Cost effective to reload 9mm?

Smoothbore

Smoothbore

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Ok first, I did try the search function. Honest. :)

Is it cost effective to reload 9mm?
I would be reloading other calibers later but
that would be the main one to start.

Thanks.
SB
 
I'm not sure if it's cost effective to reload 9mm, but i do sure know better accuracy is acheavible with reloads. I reload .308 WIN, .223 REM and 9mm Luger .. and to be honest I do it mostly for fun.

At the end of the day though, you probably wont save too too much, but the accuracy will be noticable.
 
You can save lots with lead, but it's quite time consuming and not for an office worker type :D Some health hazard with vapor and having to use bullet lube when loading turned me off of this.

You will save about 40-50% going with plated bullets after you load roughly 3K rounds considering you are buying quality progressive press (that'll last you lifetime and won't loose much in value in 10 years). Those first 3K rounds will be "paying" for the press :D
 
Buying lead 124 Grain bullets, primers and powder (assuming you already have cases) it works out to about $8.75/50. So really it is cheaper by about half, but in the end you'll end up spending the same and shooting twice as much.
 
My plated 9mm loads are about $8.50/50 and the 38 Special loads I use with my own cast bullets are about $3.25/50. I usually avoid cast bullets in 9mm pistols since I have had them gummed up by the lube, but it is still cheaper to load even with plated.
 
CeeZer said:
You can save lots with lead, but it's quite time consuming and not for an office worker type :D Some health hazard with vapor and having to use bullet lube when loading turned me off of this.

You will save about 40-50% going with plated bullets after you load roughly 3K rounds considering you are buying quality progressive press (that'll last you lifetime and won't loose much in value in 10 years). Those first 3K rounds will be "paying" for the press :D
Click to expand...

My math used to be pretty good but I'm stuck on this one. If, all in, it costs say $1,000.00 for a complete progressive setup, how do you save $0.33 per round when you can buy em here for $0.25 per round ?

http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=6&zenid=9r12vebc6tnjo6i85v539g1900
 
Smoothbore said:
Ok first, I did try the search function. Honest. :)

Is it cost effective to reload 9mm?
I would be reloading other calibers later but
that would be the main one to start.

Thanks.
SB
Click to expand...

you will save. You will also gain experience. I am loading 9mm on a single stage RCBS and even though it takes a lot of time. I am new at reloading and I really like the slower pace to i can learn the process. 9mm is really easy to load also.
 
The math of 1000 projectiles, (FMJ),...1000 primers, brass, and powder equals about $210. (unless you get your brass for free),.....then the cost of your time, press,etc...
Well,...if you only shoot 2000-4000 a year,...you really are not saving anything. If you plan on shooting 6000- 20,000 a year,..then go for it. Yes the savings are there. At roughly $270-$280 for factory ammo you are not really saving anything if you only shoot under 4000rds. I guess a big variable is how much time you have,...and what is your time worth. At one time,..I could work 2 OT shifts at work and buy my ammo for most of the year,..now it is more like 5 OT shifts.
 
maurice said:
At roughly $270-$280 for factory ammo you are not really saving anything if you only shoot under 4000rds.
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Hi Mo :).

I get your point, of course, and I'm with you except for one thing.

I think its more valid to use Wolf's price of $225/M for these comparisons. That way you're comparing reloads to reloads.

This, of course puts even more of a squeeze on the price benefit which is why, I believe, that proponents of the "reload to save $$" notion refuse to use Wolf's prices. They seem to prefer comparing the cost of a 50 round box of Corbons :), to the cost result of putting together components purchased in 1000 pce lots and, of course there's always the free lead and the unaccounted for cost of melting pots and molds, etc. etc..

I don't really give a rats arse about this except that, even with the best of intentions, I don't think its fair when guys who ask about this are consistently given the "rose colored glasses" economically distorted, fairy tale version of imaginary cost savings felt to be achieved through the magic of reloading. Honest questions should receive honest answers.

The answer to this OP's question is,,no.
 
HKMark23 said:
Hi Mo :).

I get your point, of course, and I'm with you except for one thing.

I think its more valid to use Wolf's price of $225/M for these comparisons. That way you're comparing reloads to reloads.

This, of course puts even more of a squeeze on the price benefit which is why, I believe, that proponents of the "reload to save $$" notion refuse to use Wolf's prices. They seem to prefer comparing the cost of a 50 round box of Corbons :), to the cost result of putting together components purchased in 1000 pce lots and, of course there's always the free lead and the unaccounted for cost of melting pots and molds, etc. etc..

I don't really give a rats arse about this except that, even with the best of intentions, I don't think its fair when guys who ask about this are consistently given the "rose colored glasses" economically distorted, fairy tale version of imaginary cost savings felt to be achieved through the magic of reloading. Honest questions should receive honest answers.

The answer to this OP's question is,,no.
Click to expand...

Plus taxes and shipping....;)
 
I don't get it when people say the "you should only buy a press and reload if your going to shoot more than X-amount rounds a year".
No matter how many rounds you shoot a year, you are going to save more reloading, eventually. It may take longer to save/recoup you cash but it will pay for itself, it just a matter of time.

As stated, you gain experience and it opens the door to reload for all you firearms. Do you homework though. If you plan on reloading for rifles as well, make sure the press you buy has enough stroke for it.

My self, I have a Lee LoadMaster that I bought for 9mm and planned on 223 and 308 but would not recommend it for loading high volume rifle rounds other than 223 (for semi's). My press has enough stroke to load magnum round. Right now I only make a limited amount of 308 and am now staring 300WM and it and I can't justify buying a single stage, yet.

I'd say to go ahead and get a press and hopefully you have someone close to ya that can show you the ropes.
 
Any decent ammo cost about$18 per 50. I load for $6,50 per 50. Yes, you need to buy a press and take the time to reload but reloading is a great hobby IMO.

Here's a great handload cost calculator:
http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/Handgun_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm

Let's say that my press setup cost me $1500, I will need to pump 6022 reloads to pay for my press. A press of that quality can produce easily 800 rounds per hour.
 
hm, my RCBS and die was 400. I have to reload 1800 9mm to pay for it. In a single stage that's a lot but I do it when ever I have a free moment and remember it's there so... not too bad.

Antoine thanks for the calc.
 
its always fun to watch people try to explain why they reload. I take the stance, better accuracy AND I get to do 'shooting stuff' at home. Price be damned.

:nest:
 
Figured I save about $2 or so a box on 9mm (reloading Speer / same as factory & reloads) over buying quality reloads which is not worth my time, rather spend that time reloading .223, .308, .300WSM or shooting.

However, I will reload 9mm for my CX4 for load development purposes as it has a 18" barrel... I like reloading but have enough fun reloading for rifle/carbine that do not want to use up time reloading for 9mm.
 
I reload 9mm if I have the time--otherwise I buy it by the case. Revolver ammo and .45 acp I have not shot a factory round for $20 years--cost and availability were the reasons. 44 mag and .357 mag factory ammo is too expensive if you shoot more than a couple boxes a year.

This argument can go on for ever--it is a hobby--treat it as such--if you save money fine, if you shoot more even better--just play nice.
 
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