OBXterra

I've been "out" of reloading since 1984. Still have my RCBS Rock Chucker and a few odds and ends. But probably should go progressive so there colud be some addtiional startup costs. I reloaded 9MM, .38, .357, .223, and .35 REM (used to practice and compete in IHMSA. Would now need to load all but the .35, plus .45 ACP and Long Colt.

Not looking to develop hot, wild loads, just average factory-like range loads, maybe some replicated PD loads (I'll carry factory PD's) for practice. Does the math work out (don't mind the sweat equity)? The local Walmart can't seem to get any 9MM, and the rest seems to have been marked up nearly a third in the last two months.

Bountyhunter

I've been reloading 45 acp and doing it cheap. I've picked up all the brass I can at the range and bought 400 pieces off a member for the cost of shipping. $9 Can't beat that. If you pick up spent brass and ask around you'll find people more than happy to give you theirs. That will cut your costs way down. Imo, it's worth it.

deputy125

costs wise, if you are doing a lot of pistol ammo i'd say its definately worth it. Plus the satisification of makin' your own.

I don't shoot a tremondous amount of rifle ammo, but its still cheaper than buying factory and enjoyable also.

I'd say get back in it with just two or three powders to cover all the bases and have fun.

If time available for reloading is an issue, then turret or progressive presses will surely help out.

d.h.

My 9mm loads cost about .14 cents each without the brass. If I figure 4 reloads per brass, it's about .17 cents per round.
44 mag runs about .01 to .02 cents higher, that's my plinking loads.
Of course I donate my time for such a good cause.

Iowegan

I don't reload for the economy but rather the fact I can load the bullet I like at the velocities I want. Besides, my reloads are way more accurate than factory ammo. Despite paying too much for my reloading supplies, my ammo still cost less than Wally World stuff.

stoble

Still believe reloading is the way to go for the reasons mentioned. As prices go up I still think the cost will always be less for reloading vs. factory new. If you are looking at new reloaders, I am very pleased with Dillon. The lifetime guarentee is great and they send parts whether it is your fault of not if you ever need anything. Of course it is never the users fault.

J Miller

Besides the fact that I can tailor my loads to my guns, and choose bullets not available in factory ammo, if I didn't reload I'd have to quit shooting. Factory ammo is just too obscenely expensive.

Joe

gswbbc

You can save money plus its fun. Why not?

Tweek

Shoot more for the same money. With mid-range loads, my brass lasts dang-near forever.

Iowegan

I just got a new Natchez catalog in the mail today. I don't buy much factory ammo so I'm not very current on prices. I got major sticker shock when looking at the catalog. Times like this makes my reloading equipment and stash of supplies look pretty good.

deputy125

the components are going up as well. probably soon enough we will be able to reload ammo at 1999 factory prices if ya know what i mean. Hate to see how high the factory stuff is gonna git............

Song Dawg

Yes it's cost effective especially in light of the current increases in factory ammo.
I too load for consistency and accuracy not $$ but it's the best of both worlds!
FUN TOO!
SD

Calvin Wiles

To me, part of the enjoyment of shooting is reloading. I can't shoot pistols well enough to tell a big difference in accuracy, but for long range Rifle shooting, reloading makes a big difference in accuracy.

OBXterra

Perhaps to better define my intent, I should explain what I'm doing. I am most interested in refining my point shooting (PD) skills. At this point a consistent 8" or so group from seven to 25 yards from multiple calibers.

Currently .45 ACP (HK USP .45), .38/.357 Mag (SP101), 9MM (HK P2000SK). Two trips a month to the range equals at least 600 rounds a month, sometimes more. This doesn't count occasional plinking/target shooting (Colt Python 6"). Even at around $30 @ 100 with tax on average, thats $300 - $400 a month. I'm into my third month of practice (took a 8-9 year break from shooting to fish and train in Shutzhund dogsport).

Highly accurate or even high power loads really aren't a factor here. Been there with the IHMSA competition. Think about the challenge of competing against .44 Mag Rugers and Smith's with the limitations of a Python. Working up an accurate round, powerful enough to down the Ram at 200 meters, but staying within safe pressures for that tiny little cylinder required weighing every single bullet, powder charge, weighing and measuring every brass and hand seating each primer. Still never won a match, but it was fun.

So, at this point I'm looking for decent performance, but in volume.

Thanks, and sorry for the length.

Calvin Wiles

The things you are asking vary with individual situations. It is cheaper to reload if you have the extra time it takes to pick up your brass and reload. Some people value their time spent reloading more valuable doing something else. Since you have done it before, you know what is involved, so strictly from the cost perspective, yes it is cheaper to reload. The Turret Press works good for me because I can change calibers without having to re-adjust the dies. Watching for special sales on reloading components also help.

454PB

I seldom buy bullets any more, and none for my handguns. I cast all my own for the handguns, and a lot of those that I use in my rifles.

Yesterday I was in Sportsman's Warehouse to use a gift certificate I received. I about had a stroke! A 500 count box of Lazercast 240 gr. .44 caliber bullets was $79!

A 100 count bag of WW .454 brass was $68. The only component I saw that hasn't increased drastically is smokeless powder.

Primers have nearly doubled in price in the last year, and the selection is slim.

However, looking at factory loaded ammo, the prices are following the same trend.

I don't see how most handgun shooters can maintain their skill without handloading.

deputy125

I'd look either into the lee turret or the dillion line of presses. The lee turret does quite well in volume and quality + you can disable the auto index feature and use it as a single stage press if desired. Just choose your prefered method of powder handling/weighing/measuring for the job at hand. With that many calibers, the quick change turret feature should be a bonus.

Will your .357 take down the rams?????

Onebigelf

I'd agree with the other respondents. I reload .308 and .223. It costs me less to reload my 223 using 68gr sierra BTHP match with Varget that I would pay for Mil-surp at current prices. .308 is much less tho I've run out of the M80 ball I was loading and haven't found a good source for more. The .308 I also have more trouble with brass for because one of my rifles has a fluted chamber and eats the brass pretty badly, so I don't get but one pass for the brass through that one. But my, it sure do shoot pretty.

John

Frank V

Only way we can shoot as much as we want is to reload, besides custom tailor your ammo to you & your gun. No trouble at all! Frank

OBXterra

Deputy125: Yes, I could take down a Ram here or there. I loved my Python and couldn't afford a lot at the time (reloading was a neccesity then). I don't know where my logs are I had worked up a load with a 140 grain FMJFP, But it had to be a high hit or off center like the butt or head. I clanged a bunch of them. And I wasn't bashful about accepting the occasional flinched shot causing a ricochet that took it down.

Like I said I was at a disadvantaged shooting against Rugers and even Smiths. With heavier, longer cylinders, those guys could work up flatter shooting loads using heavier bullets. If I remember right a friend of mine used a 180 grain bullet in his Ruger.

But I had fun.

deputy125

i've done a few of those head shots as well.....bang(pause) clang(pause) and watch the ram slowly act like it was going to kneal down just like a real ram going to lay down his front knees. I've had ringers with 44's from time to time, but still a ball.

Snuffy

Well, it depends on how deep your pocket are. There are many fine customer reloaders out there that will be glad to have your business. Big match shooters have little or no time for reloading from what they tell me time wasted on reloading they could be shooting. Ok that is their view on the subject, mine is that I love shooting and reloading the same. On days that I can't shoot I reload. I am not paying anyone to clean my guns nor am I paying someone to reload for me. This is one hobbie that you can to a point make your own stuff, haven't heard of anyone making their own golf balls as yet.
If your good at shooting and poor at reloading then pay someone to do it for you or buy factory which ever works for you. The bottom line its what ever makes you happy, we only go around this world once no second chances given, me I plan to live the rest of my life doing what I love to do, just MHOP.

tn gun runner

You can't buy or beat a reloaders amno ... I custom taylor my amno to each gun and
the type of shooting or match I'm shooting.. cowboy action , target , hunting and
economy are all different loads .. If your shooting beer cans that walmart crap is OK..
shooting targets at 100 yds like this can only be done by a reloader..

Snuffy

well said and shown.