Ruger Forum

arg0naut22 · July 10th, 2012, 07:06 PM

ok so total newbie question here, but how much does reloading save you once you've bought all the equipment/accoutrements to reload (thinking specifically in terms of 9mm, possibly also 12 ga down the line)? obviously, it must pay off over time, but what does initial outlay look like for reloading equipment vs bricks/boxes of ammo?

tglazie · July 10th, 2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arg0naut22

ok so total newbie question here, but how much does reloading save you once you've bought all the equipment/accoutrements to reload (thinking specifically in terms of 9mm, possibly also 12 ga down the line)? obviously, it must pay off over time, but what does initial outlay look like for reloading equipment vs bricks/boxes of ammo?

I load .380/9mm/.38/.357 for 11-13 cents a round using range brass and Berry's bullets from powdervalley or cast bullets from a local shop. Thats 7-9 cents a bullet and about 4 cents for powder and primer. If I didnt have access to range brass, I would purchase starline brass for 12 cents each and count on loading each case at least 5-6 times (2 cents per load), so my total round cost would be 13-15 cents.

So depending on caliber, bullet type and brass source, figure $5.50-$7.50/box for the calibers I mentioned. Unless you want to start casting your own bullets, thats about as cheap as it is going to get.

also, you will get a better response if you post this in the reloading forum.

North country gal · July 10th, 2012, 07:49 PM

Don't forget, there is a whole lot more to reloading than just saving money, though that is certainly a good reason to reload. Keep in mind, though, it does take a little time to recover your initial costs for equipment and cost of reloading components.

On the other hand, you do get to tailor your ammo for your specific guns and your specific needs, right away and that is a great reason to reload. It also allows you to reload for cartridges that you don't easily find on the shelf at a store. For instance, I shoot 357 Maximum. The only way to shoot that cartridge, regularly, these days is to reload. Reloading also gives a lot more options as to loads. Why limit yourself to what you can buy at your LGS? Lastly, reloading is fun and it opens a whole new world of learning about guns and cartridges. You certainly don't have to reload to enjoy shooting, but it will make your shooting more affordable, more effective and more fun. Go for it.

guardjim · July 10th, 2012, 07:53 PM

In my experience for the calibers I load, 45, 38/357, 9mm, I figure I save roughly a third overall. Takes time to make up for the cost of the the reloading equipment though. It pretty much depends on how much you shoot.

Buzzsaw46 · July 10th, 2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guardjim

In my experience for the calibers I load, 45, 38/357, 9mm, I figure I save roughly a third overall. Takes time to make up for the cost of the the reloading equipment though. It pretty much depends on how much you shoot.

I just started reloading .223 and 9mm this summer and find that 1/3 is a pretty good margin to expect. If you spend some time searching for cheaper components like cast bullets, mil surp. powder you can do it for a bit less.

shootist · July 10th, 2012, 08:49 PM

First off saving money is not the biggest advantage of reloading, being able to taylor make ammo that fires the most accurate for each gun you shoot is, I can save 1/2 on what store bought rounds cost, more if I'm loading reduced powder loads for target practice using cast lead bullets, best way to figure your cost per round is look up costs for all the components you want to use on the web or local dealer.

Nick0410 · July 10th, 2012, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzsaw46

I just started reloading .223 and 9mm this summer and find that 1/3 is a pretty good margin to expect. If you spend some time searching for cheaper components like cast bullets, mil surp. powder you can do it for a bit less.

.223 is 27.6 per 100 vs 45 about 3/5s the cost
9mm is 13.8 per 100 vs 21 about 2/3s the cost
.38spl is 15.2 per 100 vs 36 about 3/5s the cost
.357mag is 19 per 100 vs 56 about 1/3 the cost

Using my current components, this is about the cost I'm reloading for vs Fed/Rem ammo at Walmart. 9mm isnt the best but its the cheapest centerfire to shoot anyway so it makes sense, I save a crazy amount on .357 just for shooting. I probably reload for an average of about 1/2 the price overall.

If youre doing 9mm, get plated and learn how to load it, you wont save anything but just a few bucks if you use FMJs, first rounds I did was Rem 115gr FMJs and I reloaded for about 18 bucks so I only saved 3 bucks per 100 which sucks for all the time you spend.

arg0naut22 · July 11th, 2012, 02:26 AM

thanks, all. these responses give me tons to consider (and lots to consider that i would have otherwise known nothing about). helpful forum, as always!

MZ5 · July 11th, 2012, 05:35 AM

You're wise to remember payback cost/time for initial equipment purchase. I agree with North country gal's post, as well. Personally, I find that reloading for my rifles both saves me the most money AND gains me the most in accuracy (okay, precision). OTOH, I don't shoot handguns very much any more, apart from 22 rimfires.

tglazie · July 11th, 2012, 06:59 AM

To followup with what MZ5 said, here is the full kit I assembled this winter, with pricing. You do not NEED everything on this list and can start with much less and slowly acquire what you need, but this should give you an idea of the pricing for the various "little things" that you may not think of, like boxes, gages, scales, stands, etc.

This is for 4 calibers and includes a press stand (which most people do not use but works great if you dont want to use a bench/table). I also included a chronograph which many people also do not use. For $70 it is well worth it for me.

Lee Classic Cast Turret Press Kit includes: 197
Pro Auto-Disk powder measure
Riser
Large and Small Safety Prime
Cutter, Lock Stud, Chamfer Tool
Large and small primer pocket tool
Case sizing lube
Modern Reloading Second Edition
Safety powder scale

Lee Adjustable Charge Bar 12
Case Length Gauge/holder 9mm 7
Case Length Gauge/holder .38 Special 7
Case Length Gauge/holder .357 mag 7
Case Length Gauge/holder .32 Special 7
Universal decapping die 15
Lee 4 carbide die set 9mm 45
Lee 4 carbide die set .38/.357 42
Lee 3 carbide die set .380 40
Lee FCD .380 12
Lee 2 carbide die set .32 Special 35
Lee Cast Iron Reloading Press 90045 30
shell holders 9mm/.38/.357/.32 Special 15
powder funnel 3
Digital calipers 15
Bullet puller 13
Chronograph 76
Electronic scale 25
MTM loading trays (2) 18
25 MTM 50-round ammo boxes 9mm/.38/.357 70
MTM dry box 20
MTM storage box 25
Lee Auto Prime handtool 30
Lee 9mm taper crimp 10
Lee double disk kit 15
Lee micro disk 10
Lee tripod press stand and bins 110
Lee turrets (3 extra) 30
Lee press plate for stand 25
Franklin Arsenal Tumbler 40
Tumbler media/polish 30
Graf's case chamfer/debur tool 12

total 1048

gfw1985 · July 11th, 2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arg0naut22

ok so total newbie question here, but how much does reloading save you once you've bought all the equipment/accoutrements to reload (thinking specifically in terms of 9mm, possibly also 12 ga down the line)? obviously, it must pay off over time, but what does initial outlay look like for reloading equipment vs bricks/boxes of ammo?

Keep in mind, shotgun reloading is an entirely different set of equipment.

aro · July 11th, 2012, 08:08 AM

I generally dislike living in a large urban area, but it has its advantages. I grouped with other people and we bought bullets at wholesale price. You can do the same for primers and powder.

I am able to reload 45 ACP at under 10 cents per round. That's more than a 1/3 cheaper. Even with regular component prices, reloading is cheaper.

I got into reloading primarily because of the money savings. Reloading my own custom loads, experimenting with them, was not a concern when I first made the decision. Now I've come to really appreciate having the freedom to experiment.

NAASilent · July 11th, 2012, 08:09 AM

About $0.05-$0.07 a round for any caliber I shoot. That's .22 costs for shooting 45 Colt. I cast my own bullets, and use range brass whenever possible. The biggest advantage past cost is being able to tailor your rounds to your specific firearm. Kinda nice knowing that 1/4" grouping at 100 yards was all you.

bhefley59 · July 11th, 2012, 08:37 AM

Been reloading since the mid 70's never bought much factory ammo , I have guns that has never had factory ammo shot through it. I can reload 9mm using Berry's bullets for about $10 to $11 per 100 using range brass. It will take a bit of shooting to recoup for the equipment but like someone else said you can Taylor your load to your gun !