Cost of Reloading
- Thread starter gerard488
- Start date
Here's a quick break-down using prices from Budget Shooter Supply:
Projectiles (55gr Lake City): $0.16/ea - If purchased in 1000 lots
Primer (CCI #400 Sm rifle): $0.04/ea - If purchased in 5000 lots
Powder (IMR 4895 22gr load): $0.10/ea - If purchased in 8lb kegs
Assuming you have sunk the cost of brass and reloading equipment, it comes out to about ~$0.30/ea round, not accounting for taxes and shipping, which can get pricey for powder and primers due to them being dangerous goods. Of course, the price will vary wildly depending on many factors, but a reasonable guess of $0.50/ea round isn't a bad one.
Projectiles (55gr Lake City): $0.16/ea - If purchased in 1000 lots
Primer (CCI #400 Sm rifle): $0.04/ea - If purchased in 5000 lots
Powder (IMR 4895 22gr load): $0.10/ea - If purchased in 8lb kegs
Assuming you have sunk the cost of brass and reloading equipment, it comes out to about ~$0.30/ea round, not accounting for taxes and shipping, which can get pricey for powder and primers due to them being dangerous goods. Of course, the price will vary wildly depending on many factors, but a reasonable guess of $0.50/ea round isn't a bad one.
In general, primers work out to about $0.04 each, powder, assuming about $30 per lbs is about $0.0043 per grain, and bullets... well, depends on what you buy.
Primer = $0.04
Powder (24 grain) = $0.103
So you are at $0.14 before bullets. Trick will be to find cheap bullets.
Primer = $0.04
Powder (24 grain) = $0.103
So you are at $0.14 before bullets. Trick will be to find cheap bullets.
Really depends on how fancy equipment you want. Most people will probably tell you to go with a progressive press to load faster, but that game gets expensive fast. You could easily spend $1000 before loading a single cartridge.
As well, cost per load depends on what materials you use, how hot your load is, how aggressive your gun is on the brass, and whether or not you have appeased the machine spirit.
I don't want to give myself an aneurism trying to calculate exactly what it costs me, but I'm pretty sure most people can get under 0.25 per cartridge. As a rough example, I think I'm using about 11 cents of powder per cartridge(7000grains/22=318 loads per pound of powder. $33/318=0.1037735849056604 per cartridge. Well, realistically less because I'm going to spill a few granules here and there. However, the price can fluctuate wildly, and can require massive capital to buy in bulk to really get any savings. Brass in particular might only last you one or two shots, and a few people have lost count of how many loads they have because it's up in the dozens.
Chances are, if you can find an ammo can of Federal .223 for under $399 it'll be one of the more decent cost effective strategies, especially if you aren't currently set up for reloading. Save the brass and you should be able to get a few additional loads out of it.
There are a few ways to save some more money, for example some stores offer flat shipping or free shipping. Higginson's Powder in particular offers free shippin for more than 21 pounds, which works out to somewhere in the $500 to $700 range. Costly, but can be worth it in the long run. Sometimes you can get fantastic deals on bullets and brass, if you find someone who offers flat rate shipping and you can finangle a hundred pounds of bullets for $10 shipping or something, you just might haveto wait a year and be ready to lay down hundreds of dollars at a blink for the perfect opportunity.
The moral of the story is don't reload popular cartridges like .223 for savings, load for quality control. Sure it might be within fractions of a penny compared to cheap bulk factory ammo, but it's almost guaranteed to have quality equal to ammo worth quite a bit more.
Also, if you do go the bulk buying route it can really free you from market fluctuations. Some guys only buy ammo components every year or two, and never have to worry about the price increasing on them or the store shelf being empty.
As well, cost per load depends on what materials you use, how hot your load is, how aggressive your gun is on the brass, and whether or not you have appeased the machine spirit.
I don't want to give myself an aneurism trying to calculate exactly what it costs me, but I'm pretty sure most people can get under 0.25 per cartridge. As a rough example, I think I'm using about 11 cents of powder per cartridge(7000grains/22=318 loads per pound of powder. $33/318=0.1037735849056604 per cartridge. Well, realistically less because I'm going to spill a few granules here and there. However, the price can fluctuate wildly, and can require massive capital to buy in bulk to really get any savings. Brass in particular might only last you one or two shots, and a few people have lost count of how many loads they have because it's up in the dozens.
Chances are, if you can find an ammo can of Federal .223 for under $399 it'll be one of the more decent cost effective strategies, especially if you aren't currently set up for reloading. Save the brass and you should be able to get a few additional loads out of it.
There are a few ways to save some more money, for example some stores offer flat shipping or free shipping. Higginson's Powder in particular offers free shippin for more than 21 pounds, which works out to somewhere in the $500 to $700 range. Costly, but can be worth it in the long run. Sometimes you can get fantastic deals on bullets and brass, if you find someone who offers flat rate shipping and you can finangle a hundred pounds of bullets for $10 shipping or something, you just might haveto wait a year and be ready to lay down hundreds of dollars at a blink for the perfect opportunity.
The moral of the story is don't reload popular cartridges like .223 for savings, load for quality control. Sure it might be within fractions of a penny compared to cheap bulk factory ammo, but it's almost guaranteed to have quality equal to ammo worth quite a bit more.
Also, if you do go the bulk buying route it can really free you from market fluctuations. Some guys only buy ammo components every year or two, and never have to worry about the price increasing on them or the store shelf being empty.
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Stevebot-7, or you could go my route, load for 500 S&W with cast lead and jump for joy when you've paid off your reloading and casting equipment after a few hundred rounds... 
After reloading for expensive ammunition like this, then it isn't an issue to think of reloading for anything else. My smith has never seen factory ammo go through it (factory ammo $3 a shot vs $0.30 cast loads), and I'm about to load test some 38-55 so I can start bulk loading for $0.40 a shot instead of $2. Then I can just be happy that I'm loading damn good 9mm ammo since I've already amortized all my equipment costs into the more expensive calibers...
After reloading for expensive ammunition like this, then it isn't an issue to think of reloading for anything else. My smith has never seen factory ammo go through it (factory ammo $3 a shot vs $0.30 cast loads), and I'm about to load test some 38-55 so I can start bulk loading for $0.40 a shot instead of $2. Then I can just be happy that I'm loading damn good 9mm ammo since I've already amortized all my equipment costs into the more expensive calibers...
This. IMO 223 is so cheap to buy it's just not worth it unless you want to make up some good coyote whompers or some high quality target loads. Where I find some cost savings in reloading is making the equivalent of premium ammo.
Rory McCanuck
CGN Regular
- Location
- Middle of Manitoba
I'm with you, cheier, my equipment "paid" for itself after the first 100 rounds of 444.
Since then, I've added quite a bit of stuff, but that's because I enjoy it.
Now, factory ammo doesn't even cross my mind.
Blasting ammo is fun, but when your plinking ammo all goes into one hole, it's pretty satisfying.
Since then, I've added quite a bit of stuff, but that's because I enjoy it.
Now, factory ammo doesn't even cross my mind.
Blasting ammo is fun, but when your plinking ammo all goes into one hole, it's pretty satisfying.
Reloading allows the shooter to try all types of rounds and save a lot of cash for the more uncommon. Many cartridges can cost $5 or more every time you pull the trigger. Rolling your own is enjoyable, can save a pile of money in the right situation, and with a little practice can produce ammo that is superior to factory stuff.
I even load for my .223 even though I don't save much. Putting a quarter or a dime on top of a five shot group is very satisfying. Reload, shoot and have fun it's only money. Life is short enjoy it.
I even load for my .223 even though I don't save much. Putting a quarter or a dime on top of a five shot group is very satisfying. Reload, shoot and have fun it's only money. Life is short enjoy it.
Reloading is almost another sport/hobby. it can be enjoyable and informing. You can spend as much or as little cash as you want. they have the $ listed above.
you can do some this year to save money, keep the equipment and if you cant get to it for another year and buy off the counter that is ok too. you always have the equipment, and by having the equipment, it allows you to roll your own in differnt calibres in years to come.
Pay attention to what you are doing though when reloading as it can cost you more than dollars if done incorrectly.
you can do some this year to save money, keep the equipment and if you cant get to it for another year and buy off the counter that is ok too. you always have the equipment, and by having the equipment, it allows you to roll your own in differnt calibres in years to come.
Pay attention to what you are doing though when reloading as it can cost you more than dollars if done incorrectly.
My breakdown
Hornady 55gr FMJ-W cannelure $600/6000 $0.10ea
S&B Small Rifle Primers $150/5000 $0.03ea
IMR XBR (8208) $210/8lbs (56,000gr) $0.09375ea
$0.224ea or $224/1000
I am not including the cost of brass which I get for free or my labor but we are talking quality ammo at Norinco Plinko pricing.
Hornady 55gr FMJ-W cannelure $600/6000 $0.10ea
S&B Small Rifle Primers $150/5000 $0.03ea
IMR XBR (8208) $210/8lbs (56,000gr) $0.09375ea
$0.224ea or $224/1000
I am not including the cost of brass which I get for free or my labor but we are talking quality ammo at Norinco Plinko pricing.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I shouldnt have read this thread, alwell. I am starting to get into reloading for .223 but its good to see that people are able to acheive low cost quality ammo
- Location
- Timmins, Ontario
If you're a one calibre person. You might be better off with bulk ammo since .223 in bulk is cheap. If you own a few calibres then reloading can become cost effective as others have mentioned. I agree with jagnum that it is a hobby in and of itself and comes with it own level of satisfaction. I would have to say that I enjoy reloading as much if not more than shooting.
punkrockboy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Eastern Bantario!
For me,it works out to around 280 for 1000 rnds.
If it is actually possible to purchase factory ammo cheaper,I can guarantee my handload is better quality( the factory ammo is probably norinco )
If it is actually possible to purchase factory ammo cheaper,I can guarantee my handload is better quality( the factory ammo is probably norinco )
As has been stated, you first must determine your ultimate goal. What do you expect to do with your rifle? Hit pop cans at 200yds 80% of the time or hit shotgun hulls instead? If you want pop cans, buy bulk and save some money. Or, if you want to roll your own, you can start reloading, however, be aware... If money is tight reloading won't save you any. You will suddenly want different rifles, different loads, etc.
If you want shotgun hulls, you will need to develop a load and that in itself is addictive. For .223, I would suggest a Lee Turret kit (I really recommend the Classic Cast Turret Kit if you can swing it). Or if you are in better shape, buy what you want, but you don't need to. My turret press has reloaded .300WM without problems (others dont think they are strong enough to resize pistol cases, but they are wrong), but since getting a Classic Cast, there is definitely a better feel with it. Once you get used to it, you can do a couple hundred rounds an hour if you are looking for plinkers or 50 HIGH QUALITY, METICULOULY PERFECT rounds an hour. Your call in the end. Have fun, either way but if I were you, I'd buy bulk for a bit, until you decide to get another cartridge.
If you want shotgun hulls, you will need to develop a load and that in itself is addictive. For .223, I would suggest a Lee Turret kit (I really recommend the Classic Cast Turret Kit if you can swing it). Or if you are in better shape, buy what you want, but you don't need to. My turret press has reloaded .300WM without problems (others dont think they are strong enough to resize pistol cases, but they are wrong), but since getting a Classic Cast, there is definitely a better feel with it. Once you get used to it, you can do a couple hundred rounds an hour if you are looking for plinkers or 50 HIGH QUALITY, METICULOULY PERFECT rounds an hour. Your call in the end. Have fun, either way but if I were you, I'd buy bulk for a bit, until you decide to get another cartridge.
I do to reload my 223, not really saving that much if compared to the Norinco bulk ammos, more savings(.20/per rnd) seen if compared to the U.S. commercial brandS
I am using right now the Frontier 224 projectiles which is around $200 per 2k. no shipping since the dealer is a co club member of mine. Although the cost of my reloads including purchased 1x brass vs Norinco bulk is almost the same, but the quality and result have huge difference. and Reloading your own Ammo is a Habit forming /addicting and most of all REWARDING.
I am using right now the Frontier 224 projectiles which is around $200 per 2k. no shipping since the dealer is a co club member of mine. Although the cost of my reloads including purchased 1x brass vs Norinco bulk is almost the same, but the quality and result have huge difference. and Reloading your own Ammo is a Habit forming /addicting and most of all REWARDING.
Then you get bit by the hobby, and while the cost seems to run away compared to the original cost, it is much cheaper than a quad, a skidoo, a boat, and except for the consumables, everything lasts almost forever.. and when you buy bullets by the hundred or the thousand, you forget to worry about the cost of the ammo you are shooting.
