Questions for getting started

[Lifeon2whls]

So I've been combing through this forum and wanted to ask a few questions.

- I keep seeing people say that its cheaper to reload than it is to buy ammo (within reason depending on the ammo you're buying/reloading). That said, I am looking to reload 9mm and 5.56. For now, I'm considering reloading because I want to shoot in bulk and am looking to lessen costs but also as an additional hobby. Considering I can pick up bulk ammo at $160-190/1000 for 9mm and $300/1000 for 5.56, does it make sense to reload? (cost of reloading not factoring in the start-up costs...I can justify those as the cost of a "new hobby" )

- I've also been overwhelmed with the amount of tools, gadgets, etc that can be purchased for the art of reloading. I'm wondering if someone can recommend a decent starter kit that includes most if not all of what I would need to get started?

Thanks

[Baconator]

I bought a rock chucker supreme kit, comes with everything but dies and ammo.

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[Quinc]

you should be able to find 5.56 / .223 for less then 300$ per 1000. way less if you dont mind shooting steel case. slickguns.com

But yes if you do not factor in your time it is cheaper to reload.

[huckberry668]

I use Zero JHPs for my 9mm and 69gr Sierra Match Kings for my 223. I'm spending about 50% on my reload 9mm's compare to the cheapest factory load. Less than 30% on my 223 match loads compare to the same Federal match.

It's best to use a progressive press for bulk reloading. Dillon presses are the best around. Single stage presses are easiest to learn on but it's slow. It's best you learn from someone with experience if you haven't reloaded before.

[twoforme2]

So I've been combing through this forum and wanted to ask a few questions.

- I keep seeing people say that its cheaper to reload than it is to buy ammo (within reason depending on the ammo you're buying/reloading). That said, I am looking to reload 9mm and 5.56. For now, I'm considering reloading because I want to shoot in bulk and am looking to lessen costs but also as an additional hobby. Considering I can pick up bulk ammo at $160-190/1000 for 9mm and $300/1000 for 5.56, does it make sense to reload? (cost of reloading not factoring in the start-up costs...I can justify those as the cost of a "new hobby" )

- I've also been overwhelmed with the amount of tools, gadgets, etc that can be purchased for the art of reloading. I'm wondering if someone can recommend a decent starter kit that includes most if not all of what I would need to get started?

Thanks

The cost per round to reload is cheaper IF you don't factor in what you think or percieve your time is worth, and you don't factor in the cost of the equipment. The cost of the equipment to do it can be as cheap or as expensive as you are willing to let it be. The ROI (Return On Investment) of the equipment may never be seen depending on what you buy.

Here are the big advantages I see in reloading my own ammo.

Better quality ammo-You don't have to be satisfied with factory loaded ammo. You can customize loads, bullet sizes, etc. to create a round that is the most accurate in your gun. Not every gun is the same so what might shoot well in my gun may not shoot well in your gun. If you are happy with "good enough" then buy factory ammo. If not, load your own.

Convenience- You are out of ammo, so you go online, order what you want, wait a week to get it, then next time you are off work you can go shoot it. If you reload and you are out of ammo, you go to the bench and load some. Obviously you would have had to order all the components and have them in stock, but I don't know anyone that reloads much that buys just enough of any component to reload exactly how many rounds they want to build at one time.

Satisfaction - "Not only did I shoot that amazing sub MOA group, I built the ammo that did it!"

Why not? - You could either sit around and watch TV or go load some ammo, this comes back to how much your time is worth to you.

So in the end, the cost of components to load the ammo will equal out to less cost per round, but the overall cost is probably not worth it because you do have to buy the equipment, and you will probably shoot more because the access to ammo is only a few minutes away.

[Dark Mod]

I doubt as a new reloader it will make sense financially to load 9mm/.223. Especially if your trying to do it all on a single stage, this is just my opinion.

If your new to reloading, and not buying in bulk or buying from a local store, you can expect to pay roughly $155 per 1k 9mm and $225 per 1k .223 IF you dont buy brass. Lets break down the cost

9mm

Primers: $35
Powder: $25
Bullets: $95
Brass: Free

.223

Primers: $35
Powder: $100
Bullets: $90
Brass: Free

Each 1000 rounds used to take me a good 12 hours or so to make on a single stage.

Now if you buy in bulk and take advantage of deals when you find them, it starts to make more sense, especially on a progressive where you can make a thousand rounds in a couple hours. I make plated 9mm for about $87 per 1k, and .223 for about $150 per 1k. Heres a breakdown on the cost:

9mm
Primers: $15.50
Powder: $17
Bullets: $54
Brass: Free

.223
Primers: $15.50
Powder: $68
Bullets: $66
Brass: Free

Dont let this discourage you from reloading, you can make much better quality ammo if your willing to put in the effort. Personally i enjoy it. You just happen to shoot the 2 rounds that you will save the least amount of money reloading.

You dont need to jump in headfirst and buy an expensive progressive and enough components to last a year. Ill recommend to you the same as was recommended to me: Start with a Lee Anniversary kit for about $80 or so, and see if you enjoy it. Ive moved on to more expensive presses but i still have and use my Lee. Made some damn fine ammo with it too

[Lifeon2whls]

Thank you for all of the advice. That Lee anniversary kit sounds like it might make a nice intro into a new hobby for me. For the time being I will hold onto my brass and start piecing things together so I can start when ready.

[pyromensch]

personally i stick with straight walled cases, use carbide dies, (have to lube necked cases). the other part is how much room, and spare time do you have? if you have plenty of each, (mostly time), it doesn't count in your "cost" factor. it is an enjoyable way to produce something that you can use, (successfully), and experiment with, and it is "good for the earth", recycleable. i started with an rcbs single stage, (just used it a couple of hours ago), and have a lee 1000 in the cabinet, that i haven't used in years, but will be setting back up soon.