.223 reloading... cost effective?

ecadwallader

ecadwallader

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Ok, so a thread was just done for this on 9mm, so i figured i could get some questions answered for .223.

I am currently paying $500/1000 rounds of PMC .223. I shoot alot, and am wondering if we could do a price breakdown for reloading .223. I am not looking for long range match quality, mainly just service rifle.

I tried search, but couldnt find anything relavent, and google only gave me old us prices.

If know, it would be great if you could put the sources of the components too.

Thanks,
 
For 55gr bulk fmj, half that.
Savings are much greater if match grade ammunition is considered.
 
Another question that needs addressing is how well your rifle handles the cheaper ammo. The 1:9" twist rate in my 20" Hbar handles 55 and 62gr ammo wonderfully, but I'd be hesitant to shoot anything in the 70+ gr range. Now, if you're shooting a 1:7" twist rate barrel, that's a different story.
 
Lately I have been using Hodgdon H335, CCI sm rifle primers, and Hornady 55gr FMJ bullets. I have lots of brass on hand and don't really count it in my costs.

I bought some powder for about $35, primers were +/- $32 for 1000 and I have been able to find the bullets locally for $17/100. So I am about 32 cents a round rough figuring.

Some places have advertised bulk 55gr FMJs for as little as $12/100 but I have yet to find anyone who has them in stock that cheap. If I could find them i'd save a nickel per shot and be back down to about .27 per round.
 
All prices taxes included:

55 gr bullets - 12 cents each

26 gr of H4895 powder - 13 cents each

primers - 4 cents each

cases - FREE of course ( after the first time )

so, total is 29 cents each.
 
Realistically, 4lbs powder for 1000 rounds at 27gr@rnd, depending on the powder and how much you buy, say $132.00.

I guess a good price for primers these days is as AB.boy stated, $32.00.

Bullets, even 55gr fmj's will likely cost $160.00+ by time you get them to your door.

So low $300s @1000 with your own brass. Frugal shopping might get you down to the high $200s. That should give you a basic breakdown. Depending on how often you go through 1000rnds, $170-200 is nothing to sneeze at.

Wouldn't take long to pay for some reloading equipment. Be advised you will have to spend some time making that ammo, if your time is a consideration.
 
matty86suk said:
40 cents
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp
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c3pppo said:
All prices taxes included:......total is 29 cents each.
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joe-nwt said:
...........low $300s @1000 with your own brass. .....$170-200 is nothing to sneeze at.
Wouldn't take long to pay for some reloading equipment. Be advised you will have to spend some time making that ammo..............
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Hey guys, the CGN fraternity has come through again with concise info on costs/savings. Am currently loading lotsa pistol calibers, but after reading this thread and with an AR on route, will definitely start too gather the additional loading equipment necessary for .223 Remington. Any suggestions on whats the preferred powder? Happy shooting fellas!!!!
 
I am not trying to be rude.

If you have lots of time, and your time in your opinion worth below $35-50/hour, well reloading is for you.

Otherwise I will not bother,

On the other hand as some guys said it perfectly, If you are looking for quality of ammo, reload.
 
jobbass said:
...........If you have lots of time, and your time in your opinion worth below $35-50/hour, well reloading is for you......If you are looking for quality of ammo, reload.
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Don't think anyone minds your expressing a valid opinion.
Reloading, aside from the percieved or actual savings, is not for everybody. Not only is time necessary, but likewise, close and repetitive attention to detail.
Whatever leisure time I have available, which is not used for shooting, reloading is an activity available for me to enjoy. Relaxing time with my dogs and a couple of beers - priceless - and its easy to churn out 1,000 rnds in four hours or less. Boring for some, but then, fullfilling for others. Whatever the camp - the key is we still all shoot!!! :canadaFlag::cheers:
 
Rottboy_8 said:
Hey guys, the CGN fraternity has come through again with concise info on costs/savings. Am currently loading lotsa pistol calibers, but after reading this thread and with an AR on route, will definitely start too gather the additional loading equipment necessary for .223 Remington. Any suggestions on whats the preferred powder? Happy shooting fellas!!!!
Click to expand...

If you are going the progressive route, something smooth flowing for uniformity is the ticket. I'll make a plug for W748 before the varget clan gets here....
 
Rottboy_8 said:
Don't think anyone minds your expressing a valid opinion.
Reloading, aside from the percieved or actual savings, is not for everybody. Not only is time necessary, but likewise, close and repetitive attention to detail.
Whatever leisure time I have available, which is not used for shooting, reloading is an activity available for me to enjoy. Relaxing time with my dogs and a couple of beers - priceless - and its easy to churn out 1,000 rnds in four hours or less. Boring for some, but then, fullfilling for others. Whatever the camp - the key is we still all shoot!!! :canadaFlag::cheers:
Click to expand...

I agree with you , but the part you say RELOADING and a COUPLE OF BEERS,

that in my book is
 
thanks everyone for the help. I think that i am going to hold off for now. I might in the future, but at this point will just collect my bras until that day comes
 
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