Just a word of caution, DO NOT try to reload the Igmann 6.5x55 cartridges. Their Flash holes are too small, and they either grab on to your decapping pin and break it (Lee), or bend it and break it (everyone else). The 6.5x55's they make I regard as throw-away. I've used their 7.62x54R brass though, and have had no problems.
What calibers are not worth reloading for cost-savings?
- Thread starter rtracer13
- Start date
Can you save it and I'll pay for the shipping to send it to me?
I already gave it to a reloader friend, he still curses my name...
Wrong comparison though ! Can you reload 9mm TMJ for less than 22 1/2 cents apiece? That's what you can buy it for,,when its in stock
.http://www.theammosource.com/index....ducts_id=178&zenid=msrfjqbk5a64ne50sek4oqtgk4
- Location
- Sudbury, On
Any "savings" you may have reloading, you'll end up shooting.
For the record, I've never had a primer go off.
For the record, I've never had a primer go off.
There are no shortage of posts on CGN claiming very significant savings by reloading common calibres, 9mm, 45 ACP, .223 Rem, etc.. Occasionally these cite some pretty uncommon sources for component materials and/or some fairly extensive (for most) efforts. More commonly, prices for purchased ammo gets overstated by quoting NEW ammo priced in 50 rd boxes instead of more appropriately quoting commercially reloaded 1000 rd lots. This is accurately, what you get when you reload. Also commonly, setup costs for the reloader get way understated by omitting tools and other paraphernalia required. It doesn't end with the "starter kit" purchase.
For the majority of new and experienced reloaders, who simply buy equipment and components from retail sources, then put the stuff together, for the common calibres, $$ saving is insignificant !! In the majority of cases you can't justify the capital outlay with the meagre cost saving of rolling your own.
NOT to say you shouldn't reload!! If, however, frugality is your one and only motive, you are in for a disappointment with these calibres IMHO.
For the majority of new and experienced reloaders, who simply buy equipment and components from retail sources, then put the stuff together, for the common calibres, $$ saving is insignificant !! In the majority of cases you can't justify the capital outlay with the meagre cost saving of rolling your own.
NOT to say you shouldn't reload!! If, however, frugality is your one and only motive, you are in for a disappointment with these calibres IMHO.
Wrong comparison though ! Can you reload 9mm TMJ for less than 22 1/2 cents apiece? That's what you can buy it for,,when its in stock
http://www.theammosource.com/index....ducts_id=178&zenid=msrfjqbk5a64ne50sek4oqtgk4
Those are commercial "reloads" ...so wrong comparison again
...and yes...I can load 9 mil cheaper than $225 per k (and that's 9 major using Vit powders)
I think I lost money loading 12 gauge. With rifle cartridges the cost savings per box can be huge. My favorite example is my .416 Rigby, factory ammo approaches $200 a box while handloads are more like $40 using the best of everything.Practice loads are alot cheaper.
Handloading is about accuracy, availability and performance. When all the part boxes of bullets, half cans of powder and all that test ammo is factored in, I'm sure that I lose money on most of the cartridges I load.
Handloading is about accuracy, availability and performance. When all the part boxes of bullets, half cans of powder and all that test ammo is factored in, I'm sure that I lose money on most of the cartridges I load.
Likewise with my .338 LM. Thats what got me started.
Bingo! That IS what its all about, You can't get ammo tuned to your rifle by buying it off the shelf or readily available JHP or JSWC for your pistol either. Many many good reasons to reload exist other than penny pinching but when you can save $4.00 per round or more loading .416 Rigby, .338 LM, and others, yep you'll pay for your gear damn quick
.
Can you not uniform the flash hole?
Sure you can, after you break all your decapping pins removing the primers...
What about a decapping only die, with a decapper turned down for size a couple thousandths? Just a thought, possibly one you've already tried, maybe it didn't work, maybe it's not and it might work.
Also, to the Original Question, if you want hunting ammo, for your 7.62x39, it's cheaper to reload. But for just blasting, forget about anything but the cheap stuff.
S.T.F.U! How am I supposed to get cheap 6.5 brass now!
Oops, where's the "cat out of the bag" smilie?
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Reloading is a hobby in itself.
You will save in terms of cost per shot, obviously.
However, like many have said before, you will spend more in absolute terms because you will definitely shoot more.
You will save in terms of cost per shot, obviously.
However, like many have said before, you will spend more in absolute terms because you will definitely shoot more.
