Reloading

4035 Views 21 Replies 12 Participants Last post by rdoggsilva, Jul 13, 2008

L'attente

Discussion Starter · Jul 9, 2008

Is there really money to be saved buy rolling your own?

I have 3 different rounds in my house, all of which are commercially available - but they can get rather expensive when buying all them at once.

What I'm getting at is, if I bought a $100 Lee kit and all the necessary stuff (powder, bullets, casings, etc) do I save money in the long run (don't forget labor, but how much is my time worth? lol)?

For reference the 3 calibers are .22, .30-30, 9mm (I don't really concern myself with the .22's though). But let's say I pick up 12ga, 20ga, .223 and/or 7.62x39's does it start to even out with more expensive rounds, and more calibers?

Also, is hard is it to store powder? Like do you have to have a special place (concrete vault, heat/cold sensitive, etc)?

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

tapehoser

· #2 · Jul 9, 2008

Reloading used to be a HUGE savings. Over time, it has become less and less affordable, especially for smaller calibers. These days, the real savings are seen mostly with the large calibers for both rifle and handgun.

As for storing powder, my only caution would be to store it in a cool place that is not going to fluctuate in temperature often.

usSiR

· #3 · Jul 9, 2008

Today I was talking to a friend at work about this very thing....

He particularly like it so he can create his own premium round for his needs, hunting. He also said it helps save a decent amount with the rifle calibers that he reloads. Once you build up your own stock pile of brass your savings will increase. I've saved all my brass even though I donâ€™t reload yet.

As far as the shotgun reloading, I personally donâ€™t know, I was told by a former boss that reloaded, he said he use to save a lot doing it with the shells but now he said its close and depending how valuable you think your time is worth it may not be worth it.

I like to compare my time just as valuable as what I get paid at work, so I've wasted about $12 on the internet since I got home from work :lol: . If you have nothing better to do, then reload and think about the amount even if small but over time you might save.

So yeah look in to it more and what you'll be reloading and cost comparison, if you think it looks good go for it, besides its never bad to learn something new that can be good and get the satisfaction that you yourself did it.

Sorry it kinda sounds like I'm trying to persuade you to do it but thats not it at all, if after I look at all the factors on something and I can save some money doing it I usually do

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scott.pete06

· #4 · Jul 9, 2008

I reload a lot of ammo. Let me tell you the cost per box of 50 at the store vs the cost I reload at.
store bought home made
10.99 9MM 9.50ish

17.99 .45acp 10.75ish

20.99 .357 mag 10.00ish

.50 per round .243 win .17 per round

My reloader has paid for it's self, but I shoot 500+ rounds a month. shotgun shells require a different style reloader. but it cost the same to buy it as make it for lead shot for skeet shooting. also go auto progressive press. otherwise the time it takes isn't worth it.

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usSiR

· #5 · Jul 9, 2008

scott.pete06 said:
....
My reloader has paid for it's self, but I shoot 500+ rounds a month....

:shocked:

can I come shoot your rounds with you? :gun8: I dont think you'll notice much

divegeek

· #6 · Jul 9, 2008

I think it's pretty tough to save much money on 9mm ammunition. I've looked into it and for target ammo I can buy factory WWB from Wally World for just pennies more than I could reload. So even ignoring the value of my time, it would take a lot of reloading before I paid off the reloading equipment. I don't hunt with the gun, so reloading is of no use there, and the general recommendation is not to use handloads for self-defense.

scott.pete06

· #7 · Jul 9, 2008

usSiR said:
scott.pete06 said:

....
My reloader has paid for it's self, but I shoot 500+ rounds a month....

Click to expand...

:shocked:

can I come shoot your rounds with you? :gun8: I dont think you'll notice much

I work hard to support my addiction, I mean........hobby... that's the word I'm looking for. Also I buy reloading components in bulk to save money. so every few months I drop about $400 on reloading. that's the beauty of no kids/wife/house or car payment, I have a little spending cash to buy ammo.

L'attente

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 10, 2008

Are you accounting for the purchase of other items such as brass, bullets and powder (and whatever else you need)?

I knew the smaller calibers (9mm and .22) would be hard to beat and honestly I could put the .30-30 away except for the once and awhile shooting it (but it's so fun - it's goes ka-POW!)

I'm in no position to start reloading myself, I have no good place to store powder - I was more curious if it was worth it.

It sounds like once I pick up other calibers like the .223 and 7.62x39 it might be worth it. So maybe next year if I get a nice bonus and the next president doesn't start banning everything...

scott.pete06

· #9 · Jul 10, 2008

L'attente said:
Are you accounting for the purchase of other items such as brass, bullets and powder (and whatever else you need)?

It sounds like once I pick up other calibers like the .223 and 7.62x39 it might be worth it. So maybe next year if I get a nice bonus and the next president doesn't start banning everything...

that includes everything but the press. .223 and 7.62 are cheap rifle rounds and not really worth reloading but, it all depends on how much you reload...

rdoggsilva

· #10 · Jul 10, 2008

I reload for 45acp,357, 38spl, 30-06,30-30 and 308. On rifle I know that I save money, the same as for the handgun calibers. But it is not only the money saved, but for me it is the satisfaction of making a good load. I also find reloading very relaxing and fun. I have been doing it for over 40 years now and still have fun rolling my own.

Sam Fidler

· #11 · Jul 10, 2008

I did a lot of research before starting to reload. By my figures, after purchasing everything I needed, including Dillon 550B press, tumbler, brass, etc. I would break even around 3000 rounds of .45 ACP. I never had to purchase brass - I usually pick up a few extra at the range when I shoot - and found copper plated bullets to be a much cheaper alternative; so my break even point was much sooner. My .45 ACP costs are less than half of commercial ammo. I also reload .308 Win for less than 50 cents a round.

If time is a concern I would definitely recommend a Dillon progressive press like the 550B. I can load around 400 rounds in an hour; then again, I enjoy my time reloading and consider it a hobby to support my other hobby.

Another thing I was told before I began was, "reloading doesn't save you any money, you just shoot more." As a member of the 19th SFG (UT National Guard) we spend a lot of time on the ranges and I noticed two types of used targets. Although most of my fellow SF soldiers scored expert with a pistol, the majority had shot groups that filled the target; a few had single hole shot groups. I quickly learned that these better shots were all reloaders. I don't know how much I would spend on ammo if I had to buy it all commercially but I do know that I shoot a lot more and am a much better shot since I started reloading.

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scott.pete06

· #12 · Jul 10, 2008

Francis Marion said:
If time is a concern I would definitely recommend a Dillon progressive press like the 550B. I can load around 400 rounds in an hour; then again, I enjoy my time reloading and consider it a hobby to support my other hobby.quote]

Not to start a fight but you can get a hornady lock-n-load auto progressive press for half the price of a dillon 650, and I think that hornady makes the same quality as dillion. I've put well over 15000 rounds through my press and never had a problem.

here's a good essay on the topic, It's waht made me go hornady instead of dillon..

http://web.archive.org/web/200703031606 ... y/blue.php

I understand enjoying your time reloading. My girlfriend and I use it to talk about what she wants, as we do what I want. so not only does it save me money, It helps my relationship. (you can use that to convince your wife to let you get one!) It is a thrill to look at you ammo boxes and see them all full of YOUR ammo.

L'attente

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 10, 2008

It seems like a pretty hefty investment up front, which is where I run into problems. My father in law and brother in law and I have talked about getting a big progressive set up between the three of us, but makes it more of a chore to have to go to someones house to reload.

But it's good to get all this advice though - because if I do get some other calibers it's nice to know other choices.

Cinhil

· #14 · Jul 10, 2008

I may not reload at this time, though I am considering it. I actually have a brand new reloader I have been trying to sell for 100$ for a friend who's husband passed away. What I have thought concerning reloading is, if the something serious happened, or if, heaven forbid, purchasing ammo was regulated to an exorbitant rate, then reloading would definitely be worth it. Stocking up now would be best. Living in an apartment I don't have a place to really do my own but should I get a home anytime soon then I could easily do this. Also, many people simply do it as a hobby, or a way to pass time. Not an unhealthy way to spend your day to me.

rdoggsilva

· #15 · Jul 10, 2008

Cinhil said:
I may not reload at this time, though I am considering it. I actually have a brand new reloader I have been trying to sell for 100$ for a friend who's husband passed away. What I have thought concerning reloading is, if the something serious happened, or if, heaven forbid, purchasing ammo was regulated to an exorbitant rate, then reloading would definitely be worth it. Stocking up now would be best. Living in an apartment I don't have a place to really do my own but should I get a home anytime soon then I could easily do this. Also, many people simply do it as a hobby, or a way to pass time. Not an unhealthy way to spend your day to me.

Check out Midway they have portable reloading tables that break down for easy storage. Great for apartments. It is a great hobby, mainly in the winter and you do shot more. I always buy in bulk for that just in case the ****. Regulating ammo is a great way to disarm us with out baning guns.

MasLakas

· #16 · Jul 11, 2008

rdoggsilva said:
Cinhil said:

I may not reload at this time, though I am considering it. I actually have a brand new reloader I have been trying to sell for 100$ for a friend who's husband passed away. What I have thought concerning reloading is, if the something serious happened, or if, heaven forbid, purchasing ammo was regulated to an exorbitant rate, then reloading would definitely be worth it. Stocking up now would be best. Living in an apartment I don't have a place to really do my own but should I get a home anytime soon then I could easily do this. Also, many people simply do it as a hobby, or a way to pass time. Not an unhealthy way to spend your day to me.

Click to expand...

Check out Midway they have portable reloading tables that break down for easy storage. Great for apartments. It is a great hobby, mainly in the winter and you do shot more. I always buy in bulk for that just in case the [stuff hits the fan]. Regulating ammo is a great way to disarm us with out baning guns.

:agree:
I have been reloading since 2002 on one of these http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=155024 using a single stage press and a powder measure attached to it. I keep everything in the storage room and move it out to the kitchen table to reload. I just upgraded to a LEE Turret Press but it does not fit on the above stand so I am trying to rig something up for it.

MarshallDodge

· #17 · Jul 11, 2008

I reload for everything I shoot - 9mm, 38, 357, 40, 45ACP, 45LC, 17-222, 223, 308, 30-06, 410 and 12 gauge. Originally I started out because of cost but after doing it for a while I find my loads are far more accurate than the cheap store bought ammo. The initial investment costs have been paid for many times over.

I started out on a Lee Anniversary kit then moved up to a Dillon 550B. Yes, I drank the Blue Koolaid (twice) and don't regret it. :crown:

Sam Fidler

· #18 · Jul 12, 2008

Cinhil said:
Living in an apartment I don't have a place to really do my own but should I get a home anytime soon then I could easily do this.

I reloaded while apartment living. I mounted my press on a 2x6 board about 14" long and would "C" clamp it to the kitchen table (using towels to keep it from damaging the finish and getting me in trouble).

Ty

· #19 · Jul 13, 2008

Cinhil said:
I may not reload at this time, though I am considering it. I actually have a brand new reloader I have been trying to sell for 100$ for a friend who's husband passed away.

What kind of reloader? I may be in the market for one.

Ty

· #20 · Jul 13, 2008

Kind of off topic but is there a way to reload berdan primed casings?

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