Reloading cost question

[Neutron]

Yeah, sorry about that. I knew there was a thread somewhere that talked about this but my searches didn't come up with a definitive number.

I didn't think about brass being used more than once and/or grabbing them off the range.

I would reload just for the cost savings and am sure I would hate the process of making the ammunition. That is why I'm researching what the savings would be so I don't go buy a bunch of equipment that I won't use.

I bought a rifle for the first time and wasn't too excited to see the purchase price per round.

This sure is an expensive hobby.

If you would "hate the process of making the ammunition" you should definitely stay away from reloading.

 

[pilot25]

If you would "hate the process of making the ammunition" you should definitely stay away from reloading.

That seems to be the consensus. Using the word hate was specific when I wrote it. I think it would be interesting to set up and understand the mechanics of it all but looks like it would be really mundane after a while. I definitely would rather be doing woodworking or something else creative if I can't be out shooting or a couple other outdoor hobbies I enjoy.

 

[Nanook]

That seems to be the consensus. Using the word hate was specific when I wrote it. I think it would be interesting to set up and understand the mechanics of it all but looks like it would be really mundane after a while. I definitely would rather be doing woodworking or something else creative if I can't be out shooting or a couple other outdoor hobbies I enjoy.

Unlike the dips**ts on youtube, smart reloaders do not drink, watch TV, smoke, or do anything but focus on doing the right things at the right times while at the bench. Distracted reloading is just about as dangerous as distracted shooting. Get with a reloading friend, bring your components or load his ammo for him (with his supervision). After a few thousand rounds, see if it's for you or not.

The payback, like many folks have said, is more trigger pulls for the same amount of cash.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Spot on.

Reloading isn't for everybody. Not everyone wants to dedicate the time or the attention to the craft. To each his own. Not a thing wrong with that.

The one thing aspiring reloaders should know up front, and that you never want to forget? Reloading is a safe craft when approached with the right mindset, but it's also one that can be very unforgiving of mistakes caused by being in a hurry, or by a lack of attention from your mind being elsewhere.

 

[CSHS]

I reload because I enjoy it and can save a few bucks. Like most hobbies, it can consume as much time as use give it.

Bullets are your primary cost. Shop around for components to keep your unit price down. My costs,

223: brass free-range, primers $.035, H335 powder $.07, bullets about $.15 (can be a lot more or less). Total ~ $.25

9mm: brass free-range, primers $.035, CFE pistol powder $.02, bullets about $.08 ( can be a lot more or less). Total ~ $.14

I reload 30-06 and 308. Bigger cartridge, bigger savings.

I consider equipment costs a hobby investment, like a new set of golf clubs. If you look purely at economics (time, equipment, reloading supplies), then, yes, buy factory new.

 

[Neutron]

I only load about 50 rounds at a time. I use a Lee Turret Press and it takes me about a half hour to load 50 pistol caliber rounds. Any more than that and I'll start to lose focus which is something that can't happen while reloading.

 

[DaemonAssassin]

That seems to be the consensus. Using the word hate was specific when I wrote it. I think it would be interesting to set up and understand the mechanics of it all but looks like it would be really mundane after a while. I definitely would rather be doing woodworking or something else creative if I can't be out shooting or a couple other outdoor hobbies I enjoy.

If this is how you truly feel, then don't bother reloading. I go and reload because of the absolute concentration required, when running a progressive press. Yes I may have music on, but it is background noise to me, so my reloading area isn't quiet.

The ability to focus on the process is something that must be learned, over time. If you can't stay focused on the task at hand, then don't do it.

You say that you would rather be doing woodworking or something else creative, then that kind of seals your decision for you and you just wanted others to validate your decision for you.

 

[DaemonAssassin]

Cost for reloading is not the main reason why people get into it, they get into it for the ability to push the accuracy limits of their firearms. The reduced cost when reloading is a distant second.

 

[pilot25]

You say that you would rather be doing woodworking or something else creative, then that kind of seals your decision for you and you just wanted others to validate your decision for you.

Probably. If I thought I was going to save tons of money I might be more inclined but sounds like pure concentration is really required for safety. Its looks like it becomes a repetitive process after becoming proficient. That might not be a good mix for me.

Maybe in the future if the education bug bites me into trying it.

Cost for reloading is not the main reason why people get into it, they get into it for the ability to push the accuracy limits of their firearms. The reduced cost when reloading is a distant second.

I didn't know that. I assumed it was cost based.

 

[DaemonAssassin]

Probably. If I thought I was going to save tons of money I might be more inclined but sounds like pure concentration is really required for safety. Its looks like it becomes a repetitive process after becoming proficient. That might not be a good mix for me.

Maybe in the future if the education bug bites me into trying it.

If it hasn't bitten you yet and you feel this way now, it is highly unlikely that it will in the future.

I am generating 308 for around 50 cpr, where FGMM is $1.50-2.00 a shot. I am saving money there by the bucket, but my margins for 223 drop somewhat, because I can generate 223 for around 25-30 cpr, versus paying $1.00 a shot for FGMM. For pistol the margins are even lower.

I didn't know that. I assumed it was cost based.

Nope. My dad got into it to wrangle this highest potential out of his rifles. Then he realized how little he was paying to shoot really good ammo that is comparable, if not better than, Federal Gold Medal Match.

 

[pilot25]

I consider equipment costs a hobby investment, like a new set of golf clubs. If you look purely at economics (time, equipment, reloading supplies), then, yes, buy factory new.

Interesting you say that as I was trying to equate the cost of shooting sports to golf. I play a bit of golf and it's equally expensive. After equipment, greens fees and up to $3 a ball makes me wish I could make them too, Especially when I'm having a bad round.

I wish I liked running or something cheaper but oh well. The shooting bug hit me hard last year when I thought we were just buying something to sit in the safe for a possible unfortunate event. Range membership, Utah permit, thousands of rounds, half a dozen lessons, 3 guns, 3 safes, a few volunteering stints at the MSI tables, and thoughts of reloading. There is no turning back now. I'd like to try some competition shooting but I pretty much suck so I doubt that is coming anytime soon.

 

[pilot25]

I only load about 50 rounds at a time. I use a Lee Turret Press and it takes me about a half hour to load 50 pistol caliber rounds. Any more than that and I'll start to lose focus which is something that can't happen while reloading.

Yes, it sounds like serious business that is something I overlooked before coming on here.

I appreciate the good advise everyone has given me.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Now if the OP was speaking of things like 7-08 or .44Magnums, it would be a different set of answers.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Pilot25
If you want to learn the process but don't think you want to do it on a regular basis buy a Lee Loader hand operated reloading kit. The so called "wack-a-mole" style reloader a measuring caliper and a hammer are all you need to reload. No press or a ton of other equipment is needed. It is relatively slow and only neck sizes instead of full length size so you should use brass originally fired in your gun. It will teach you the basics of reloading and thousands of reloaders have started with a Lee Loader. Very simple instructions are included and you need to stick with the powders and bullet weights printed in the accompanying literature but you will be able to reload particularly in an emergency situation.

Here is a link:
https://www.natchezss.com/lee-classic-loader-223-rem.html

 

[pilot25]

Pilot25
If you want to learn the process but don't think you want to do it on a regular basis buy a Lee Loader hand operated reloading kit. The so called "wack-a-mole" style reloader a measuring caliper and a hammer are all you need to reload. No press or a ton of other equipment is needed. It is relatively slow and only neck sizes instead of full length size so you should use brass originally fired in your gun. It will teach you the basics of reloading and thousands of reloaders have started with a Lee Loader. Very simple instructions are included and you need to stick with the powders and bullet weights printed in the accompanying literature but you will be able to reload particularly in an emergency situation.

Here is a link:
https://www.natchezss.com/lee-classic-loader-223-rem.html

Interesting. Thanks!!

Edit: I just watched a couple videos of this lee loader. Everyone takes a scoop of powder and dumps it into the mechanism. I'm guessing this part is critical to get absolutely correct. Seems to me they are kind of aren't really weighing each scoop. How much powder is to much powder to be considered a potential disaster for a 223 round?

 

[camobob]

Everything that's been said about cost is spot on and I agree that OP is better off not reloading. For me though, it's not just making more accurate ammo or shooting more. Does OP think he will save money making things on his lathe? I doubt it. More likely he will get satisfaction out of creating something with his own hands that he can use and appreciate. Reloading to me is a hobby in itself and not just a means to an end. None of my hobbies save me money - that's why I have to work!

 

[Jmorrismetal]

4. powder ($18 per pound) 7000 grains/77 needs 11 pounds = $198

7000/77 = 90.9 I am guessing you ment 77 X 1000 = 7,700 / 7000 = 11

What powder are you intending to use that you could get 77 grains of it into a .223 case?

 

[PowPow]

...
Bullets are your primary cost. Shop around for components to keep your unit price down.
...

Herein lies perhaps an introduction to the next related hobby: Boolit Casting

If you enjoy the hobby and process of reloading, what could be better than manufacturing your own boolits? (other than someone just giving you a free supply of Nosler Sporting Handgun or Sierra MatchKings) Casting conquers per unit bullet cost.

I'm just getting started with casting. I must say, if you enjoy shooting and like mechanical things, tinkering, tweaking, and have attention to detail and organization, then reloading and casting are something to consider. It is possible to do both on a budget. It's also possible to spend a lot. Two words for the budget minded or those just starting out: Lee Precision. Those are good words to know. Lee makes some good stuff.

I had no idea that I would enjoy this as much as I do. Really, I cannot imagine going through this life without these hobbies. I think the thing that drives me the most is that I like making my own. There is a certain satisfaction to it. Just like building your own AR. Or your own model airplane.

The next related hobbies after casting you ask? Powder coating and plating boolits. I'm not ready to go there quite yet.

 

[PowPow]

If you are using a Lee Loader and want to weigh what's in the powder dipper, bring along an electronic Frankford Arsenal scale to weigh the charge. The dippers work pretty well. Just be sure to follow their instructions.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Interesting. Thanks!!

Edit: I just watched a couple videos of this lee loader. Everyone takes a scoop of powder and dumps it into the mechanism. I'm guessing this part is critical to get absolutely correct. Seems to me they are kind of aren't really weighing each scoop. How much powder is to much powder to be considered a potential disaster for a 223 round?

The powder dippers come in assorted sizes. With the Lee Loader you get one dipper of the correct size for the specific powders which are recommended for the cartridge the loader is made for and are safe loads for the powder, bullet and case specified in the literature. if you follow directions on scooping and leveling your powder charges will be within +/- 0.1 grains and give you very consistent loads. After you become knowledgeable and proficient with reloading you can get dipper sets which come with a chart for many powders if you want to try other loads and the Lee reloading manual lists compatible dippers for many loads.

Lee Powder Measure Kit:
https://www.natchezss.com/lee-improved-powder-measure-kit.html

Lee Reloading Manual:
https://www.natchezss.com/lee-modern-reloading-manual-2nd-edition.html

Lee Dipper Capacity Chart:
http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Dippers.pdf

General Instructions for Lee Loaders (does not include the cartridge specific load data that is included with each kit).
Rifle:
http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/RE1422.pdf

Pistol:
http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/RE1423.pdf

If you decide you like reloading you can add equipment and information to expand your options for different loads.

I try to have a Lee Loader for each caliber I shoot (although they don't make some calibers) just as an emergency backup in case the SHTF. Less than $30 is cheap insurance that can keep you shooting.