1. Is it really cheaper to reload? If so how much?
As others have said it depends. You need to know how much and exactly what you are going to reload to determine what it's gonna cost you to reload a box of shells. Many here are quoting prices of reloading bullets they cast themselves from lead scrounged for nothing. The casting process is another investment in time and monies that must be considered, and not everybody has a option of free lead, most must buy it from someplace. Also many indoor and some outdoor ranges now have banned the use of pure lead bullets. If this is the case, then you must buy either jacketed or plated as I know of no-one that has the equipment available at home to produce these themselves. At some point in the near future I think you will see more restrictions put on lead bullets even for hunting. Something to consider before investing a lot in casting equipment. Also the quantity you buy components will determine the actual cost. An 8#jug of powder is generally 30% less per pound than buying it in a 1#jug. Same goes for bullets when buying per 1000 as opposed to buying 100 at a time. If one does not have the spare cash to buy in bulk and sit on the supplies, savings per round will not be what some here have mentioned.
Again, most of us that reload spend more on ammo than we did when all we shot was factory ammo. Shooting and reloading is addictive and like most other junkies, we need a bigger and better fix everytime to keep the same high.
2. Are conponents easy to find? Seems like they are a bit
scarce.
Components are harder to find than they were 3 years ago, but are easier to find than a year ago. Most reloaders are sitting on a bigger stash of components than they were 3 years ago also. The reloading bug has become pandemic and it caught many manufacturers and suppliers with their pants down. IMHO, Some shortages were created intentionally during the Obamma scare to justify high prices. This too will come to pass.
3. Anything else you would care to add.
Reloading is not only cost effective, but is a relaxing hobby for many of us. Not everybody needs to pump out 600 rounds an hour. I shoot approximately 500 rounds a month in the 6 different calibers I reload for. I do all of this on a Rockchukker. I have yet to run short of loaded ammo, but instead generally have to wait for range day for more empty brass. Even tho I reload, I still can only afford to spend so much a month on components......it don't make sense to spend the monies to have the capability to load 5000 rounds a month when I can only afford the components for 500. Something else one has to consider is the sundries that go along with reloading. The dedicated space for reloading, the bench and storage for powders/brass/bullets/primers. Heck, I bet I have over $100 invested in just plastic cartridge boxes to store my loaded ammo.
I'm not trying to burst any balloons here and am not trying to scare you away from reloading.....I'm just trying to be realistic. I'm not saying that folks are stretching the truth about reloading needs and costs, I'm just saying your costs/needs most likely will not be the same. Just as your reloads will shoot different in your guns as they do in mine.
