Thinking of reloading. How much would I save?
- Thread starter Mark23
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Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Very small but then again, we aren't comedians here, we are reloaders!
It really is funny though. Care if I borrow it in the future?
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
You won't save any money... you'll just burn it up at the range...
But you'll shoot more and I think you'll find that reloading itself is a great hobby.
My cost is hard to calculate. For .45ACP I use whatever I scrounge & sometimes buy used brass for $72/1200 pieces.
.357 I use scroungings & what used brass I can buy for light target loads. For Big Dog full house magnums I use bought-new Starline. Pricey but with a wheelgun you get 100% of it back.
But you'll shoot more and I think you'll find that reloading itself is a great hobby.
My cost is hard to calculate. For .45ACP I use whatever I scrounge & sometimes buy used brass for $72/1200 pieces.
.357 I use scroungings & what used brass I can buy for light target loads. For Big Dog full house magnums I use bought-new Starline. Pricey but with a wheelgun you get 100% of it back.
Thank you for all of the responses. I appreciate the comments that I will spend less per bullet but not save much because I'll shoot more.
One thing that I hadn't thought about is the ability to avoid ammo shortages. Reloading to avoid shortages might be reason enough to take up reloading.
I only shoot revolvers. This makes it easy to save brass.
One thing that I hadn't thought about is the ability to avoid ammo shortages. Reloading to avoid shortages might be reason enough to take up reloading.
I only shoot revolvers. This makes it easy to save brass.
Where it gets interesting is when you decide to take up competitive pistol shooting. You can easily get to 500-1000 rounds a month. Try buying that much .45ACP at your local Walmart, and you'll find that reloading is mandatory (unless you're very wealthy).
And Dillon 650's are good to have...
Buck
And Dillon 650's are good to have...
Buck
smokinwoody
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no disrespect to anyone here but I didnt read all the comments...I will give you a little advise..take it for what its worth
first off you wont realize any savings for a few thousand rounds...why I say that is because of the cost of equipment, supplys and other needed tools and such..
what you have to realize is that its a lifetime of savings..its a whole nother hobby in its self..
to me the best is Dillon equipment..thats all I use...I have 2 square deal B's that I will setup for either 9mm to .357's..I have just about every die and conversion that he makes for these presses including powder measures set for the loads I like..saves time messing around..
the other press and my favorite is the Dillon RL550B..this is a semi progressive press where the square deal B's are full progressive..with the 550 I can do rifle cartridges as well as all the pistol calibers..here again I have dies that cover everything I shoot with powder measures and conversions for these..
then theres the primers,,I use to do primer pickup tubes and trays manualy...of course we all look for time savers and anything that will make this tedious task go quicker...so I opted for Dillons automatic primer filler...and the list goes on..theres case trimmers and swagers ..all sorts of stuff//
need a powder scale (electronic of course), calipers..etc etc etc..add all that up and we are talking thousands of dollars...but guess what, I get to reload and taper a round to my particular gun so that I can win..win what?..well I dont shoot tournaments (this is where you save a bundle on your reloads as long as you get the brass back) I bet guys dinners when I go shooting...I always have an empty stomach..
so yes for under 800 smackers you can get started with a GOOD reloader with 1 caliber and the support goodies..well I didnt mention the tumbler and seperator for cleaning brass..
now we need the supplies...bullets, primers, cases in case you didnt save yours or rumage thru the barrels at the range, and of course the powder...did we mention reloading manuals and books...O LORD there are a ton of em out there...I think I own half of em...
so back to reloading and what does it save you....yes...in the future...Ive had my stuff for so long that I probably can reload for a few dimes...but that is much better than 35 bucks here and there...that all adds up and can be put towards that reloader..
anyways...its another hobby and to me well worth it..good luck with what ever you decide...
sorry if I didnt read all the other posts fellas...and sorry for the long read but I hope it entertained a few...
Nathan Forrest
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Reload for pistol and rifle cartridges EXCEPT for the US M1 Carbine. It is very sensitive to case length. You have to measure and trim all the time. To hand trim 1000 cases (Forster Trimmer) takes 6 hours. Loading is 3 hours on a Dillon. washing and tumbling brass adds 1 hour. Cost for 1000 Russian is $265 on my doorstep. Cost to reload 1000 30 M1 Carbine nic brass, $203. Would you work 10 hours for $62?
I still think you will save money. There is nothing saying you have to shoot more just because you reload more. There is a thing called self control and how much time you have to go to the range. I do not shoot anymore ammo then when I bought it at Wall Mart in value packs for cheap. I can't go shooting everyday and when I go, I am not shooting 1000 rounds, not even 22lr.
I shoot at least once or twice a week. I limit what I take to the range. Even if I brought 500 rounds I wouldn't shoot it all.
Not counting the initial cost of equipment for the 9mm, 40 SW 38 special if using lead bullets it's somewhere in the $5-7 range for a box of 50.
The main cost is the bullet. Shoot lead and you are saving, shoot premium brand XTP's or the like its a little more.
The big calibers will save a lot of money, I just got a 45 Colt, as mentioned . factory ammo is $35-40 dollars!. Shooting 250 gr lead bullets at .09 cents per bullet is $4.50 per 50 rounds, plus a few cents for primer and powder. So it's way cheaper.
If I didn't reload, I would not be shooting.
I shoot at least once or twice a week. I limit what I take to the range. Even if I brought 500 rounds I wouldn't shoot it all.
Not counting the initial cost of equipment for the 9mm, 40 SW 38 special if using lead bullets it's somewhere in the $5-7 range for a box of 50.
The main cost is the bullet. Shoot lead and you are saving, shoot premium brand XTP's or the like its a little more.
The big calibers will save a lot of money, I just got a 45 Colt, as mentioned . factory ammo is $35-40 dollars!. Shooting 250 gr lead bullets at .09 cents per bullet is $4.50 per 50 rounds, plus a few cents for primer and powder. So it's way cheaper.
If I didn't reload, I would not be shooting.
smokinwoody
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I agree with the above...
this maybe a little off topic but has to do with cost..I havent shot in 11 or so years..I realy need to go, bad..
I bought all my reload stuff starting in 1989 and have been shooting since 1973..I was luck enough to have had a friend that taught me a lot about reloading..we use to go at least 3 times a week and shoot maybe 500-1,000 rounds..we would reload using different powders and size bullets till we found sweet laods for each of our many different calibers..this went on for years..
my friend died of cancer and will be sorely missed...
about 10 years ago I got remarried and turned my gunroom into an office for my wife...the only thing left in here is the safe and its contents..the closet still has all my reloads being kept nice n dry...all the reloading equipment are in boxes stored in the garage..since coming to these forums I have a big ole itch that needs to be scratched...so guess what...Im going to set up the reloaders in the garage...going to be tight but I think I can do it...Im ready to go shooting...spring is springing..
got off the subject just a little...I have at least 7,000 rounds of lead in .45acp, .45Colt, .357, 9mm...probably more...I know I have at least 10,000 primers and a few lbs of powder..my initial costs were maybe a few hundred dollars or so...remember I bought this stuff at least 12 years ago..its all good as its stored in a dry place and sealed..I had extra floor joists installed along with steel beaming...so I bet Im about $.04 -7 cents a reload..I know you cant do that now..but darn close..I was buying this stuff in bulk which saved a tremendious amount of money...but I was also shooting anywhere from 2,000-7,000 rounds a month....thats where you save..RELOAD
this maybe a little off topic but has to do with cost..I havent shot in 11 or so years..I realy need to go, bad..
I bought all my reload stuff starting in 1989 and have been shooting since 1973..I was luck enough to have had a friend that taught me a lot about reloading..we use to go at least 3 times a week and shoot maybe 500-1,000 rounds..we would reload using different powders and size bullets till we found sweet laods for each of our many different calibers..this went on for years..
my friend died of cancer and will be sorely missed...
about 10 years ago I got remarried and turned my gunroom into an office for my wife...the only thing left in here is the safe and its contents..the closet still has all my reloads being kept nice n dry...all the reloading equipment are in boxes stored in the garage..since coming to these forums I have a big ole itch that needs to be scratched...so guess what...Im going to set up the reloaders in the garage...going to be tight but I think I can do it...Im ready to go shooting...spring is springing..
got off the subject just a little...I have at least 7,000 rounds of lead in .45acp, .45Colt, .357, 9mm...probably more...I know I have at least 10,000 primers and a few lbs of powder..my initial costs were maybe a few hundred dollars or so...remember I bought this stuff at least 12 years ago..its all good as its stored in a dry place and sealed..I had extra floor joists installed along with steel beaming...so I bet Im about $.04 -7 cents a reload..I know you cant do that now..but darn close..I was buying this stuff in bulk which saved a tremendious amount of money...but I was also shooting anywhere from 2,000-7,000 rounds a month....thats where you save..RELOAD
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savings?
not sure but I shoot as much as I want, I have great time developing my hand loads, and have become rich with many friends who share this passion ..... no you won't save anything but you will filled with knowledge and new friendships
not sure but I shoot as much as I want, I have great time developing my hand loads, and have become rich with many friends who share this passion ..... no you won't save anything but you will filled with knowledge and new friendships
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Beaver
Member
The reasons I reload are several, saving money is not on the list. Sorry if I stray.
1. I use reloading and gunownership in general to stay close to my friends and reach out to young shooters.
2. I love to make things myself. Reloading has replaced just about all my hobbies that build things.
3. I shot a pig with one of my reloads. Very cool. Like stabbing a mammoth with the spear you made yourself.
4. It allows me to be generous with the Blessings I have received from God in my life. I give away more ammo than I shoot, and shooting with old friends, family, and new friends is simply one of the best pleasures in life.
5. The Zen of making something powerful. I love the quiet contemplation, the learning, the research. I respect Brian Pearce, Dave Scoville, John Barsness and many others, because they are smart, they reload, and they are cutting edge of gun theory.
6. You can study reloading your whole life, and still be awed by the volume of knowledge available.
7. The tradition of firearms in this great country and saving it for the future.
1. I use reloading and gunownership in general to stay close to my friends and reach out to young shooters.
2. I love to make things myself. Reloading has replaced just about all my hobbies that build things.
3. I shot a pig with one of my reloads. Very cool. Like stabbing a mammoth with the spear you made yourself.
4. It allows me to be generous with the Blessings I have received from God in my life. I give away more ammo than I shoot, and shooting with old friends, family, and new friends is simply one of the best pleasures in life.
5. The Zen of making something powerful. I love the quiet contemplation, the learning, the research. I respect Brian Pearce, Dave Scoville, John Barsness and many others, because they are smart, they reload, and they are cutting edge of gun theory.
6. You can study reloading your whole life, and still be awed by the volume of knowledge available.
7. The tradition of firearms in this great country and saving it for the future.
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I don't have anything to add beyond the excellent responses so far, except this- reloading will cost you in other ways. It's the dark side of reloading.
1. You're wife and general other family members will wonder why you give lectures on "I need to be left completely alone when reloading." Then, they will wonder what you are doing when they all go to bed.
2. Fellow gun enthusiasts who are not reloaders will question your sanity as you enter gunshops and go immediately to the reloading section instead of the firearms section.
3. You will become a brass addict. I knew I had a problem when I was once deer hunting and took a shot on a deer. I grabbed the spent brass before going to look for him.
4. Issues that once brought deep meditation from you, such as "should I buy this rifle or that one" will turn into meditations on "do I go progressive or stay with single stage."
5. Life will, for a moment, go numb when your first primer pocket is too worn out to hold a primer any longer.
These are just a few examples of the dark costs of reloading. It will eventually morphe into casting, but that's a discussion for another time.
1. You're wife and general other family members will wonder why you give lectures on "I need to be left completely alone when reloading." Then, they will wonder what you are doing when they all go to bed.
2. Fellow gun enthusiasts who are not reloaders will question your sanity as you enter gunshops and go immediately to the reloading section instead of the firearms section.
3. You will become a brass addict. I knew I had a problem when I was once deer hunting and took a shot on a deer. I grabbed the spent brass before going to look for him.
4. Issues that once brought deep meditation from you, such as "should I buy this rifle or that one" will turn into meditations on "do I go progressive or stay with single stage."
5. Life will, for a moment, go numb when your first primer pocket is too worn out to hold a primer any longer.
These are just a few examples of the dark costs of reloading. It will eventually morphe into casting, but that's a discussion for another time.
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Pretty good!
You have now entered "The Reloading Zone"
You have now entered "The Reloading Zone"
Brass= free (range pick-up)
Bullet= <.01 (Cast my own)
Primer= .03 since primers have come back down a bit.
Powder= .01-.015 (depends on the type powder and charge weight)
Add that all up and a box of 50 comes in at around $2.50 on the low end to perhaps as much as $3.00 on the high end. 9mm and .38 cost a fraction less than the 10mm and .45 ACP loads due to bullet weight, though I use less powder in the .45's. Somewhere it all evens out
Bullet= <.01 (Cast my own)
Primer= .03 since primers have come back down a bit.
Powder= .01-.015 (depends on the type powder and charge weight)
Add that all up and a box of 50 comes in at around $2.50 on the low end to perhaps as much as $3.00 on the high end. 9mm and .38 cost a fraction less than the 10mm and .45 ACP loads due to bullet weight, though I use less powder in the .45's. Somewhere it all evens out
Az Rick
Member
I sometimes say that I shoot so I can reload. It's a very enjoyable hobby. It certainly adds another dimension to shooting. I've found that by reloading you become much more a student of ballistics and components. You'll shoot more and better ammo. You'll develop a crick in your neck from looking for range brass. Did I mention it was fun?
Best, Rick
Best, Rick
David LaPell
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It really depends on how much reloading you want to do and the calibers. For us .41 Mag shooters, reloading is the way to go, but all ammo has gotten really expensive. For instance, a box of Remington 210 grain JSP for the .41 Mag is $65 for 50 rounds. About a month ago I bought 500 215 grain cast bullets (commerically cast) for $30, plus I already had some once fired brass and what I have here, and then the primers and powder, which for that I used 2400. I can guarantee I saved alot of money there.
I can load .38 Special for $5 a box at the most for 50 rounds compared to the $25 it costs at the store. .357 is just as easy. Right now I buy my cast bullets, but I am hoping that before the summer to start casting my own and save even more money in the long run. I am spending an average of $20 for 100 cast bullets from Montana Bullet Works. Lee's little Electric furnace is $35 from Midway (don't have alot of room for bigger and I want to start small) and the moulds will cost me more, but that first 1000 bullets will make all that cost up, and from what I have seen, 1000 rounds is pretty easy to cast.
I can load .38 Special for $5 a box at the most for 50 rounds compared to the $25 it costs at the store. .357 is just as easy. Right now I buy my cast bullets, but I am hoping that before the summer to start casting my own and save even more money in the long run. I am spending an average of $20 for 100 cast bullets from Montana Bullet Works. Lee's little Electric furnace is $35 from Midway (don't have alot of room for bigger and I want to start small) and the moulds will cost me more, but that first 1000 bullets will make all that cost up, and from what I have seen, 1000 rounds is pretty easy to cast.
Maximumbob54
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There are too many deals on kits that don't cost an arm and a leg to get into reloading. You can add the Lee Anniversary kit, a set of dies, a two cavity mold, a melting pot, and push through die and still be under two hundred dollars. And that setup will load you some very quality ammo. I wish I had done that instead of sinking a bunch of money into the RCBS RC kit but I was a sucker for a sale. Reloading is just as easy to get carried away with in spending money as it is as easy to spend too much on guns. There is just never enough of either. And reloading really does bring you full circle in the hobby.
novalty
Member
I really liked this cost savings calculator from 10xshooters.com
