Is reloading worth the effort?

[loyalgunfighter]

Well, most assembly line manager and workers will disagree with you on this point.

the repetitive motions and mindless movements help calm my mind, and help me to relax and unwind.

[ASR]

I started reloading when I used to shoot IPSC. I hurt my shoulder and stop shooting matches but still reload because I enjoy it.

[PistolPete75]

Reloading cost time as well as money. Figure out how much you want to shoot, how much time it'll take to reload, and figure out if it's worth it.

Some tips on reloading match rifle primers are to try the giraud trimmer, an electronic powder dispensor, and rcbs prep kit. All great tools to speed up the process without sacrificing consistancy.

[mousegun]

I've been reloading since 1966 when I picked up a .357 Blackhawk and a 310 tong tool. Been doing it ever since. There are a number of reasons for and against it, so do what makes ya feel good.

For me, it boils down to this:

• I can make better cartridges than I can afford to buy.
• I can shoot paper patched cast bullets for a small fraction of the cost of jacketed with little supply problem or performance disadvantage.
• I've collected enough supplies over time to give me years of shooting without going back to the store.
• Purchasing bulk components on sale makes for huge savings.
• Black powder supplies can be mostly home made (primers, cast lead bullets, etc.)
• Reloading in the field means more shooting without running dry in the boonies.
• Shooting oddball calibers is cheaper.
• On the zen side of things, crafting one's own ammunition tends to force one to make each round count.
  
• Etc.

The only down side depends on the person:

• If instant gratification is important, reloading is no joy.
• If image is more important than shooting skill, reloading is no joy.
• If cognitive ability is a problem, reloading is no joy.
• If taking yer fun with organization and discipline is stupid, reloading is no joy.

So, pick yer own poison.

[bruceflinch]

In my own experience its more fun than practical.

More fun & Practical. Granted I bought my first reloader 10 yrs ago. Loaded & shot over 50,000 rounds in 9 years. Having some disposable income back then helped alot. Been a great hobby & experience. Met many wonderful people thru reloading.

Maybe you should buddy up w/ a reloader. Learn some stuff about it. Maybe you'll get to load some before you have to buy. I've introduced people to reloading w/ my setup. It's fun!

[cassius]

I know there are lots of materials one might need, but is it worth the time,effort, labor ( hours of siting and pressing from what I've read)...money spent on equipment?

Especially for .223 or even .40 pistol?

Awaiting some informative responses. Thanks.

If you say "Yes" please explain why, I'd like to know from fellow Calgunners.

Worth it for you, probably not. Not if that's your impression of it.

And you don't provide any info on your budget, shooting volume or habits, what type of shooting you do which might be better served by reloading, whether you hunt or not, if you have any mechanical aptitude at all, etc.

[bubbapug1]

The answr is yes...ask anyone who has scrounged around looking for 9mm and 45acp the last two months...I just take 30 minutes to whip up 200 rounds when I want some....but it does cost me $0.09 a round!! Bummer./

[CAL.BAR]

The answr is yes...ask anyone who has scrounged around looking for 9mm and 45acp the last two months...I just take 30 minutes to whip up 200 rounds when I want some....but it does cost me $0.09 a round!! Bummer./

where can you buy bullets, powder and primer for .09??? Most places like cabellas want .14 -.15 just for the bullet!

[Someguy925]

Totally worth it for me since I use some non-common calibers such as 8mm mauser and 7.62x25. There are surplus ammo for those, but i'm much happier making clean ammo for my rifles/pistols.

[ar15barrels]

I am kinda stuck now and basically have to reload as I have over 20K primers, 30lbs of powder, 2000+ empty cases of .223, and about 1200 bullets of different weights and types. Plus more "parts" for .243 and .308.

If I had to do over I would have taken the money I spent on all the reloading equipment and just bought cases of quality match grade ammo and been much happier.

Now is a great time to sell off your components.
Sell all that stuff and buy factory ammo if that's more appealing to you.

[ar15barrels]

Reloading cost time as well as money. Figure out how much you want to shoot, how much time it'll take to reload, and figure out if it's worth it.

People love to try to put a value to the TIME spend reloading.
How much do you get paid to watch TV, hang out with the family or do other things that you would be doing instead of reloading?
However much you get paid for those things is what value you should assign to the time spent reloading.

[CSACANNONEER]

Now is a great time to sell off your components.
Sell all that stuff and buy factory ammo if that's more appealing to you.

I think he ment that he is "stuck" because he is running low on components.

[ar15barrels]

where can you buy bullets, powder and primer for .09??? Most places like cabellas want .14 -.15 just for the bullet!

I buy my 9mm cast bullets from a guy I shoot with for about $57 per 1000.
Before the metals crunch and his figuring out what he should be selling them for, they used to be $30 per 1000...

[ar15barrels]

I think he ment that he is "stuck" because he is running low on components.

I am kinda stuck now and basically have to reload as I have over 20K primers, 30lbs of powder, 2000+ empty cases of .223, and about 1200 bullets of different weights and types.

That's true, he is kinda low on components.
He could probably sell those primers on Gunbroker and recoup his whole reloading investment.

[bruce381]

put it this way whatever cost for whatever equpment you buy vs siting in garage with wife and kids runing rampate upstairs,,, priceless