Magnumite
Ultimate Member
Common calibers, pistol, one can save somewhere around a third on a box of blasting grade jacketed bulk box ammunition. The only exception I know of is 9mm, and that is only considering the jacketed brass case Federal is pumping out through Walmart. That is break even. 45 ACP, savings are a 1/3 compared to bulk box Federal 230 grains FMJ. If you are loading lead, hollow point, and/or premium bullets, the savings are greater. Accuracy in a pistol which allows one to realize it is more accurate and consistent using developed handloads. I wouldn't realize a quarter inch at 25 yards except off bags on a real good day but when the range gets greater the better loads advantages are easily quite apparent. I have experienced loads shooting acceptably accurate at 50 yards and breaking up past that with same design/sized bullets but cast with a different alloy
For rifle, I see better loads at similar cost to the blasting grade ammo being sold. I can load same cost ammo in 223/5.56 which shoots noticeably better on my Dillon 550 at greater rate than on a single stage press. That is a high shooting volume round for many so the potential accuracy advantage on a 200-300 stage in a three gun shoot would be advantageous.
As for the time...if the time is better spent elsewhere and household income allows it, there may be no reason to load for casual quantities. Shooting steel pistol events, a reasonably tuned pistol will perform well with 9mm bulk box. Similar for 223 relative to similar skill level rifle. When shooting in more serious competition bent regimens, the accuracy needs and/or volume shot almost mandates reloading...unless one is quite wealthy.
For rifle, I see better loads at similar cost to the blasting grade ammo being sold. I can load same cost ammo in 223/5.56 which shoots noticeably better on my Dillon 550 at greater rate than on a single stage press. That is a high shooting volume round for many so the potential accuracy advantage on a 200-300 stage in a three gun shoot would be advantageous.
As for the time...if the time is better spent elsewhere and household income allows it, there may be no reason to load for casual quantities. Shooting steel pistol events, a reasonably tuned pistol will perform well with 9mm bulk box. Similar for 223 relative to similar skill level rifle. When shooting in more serious competition bent regimens, the accuracy needs and/or volume shot almost mandates reloading...unless one is quite wealthy.