Reloading for savings

[B!ngo]

Looking for some advice about reloading, specifically of 5.56 (but info on 9mm would be appreciated as well) with the intent of moderately accurate but efficient cost control of building up my ammo storage. I have a basic system so far (single stage press) which, once I am showing consistent use of the process, will upgrade to a multi-stage turret press.
For now, my big questions are the basics of:
Powder. Based on price, performance and commonality (for loading recipes) and availability (for repeat purchases), what do you suggest for reloading 55gr/62gr 5.56 and .223 ammo? Similar question for 9x19 though that is less important for now and finally .308 and .357/.44 Mag and Special. Please help me understand why you chose what you did.
Bullets. I have a range of stocked FMJ's and JHP in small amounts but haven't begun reloading. Seems like I may want to purchase a bunch here in CA before end of year so I'd like to get some guidance on the tradeoff of price versus performance in this regard. Who is best at the high, medium and low end for an average skilled range shooter who though very unlikely may some day have to use a rifle for things other than paper punching. In that regard of course, reliability is the highest priority.
Primers. This area seems pretty easy as I generally stick to CCI (400 or 41 from memory). Any thoughts here?
Finally and other ideas or recommendations? At least the stuff is now available (I shoot only .223/5.56, .308, 9x19, .357M&S, .44M&S, .22LR) but the costs continue to escalate and reduced cost/availability via internet purchasing may be ending here in CA at years end. So stocking up on components now may be prudent and I don't want to make any serious purchasing mistakes if I can avoid it.
B

[the86d]

Looking for some advice about reloading, specifically of 5.56 (but info on 9mm would be appreciated as well) with the intent of moderately accurate but efficient cost control of building up my ammo storage. I have a basic system so far (single stage press) which, once I am showing consistent use of the process, will upgrade to a multi-stage turret press.
For now, my big questions are the basics of:
Powder. Based on price, performance and commonality (for loading recipes) and availability (for repeat purchases), what do you suggest for reloading 55gr/62gr 5.56 and .223 ammo? Similar question for 9x19 though that is less important for now and finally .308 and .357/.44 Mag and Special. Please help me understand why you chose what you did.
Bullets. I have a range of stocked FMJ's and JHP in small amounts but haven't begun reloading. Seems like I may want to purchase a bunch here in CA before end of year so I'd like to get some guidance on the tradeoff of price versus performance in this regard. Who is best at the high, medium and low end for an average skilled range shooter who though very unlikely may some day have to use a rifle for things other than paper punching. In that regard of course, reliability is the highest priority.
Primers. This area seems pretty easy as I generally stick to CCI (400 or 41 from memory). Any thoughts here?
Finally and other ideas or recommendations? At least the stuff is now available (I shoot only .223/5.56, .308, 9x19, .357M&S, .44M&S, .22LR) but the costs continue to escalate and reduced cost/availability via internet purchasing may be ending here in CA at years end. So stocking up on components now may be prudent and I don't want to make any serious purchasing mistakes if I can avoid it.
B

I reload 5.56 and 9mm Luger myself (the only calibers I reload... actually).

I typically use #41's if I have them, but I have actually used #400 and SPPs of various MFR when supply was short, for testing in 5.56. Start slow, make sure to work your way up, verify data via multiple sources even before starting a test batch. Get a kinetic puller before you load a durned-thing.

There is no bad time to stock components, as long as you are not overpaying, and overpaying is relative to your preference... I only reload plated in 9mm these days, not jacketed, due to cost.

Edit: As far as savings goes, I generally save >50% over retail ammo, but I shoot plated 9mm rather than FMJs... FMJs in 9mm are typically more accurate from what I "hear".
I typically reload "seconds" in 5.56, or .mil pulldown bullets, as I only shoot at my local range to 100yd with iron sights. Keep tabs on how much you spend on reloading gear, and you might recoup your gear-costs in 2 years with as much ammo as you might press (well maybe longer on a single-stage, but it depends on how much you are reloading).

[ptmn]

Sounds like you are interested in plinking, tactical and hunting instead of match 223. If that is correct, I suggest a ball powder that is commonly available, such as AA2230, Win 748 or BLC-2. Ball powders meter like water. There are many others, but these are easy to obtain. If you want to get into match reloading for 223, your going to look at powders such as Varget, IMR 4895, RE 15. Those are much harder to obtain now days.

For 9mm, again there are a lot of powders that work, but I suggest a common powder like Win 231 or bullseye. These work for just about the full range of 9mm bullet weights. There are many many many more powders that are suitable for you needs

['ol shooter]

I reload all 17 centerfire calibers I shoot, so I can have ammo when I need it, cost is not a factor.

[Divernhunter]

I have never saved a cent reloading.
I do shoot more and shoot cartridges which I would not own if I did not reload. I also shoot loads that "I load" which I like especially when hunting. Most of my loads are also more accurate than the factory loads.

Reloading is a hobby in itself.

If you want to reload just to save money you pick another hobby as it will not be enjoyable.

[RogueSniper]

Based on the calibers you shoot, the only savings I've seen are on 357Mag/38Spl, 44Mag/44Spl, and possibly 308 but only on hunting rounds. Not much savings on 9mm or 5.56/223. I reload just because I can and my rifle can be dialed in with the right ammo.

You've heard this before: Create yourself a spreadsheet to calculate your cost of components. You'll need to figure out your powder usage, too. Do a cross comparison on factory ammo vs your reloads. You'll be surprised.

Brass is basically free because of range pick ups or saving your brass. There's no real need to buy brass unless your reloads are on it's last legs and cracking/splitting/etc.

Keep an eye out on the threads regarding Powder availability. If you have a C&R, get on Graf & Sons, Brownells, and MidwayUSA dealer program. You can save yourself about 10%-20% on components. Watch out for shipping costs, that can break any deal.

Look into Wolf Primers. I'm using the Small Rifle for 223 reloads. I'm planning to try Wolf for the rest. There's a few dollars in savings. If you're buying a significant amount, try to get a few people to go in and spread the cost of the Haz Mat and shipping cost. Otherwise I'm using Winchester and CCI.

My Rifle powder is Win748, IMR 4198 & 4895, Reloder 7 & 10x, H322, Accurate 2200, and Varget.

My Pistol powder is HP38, Win231 for 9mm & 38Spl & 44Spl; Accurate No.9 for Magnum rounds

[Dutch3]

If you are focused on reloading for savings, buy your components in bulk. If you can find powder and primers you need from an online source at a good price, buy as many as you can at once to minimize the HAZMAT hit.

I am a plinker and load on a single stage press. The time I spend doing so is like a vacation for me. I am not necessarily concerned with saving $$ as I am with building ammo to my specs and enjoying the time spent doing it.

[krwada]

Do not buy your components in bulk when you start ...

I made this mistake. I wound up with a lot of stuff that I was not very happy with.

It is best to buy the 1lb tubs of powder, and 100 piece lots of projectiles ... Run through this stuff ... I mean try some of the combinations ... Then, when you are happy with the results ... then BUY AWAY!

Then ... you will be constantly looking out for deals and figuring out how many pennies per component is the best buy.

Bulk purchases are a very good deal ... when you purchase the stuff you are happy with.

Bulk purchases of stuff you are not happy with ... well ... that is kinda like money down the drain ... Or you can do what some folks do ... buy another gun to justify using up all those components you are not happy with.

Works for me!

[357magnum]

Do not buy your components in bulk when you start ...

I made this mistake. I wound up with a lot of stuff that I was not very happy with.

It is best to buy the 1lb tubs of powder, and 100 piece lots of projectiles ... Run through this stuff ... I mean try some of the combinations ... Then, when you are happy with the results ... then BUY AWAY!

Then ... you will be constantly looking out for deals and figuring out how many pennies per component is the best buy.

Bulk purchases are a very good deal ... when you purchase the stuff you are happy with.

Bulk purchases of stuff you are not happy with ... well ... that is kinda like money down the drain ... Or you can do what some folks do ... buy another gun to justify using up all those components you are not happy with.

Works for me!

Well said, good advise for new reloaders.

[TexasJackKin]

I've not found that I save much, if any, money, but I shoot a lot more for about the same amount of money. I've become a much better marksman due to reloading, between always (almost always) having ammo available, and testing new recipes, and "tuning loads" for particular firearms, it's just a good way to go, but don't plan on saving much money. I've got several firearms that have never had a factory round though them, just say'in!

Plus, being able to load light loads to shoot in my pocket pistols makes them far more pleasant to shoot, and the more pleasant they are to shoot, the more you shoot them....and there goes your savings!

[Cheap Shot]

Not really saving any money here either. We shoot more and are able to fine tune the reloads to the firearms that will be using them. This gets us better accuracy, cleaner guns and/or less sore hands/arms/shoulders/ears....

The components take up less space then storing 1000's of ready to use rounds. I happen to enjoy the process of reloading. It is a relaxing diversion from my usual battle with virus/malware and technically challenged people on computers.

[xfer42]

You save because you are forced into buying bulk.
A few weeks ago, Wideners had H4198 and Benchmark in stock. 8lbs of H4198 came out to about $190 with shipping and hazmat (16 lbs of benchmark and 3k primers added to the order).

*8lbs of H4198 @ $190 delivered.

The primers came from an order I placed last year. That was for 10k SRP from Powder Valley. $281.41 shipped.

*10k primers @ $281.41 delivered

I cant find the original order for bullets. The last one was for 5k 55GR FMJBT $520 shipped. I paid less for the one before, and that's what I used for this batch. I didn't touch this last order yet, but lets use this for calculation.

*5k .224 bullets @ $520.00 delivered (Wideners)




I went through 8lbs of H4198 on a sunday morning before lunch. I have a XL 650, and a LoadMaster. I used the XL 650 for this. Filled a 5g home depot bucket about 3/4 of the way with 2600 rounds.

Powder: 8lbs $190 (21.5 grns... hot, chrono'd and checked for signs of pressure)
Primers: 2600 $73.17
Bullets: 2600 $270

Total: $533.17 for 2600 rounds of 5.56

~$0.205 a round


Its not huge, but the savings is much greater with .270 Winchester, .357mag and .44 mag.

[oddjob]

I reload for the 5.56 and the 9mm. Its because I shoot 3 gun and USPSA matches.

Powder: I use AA2460 for the .223. Like a previous poster mentioned its a ball powder that meters like water. The 9mm I use Tightgroup or Universal Clays. I have also used WSF and its pretty nice.

Bullets: I use Hornady 55 FMJ 5.56 for targets up to 200yds. Beyond that I use Nosler 55 Ballistic Tip (orange colored). Both are accurate in MY rifle. I don't think up to 200 yds .223 bullet types make that big a difference. Maybe up to 300 yds. But the Noslers are good for the longer targets.

Primers: W-W rifle and pistol. Nothing wrong with CCI, Federal & etc. Avoid the Tula/Wolf stuff. Bad experiences with them.

Don't forget you also need to size and trim the .223 cases to proper length. Might be easier to just send it out and have it done. I use a Dillon trimmer and run them through my 1050....5 gallon buckets at a time. This takes time...might have to swage the primers area too. Many of my 3-gun friends gave up on reloading .223 and just buy it in bulk. Don't take short cuts in rifle cartridge prepping. Do it right....I've seen friends take short cuts (like not trimming) and its amusing to watch them TRY to shoot.

Buying bulk is the key for savings. I buy powder in bulk with other shooters and we pay one hazmat fee for the weight (40 lbs or so??). Same thing with primers, bullets & etc.

You will save money in the cartridge per dollar category, but you'll shoot more and wipe out any savings. It will take a long time to make up the costs, but your accuracy will improve and more importantly your enjoyment!

Read the Enos Forum under the rifle reloading section. Loads of info there.

good luck!!

[gregshin]

I reload 9, 45 and 223.

I started with a dillon 550 because i wanted to swap calibers often...and then i decided i wanted to speed up the reloading process by getting a dillon 650. the issue is that 9 and 223 share the same primer size and i shoot that the most so i now load 223 on the 650 and leave the priming system alone. i now load the 45 acp only the 550.

i would get a press that can change calibers and priming system small to large in a snap since you have alot of different calibers. keep the single stage it's always good to have around and good for precision loads.

rifle reloading is a pain because the process to clean resize and decap and lube the cases and then trimming the cases to length and then clean again to finally load sux. i finally decided to outsource this process for 3 cents a piece.
i use #41 primers cuz i shoot ar15's only.

pistol is super easy...just clean and inspect your pistol and brass and load up.

[CJF]

i dont think you can really make mistakes on stocking up on powder and primers. maybe a mistake is to buy several different powder/primer combinations. i'd figure out a good powder for your pistol needs and another for your rifle and then stick with those two powders. this makes things much more simple. same thing for primers. i'd just buy those in bulk. this may be easier said than done right now, but it can be done. make a list, and when something on the list is available, stock up. i'd not worry too much about price (within reason) if you can get a good supply.