Is reloading worth it???

[augusto faria]

hi everyone, just want your opinion... is reloading really worth it... really, how much can you save... how long does it take to recoupe your costs on the equipment??? i'm shooting 32 H&R, 380acp, 45acp, 45lc, 454 cassull, 223, 7mm rem mag, 12g... i want to reload, but just dont know if i have the time or the patience... i plan on shooting 45 acp in my local range matches, and maybe getting into cowboy shooting on the opposite month... maybe too many hobbies... anyways, help... thanks...

[rayra]

I can reload .45acp for about half the price of WWB at walmart.
Similar margin for most pistol calibers.
I can reload .223 for about .30/rd
I can match the cheapest .30-06 milsurp from CMP, at about .34/rd

I've spent about $900 on reloading equipment over the last 20yrs, most of that in the first couple years. I've more than recouped my equipment costs in ammo cost savings over that timespan, even including the old joke about shooting even more once you reload.

But more importantly, I have the ability to create ammo from components. I'll not be blocked by totalitarian edicts about serialized ammo, egregious ammo taxes, pre-New Years's sales bans, or any other such stupidity.

'worth it' is subjective as hell. It is entirely up to you.

[Timberland]

For rifle it will make up for the price fast if your initial investment is low and you make match type ammo. Here is a calculator,http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp price out the components, then figure the equipment cost and deside if its worth it for you.

Here is a good place for supplies http://www.grafs.com/metallic/
Dont forget the time you invest, or the pleasure it might bring you. It may take a while to pay for its self, depending on how much you shoot.

[augusto faria]

i figure i'll be shooting for a while, i like knowing how to use my guns accuratly... saving money on ammo, is a great thing too... thanks for the reply, i appreciate you time and response...

I can reload .45acp for about half the price of WWB at walmart.
Similar margin for most pistol calibers.
I can reload .223 for about .30/rd
I can match the cheapest .30-06 milsurp from CMP, at about .34/rd

I've spent about $900 on reloading equipment over the last 20yrs, most of that in the first couple years. I've more than recouped my equipment costs in ammo cost savings over that timespan, even including the old joke about shooting even more once you reload.

But more importantly, I have the ability to create ammo from components. I'll not be blocked by totalitarian edicts about serialized ammo, egregious ammo taxes, pre-New Years's sales bans, or any other such stupidity.

'worth it' is subjective as hell. It is entirely up to you.

[augusto faria]

thanks for the helpfull links... they were great...

For rifle it will make up for the price fast if your initial investment is low and you make match type ammo. Here is a calculator,http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp price out the components, then figure the equipment cost and deside if its worth it for you.

Here is a good place for supplies http://www.grafs.com/metallic/
Dont forget the time you invest, or the pleasure it might bring you. It may take a while to pay for its self, depending on how much you shoot.

[Blwnbwtie]

i think reloading is definately worth it, i can reload a box of 45 acp for about $5 a box vs the 20 something it sells for now. 30-06 is about $7 a box vs $25. 44mag is about $8 to reload for. Plus you can custom tailor your ammo for whatever gun you are using and whatever you want to do with it. You can also get started for farily cheap with the lee kit plus a set of dies and materials.

[becxltoo984]

just another aspect of shooting if you enjoy your guns im sure you will like reloading .
With all those calibers you own do your self a favor spend the extra money and buy a progressive set up .
I bought Dillon equipment years ago best thing i ever did . It breaks you call or shoot them an email they take care of you . usually for free .

[CSACANNONEER]

Since I cast my own handgun bullets, my reloading costs are still under $3/box for, .25 acp, 9mm, .38/.357, .44mag, .45acp, .45LC, etc. Between reloading and casting equipment I've spent some $ but, I always have a supply of bullets and loaded ammo.

[will227457]

if you shoot a lot yes....if you shoot competition yes....if you are the twice a year range goober then no....

[augusto faria]

i think i'm more of a range geek... i like being there... awesome advice guys, keep it coming...

if you shoot a lot yes....if you shoot competition yes....if you are the twice a year range goober then no....

[Sunwolf]

Reloading is a pastime in itself

Just the thing to enjoy during the valley fog when going to the range is out of the question.Load some super accurate rounds and look forward to the sunshine!

[thebloodsonthewall]

I think it is worth it. If you shoot a lot make sure to get a progressive press especially for pistol rounds. If you get lead cast bullets for pistol it is a ton cheaper to reload your own. Also if you buy bulk bullets for rifle reloads you save a lot of money. I like reloading. I always have a project going.

[What Just Happened?]

Yup, I'm reloading 45acp with lead bullets for $0.09 / round.

[postal16]

I enjoy the cost savings and thehobby of reloading. But don't forget the added value of customized ammo and being able to create recipes that are more accurate for your firearm than factory loads.

Consider getting the Hornady Bullet Comparitor to determine the best OAL of your round for the specific throat of each rifle and there case headspace set up to determine the best sizing length of the cases to maximize case life. Both good investments, and the first one makes a huge difference in accurate rifle ammo!

[1lostinspace]

I able to reload rounds for about 1/4 what I would pay at the store not to mention the accuracy. Shooting (5 shots) at a little over an inch at 300 meters is a great feeling.