single stage press, reloading 9mm is it worth it?

[fralic76]

I have reloaded and fired 1100 rounds in a 3 month period all on a single stage press. I can hit a 150 rounds in a hour with the average around 100 rounds in a hour. I load them in groups of 50.

 

[Sallovesbeer]

Not worth the time for 9mm. I buy a 100 box of WW for less than $25. Bulk ammo is even cheaper(500+rounds). Any other cal, then yes I could see that if you want another hobby.

 

[RickR1100]

But what about when I see prices like $360 for 1400 rds of 7.62x39 (for SKS's and VZ-58's)? Would it be worth reloading for that, or are there cheaper alternatives?

 

[turbo_bird]

But what about when I see prices like $360 for 1400 rds of 7.62x39 (for SKS's and VZ-58's)? Would it be worth reloading for that, or are there cheaper alternatives?

Thats about $50 more than I've seen it for locally, and I just bought a bunch from a site sponsor for $260/crate. You can't buy bullets for what loaded surplus costs, unless you use cast.
Kristian

 

[Sallovesbeer]

But what about when I see prices like $360 for 1400 rds of 7.62x39 (for SKS's and VZ-58's)? Would it be worth reloading for that, or are there cheaper alternatives?

Hunting rounds or competition rounds are really the only ones worth reloading IMO. Other rounds might be worth it but would you rather be shooting or reloading? I would like to reload for my .357mag and .45acp because I shoot alot of those caliber but I still cant seem to justify the investment time wise. Reloading is a hobby all in itself that takes time, money and patience. You have to weigh how much you shoot against how long is it going to take you to make it worth while after purchasing all the equipment required to reload what I am assuming would be several different calibers.

 

[thump_rrr]

But what about when I see prices like $360 for 1400 rds of 7.62x39 (for SKS's and VZ-58's)? Would it be worth reloading for that, or are there cheaper alternatives?

The problem with most 7.62x39. rounds you find are steel core and may be banned at some shooting ranges.
I cannot shoot steel core or MFS ammo which is bi-metallic (copper jacket over iron core) at my club.
This is to prolong the life of the backstop.

 

[fralic76]

Cheap 9mm ammo that I can find is around $15 +/- $2 for a box of 50. I can reload a box for $7 - $8, using cam pro bullets. For me it is worth it, I got started on, second hand $40 single stage press with the on press priming kit. In the last 3 months I have reloaded 800 rounds on it.

 

[GoblinXIV]

I'm reloading 9mm right now, on a single stage press and I don't even own a 9. But I do have some extra time on my hands and quite enjoy hand loading. Now is it worth it probably not, no.

 

[kingdarb]

I would not load pistol ammo single stage. It would take too long.

That said I do load 9mm on a progressive press (dillon 550) and I find that it is worthwhile. I can do 3-400/hour and it costs me about 7 bucks to do 50 loaded bullets. Much cheaper than buying new ammo and still cheaper than buying commercial reloads. Also you can tailor your ammo to your gun - ie you get better ammo. It's a fun hobby and I enjoy it - BUT - you will probably stab yourself in the eye with a fork loading 9mm on a single stage. Especially if you shoot in volume.

 

[444shooter]

For me, it most certainly is for saving money. I can load my Weatherby rounds ALOT cheaper than buying factory ammo.
I prefer single stage for rifle and progressive for handgun.

 

[HKMark23]

if you don't already have a press, it's not worth it to get one to set up for it (either single or turret or progressive)

if you already own a progressive for other calibers, then adding 9mm capability is probably somewhat worth it.

This ^^^^, IMHO, is about as common sense an answer as you're gonna get in CGN's "Reloading" forum. If you're a shooter of 9mm, 45 ACP, .223, or other common / (relatively) cheap ammo and can't think of a better reason to reload other than penny pinching, don't do it. If you're into expensive calibers like .338 LM, buy the reloading gear before you buy the rifle. For what its worth, you'll discover there are indeed benefits to loading your own which go way beyond the faulty math of the self deluded frugal, promoted here.

 

[luke s]

errrrrr what???? paying half for 9mm is a bad idea?

.223 I can agree, with norinco ammo so cheap, you cant save money reloading