is it worth it?
- Thread starter adrian118
- Start date
In terms of cost, you're not going to save that much reloading 9mm, just buy bulk. However if you really enjoy reloading, as I do, then go for it.
I just got done resizing and priming 3200 9mm cases and quite enjoyed it....plus it feeds my OCD
I just got done resizing and priming 3200 9mm cases and quite enjoyed it....plus it feeds my OCD
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
The satisfaction of reloading your own as well as developing the best combo for your gun keeps it interesting more than the cost.
Well, some people say that reloading will save you money...and it might if you shoot something rare or exotic, but any savings are going to be long term. To the effect of saying "I spent X thousand dollars on ammunition components this year, and I saved Y hundred compared to buying factory ammo."
Unless you do it like me, where I bought one bulk pack of 9mm and a few utility boxes to hold a few hundred spent cases and that's all the factory ammo I will ever buy if I can get away with it. After that's gone I will only shoot what I reload and can fit in those utility boxes, and I only reload a hundred or so every few months. That's how I save money, by forcing myself to not splurge on bulk ammo. Otherwise I'd probably hit the range every weekend and buy a few hundred.
I for one find reloading to be rather relaxing, so there's that benefit.
The real benefit of reloading is quality, fine tuning your ammo to your specific needs, and freedom from the ebb and flow of the market. If you have a thousand dollars during an ammo drought you might not be able to buy any, but if you have that same money invested in components you can at least make a few batches of a few hundred each. Plus the components are probably going to be quite usable for a long time. If previous stock is any indication I'd estimate a good fifty year lifespan on properly stored powder and primers, the brass and projectiles are likely going to remain viable for a few generations. Not really going to lose value.
Look at where the market is going these days, ammo is getting scarce up here and down in the states it seems lucky if you find two boxes of the "military" calibers to rub together. Yet there are reloaders who shoot thousands of rounds a year and can easily continue through months of short supply.
Unless you do it like me, where I bought one bulk pack of 9mm and a few utility boxes to hold a few hundred spent cases and that's all the factory ammo I will ever buy if I can get away with it. After that's gone I will only shoot what I reload and can fit in those utility boxes, and I only reload a hundred or so every few months. That's how I save money, by forcing myself to not splurge on bulk ammo. Otherwise I'd probably hit the range every weekend and buy a few hundred.
I for one find reloading to be rather relaxing, so there's that benefit.
The real benefit of reloading is quality, fine tuning your ammo to your specific needs, and freedom from the ebb and flow of the market. If you have a thousand dollars during an ammo drought you might not be able to buy any, but if you have that same money invested in components you can at least make a few batches of a few hundred each. Plus the components are probably going to be quite usable for a long time. If previous stock is any indication I'd estimate a good fifty year lifespan on properly stored powder and primers, the brass and projectiles are likely going to remain viable for a few generations. Not really going to lose value.
Look at where the market is going these days, ammo is getting scarce up here and down in the states it seems lucky if you find two boxes of the "military" calibers to rub together. Yet there are reloaders who shoot thousands of rounds a year and can easily continue through months of short supply.
Excellent post Stevebot, you pretty much nailed it on the head. I would reload no matter the cost, as I enjoy it as a hobby itself. And once you are set up, and have a decent stock, it doesn't really matter what happens to the ammo market in the short term.
In the end, especially with smaller pistol rounds, it really depends on how much time you have and how much your time is worth to you.
9mm can be picked up quite reasonably, especially if you trade in your brass or get them to reload it for you.
I handload everything for rifles. I usually buy bulk pistol ammo because the difference in accuracy is negligeble. That being said, I do have a target model revolver and it does prefer certain handloads with specific cast bullets.
As far as 9mm semi auto pistols go, I just buy bulk
By the way, I have a progressive press so that I can cut down the time. It's just a hassle to set it up for each different case type.
If you do decide to load your own pistol ammo, I suggest you find a good supplier of good cast bullets that your pistol likes or some of the jacketed stuff that is available, buy it 10,000 bullets or more at a time, same for primers and enough powder to load them. Any of the banner dealers of components will give you some pretty drastic discounts for large bulk orders.
You may also want to check out Higginson's in Hawkebury Ontario.
9mm can be picked up quite reasonably, especially if you trade in your brass or get them to reload it for you.
I handload everything for rifles. I usually buy bulk pistol ammo because the difference in accuracy is negligeble. That being said, I do have a target model revolver and it does prefer certain handloads with specific cast bullets.
As far as 9mm semi auto pistols go, I just buy bulk
By the way, I have a progressive press so that I can cut down the time. It's just a hassle to set it up for each different case type.
If you do decide to load your own pistol ammo, I suggest you find a good supplier of good cast bullets that your pistol likes or some of the jacketed stuff that is available, buy it 10,000 bullets or more at a time, same for primers and enough powder to load them. Any of the banner dealers of components will give you some pretty drastic discounts for large bulk orders.
You may also want to check out Higginson's in Hawkebury Ontario.
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
If you're *just* doing 9mm, then no if your goal is to save money because it will be awhile until you see any significant cost savings, especially after start up costs (dies, measures, press, etc...). Even when you get to the point where you are saving money, you have to ask yourself is it worth the time spent.
However if you are doing 9mm in addition to other calibres, then yes. You'll see savings much quicker.
However if you are doing 9mm in addition to other calibres, then yes. You'll see savings much quicker.
Started out reloading 9mm, moved onto 45ACPs which is only about 50 bucks more per 1000 Berry's plated bullets. Don't even bother shooting 9mm anymore. With casting my own bullets only about 15 bucks more per 1000 45s.
Great savings comes if you ever get into 357, 44 and 50.
Great savings comes if you ever get into 357, 44 and 50.
- Location
- Kingston, ON
I started reloading to try and save some cash. After the initial investment followed by some upgrades and a steep learning curve it’s become more of an obsession than a hobby...
Once you start reloading it’s a good excuse to buy another gun because you can offset the cost of the investment by reloading for other calibers as well.
Once you start reloading it’s a good excuse to buy another gun because you can offset the cost of the investment by reloading for other calibers as well.
store cost $0.30/round......reloading cost $0.13/round.......get youself the Dillon 550 and astart rolling your own ammo
Exactly: is half price ammo worth it? Sure is to me... and not only do I get a winter gun-related hobby, but my wife is happy that I'm "saving money".
