My approximate component costs for .45 ACP per thousand are as follows:
Cactus Plains cast bullets: $90
Primers: $34
Powder: $16-$19
Total: $140-$143/1000 plus GST. I haven't included brass costs because I more or less break even; sometimes I lose a few, sometimes I pick up a few extra.
In allowing for brass costs, let's assume $100/1000 for once fired brass and 10 uses for each case due to loss. This adds another $10 per 1000, bringing my total up to $150-$153/1000.
The least expensive loaded ammo would be Wolf 200 grain lead remanufactured. It sells for 300.99/1000 plus shipping. New factory ammo runs $540-$560/1000.
Given the relative cost differences, how could one possibly shoot .45 ACP regularly and afford NOT to reload? In addition, I find it supplies of components are more consistent than loaded ammo, especially from remanufacturers.
The time aspect is a non-issue if you have an adequate press for your needs. I can easily break a 500 rounds/hour cyclic rate with my Dillon 550. It takes me 10-12 minutes to crank out the equivalent of two boxes of ammo.
Cactus Plains cast bullets: $90
Primers: $34
Powder: $16-$19
Total: $140-$143/1000 plus GST. I haven't included brass costs because I more or less break even; sometimes I lose a few, sometimes I pick up a few extra.
In allowing for brass costs, let's assume $100/1000 for once fired brass and 10 uses for each case due to loss. This adds another $10 per 1000, bringing my total up to $150-$153/1000.
The least expensive loaded ammo would be Wolf 200 grain lead remanufactured. It sells for 300.99/1000 plus shipping. New factory ammo runs $540-$560/1000.
Given the relative cost differences, how could one possibly shoot .45 ACP regularly and afford NOT to reload? In addition, I find it supplies of components are more consistent than loaded ammo, especially from remanufacturers.
The time aspect is a non-issue if you have an adequate press for your needs. I can easily break a 500 rounds/hour cyclic rate with my Dillon 550. It takes me 10-12 minutes to crank out the equivalent of two boxes of ammo.
