Is reloading really worth it?

[anonymouscuban]

Just remember those shooting matches and such I doubt you had to come on an internet site and ask about reloading and if it is worth it??? Those that do post such questions are usually shooter who are not in high volume comp or own hard to find cartridges they want to shoot A LOT of rounds in. You are comparing apples and oranges. So IF you have to ask then it is probably not for you. Most that reload either wanted to from the start or were forced into it due to things like comp and using high volumes of ammo. The 2 reasons also often call for different equipment to be used also

I agree with this. I don't love reloading. I wasn't really sure I would before I did it. So it wasn't like I was interested in doing it as a hobby. Once I started competing, I realized quick that I had to start reloading in order to support the amount of shooting I would need to do to become good at it. And it's not so much the ammo count for matches. It's the amount of ammo you can burn through in training. I shoot at least 1000 rounds a month and that's only because I don't have easy access to a range that allows me to move and shoot. That's gonna change for me soon and I expect to at least double my round count. I couldn't do this if not for reloading.

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[randomBytes]

I load 9mm for about 12cents a round, the load is more accurate that factory ammo that costs twice that.
I load .38spl (not nearly as much as 9mm)
and I recently bought a gun in .32acp knowing I can load for it if needed.
[Though start up cost for a new caliber can be about $200]
Still researching components for that one....

If my wife asks; I'm saving money!

[kcstott]

Just remember those shooting matches and such I doubt you had to come on an internet site and ask about reloading and if it is worth it??? Those that do post such questions are usually shooter who are not in high volume comp or own hard to find cartridges they want to shoot A LOT of rounds in. You are comparing apples and oranges. So IF you have to ask then it is probably not for you. Most that reload either wanted to from the start or were forced into it due to things like comp and using high volumes of ammo. The 2 reasons also often call for different equipment to be used also

Again it comes down to.

IF YOU HAVE TO ASK IT'S PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU

Cost never entered my mind. it was all about having access to a near endless supply of ammo

[jessdigs]

Once you start, it gets addicting. You may even start casting your own and powder coating like I did.
I own brass, dies, caliber conversion kit for the Dillon, and molds for calibers I don't even have a gun for yet.
When I buy a gun in a new caliber, I have to buy dies and caliber conversions, brass, jacketed bullets, molds for cast, sizing dies for cast, case guages, etc to load for it.
When I get a good deal on brass and dies for a caliber I want to own, I buy it and have to get the gun and then the rest.
It's a vicious cycle.

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[jessdigs]

Plus, I have made all of this during this month, and haven't fired a shot all month.
I enjoy doing it just to do it, and I can't always be out shooting. I can always be out reloading when I'm home

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[the86d]

My press has already paid for itself, ESPECIALLY when there was a shortage during rape-prices on the shelves with M855 @ ~$1/round... and 9mm couldn't be found cheap either.

[jyc]

I know a lot of people get into reloading to save money, but is it really worth it?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Yes, if you enjoy to reload during your free time.

I absolutely save money on a per unit basis when it comes to pistol cartridges - 9mm, .45acp, .38/.357 magnum - the savings increase twofold when shooting big bore cartridges like .44 magnum, .45 colt, and .45-70. For most people, their largest component cost will be the projectile; I save by buying bulk coated lead bullets from retailers that offer discounts and free shipping.

I jumped into reloading a few months before the ammo background checks went into effect to have accessible and cheaper ammunition. That's it. While some may enjoy load development or other aspects of the hobby, cheaper ammunition is all the reason you need to get into reloading. That's certainly why many competition shooters and hardcore shooters get into the hobby.

My advice: start reloading. It's an extension of shooting and will give you the opportunity to shoot more on a cheaper unit basis. These are my current costs:

.45 acp: $0.115
.38 special: $0.098
9mm: $0.086

As you can tell, I can shoot at least 50% more compared to those who purchase factory ammunition. Rifle, on the other hand, is a different ballgame. I'm currently saving my .223 and .30-06 brass to reload in the near future.


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[bruce381]

Plus, I have made all of this during this month, and haven't fired a shot all month.
I enjoy doing it just to do it, and I can't always be out shooting. I can always be out reloading when I'm home

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Yeah thats me shooting is just to make more brass to load LOL

[jessdigs]

[QUOTE=jyc;23461686 For most people, their largest component cost will be the projectile; I save by buying bulk coated lead bullets from retailers that offer discounts and free shipping.
[/QUOTE]

Man, you gotta get in to casting and powder coating. Way cheaper, and adds a whole other hobby to the hobby. Make your most expensive component your brass. There is always free or cheap lead out there.

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[jyc]

Man, you gotta get in to casting and powder coating. Way cheaper, and adds a whole other hobby to the hobby.

That's my problem - finding free/cheap lead. I refuse to pay $2 per lb of lead for when a couple pennies more I can buy precision coated bullets. Wouldn't be worth it time wise. However, if I could find a source of cheap lead, that would change the game for me.

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[tawadc95]

Reloading is as much fun as shooting.

[tanks]

Reloading is as much fun as shooting.

I'd rather watch paint dry. I reload because I have to not because I enjoy it.

Hence, that is why I automated. I'll reload 10K rounds and when I get down to 3K do another 10K.

Now, because I have all the sensors and the machine stops if there is an issue (upside down bullet etc.) I dry fire while reloading in 5 minute increments, add cases, primers, bullets, refill powder funnel as needed after each dry fire exercise. The machine keeps going.

[randomBytes]

I had to pay $0.60 per round for .32 acp they other day!

Setting up to reload a less popular caliber can be expensive - eg dillon doe not make dies - so using redding pro series which are twice as expensive.
I expect I can make .32 acp for $0.20 or less depending on bullet chosen.

[Fjold]

Yep,

[Dirtlaw]

The short answer: YES