how much do you save loading
- Thread starter ongaro
- Start date
I save absolutely nothing.
Mind you, I do shoot double the amount of ammunition for the same cost, and each particular load is suited precisely to each firearm I own, so the number of malfunctions I have is very low.
I don't mind breaking even in costs when I get to shoot more and have precision ammunition.
Mind you, I do shoot double the amount of ammunition for the same cost, and each particular load is suited precisely to each firearm I own, so the number of malfunctions I have is very low.
I don't mind breaking even in costs when I get to shoot more and have precision ammunition.
If it's @ Phoenix, just politely let the RO know you reload and they'll usually set the brass pile aside for you.
They do for me with .45, anyway...
-M
In my case if you factor in shipping from Ontario to Vancouver Island, you'll break even, and I'd have to lay out a chunk of change all at once, and after my first trip to the range I'd be ordering all over again. I routinely shoot in excess of 500 rounds per range trip, sometimes in more than one calibre, reloading works for me.
This is true, but only for 9mm and I don't know of anybody that only reloads one calibre. Once you have invested in the press(es) and the rest of the equipment, it makes sense to cover multiple calibres.
Reloading is not simply a cost savings measure, it lets you create custom ammo of higher quality than commercial for less money. In my case, I need 9mm loaded with lead for the steel shoots at the Shepperd Range and the only way I have found to get it is to load it myself.
For larger calibres like .44 Mag and rifles, reloading is almost mandatory if you plan to shoot much. I reload .44 Mag for less than $0.25/round when factory ammo is close to $1/round.
Mark
Lets not forget that if you're not living within driving distance of SFRC then there's going to be some considerable shipping fees attached to that case of ammo.
Granted 9mm is the size that has the longest payback time before the cost difference from factory or factory reloads to reloading at home produces a cost saving. But most enthusiastic pistol shooters will reach that point well within a year even if it's just with 9mm.
For example I got my setup and some other bits I needed for about $650. I'm reloading at the moment for just a decimal over 17 cents a round because of the heavier bullets I opted for. That's $8.50 per 50 versus $14 that I paid for some Wolff that I got a half year ago locally. At a difference of $5.50 per 50 I only have to load 5900 rounds of 9mm before I hit the break even point. If you're an active shooter that shoots 100 rounds a week that's only just over a years worth. And I don't know many that don't shoot 100 rounds in a session. Add in a few weekend matches and you'll easily hit the payback time in less than a year.
But if I'm also reloading other calibers that have a bigger saving differential so I can expect to see the payback time drop to less than a year.
UNSTABLERYAN I laughed my A$$ off when I read your answer!!!
The whole time I was thinking, "yep that's it exactly"!!
Loved your answer.
Depending on what caliber you are shooting will determine how much you save, the smaller calibers=smaller savings. If you shoot lots say 500-1000 rounds a week, you will need to reload to be able to afford that unless you are rich, which I am not. The best thing about reloading and it has been said before, is that you can tailor the rounds to what you like, cast for pistol and so on. I enjoy reloading so for me it is a hobby in itself. I reload for a garand as well as a 45, I feel much better shooting the reloaded ammo in my garand because I know it will not damage it (the ammo is tailored for that rifle). The initial outlay of funds is expensive, but the equipment will pay for itself over time. The more you use it the faster it pays for itself.
my 2 cents
The whole time I was thinking, "yep that's it exactly"!!
Loved your answer.
Depending on what caliber you are shooting will determine how much you save, the smaller calibers=smaller savings. If you shoot lots say 500-1000 rounds a week, you will need to reload to be able to afford that unless you are rich, which I am not. The best thing about reloading and it has been said before, is that you can tailor the rounds to what you like, cast for pistol and so on. I enjoy reloading so for me it is a hobby in itself. I reload for a garand as well as a 45, I feel much better shooting the reloaded ammo in my garand because I know it will not damage it (the ammo is tailored for that rifle). The initial outlay of funds is expensive, but the equipment will pay for itself over time. The more you use it the faster it pays for itself.
my 2 cents
I ordered from SFRC a few times, I think it was like $30 to BC for 1,500 rounds of 9mm Wolf reloads, less than the PST I saved.
It really is cheap to ship by UPS.
I cannot imagine how much time it would take me to reload 1,500 rounds, that must be an insane amount of time.
I'd rather tinker with my guns and go to the range (5 minutes drive).
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
On a Dillon 550B, that would've taken me approximately 5 hours. Seriously, I have done 300 per hour, and that was an easy relaxed pace.
That Dillon has been sold. I expect 150 to 200 per hour from the Lee Classic Cast which is on the way.
Reloading can be a hobby activity onto itself. Just as relaxing as the activity of shooting itself. For some, the monetary savings is a bonus. Everyone's mileage varies.
Many guys cast their own bullets. Now you are talking major savings if you cast, even if you had to pay .50 per pound of Wheelweights.
I found it fascinating crafting my own bullets from cheap wheelweights. It was like making something out of nothing....melting dirty filthy WW, fluxing with candlewax, skimming off the clips and dross, pouring cute little ingots, remelting them and pouring into Lee 6 cavity tumble lube molds, finally producing beautiful shiney 357 projectiles. That was priceless.
Again, the fact that casting your own bullets was cheap was both a bonus and a benefit.
joseaventurero
Regular
- Location
- now in pickering ontario
money saving
I dont know, but when you shoot 6 different caliber's you have to reload or be rich. Especially when each trip includes 6 different guns at minimun 200 rounds each.
Furthermore, it is rewarding to make your own ammunition and be able to see the performance.
I dont know, but when you shoot 6 different caliber's you have to reload or be rich. Especially when each trip includes 6 different guns at minimun 200 rounds each.
Furthermore, it is rewarding to make your own ammunition and be able to see the performance.About an hour and a half with the new press that is currently en-route to my house direct from Dillon.
Last edited:
Reloading is all about to add another hobby to your daily life. I bought the cheapest Lee reloading stuff, even two hundred rounds will cost me several hours but I am very enjoy to do that. I load two different cal, got two or three different powder and bullet type to play with afterwork. Cost saving is huge at 357mag and 38+P but only half on 9mm. Win win.
Trigun
Trigun
Last edited:
If only I had the room for reloading equipment. 2 bedroom condo just doesn't seem like it would cut it.
You'd be very surprised. You can fit all you need to reload into a single large plastic tote box that fits into a closet. Haul it out and clamp the press to a desk top and lay out and use it for a couple or three evenings to make a few months worth of ammo and then put the whole lot back into the tote and back into the closet.
Im currently doing the whole thing on a regular size office desk that is dedicated to reloading and some light duty gun tinkering. But the whole lot could easily go into a single large Rubbermaid tote other than the rather tall Dillon press which would need to lean against the wall beside the tote.
IN Vancouver, its only $240 per 1000 rounds of 9mm 115FMJ
That's still another $100/1000 you're paying to have someone else assemble your ammo.
As for the time aspect, reloading need not be overly time consuming if you get a press with capacity suitable for your ammo consumption rates. I typically shoot about 100 rounds of centrefire pistol ammo a week. I can load that quantity in less than 12 minutes with my Dillon 550.
C Broad Arrow
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Top 10 Reasons Reloading is good:
10. Lots of additional catalogues to look through.
9. More discussions you can get into on boards arguing the merits of this vs that.
8. Another reason why you need your own special room.
7. A reason to drive to yet another gun store to see what "they have".
6. Another topic to engage in at said store or your local store.
5. More reasons to be looking to see what is on the ground at the range.
4. An opportunity to polish your carpentry skills to build yet another loading bench
3. Another reason to spend time away from your wife with your guns
2. To improve the accuracy of your guns by tailoring a load to each of them
And the number one reason to reload....
1.You do save money.
10. Lots of additional catalogues to look through.
9. More discussions you can get into on boards arguing the merits of this vs that.
8. Another reason why you need your own special room.
7. A reason to drive to yet another gun store to see what "they have".
6. Another topic to engage in at said store or your local store.
5. More reasons to be looking to see what is on the ground at the range.
4. An opportunity to polish your carpentry skills to build yet another loading bench
3. Another reason to spend time away from your wife with your guns
2. To improve the accuracy of your guns by tailoring a load to each of them
And the number one reason to reload....
1.You do save money.
