What calibers are not worth reloading for cost-savings?

R

rtracer13

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
46   0   0
Location
Powell River, BC
Obviously, there is the advantage of making a more precise load for accuracy shooting.. but if you are reloading simply for costs savings (to shoot more :D)
what calibers are not worth bothering with to save brass from old factory ammo?

I'm sure this has been posted before, but I could not find it within 36 months from the search terms I entered.. but if its been done 1000 times before, my apologies in advance.
 
About the only one is 7.62 X 39 comparing surplus to reloads. Full metal jacket bullets reloaded cost more than surplus, cast a little cheaper than surplus. That is about it.

Some folks will chime in that 9mm is not worth it.

For me to make 9mm it cost.

40$ primers, 20$ for powder, bullets basically free (Cast Wheelweights) so

60 per Thousand.
 
i reload 9mm and buy TMJ bullets. I still save a lot
the only centerfire not worth reloading is 7.62x39
the savings will very but there will always be savings
 
My buddy had a Mk-5 SMLE,wouldn't even bother to reload for it,C-tire sold the Winchester cheap enough. He has done enough reloading over the years to wear out a Rockchucker.
 
As said, other than surplus, I don't think there is ANY cartridge that would be cheaper to buy factory ammo, instead of handloading...
 
Reloading is not just about dollars and cents.
It is also about time and effort.

I will soon stop reloading 9mm.
Hopefully.

All centerfire rifle calibers are worth it IMO, except 7.62X39.
Even then, some people get better accuracy in a non-corrosive package.
 
Also the pride when a mix turns out to be the "honey load" for your gun. It is great to have something to do when the wife is snoozing on the couch and you cannot watch TV. Just kidding....developing a load can be very interesting and fulfilling. i went from a "shotgun group " for my .223 to less than 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Quite an improvement.
 
667 said:
...and having somewhere in the basement to hide from the wife and kids when they're gettin' on your nerves.:)
Click to expand...

I've told the wife that I was going down to the man cave to reload some stuff when in actual fact, it was just for some peace and quiet.
My room is pretty comfortable and doesn't really shun a woman with cob webs hanging down and stuff like that. Here's a tip. Scatter some sawdust on the floor just inside the door. I get this anyway from my woodworking.

For some reason, to a woman, the thought of having sawdust in/on their socks and possible tracking some of it out of my room is like garlic and wooden stakes are to a vampire. They just won't cross the stuff !!!! She might knock on the door, but there's no way she'll come in. It's great !!!! I keep a pair of slippers just inside the door that I wear when I'm in there and take off before I step outside. There's no way in hell I'll ever totally clean the floor ROFL!!!!!
 
I was going to Williams Arms last Saturday, ready to get reloading supplies among other things. While driving, I did calculations in my head, and the cost of 9mm reload came out very close to buying factory ammo from Williams. After convincing myself, I bought 2,000 rounds instead of reloading supplies, along with a new pistol & other stuff.

On my way back, I remembered that there are 50 rounds to a box, not 100... Meaning that reloads are 50% cheaper than factory ammo, which I new all along. Talk about mental f*rt! The most embarrassing thing is: I'm a programmer, math is what I do all day! :D
 
I really enjoy reloading so it's more than just a cost thing though I know I save a bundle. I also cast (no pistols) and shoot 1000's every year. Adjusting a load up or down for recoil or accuracy, lots of diff loads to try out. I haven't bought factory in over 30years except for 22 and 12ga. I figured out that the only thing not worth doing is shotgun stuff for trap. I'd save about 50 cents a box, 2 cents each. I think I'll splurge.
 
Buying supplies locally and not in huge bulk (500 fmj bullets for 90.00 and 1000primers for 32.00 and 1lb of powder for 32.00) I am saving 9.00 per box of 9mm almost half the cost. It will be less than half price once I start buying bulk supplies.

The other benefit is to taylor the rounds to your needs as mentioned above. My reloads are a mid range powder load for paper punching which means more loasd per pound of powder.

Cactus
 
Save money reloading? Hmm, that's a concept I've given very little consideration.:p Ahhh, just kidding!

I recall sitting at the kitchen table loading 30-30 ammo with my Lee Loader, some 40 years ago. The odd primer would go off. My next big purchase was a Lyman Spar-T press from Casey's Reloading Supplies at Midland, ON. I bought a fair bit of stuff from him. Great service!

Since then, well...... I probably have more stuff than the average bear, but I have fun.

kj
 
I reload for every firearm that I have except 22 cal rimfire. You can save money by reloading for sure. Some you don't save much and some you save quite a bit. Casting your own lead bullets also save money. It's also a great way to pass time away.
Reloading make more rifle more accurate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom