Is it worth reloading 9mm

Depends how much you value your time and if you want reloads with FMJ projectiles.
You'll be compensated at the equivalent of minimum wage for a skilled worker
for the time invested. That will work out to around the same price as FMJ
bulk target ammunition for a good price.

If you aspire to better loadiings (like the Hornady HAP projectile), then the cost equation
becomes more attractive for reloading.

If you have a job where you could work extra hours and be compensated,
just shop hard for good ammunition deals.

The equation is different using cast or plated projectiles.

I've probably reloaded 50K+ rds of 9mmx19.

There is a reloading calculator somewhere on the internet.
 
Last edited:
This comes up from time to time so a search might show up some good thoughts but if you want to figure out the cost of reloads (minus equipment and time) try this:
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

For me, If I was going to shoot less than 5k per year I wouldn't even think about it....I'd buy! Having said that - reloading is 'fun'....so nah, I'd probably load.
 
Thanks for the responses, I will try the calculator and see the cost difference, I was wondering cause my wife said I been spending a lot of money on bullets $200 in a week but I don't see a issue in this :)
 
No. But that's not really the point.

If you like the idea of your choice of bullets with clean burning powders in an ammunition tailored to cycle and fire reliably in your gun, impacting as you wish according to your most comfortable sight picture at no extra cost,, reloading is for you. You'll also acquire a greater depth of knowledge about a pastime you already enjoy at no extra cost.

If none of the above appeals to you then just purchase professionally reloaded Wolf ammo from SFRC and recycle your brass through them. Don't get suckered into comparing the cost of NEW ammo purchased in 50 rd boxes to that of reloading components sold in 1000 lot units that you must inventory then put together yourself.

You want to save money reloading, start shooting .338 LM. That will do it for you.
 
I do reload .308 and it definitely saves me money there, just wondering if it was worth doing it for 9mm, I might give it a try... Right now I am paying $13.99 for AE 115 gr FMJ and shots real well in my Sig, and that's an amazing price.
 
Rifleman700 said:
I do reload .308 and it definitely saves me money there, just wondering if it was worth doing it for 9mm, I might give it a try... Right now I am paying $13.99 for AE 115 gr FMJ and shots real well in my Sig, and that's an amazing price.
Click to expand...

Ah ! so you already own a press and the ancillary tools then. That changes the deal. You'll probably save a few bux by investing in the 9mm dies and having at it. That makes sense.
 
The savings are much more profound for centrefire rifle, especially since you can tailor the "jump" for the projectiles to optimize accuracy.

It's much less compelling for most pistol ammunition.

BTW, Hornady "Steel Match" ammunition would be excellent to try sampling for accurate shooting in 9mmx19.
 
HKMark23 said:
No. But that's not really the point.

If you like the idea of your choice of bullets with clean burning powders in an ammunition tailored to cycle and fire reliably in your gun, impacting as you wish according to your most comfortable sight picture at no extra cost,, reloading is for you. You'll also acquire a greater depth of knowledge about a pastime you already enjoy at no extra cost.

If none of the above appeals to you then just purchase professionally reloaded Wolf ammo from SFRC and recycle your brass through them. Don't get suckered into comparing the cost of NEW ammo purchased in 50 rd boxes to that of reloading components sold in 1000 lot units that you must inventory then put together yourself.

You want to save money reloading, start shooting .338 LM. That will do it for you.
Click to expand...

I'ts intriguing and is definately good to know but I can't shoot any more than I do now.. every waking moment is range time (almost) no chit, perhaps when I slow down or get older lol
 
Nothing wrong with doing it on a single stage press. Do it in large batches, one stage at a time. You will be amazed how quick you can load up a couple hundred rounds.
 
Absolutely! Yes its worth it.
I can simply sit in front of the Hornady progressive for twenty minutes, feed it cases and projectiles and very quickly there's a big pile of cost effective/loaded/quality ammunition.
Lots of good reasons to reload 9mm, my two are cost and time.
 
Also consistant supply is becoming a problem. Increasingly getting factory ammo is becoming take whatever you can get when it shows up
 
8lbs of Promo powder - $113 ($14 / lb) Its a flake shotgun powder so it is a bit of a pain to meter. works very well with cast bullets in many different calibers though.
1000 primers - $33
Range scrap lead - free
Brass (pick up at range)

4.2gr load = $0.008
Primer = $0.033

$0.041 per round or $41 per 1000 (Cheaper than .22lr)

This doesn't include the many $$ I have in reloading and casting equipment but that pays for itself eventually and holds its value well.

I enjoy casting and reloading so the savings are a huge bonus to me. If you don't enjoy it and don't shoot a whole lot then it may not be for you.
 
I can get it down to 15 cents per round by reloading. Compare this to 34 cents per round for the cheapest 9mm CanadaAmmo has (except that they don't- "out of stock").
And my wife is happy: "look honey, less than half price!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom