they're getting into real oddballs such as many old obsolete rounds the savings (or even being able to shoot at all) starts to add up.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I've always answered the question

Is it cheaper to reload your own? With..

No, I get to shoot more.

 

[tlawler]

I’m a relative newby compared to you guys…I’ve only been reloading for about 8 years. From when I started back in 2017, until Covid hit and prices went whackadoodle, I aggressively bought up all of the used reloading supplies I could get my hands on. I was driving all over Florida for work at the time, and spent hours poring over any ads I could find on the web.

It seemed that most of the people moving down here who were reloaders realized they didn’t have the space nor the inclination to continue once retired. I was buying up components, presses, dies, tools, you name it, for pennies on the dollar. All of that changed literally overnight and suddenly there were no more 2 cent primers.

By then, I had amassed approximately 40-50K primers of all types, ~50 lb. various powders, a Lee turret kit, several single stage presses of various manufacturer, multiples of several die sets, and every reloading tool you can imagine.

I loaded on the Lee turret for about the first three years, then sold it and a bunch of duplicate tools and accoutrements and bought a used Dillon 550 that came with a lot of extras. I’ve been reloading on that and another 550 I picked up ever since.

I may move up to a 650 or a 750 at some point…retirement is right around the corner for me, but for now, the 550s are working out well.

I’m obviously saving a lot of money because of the rock bottom prices I paid, but for me, the therapeutic aspect is much more appealing.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I started reloading 9mm with a Lee "pounder" loader in 1972.......That's 53 years ago........Now I have 4 Dillons......4 Mecs..........and a RCBS single stage......I cast bullets (free lead. I have a bout a ton on hand) for everything I shoot but .22LR. I have always kept a plentiful supply of components on hand........I use an Oasis shotmaker to make 6's-7 1/2's-8's & 9's shot.......My "stuff" paid for itself years ago.........SO........Given the time, reloading is still cheaper than any factory ammo for me.

 

[chief38]

I’m a relative newby compared to you guys…I’ve only been reloading for about 8 years. From when I started back in 2017, until Covid hit and prices went whackadoodle, I aggressively bought up all of the used reloading supplies I could get my hands on. I was driving all over Florida for work at the time, and spent hours poring over any ads I could find on the web.

It seemed that most of the people moving down here who were reloaders realized they didn’t have the space nor the inclination to continue once retired. I was buying up components, presses, dies, tools, you name it, for pennies on the dollar. All of that changed literally overnight and suddenly there were no more 2 cent primers.

By then, I had amassed approximately 40-50K primers of all types, ~50 lb. various powders, a Lee turret kit, several single stage presses of various manufacturer, multiples of several die sets, and every reloading tool you can imagine.

I loaded on the Lee turret for about the first three years, then sold it and a bunch of duplicate tools and accoutrements and bought a used Dillon 550 that came with a lot of extras. I’ve been reloading on that and another 550 I picked up ever since.

I may move up to a 650 or a 750 at some point…retirement is right around the corner for me, but for now, the 550s are working out well.

I’m obviously saving a lot of money because of the rock bottom prices I paid, but for me, the therapeutic aspect is much more appealing.

Wow - that's GREAT! Sounds like you're set with components for the long haul!

I have had the 650 for 2 decades now but have not had the opportunity to load on a 750 yet. From what I understand the main difference between the 650 and 750 is the priming system. I believe the system on the 750 is basically like the one on the 550 whereas the 650 has a priming wheel that needs to be primed with a dozen primers by cranking the handle before starting the process. Both systems work fine and it really depends on what your preference is. After the learning curve (the first reloading session) I truly don't think it would matter much. My 650 has so far loaded tens and tens of thousand of rounds without a hitch but which ever one comes your way first at a price you are happy with would suit you fine.

 

[Rat458]

Started reloading when I bought a 44 Mag.
Broke GI with 3 kids made it the only way I could afford to shoot on a regular basis.
45/70 and 30/06 also was cheaper to shoot roll my owns.
Depending on what you shoot it may take a while before you break even on cost though.
Having oddball calibers makes it more justifiable .
A 16 1/2" barrel 30/06 requires handloads to get the best performance out of it .
Just started shooting a 17 Hornet and that makes shooting it possible because of lack of factory loads that are available.
All my 44 Mag and 45 ACP are reloads .
9 mm I dont bother with so far as long as ammo prices remain low.

 

[6string]

There is a bigger issue at play here.
For me, the question of reloading vs shooting factory ammo is a little like cooking.
How many people are willing to say, “I don’t need to know how to cook. It’s easier just to go through the drive-thru at the local fast food chain.”
OK, fine…would you like fries with that?

Well, I like fresh ingredients and eating real food. I like knowing what I’m eating. And, if I can grow something myself, even better! I like making special dishes I can’t get at the local “styrofoam plate and paper napkin” eatery.

Same with what I shoot.
I load the cartridges I decided work best for my tastes, to shoot out of the guns I like best, (mostly stuff made during the last century). I like to cast my own bullets to fit my own guns. And, when I need more, I just melt some more lead. And, if primers and powder are an issue, there’s always a good muzzleloader.
I don’t need to be told “we have all the ammo you want, as long as it’s 5.56, 9mm, 40 this, 6.5 that” by some guy at the tactical big box store. In fact, I prefer to not even partonize any so-called gun store that doesn’t serve a reloading clientele.

I’d go so far as to say that I am very concerned about the contemporary gun industry. They don’t want knowledgeable gun owners. They’d rather have a customer base of gullible, pliant, and dependent consumers whose “information” consists of little more than easily regurgitated advertising talking points.
Here endeth my rant!

 

[STCM(SW)]

Reloading for over 50 years. Cast my own lead bullets. Just a hobby now. Don't get to shoot as much as I use to but it is not a problem.
Have 45 ACP brass from WWII that is still good.
Getting old sucks.......

 

[Rat458]

Reloading for over 50 years. Cast my own lead bullets. Just a hobby now. Don't get to shoot as much as I use to but it is not a problem.
Have 45 ACP brass from WWII that is still good.
Getting old sucks.......

I still shoot and reload some 30/06 Lake City 63 brass .
It as always been loaded to mild target loads.

 

[Rat458]

I’d go so far as to say that I am very concerned about the contemporary gun industry. They don’t want knowledgeable gun owners. They’d rather have a customer base of gullible, pliant, and dependent consumers whose “information” consists of little more than easily regurgitated advertising talking points.
Here endeth my rant!

Looks like they are following the lead of the auto makers business model.
Don't give us what we want,give us what they want us to buy.
And dont worry about working on it your self , we'll take care of all repairs for you.

 

[Squib_Load]

My bullets are free because I mine the berms and cast my own. Then I powder coat. I load low pressure cartridges and my cases are used many times: 32 ACP, 380 Auto, 38 Spl, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt. I bought all my components when prices were about half of what I see now. I still have about 10 lb each of Unique, Blue Dot, Trail Boss, and W231, and many bricks of CCI #300 and #500.

To the younger shooters, I recommend learning how to cast and stocking up on powder and primers. Ten years from now you will be able to repeat my post.

(Do group purchases of powder and primers to absorb the cost of the hazmat fee. Buying online in BULK is the way to go.)

 

[Model19man]

I started reloading because 357 Magnum ammo for my new Model 19-5 was too expensive. I stocked up on powder and primers when it looked like there would be a President Dukakis. Now I laugh when there is a shortage - it doesn't affect me. While stuff may be more expensive than it was when I bought everything, it will be even more expensive in the future. Buy now and reap the rewards. Or talk about how much money you save by not having anything.

 

[A-300 Dave]

I started reloading back in the late 1960's using a Pacific press/dies (still have the press) for my .300 WbyMag (could't afford commercial ammo). In the 1990's I stumbled into a situation that brought me 9mm, 38 Spl, .45, 5,56 & .308 once fired brass in 5 gal buckets - I couldn't afford NOT to reload!! In the early 2000's I had a custom wildcat (.17 Mach 4) made and when entertaining wildcat calibers you either reload or don't shoot! Back in the 1990's I became a victim of the Varmint Hunters Magazine Club and to bust those Prairie Mutts at extreme distances required exact matching brass, primer, powder & bullet to a particular rifle - Commercial couldn't touch this requirement. Again, reloading was a requirement. Today, technology has come a long way and there is some great commercial ammo out there, however, I still prefer to reload. I am 85+++ Y.O. with two Cochlear Implants and a 200 yr range out my back door - So, I shoot a lots and enjoy the sport, including the reloading part.
B757Dave

 

[USSR]

To the younger shooters, I recommend learning how to cast and stocking up on powder and primers.

Truer word were never said.

Don