Economics of reloading in Canada

Back in the day ... reloading did save a bunch of money !

My first MEC shotshell press was $ 55 , a bag of shot was $ 6, primers & wads about a penny or just a little more a piece.
Powder was inexpensive too & no 13 % HST ! Even then I was surprised to find bulk 4831 at a buck a pound. IIRC, Sierra
90 gr, HP's for varmint shooting out of my 270 were $ 6 or $ 7 / 100.

With the coming of regulation for non-toxic waterfowl loads, I now buy rather than reload for waterfowl, but rarely purchase
factory shells for either rifle or shotgun. Virtually all handgun shooting I did was with (self) cast bullets.

I am very pleased with my current reloads for 223, 257 Roberts, 25-06 and 35 Whelen, and of course, my clay target loads.

I am still able to buy components at the wholesale level in bulk. A half-ton or ton of shot at a time, powder in 8 lb. kegs and
wads by the case (5000) and primers by the sleeve). Still relatively expensive, but less than the cost of "promo" loads.
At retail, it really doesn't make sense to load for shotgun ... and unless you do a pile of handgun or rifle shooting, especially
with "expensive" calibers, for those either. Certainly some money can be saved for loading the 410 and 28 gauge, and for those
rifle calibers where a box of 20 retalis for over $ 40, but for the average guy shooting a coupe of hundred rounds a year ... fugetaboudit !
 
burnaby said:
Don't bother if you are just doing 1000 rnds of 9mm a year to save a few bucks.

Reloading is a rewarding but potentially dangerous hobby. Pretty sure most shooter knows personally someone who had blown up a firearm with reloads.
Click to expand...

Sorry to disappoint you, but I did not go to the Larry, Curly and Moe School of Dangerous Practices and Exploding Firearms.

And I have yet to meet someone with this fine arts degree.

Maybe you should associate with a different crowd perhaps??
 
:pI make my own shot with free wheel weights, and ran into a deal a few years back for a truck load of Pacific wads for next to zip. I don't pay for my 12gauge hulls(Federal Top Gun) and have lots of powder that I got in quantity at fire sale prices, do loading low pressure 7/8 oz loads is super cheap .:cool:
my 28's cost more but by using 3/4 oz loads and hulls that are given to my I keep that cost down as well , the biggest one being the wads. 14 grains if long shot goes far!:dancingbanana:
Primers are the big cost and I buy them whenever I see a deal.

My hunting loads are a different matter but still cheaper than buying factory 28's or Non Toxwaterfowl ammo for vintage guns.
Cat
 
burnaby said:
Reloading for the masses (excluding the LR precision crowd) should be seen as a hobby to be enjoyed. Breaking even monetary wise is a fringe benefit. If money is the goal anyone with a decent job is better off working the extra hours. I'm sure I'd have made way more money working than saved on reloading.

All the cost calculations are not taking into consideration all the extras like tools, cleaning equipment, table, storage, dedicated space for reloading, ... Adds up quickly. It is one thing to lie to the better half about the true cost but don't lie to yourself.
Click to expand...
the press I do most of my 12 gauge loading on is a late 60's Lyman.
many of the other presses I use (MEC) I got used.
i also use Lee hand tools and often load my vintage ammo without a press.
one dies not have to put out a log if cash to realize a cheaper and quality end product.
my shot maker was close to $500 , but I went half on it with a friend , and we have already hit back way more than our original investment in that regard.
I load in my garage on two tables or in the basement and cast in the driveway , hardly dedicated areas for hand loading alone .
these points you are making in the con side if thus debate hold no substance.
Cat
 
catnthehatt said:
these points you are making in the con side if thus debate hold no substance.
Cat
Click to expand...

I agree. I don't have a dedicated space. I use my work bench, which is used for all sorts of other work. Storage space for my reloading gear works out to less than 1 cubic foot. In my math above, I accounted for all tools and cleaning gear. It really can be that simple. I have not omitted any costs, tools, space, etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom