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How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 12:47 pm
by papajohn1964
Myself and a couple of buddies are pondering the thought of getting into reloading. We each shoot about 200 round of 9mm per month. Assuming we buy can buy 100 rounds at Wally World for about $20 is it really worth the investment?

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:03 pm
by powerboatr
papajohn1964 wrote:Myself and a couple of buddies are pondering the thought of getting into reloading. We each shoot about 200 round of 9mm per month. Assuming we buy can buy 100 rounds at Wally World for about $20 is it really worth the investment?
i have to get over to wally world
last time i saw a range pack of 100 rounds for the 9mm is was $42
if you can buy 100 for $20 its a bargain. I currently if i re-use my brass it cost me right at .13 cents per built up cartridge, i amortize the hazmat fee into my costs for powder so the bigger the jug 5 or 8 pounder it drives the per round cost down.
if i have to buy new brass its .31 cents per cartridge, brass fluctuates wildly in my area, and i usually get un primed or fired ONCE brass from an indoor range

hope it helps

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:08 pm
by Beiruty
not worth your time if you shoot 9mm. However, It is fun and addictive.

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:19 pm
by SRH78
Not counting equipment costs, you can load 9mm for $5.50 per 50 using lead bullets. My cost for 357 Sig jhp is $6.50 per 50.

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:51 pm
by mrvmax
The last time I figured mine up I could load 50 rounds of 45acp for $5. Maybe not so good for 9mm, but with other calibers well worthwhile.

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:57 pm
by anygunanywhere
Darn the cost! It is a manly thing to do! Why does it have to be cost effective to feel the powder grains trickle into the measure, lick the lead from your fingers, grip the primers with your teeth!

Anygunanywhere

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 2:27 pm
by KinnyLee
That all depends. Hand-loading is a positive reinforced system. By that I mean the more you shoot, the more you'll save. Typically, the more you buy in bulk, the more you'll save. Depending on the caliber, you'll be able to save more on some. If you even have an idea in your head about hand-loading, then start save your own brass on your range trips. Every little bit helps and it's a good way to give you a head start. :tiphat:

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 4:25 pm
by michael e
My 9mm is just under 5 a box. That's bulk and using lead. 9mm is not much of a savings but it is still about 40%.
Now my 44 mag I can load 1k for what 100 would cost if bought loaded ammo.
It also allows me time to myself since when I shut the door to reload no one bothers me.

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 5:11 pm
by papajohn1964
powerboatr wrote:
papajohn1964 wrote:Myself and a couple of buddies are pondering the thought of getting into reloading. We each shoot about 200 round of 9mm per month. Assuming we buy can buy 100 rounds at Wally World for about $20 is it really worth the investment?
i have to get over to wally world
last time i saw a range pack of 100 rounds for the 9mm is was $42
if you can buy 100 for $20 its a bargain. I currently if i re-use my brass it cost me right at .13 cents per built up cartridge, i amortize the hazmat fee into my costs for powder so the bigger the jug 5 or 8 pounder it drives the per round cost down.
if i have to buy new brass its .31 cents per cartridge, brass fluctuates wildly in my area, and i usually get un primed or fired ONCE brass from an indoor range

hope it helps

FORTY TWO DOLLARS?!?! I had to look up to make sure I was on TXchlforum and not CAchlforum! WOW! Winchester white box is always $20 - $22 for 100. I bought some Remington last time for $9 something for 50. Bought all 8 boxes that they had.

I figure even if its break even it will be worth it just to have fun. The next question is where is a good place to buy the equipment? If there are 4 of us splitting the cost will $100 each get us started with what we need for 9mm with the option to add other dies later?

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 5:42 pm
by urnoodle
anygunanywhere wrote:Darn the cost! It is a manly thing to do! Why does it have to be cost effective to feel the powder grains trickle into the measure, lick the lead from your fingers, grip the primers with your teeth!

Anygunanywhere
I am not a man so are you saying thats the wo-manly thing to do?

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:21 pm
by powerboatr
we are headed to wally world tonight
I think east texans (mineola) are getting gouged..it was 42 two weeks ago
we stocked up on 20 and 12 ga shells by the 100 pack. I was going to grab a box of 9mm for grins 42 stopped me dead
i have to go to tyler end of week and will check there


thanks

Re: How cost effective is reloading?

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 7:04 pm
by anygunanywhere
urnoodle wrote:
anygunanywhere wrote:Darn the cost! It is a manly thing to do! Why does it have to be cost effective to feel the powder grains trickle into the measure, lick the lead from your fingers, grip the primers with your teeth!

Anygunanywhere
I am not a man so are you saying thats the wo-manly thing to do?
Absolutely. Pardon my not noticing the feminine nature of your handle.

Whatever fluffs your skirt, ma'am. :tiphat:

Equality, right to vote, all that and more.

Anygunanywhere