Ok, so I'm getting sick of the high prices of ammo these days (mainly .45 acp) and started to think about reloading my own. I did some research, and added up the cost of brass/bullets/powder/primers, and found that it really isn't much cheaper than buying factory. Now my calculations could be wrong, but if it's not a big difference than I can't see myself getting into reloading (id only be in it for the $ saved). Lets say the average box of .45 acp (50 rounds) is +/- $25, how much can you reloader's pump out 50 rounds of .45 acp for? I think I would enjoy reloading anyways, but if it's not a huge difference, I might have second thoughts....Thanks for all your input!
Is it really that much cheaper?
- Thread starter mlebler
- Start date
it only gets cheaper as you go. the next batch you run after the initial purchase, will be cheaper. you wont need brass everytime, you can use it 8-15 times depending on the brass,calibre. so the knocks out the cost right there. next batch you only pay for bullets, powder, primers.
Once you have your reloading equipment and brass it gets pretty inexpensive.
50 bullets = $9.00 (depending on bullet choice)
50 primers = $1.50
Powder (8.0 gr charge) for 50 rounds = $1.75
Total is about $12.25 for 50 rounds of 45 ACP
50 bullets = $9.00 (depending on bullet choice)
50 primers = $1.50
Powder (8.0 gr charge) for 50 rounds = $1.75
Total is about $12.25 for 50 rounds of 45 ACP
45 acp;
1000 primers approx 32.00
1000 lead bullets approx $70.00 ( you may pay higher)
or 1000 plated bullets approx 130.00?
1 pound of powder about $30.00 average.
so it can be as cheap as 12.5 cents a round to about 19 cents a round.
factory is about 50 cents a round.
I never calculated brass into it because 45 acp brass can be reloaded almost forever, you'll lose it before you'll have to replace it.
Ultimately, is reloading cheaper, no. But you do get to shoot two to three times as much.
1000 primers approx 32.00
1000 lead bullets approx $70.00 ( you may pay higher)
or 1000 plated bullets approx 130.00?
1 pound of powder about $30.00 average.
so it can be as cheap as 12.5 cents a round to about 19 cents a round.
factory is about 50 cents a round.
I never calculated brass into it because 45 acp brass can be reloaded almost forever, you'll lose it before you'll have to replace it.
Ultimately, is reloading cheaper, no. But you do get to shoot two to three times as much.
Fast cost breakdown
I just did a fast cost breakdown
Bullets Cast 200 Grain 1000 for $40.00 .040 Each
Powder 1 LB / 6000 grains for $25.00 .017 Each
Primer 1000 for $32.00 .032 Each
Cost per round 9 cents each, the brass I pick up at the range and use for years. The press have all paid for themselves.
Where can I buy a box of 50 rounds for $4.50?
I just did a fast cost breakdown
Bullets Cast 200 Grain 1000 for $40.00 .040 Each
Powder 1 LB / 6000 grains for $25.00 .017 Each
Primer 1000 for $32.00 .032 Each
Cost per round 9 cents each, the brass I pick up at the range and use for years. The press have all paid for themselves.
Where can I buy a box of 50 rounds for $4.50?
I just did a fast cost breakdown
Bullets Cast 200 Grain 1000 for $40.00 .040 Each
Powder 1 LB / 6000 grains for $25.00 .017 Each
Primer 1000 for $32.00 .032 Each
Cost per round 9 cents each, the brass I pick up at the range and use for years. The press have all paid for themselves.
Where can I buy a box of 50 rounds for $4.50?
there's 7000 grains to a pound not 6- and where are you getting 200 grain bullets at 40c per- the rest of us are paying 60 at least
ahhhh! I forgot to take into account that you can reload your brass over and over again! Plus I have about 100 casings already saved up......I'm going to give my buddy's press a try this weekend, and see what I need to get started.....great info guys, thanks!
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
you can reload nickel plated brass.
If you are looking for an up-front cost savings now, then no it isn't. It will take some time for it to pay for itself with the initial costs.
It depends on what you buy for equipment. If you just buy the minimal then you will see a savings after a few months. Me, I got extra turrets, powder measures and dies for each bullet and caliber so I don't have to reset stuff. I figured later on this year it will start paying for itself with the savings.
The thing I like with reloading aside from being able to fine tune my ammo is that I don't always have to run out and buy ammo when I get low.
You don't really have to buy brass if you are patient enough to pick up enough off the range floor.
It depends on what you buy for equipment. If you just buy the minimal then you will see a savings after a few months. Me, I got extra turrets, powder measures and dies for each bullet and caliber so I don't have to reset stuff. I figured later on this year it will start paying for itself with the savings.
The thing I like with reloading aside from being able to fine tune my ammo is that I don't always have to run out and buy ammo when I get low.
You don't really have to buy brass if you are patient enough to pick up enough off the range floor.
You don't "need" a tumbler. You can get brass clean by washing it with soap and water. Grab an old plastic bottle, for example a peanut butter jar. Put your brass in (about half full is good) and add and a dab of dish washing soap. Put the lid on and shake the bottle up good. Rinse with clean water. Allow brass to dry for a day. This works best if you use a deprime die to deprime the brass first as the primer pockets will dry out quicker.
The result is clean brass at "no cost". I also use the above procedure to remove case sizing lube from rifle brass.
This link will show exactly what your cost per round is.
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp:D
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp:D
A box of 50 .45acp/9MM/40 cal cost me $3/50 including powder per box. I cast my own bullets from wheelweights that cost me nothing.
My investment $500 for a Dillon $5.50 and about $350 worth of casting equipment (I bought a RCBS Pro Melter).
I shoot at least 20 boxes of .45acp per year along with 100 boxes of 9MM. Throw in another 25 boxes of .40cal.
Is it worth it. I don't save any money because I shoot more than I ever would if I was buying factory rounds...a lot more.
Take Care
Bob
My investment $500 for a Dillon $5.50 and about $350 worth of casting equipment (I bought a RCBS Pro Melter).
I shoot at least 20 boxes of .45acp per year along with 100 boxes of 9MM. Throw in another 25 boxes of .40cal.
Is it worth it. I don't save any money because I shoot more than I ever would if I was buying factory rounds...a lot more.
Take Care
Bob
well thats exactly what I want, to shoot more....I'm sure I wont be saving any money, I might even spend more, but if that lets me shoot a lot more then it's well worth it in my books. Thanks for the info guys, I have a press on the way with 2 setups, .45 acp and .357 mag/.38 spec, it should get me started at least. I'll get a tumbler if I really need/want one after I start reloading.....
