How to reload 9x19 economically?

Tudenom

Tudenom

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So I'm back into the 9mm Para game and have looked at ammo prices for bulk purchases compared to reloading costs.

But....even when counting the brass cost at zero due to the abundance of free brass, and using cheap cast bullets I'm having a difficult time justifying reloading.

Roughly, a reloaded cast bullet 9x19 will probably be around 20 cents each, with bulk purchased ammo being around 26 cents each (excluding taxes and shipping). Using an FMJ or plated bullet bumps up the reloading cost to basically par.

So other than casting your own bullets what do you guys do to reduce cost?
 
Primers are around 4 cents. Powder is maybe 2 cents. If your brass is free and your loaded rounds are coming up at 20 cents, it's obvious that most of the expense, and therefore most potential for saving, is in the bullets.

If you can't buy them cheaper, you will have to make them yourself. That's really all there is to it.
 
I reload for the bigger cartridges, but 9mm I can buy for 22-23 cents a round when I buy 500 to 1000 at a time, so I am also not sure it is worth my time.
 
9mm is one of the calibers I don't reload for, economically it just does not make the cut.

now stuff like 300WM and 25-06 are worth reloading for, throw in some premium bullets and its a bargain.

And then there are the odd balls 458WM and 325WSM that buying a box of factory ammo will run you upwards of $180 IF you can find any.
 
Buy powder in bulk (8lb)

Buy primers in bulk (Winchester rebate ends tomorrow Aug 15.)

Projectiles - I prefer to shoot jacketed/plated bullets. I buy them on sale as much as possible.

Commercial lead bullets are cheaper but I find they foul the pistol faster. I’m not into casting my own lead, unfortunately.

I do reload 9mm but the savings comes in other calibers like 357mag, 45LC and 44Rem mag.
 
Tudenom said:
So I'm back into the 9mm Para game and have looked at ammo prices for bulk purchases compared to reloading costs.

But....even when counting the brass cost at zero due to the abundance of free brass, and using cheap cast bullets I'm having a difficult time justifying reloading.

Roughly, a reloaded cast bullet 9x19 will probably be around 20 cents each, with bulk purchased ammo being around 26 cents each (excluding taxes and shipping). Using an FMJ or plated bullet bumps up the reloading cost to basically par.

So other than casting your own bullets what do you guys do to reduce cost?
Click to expand...

Group buys.. I think I'm reloading 17 cents a round.
 
+1 to what was said: buy bulk, try to do group buys, and scavenge range brass. I'm loading 9mm for 18 cents. I'd agree that 9mm isn't necessarily worth the time, but I like reloading and it's a nice distraction.
 
I'm reloading 9mm for .17 cents per round (total). I reload to adjust power factor and is part of the hobby that I enjoy.

Edit: Best price that I can find locally is on sale for $252.00 taxes in for 1k. So my saving are $80.00 per thousand.
 
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yomomma said:
Get cheap powder from Canada ammo
Click to expand...

I agree! I have also got some deals on powder and bullets in the trader section; still working on an 8 lb box of HP38. I use S & B primers; they work as well as any in my guns; but again when on sale, I will buy Winchester or CCI as well.

I enjoy my time reloading, and I get more consistent ammo than buying bargain priced bulk or import stuff.

I also reload .40 S & W and .45, and lately have been shooting .40 more than 9 or .45.
 
Two major factors influence your costs:
1) how much you shoot - 3 shooters in my family
2) Buying supplies on sale(with rebates) only in large quantities

Example:
1) Not long ago Tenda had Federal spp at 38.95/1000 with a U$ rebate of 20% up to max of U$100. So we bought 12000 with free delivery. Recently the US cheques arrived. U$98 x 1.35=CND$133. Now do the math = 3.3c per primer.
2) Get into a group buy say at your club for Campro. I was able to buy 125gr plated RN at $90/1000 tax in, So I bought 20000 which will be good for about 2 years. That was a heavy load!
3) I use Titegroup(I tried many others) since it's cheapest, buy again on special in 8 lbs jugs. Usually under $30/lb with tax.

https://ultimatereloader.com/tools/reloading-costs-calculator/ so my cost = $136/1000 using 3.4gr powder
 
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I have a dillon 650 and reload for other calibers anyway, so I reload 9mm too. If it wasn't for already having the equipment to go fast I wouldn't bother. It's still cheaper to reload, but my time is also in short supply.
 
Don't forget to include taxes in the prices.

Handloads much more accurate than the bargain basement offerings.

Why bother having accurate guns and feed then !@#$ that group like a shotgun pattern?
 
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These days, it’s pretty much only economical if you cast your own bullets from free or almost free lead. Then you’re down to the cost of a primer and maybe a cent or two worth of powder. That’s assuming you’ve already paid for your equipment. I shoot 9mm for less than .22. If you have a job that pays $30-$40 an hour, it’s cheaper and would take less time to go in for a few hours overtime and just buy it. If I didn’t enjoy casting and reloading, that’s what I’d do. Not everyone enjoys or has the time for all facets of the hobby.
 
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