Reloading

[canadaman30]

I am questioning to start reloading. My question is, is it worth it? I shoot 223, 308 and 450 marlin. Currently I would probobly fire 150-200rnds of 308 and 100-150rnds of 450 a year give or take. Just wondering is it worth it to reload? Obviously I realize the advantages but when does it become worth will money wise?

 

[D3006]

I am questioning to start reloading. My question is, is it worth it? I shoot 223, 308 and 450 marlin. Currently I would probobly fire 150-200rnds of 308 and 100-150rnds of 450 a year give or take. Just wondering is it worth it to reload? Obviously I realize the advantages but when does it become worth will money wise?

Yes it is.Not only for the advantages.....it also a good hobby.

 

[BattleRife]

On a purely cost basis, you will likely have to reload 1000-1500 rounds of big bore rifle to break even on a basic reloading setup. It sounds like you are shooting ~300 rounds a year, so if you stay in it at that rate for 5 years, you'll start to pull ahead.

Some things to consider:

-Nobody stays at the same rate for 5 years. You either get into it and shoot more, or life gets in the way and you shoot less

-Nobody who gets into reloading shoots at the same pace. The amount of shooting you do tends to go up. Unless of course range access is your limiting factor, in which case it is your frustration level that goes up.

- Nobody stays with a basic reloading setup for long, unless they aren't using it.

- Cost of ammo aside, availability is a huge plus to reloading. While everyone else is at home crying that they can't find .17-50BMG rounds at Crappy Tire since Obama got elected, you'll be throwing a couple hundred together in your basement for some informal blasting.

 

[CROWCA]

Reload for accuracy.

 

[Suka]

Loading cast bullets and 28 or 30gr of IMR4198 for my 450 costs .40/shot Not a hunting load, just for practice.

Most calibres we load cost us about 1/4 of factory loads.
Our hunting loads with premium bullets can be a different matter.
Not sure about the .223, military ball used to be cheap. Others will know wether it's worth reloading that.

Not sure what a basic setup costs now. You don't need a bunch of fancy "high tech" stuff, a basic setup has served us well, and we have the same equipment (rcbs) we bought nearly 40 yrs ago.
Plus, you only have to buy it once.

 

[Goose25]

Reload for accuracy.

reload for accuracy and reload for fun, fun fun!!!

 

[GSoD]

With match .308 running over $2 a shot, the savings add up pretty quick.

 

[sunray]

"...when does it become worthwhile money wise?..." Takes about 6 months for reloading kit to pay for itself depending on the cartridge and how much you shoot. Quickest is handgun ammo, of course.
You'll shoot more and be using better ammo.
Hornady .450 Marlin ammo runs $37.99 per 20. You can load it for less than that. Brass runs $66.95 per 50, so whatever you decide, keep the brass.
"...Nobody stays with a basic reloading setup for long..." 30 plus years with a single stage press. Reloading speed is a matter of technique.

 

[wild1]

For me it is well worth it both for cost and accuracy.

 

[Fall Guy]

Buy the gear, stock up on LOTS of components and you won't have to worry about the Ammunition Act either.