sr40cForMe

So I'm looking to get into reloading I have a bunch of stuff already priced out and ready to buy only things left on my list are actual materials primers,bullets, brass. I was under the impression that reloading was supposed to save you money in the long run (other than the fact that people say you end up shooting more). But, when I look up supplies I'm seeing bullets 100 for around 26 dollars. I can buy 100 full rounds of WWB at wal mart for 34 dollars. So here is my question. Is there really only a savings if I buy in bulk? Or where am I going wrong in my supply searches? like I said I'm new to this. Be gentle. And any overall advice would be great. Let me know where you guys buy. What you recommend. How much you purchase at a time. Etc. thanks in advance.

bhefley59

I buy my 9mm, 40cal, and 45acp bullets from Berrys Bullets , ther plated and as long as you keep them under 1200 fps they work great !!
There are lots of other places to buy from another good place if you like lead is Missouri Bullet co .
I reloaded my first bullet in the mid 70's when I was 15 years old and I love the process. To me it's a good way to unwind from a long stressful day at work .. and yes it is cheaper in the long run ...Good luck

a month ago I got 1000 ,180gr fp 40cal bullets for $122 and 1000 , 124gr rn 9mm for $86, as long as you order over $50 at a time shipping is free

makey98

Here is a website that will break down cost/per box for ya.
http://http://handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

But to answer your question, yes that price is very expensive for handgun bullets. Midway USA has a sale right now on Hornady XTP bullets, which are very good quality hollowpoints with a variety of uses for 15-23 bucks for 100 depending on caliber. Rifle is about 40-50% more than that for good Sierra bullets.

I guess the second question is what calibers are you loading for? More savings in hgh quality rifle rounds and big bore cartridges.

Lots of people use cast bullets for the various revolver rounds. Or plated bullets, which significantly lowers the cost. I take it WWB in Win White box so are loading some semi-auto round or something?

Barry's bullets are plated for 13 cents a piece. Cast from Oregon Trail are 10-11 cents a piece.

Also, most pistol brass you can use 5+ times depending on what you are doing, so that cost goes down significantly, with cases being about 50+% of your total cost usually.

Overall, I can load 100 rounds of 38 special for about 32 bucks for 100. Maybe 40 bucks if I am using premium bullets. After that initial loading reusing cases, the cost should be about half that.

danielmurph

Walmart here where I live sell 45 acp hornady xtp for 14.99 per 100.

Nick0410

It is the bullets that kill you. I mean, this is how you can load, you can either load premium or close to premium quality bullets for about the same price or you can load cheaper kinds of bullets (plated, lead). When I first started, I bought some Remington FMJ 9mm and I could reload them for $18 and use up an hour or more of my time or buy them for $21. Well this didnt seem like it made much sense, I know 9mm is the most common but $3 off wasnt saving much for how much the initial cost of equipment was. Well after my first 500 Rem FMJ, I looked for an alternative. I tried a couple boxes of 250 between 2 calibers of Berrys to test them and for the price, the quality was definitely worth it! Now I've been buying 1000s at a time. Thats also another aspect, is buying supplies in bulk. Plated bullets are a little harder to load do to crimp and velocity restrictions, but besides that, I load them exactly the same as 9mm. Free shipping with Berrys also. Another aspect is finding cases. For 9mm, its cheap enough to get some factory 100 boxes and I have friends who shoot 9mm also. For the expensive stuff, you really need to find sales on factory ammo in order to get a good price on brass, it seems like its never cheaper to buy brass separately compared to just buying ammo and sometimes it good to shoot factory ammo occasionally to see the difference, especially if its cheaper than just buying new brass! If you order from Berrys, check out the bore brushes 3 for $4 and ammo boxes, same clear boxes I got from Cabelas but cheaper and different logo.

For the calibers I load currently, I load for (of the cost using Berrys 1000 box):
2/3 on 9mm (13.84 per 100)
1/2 on .38spl (15.26 per 100)
1/3 on .357mag (16.98 per 100)

Loading for 1/3 the price on .357 is great! They just cost a few bucks more per 100 than 9mm for 158gr .357 bullets so I can literally shoot as many as I want and not kill myself on the cost like ~$50 per 100 factory used to cost me.

For .223 I have been using the Z-max (per 500) and I reload them for about 2/3 to 1/2 the cost of factory and in that case, I'm using premium accuracy components with the Z-max and Varget powder, CCI primers. (27.66 per 100)

So try a box of 1000 Berrys, they arent that much more than lead and easier to load.
When it comes to rules on loading them.

1. Use a light taper crimp! I use my 9mm crimp on my 38/357 loads. Pull bullets partial out and check if youre squeezing them too tight, a bit of a squeeze and a line in the bullet wont hurt but not much

2. Keep the velocity under 1200 fps (they have thick plate that will take 1400 in some cals). Plated with run a little faster than FMJ data so account for them being faster, but I use standard FMJ loads, in my SP101 I use the max load of Unique because I know it wont hit 1200. Same with my 9mm thick plated because I know they wont hit 1400.

3. Use faster burning powders and barrel length. The light taper crimp isnt great for slow powders. I used to use 8.0gr Blue Dot with 115gr 9mm, used the same load with plated and it was too light of crimp, was a dirty round, it worked fine, just dirtier than it should be, not a very efficient burn. Unique has been working well for .357/9mm so something around that burn rate works well. I use Bullseye for .38spl.

4. Also the heavier bullets. Longer bullets (heavier) keep better neck tension so act as a natural crimp between bullet and case well and also keep the velocity lower, so you can still use hot loads without striping the plating while giving the powder more time to burn.


Heres a sample of what I load currently with plates
9mm, 115 gr HBRN-TP (Hollow Base Round Nose Thick Plate) Berrys, I use the exact recipe on Alliants website for Unique, OAL and Charge are the same, Win primer, mixed brass
.38 158gr FP Berrys, 3.2 Bullseye, Same OAL as stated on Alliants website, Win primer, mixed brass
.357 158gr FP Berrys, Same recipe as on Alliants for Unique, CCI SPM primer (I've read you dont even need mag primers for unique but I already bought them so I've been using them), mixed brass

Good luck, I hope this post was worth the read

terry_p

I shoot a lot of cast lead which you can still get at a reasonable price if you look around.

Missouri Bullet Company

MIDSTATES CAST BULLETS

grandpabear

It's taken me a little while but I'm learning where to buy. I have an lgs that sells 9mm. 115 gr. fmjrn for $19 per 250. Here's a link Everglades Ammunition and Reloading They have great prices and free, fast shipping. Check all your lgs' you might be surprised what you find.

shootist

Check out Montana Gold bullets for jacked bullets price is better than what you will find a sporting goods store or gun shop.

sr40cForMe

Sorry guys forgot to mention I'm going to start out loading .40 S&W. Then eventually get into .45ACP and 9mm. Here's what's on my list so far let me know what you guys think. It's just a basic set up being a first timer.

- Lee Deluxe 4 Hole Turret Press Kit (comes with a scale that I will upgrade eventually to probably a hornady digital scale and auto disk powder loader as well as chamfer tool and primer pocket tool)
- Lee Carbide .40 S&W 4 peice die set
- Calipers from Home Depot
- Lyman Turbo 1200 Case Tumbler (media from pet store)
- Frankfort Arsenal Bullet Puller Tool
-CCI Primers
-Starline Brass bulk from midway just to start myself out($83 from midwayusa for 500) I also have a bunch of brass I've been saving from my trips to the range(mine and others that left without sweeping their brass lol)
-Lee Reloading Manual forget the exact name of it but it's $18 from gandermountain

And I guess I will be going with Berrys bullets to start me out since you guys seem to like it.

I just want to throw this out there you guys are awesome. I am a member of another forum and posted this exact thread in their reloading section and only one person felt inclined to post and he didn't even give any useful info. The other forum is also a more active forum than this one believe it or not. So I want to thank you guys for being amazing and so quick to jump in and help a beginner in need can't thank you guys enough. Truly appreciated.


Edit: just wanted to add. I plan on loading for target only right now. Until I get everything down and I can load very efficiently then il start looking into defense. Don't know if that makes a difference or anything to the insight you guys are sharing with me

rclark

Just go lead for your bullets (unless you just have to have shiny bullets). That helps a lot in reloading costs. ~$34 per 500 of .38/357. That's $6.80 per 100 of 158g SWCs... 125s are even cheaper.... Truthfully I find this even 'expensive' but still way cheaper than over the counter....

Rim Rock Bullets

sr40cForMe

I live in CT. The only lgs I even know of are a big box type place called Hoffmans which is 25-30 minutes from me and I don't think I have ever seen any reloading supplies there unless I'm blind (been around the store a bunch of times although it is pretty big) and the little shop at the range I go to about 35 mins away. Other than that either I'm oblivious to lgs in my area or CT isn't find of gun shops haha. So I'm pretty much limited to the Internet for all my stuff

Nick0410

How hard is it to get a permit there? Dont you need a permit just to take a gun out of the house in CT?

sr40cForMe

It's not hard at all. Took a basic pistol class. Applied at my local PD for temp. Got it in a month. Went to state police building and got my permanent permit the next day. And yes in CT you must be permitted to transport any firearm in any vehicle.

weldernewt53

You found a darn good site here. I learned most of my stuff on reloading here. Keep looking for brass and bullet suppliers. I load for revolvers so it is a little easier for me. Missouri Bullets has great service. Try Starline Brass, They have free shipping. Natcheze Shooting Supply has lots of stuff. Keep at it. I currently load for 38-357, 44spl 45 Colt and 45ACP. I use a LEE 4 hole Turrent Press and can easily load 100 rnds an hour . Keep checking this site. I read it almost every day and there is always lots of good info and insights. Good Luck and Welcome

Lost Sheep

I looked over your list and suggest getting the Lee Primer Dispenser for use on the press and the Auto-disk powder measure. The Pro Auto-Disk is worth the extra price over the Standard Auto-Disk. Both devices will increase your convenience factor considerably.

The Deluxe Turret Press is inferior to the Classic Turret Press. It does not drop its primers 100% where they are supposed to go, there is less room for you hand to insert the cases and the bullets, the leverage is not as good and the press itself is not as durable.

Check out the kit available from Kempf's Gun Shop (on line). Besides, that kit includes the dies and does not force you to take the Lee Scale.

If you have the time, here is some reading that might help equipment selection.

I have compiled a few web sites that seem to have some good information (only some of which came from me).

Go get a large mug of whatever you sip when you read and think and visit these sites.

Sticky-contains much general information.
thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214
For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST - THR

Sticky-contains much general information.
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171
For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST - The Firing Line Forums

"Newby needs help." (A typical new reloader thread). My posts are 11 and 13
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
Newby needs help. - The Firing Line Forums

"Just bought my first press. Needs some info tho." (A typical new reloader thread)
thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=659358
Just bought my first press. Needs some info tho. - THR

"I am looking at getting into reloading for the first time" (A typical new reloader thread)
thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=658971
I am looking at getting into reloading for the first time - THR

"Considering reloading" (A typical new reloader thread)
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488115
Considering reloading - The Firing Line Forums

"Interested in reloading" (A typical new reloader thread)
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543
RugerForum.com • View topic - Interested in reloading

"Is the lee classic loader a good starter loader?" A thread from someone considering the Mallet-driven Lee Classic Loader.
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=497313
http://http://thefiringline.com/foru...d.php?t=497313

"Lee Classic Loader Kit" My post, Minimalist minimal is the seventh post down.
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=107332
RugerForum.com • View topic - Lee Classic Loader Kit

"45 Colt question-Lee loader" Another Lee Classic Loader thread
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498638
http://http://thefiringline.com/foru...d.php?t=498638

"Best starter kit?"
rugerforum.net/reloading/33252-best-starter-kit-beginners.html
Best starter kit for beginners?

"To kit or not to kit?" That is the question. My thread. Hard to read apparently
rugerforum.net/reloading/33660-kit-not-kit.html
To Kit or Not To Kit?

Informed by my 2010 repopulation of my loading bench (If I knew in '75 what I know now)
rugerforum.net/reloading/29385-budget-beginning-bench-you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html
Budget Beginning Bench you will never outgrow, for the novice handloader.

Thoughts on The Lee Classic Turret Press
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=135951
RugerForum.com • View topic - Thoughts on The Lee Classic Turret Press


Use what type of scale? (poll)
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448410
Use what type of scale? - The Firing Line Forums

Good luck

Lost Sheep