Is it worth it to reload.
- Thread starter riverview
- Start date
I can reload after dark, during a bad snow storm, pouring rain, and so on. I've been reloading for 45 years, and still enjoy doing what it takes. I cast most of my rifle bullets with WW's that I got for little or nothing.
It is a matter of money, to a certain extent. I couldn't justify going to my buddy's range and cranking off 50 rounds of factory ammo, even 30-30 ammo is $23.95 a box. 2 1/2 times that would be approx. $66 tax in. Although some may think that is very little money, I think it is some really nice rib eye steaks.
It is a matter of money, to a certain extent. I couldn't justify going to my buddy's range and cranking off 50 rounds of factory ammo, even 30-30 ammo is $23.95 a box. 2 1/2 times that would be approx. $66 tax in. Although some may think that is very little money, I think it is some really nice rib eye steaks.
Yes! I've been a hand loader for over 40 years and probably would not own half as many firearms as I do if it was not for reloading. It's a huge ad on to your shooting and is a hobby into itself. Allows you to tailor make ammo to your gun, experiment with new loads and is a very enjoyable and rewarding endeavor. Buy some tooling, components and couple of good reloading manuals, watch some you tube videos and your good to go. You won't save much but allows you to shoot a lot more. Factory ammo is a ripoff.
Advantage for me is simple...factory ammo "options" are getting more difficult for me to find...driving around the province costs money too when looking for a box of ammo that shot well when you could find it...you can develop loads for your 30-06 for a variety of different game and different target distances.
Rolling your own is a great hobby...after a little bit of experimenting...you will be happy when your reloads are touching at the range.
Rolling your own is a great hobby...after a little bit of experimenting...you will be happy when your reloads are touching at the range.
Every hour you work extra the govt takes a bunch. If you have a good job, tax is close to 50% off your gross overtime pay. Please keep working OT. Trudeau needs the money. Common rifle calibers save you 40-50% to reload yourself. Uncommon ones save you 50-80% by reloading. Even 44Mag factory is $55 a box. I paid $300 for all the components including brass to my door to load 500 rounds. How much time do you spend watching useless tv or surfing pointless internet or trying to get laid when it might just add more misery than happy?
Lots of good answers to your question.
Depends on what you want to achieve. Just for hunting where minute of target board is good enough then probably not. Want satisfaction in knowing that a load you developed did you proud either hunting, target shooting, or at a match then yes.
I reload European calibres where ammo is tough to come by, and when you can find it, you have to take out a second mortgage. I also load for a few 40cal+ calibres such as; 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, & 450 Rigby. Reloading is definitely cheaper. 450 Rigby would cost $17+ per round for factory. Costs me $5ish per reload depending on components used. I have 9mm, 10mm, & 45 ACP. I don't shoot them very often (yes I know, relax, working on it). Right now its cheaper for me to buy factory ammo. I'll get around to reloading for them at some point.
So, yes I believe reloading can be worth it.
Depends on what you want to achieve. Just for hunting where minute of target board is good enough then probably not. Want satisfaction in knowing that a load you developed did you proud either hunting, target shooting, or at a match then yes.
I reload European calibres where ammo is tough to come by, and when you can find it, you have to take out a second mortgage. I also load for a few 40cal+ calibres such as; 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, & 450 Rigby. Reloading is definitely cheaper. 450 Rigby would cost $17+ per round for factory. Costs me $5ish per reload depending on components used. I have 9mm, 10mm, & 45 ACP. I don't shoot them very often (yes I know, relax, working on it). Right now its cheaper for me to buy factory ammo. I'll get around to reloading for them at some point.
So, yes I believe reloading can be worth it.
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rifleman762
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
It just feels good to count how many pounds of gunpowder you've burned in one rifle.
I have a couple of rifles chambered in rounds that run to $100.00 for a box of 20.
It is sure worth my while to reload!!
I've been at it since 1965 or so, and see no reason not to reload.
But then again, I do shoot around 1000 rounds of CF rifle per year.
As has been stated, there is a lot of satisfaction in taking an animal with
a round you crafted yourself. Dave.
It is sure worth my while to reload!!
I've been at it since 1965 or so, and see no reason not to reload.
But then again, I do shoot around 1000 rounds of CF rifle per year.
As has been stated, there is a lot of satisfaction in taking an animal with
a round you crafted yourself. Dave.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I reload for everything I shoot except rimfire and shotgun. Pretty much half price ammo for rifle. I also cast for 9mm and rifle. 9mm is cheaper to shoot then 22lr now. If I wasn't reloading I could never afford to shoot with the cost of a box of ammo.
The Outsider
CGN Regular
Reloading can become an expensive endeavour in its own right by promoting more shooting. That’s not a bad thing but buying more components leads to spend creep that that will hit your pocket book without you realizing it.
Having said all that it is a big part of shooting and just as enjoyable as the range trips. Developing pet loads for a particular firearm can be frustrating, time consuming but eventually is very rewarding.
In short if you only shoot on occasion then it’s not worth it, but if purchasing expensive ammo is hindering your practice time then by all means go for it.
Having said all that it is a big part of shooting and just as enjoyable as the range trips. Developing pet loads for a particular firearm can be frustrating, time consuming but eventually is very rewarding.
In short if you only shoot on occasion then it’s not worth it, but if purchasing expensive ammo is hindering your practice time then by all means go for it.
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I can load premium hunting loads for 30.06 for about a dollar each. Having that said, do you save money reloading? NO, but you get better loads and shoot much more for the same cost.
Sure for a couple hundred bucks you can get started, then accumulate thousands of dollars worth of gear over a few years. My best advice is to find a buddy who reloads to walk you through the steps a few times so you know what you are buying when you are ready. I have a large reloading set up in my shop and regularly have people come over to reload or learning to reload. As long as they bring over their own dies and components ( and beer) I'll take them through the process to achieve good ( and safe) results.
Sure for a couple hundred bucks you can get started, then accumulate thousands of dollars worth of gear over a few years. My best advice is to find a buddy who reloads to walk you through the steps a few times so you know what you are buying when you are ready. I have a large reloading set up in my shop and regularly have people come over to reload or learning to reload. As long as they bring over their own dies and components ( and beer) I'll take them through the process to achieve good ( and safe) results.
If you absolutely set out to save money; stick with that plan, don't get wrapped up in accuracy obsessions, don't shoot more than you did before, use the most basic of equipment and bullets you can save money even on comparatively inexpensive rounds like the 30-06.
If you are shooting something expensive you can break even in a few hours, and that does free you up to shoot whatever you want.
Most handloaders end up shooting up more dollars just testing ammo than they used to spend in the first place.
If you are shooting something expensive you can break even in a few hours, and that does free you up to shoot whatever you want.
Most handloaders end up shooting up more dollars just testing ammo than they used to spend in the first place.
I typically work 60+ hour work weeks and still find time to reload where I would not otherwise have opportunity to make money during that time.
I get that time is finite but unless you work 24/7 I don't think I can concur with objection.
This cannot be answered as asked.
First off, how many rounds a year do you shoot? For less than 500 give or take rounds, head to CT or Cablea's or buy from one of the online sponsors here. Otherwise, maybe.
Are you shooting for hunting, plinking, or high accuracy target and at what distance, and how much do you want to spend? You only really save money in large bulk purchases.
