I have 500 cartridges in 44 magnum

[Biggfoot44]

Oh , we're going to there , with low investment in equipment , for fastest payback ratio ?

I just finished real time price checking , for new current production tools . It's more than it was before the Zombie Apocalypse , but still cheap .

$ 150 will get you going ( up from $100 a cpl years ago ) . I'd recommend an upgrade or two for up to $50 more , but that's optional .

 

[lazarus]

If you can find 44 Mag at 78 cents a round, more power to you. The cheapest I’ve seen it recently is about $60/box.

You also have to ask yourself what it’s worth to shoot higher quality ammo, as well as what it’s worth to be able to tailor the loads to exactly what you want them to be. Then ask what it’s worth to not have to worry about availability. (Provided you maintain a decent stock of components.) 44 mag isn’t stocked like 9mm and 45.

Oh, sorry it was 88 cents a round. I was thinking of the 357 mag they have.

Free shipping on a $200 round order. So buy a case, get free shipping.

44 Magnum Pistol Ammunition | SGAmmo.com

Buy 44 Magnum Ammo at SGAmmo. We offer high quality and affordable ammo that is ready to fire right when you get it. Buy bulk ammunition at discount prices now!

www.sgammo.com

St. Barb's has it a couple of dollars cheaper per case with free shipping.

So you'd see savings a little sooner, but you still have to load quite a bit to break even if you are not setup for reloading to start with. Doesn't apply to the OP who has 500 cases on hand, but it would be significantly more if you were starting from true scratch. I was. I picked up a Dan Wesson 44 for a F-ing song. Even with new front sights, a 2.5" barrel and shroud from Cz, barrel tool and a couple of just in case spare parts (just in case they stop making parts and something needs replacing in 40 years) I am in less than $600 on a near mint gun (the 6" shroud is drilled for scope rings is the only cosmetic "issue" if you will) after selling off the handgun scope it came with.

Anyway, I'd been giving all of the 44 mag brass I came across to my buddy, because I have NO plans to ever buy a 44 mag. Until said buddy gave me a tip LGS had said DW44 on consignment. He'd picked one up at a different LGS just says before (also at an incredible deal), so he was passing.

So unlike, for example, 357 where I'd been saving brass I came across because I had PLANNED to own one at some point (and now do, even if it is at S&W at the moment), no 44 mag brass for me. I had literally 3 cases on hand, just because I hadn't dropped them with my buddy with some of the 380 brass I'd been scavenging since he shoots and I will not own a 380. He could set me up with some bullets and a few cases, and I did buy a box of MBC bullets off him. But as much as a few dozen cases would set me up to start working up a load and doing a little shooting I poked around for a couple of weeks and found two places in two weeks that had cases at reasonable prices. I think I paid about 35 cents a case shipped for tumbled brass and got 700 cases. That plus the fact I tend to pick up 20-40 cases a year from the range is probably a lifetime supply of brass for me figuring I might get 10-15 firings out of a case loaded to moderate pressures (if not more).

Anyway, even if you figure the same, if you bought 500 range brass cases at an even cheaper price, say 20 cents a case (which I've never seen, ever, for 44 mag brass), 12-14 cents a bullet, 10-12 cents a primer, 4 cents of powder you are up to just about 50 cents a reload for your first reload and then around 30 cents a reload thereafter. A quick check shows the Hornady lock and load kit is around $370 right now. Add in a $50 die set brings you to about $420.

a pound of bullseye to load it light could get you have 1000 rounds out of that pound (7 grains is light for a 240gr bullet, but not too light). 1000 bullets, 500 cases (to reload twice here), 1000 LPPs and let's figure you pay only $30 on shipping/hazmat for everything (probably cheaper than you would). Right now a quick peak on Ammoseek and I am seeing 41 cents a case for 44 mag range brass, Starline new brass being only a little more. As I mentioned, I found 700 cases (300 and then 400) for just over 30 cents a case shipped, but figure you are in a hurry and want to buy it NOW.

That is $464 for the primers, bullets, cases, and powder. $884 to be able to load and shoot 1000 rounds of 44 magnum. Basically the exact price of two cases of PMC 44 magnum from SGAmmo. Not including probably about 8-12 hours it would take to reload the 1000 rounds on a single stage, including some time to work up a load and tumble the brass again (oh, going to need to add about $60-120 for a vibratory tumbler and media or pins and a tumbler to clean the brass after the first pass).

If you shoot a lot, it'll pay for itself. If you don't, it won't. And if you include your time, it might not either. $15 minimum wage seems to be the direction the country is going, so that's at least $120-$180 worth of your time, assuming you value your time as a $ value. As a comparison, I generally can't just work extra hours at my job to earn more $. On the other hand, I can take 10 hours and go cut, split, and stack firewood to burn in my wood boiler. In 10hrs of work, I can put up enough firewood for the winter to probably offset at least $300-400 worth of heating oil at normal heating oil prices.

Reloading to save money really only makes sense on a higher rate of loading press like a like Classic, or better yet a progressive, but you'll also be in for a lot more money up front. Because then the time invested per round is significantly less.

Or you have tons a free time, and nothing worthwhile to fill it. IE you can't do something with your free time that will earn you money, or save you money. Or you've got some liquid cash sitting around doing nothing, but you'll be real tight on income later. So you can invest $1200+ to get setup to reload, as well as some components to reload for awhile. Because you've only just broken even at around $880 in for 1k rounds of 44 magnum. And its hard to find partial pounds of powder, partial boxes of primers, etc. So figure get 2k primers, 2-3 pounds of powder, 2k bullets, etc. Then you've finally saves some real money, but you still have to invest all of the time to reload that.

I reload for 14 (15?) calibers. I love to reload. Sometimes I don't have the time I wish I did to reload, but I manage to find it here and there and I stay ahead of the game, even if not by a ton (I try to keep at least 3 range trips of reloads on hand, if not somewhat more). I've probably spent more on reloading equipment and certainly components than I have EVER spent on factory ammo. Of course, it represents a HUGE amount more pew pews down range than all that factory ammo (some doesn't help I also scored quite a bit of ammo when prices were at their lowest ever, adjusted for inflation, in 2019, and quite a bit of my components have been bought in the last 3 years with prices sky high and only coming down a little. Though a lot was right before or right at the start of COVID before prices skyrocketed). But I still haven't invested the likely hundreds of hours it represents to turn all of those components into shots down range (because I've got more bullets, powder, and primers, than cases I could load, I'd need to load and shoot some cases several times before I ran out of primers, powder, and bullets).

Only factoring in my cost per shot of the components, and not the total invested cost of the components sitting around and collecting dust (because I don't factor in the cost of all of the factory ammo either, just cost per shot), I've likely more than covered the costs of all of my reloading equipment. Even factoring in things like reloading boxes for cartridges, labels, heavy duty plastic bags, some buckets for range brass, reloading bench, wall organizers for turrets and dies, press, calipers, reloading manuals, etc. But that is probably only just made up for my total capitol investment in equipment over the last 3 1/2 years of reloading and shooting ~1500-2000 rounds a year, and only if you factor in the stupid prices of ammo the last 3 years. Even if I had paid component prices of 2019 and factored that against factory ammo prices of 2019, I probably would not have saved half the capitol investment costs. Because then I'd be saving 1 or 2 cents per 9mm, not 10 cents now, and a solid 40-50 cents at its worst in 2020. Not 10 cents on 223, rather than saving almost a buck a round in 2020 (this is factoring in that in 2020 I probably only reloaded about 1000 rounds total as I was still figuring things out, just working up loads for the first time, etc. I started reloading late in 2019 and didn't have much of a setup or components).

The guys who run progressives and shoot 2000 rounds a month? Sure they can save money really fast. Most guys, unless they are doing everything they can to just keep costs low and work with the most shoestring* setup possible to pinch every penny, it'll take years before they break even. Especially as prices continue to come down. Especially as ammo prices are continuing to come down faster than component prices.

*And I have seen no evidence of any shoestring reloader. I am sure such a magical beast exists, but I've seen ya'll's setups you've posted on here. I've been to my buddies' places to see what they have going on. Its a disease and the only cure is buying some new reloading thingy to play with. I am sure there are some old guys who haven't bought a new reloading piece of equipment in years, or even decades. But they all mostly invested many thousands of dollars over the years in equipment, manuals/books, etc.

 

[lazarus]

Oh , we're going to there , with low investment in equipment , for fastest payback ratio ?

I just finished real time price checking , for new current production tools . It's more than it was before the Zombie Apocalypse , but still cheap .

$ 150 will get you going ( up from $100 a cpl years ago ) . I'd recommend an upgrade or two for up to $50 more , but that's optional .

That's going to get you a really, really, basic setup. That'll be real slow to reload with. And doesn't include dies. So you are still talking at least $200ish, and realistically more like $300 for an okay setup. $400+ for a nice kit where you might not be replacing things within months because you want something that works better/faster.

 

[trickg]

Lazarus, I think I already posted the link to the thread I started a number of years ago talking about my cost savings for reloading. My gear paid for itself pretty rapidly, although to be fair, I did start pretty bare bones - a Lee Challenger press kit and an RCBS vibratory tumbler. Here's my first post from that thread:

I did some basic figures tonight for the reloading I have done since I put together a reloading setup and started reloading in early July, and I was stunned by the difference in what it would have cost me to buy ammo, and what it cost me to reload in terms of expendable components.

I did basic numbers at an even $20 per box for .45 ACP and $28 per box for .44 Magnum. (Yes, I realize that the numbers are somewhat lower than that if bought in bulk, but work with me.)

For .45 ACP I have reloaded 15.48 boxes of ammo. (Not all of my reloading is done in even batches of multiples of 50)

For .44 Magnum I have reloaded 7.52 boxes.

Had I purchased the ammo, it would have cost me $520.16. I reload for about $6 per box, so I only have $138 worth of components for a savings of $382.16 since early July, so at this point, my reloading gear has paid for itself and I'm only 3 months into it.

That's something to think about for those of you who are content to put out the $$$ for factory ammo. Even with bulk ammo pricing, if you shoot much at all, a basic reloading setup will quickly pay for itself.

Of course the cost of components aren't what they once were, but reloading gear paid for itself in just 3 months. I was also using the absolute cheapest bullets I could get my hands on - for the person who wants to reload with much better projectiles, it narrows the gap.

This is the post I made after 6 months of reloading. I'd have paid for a basic Dillon 550 setup (at the prices as they were in 2009) in just six months loading only 38 Spc, 45 ACP and 44 Mag.

Updated Reloading Savings Numbers

I did some more figures tonight for my reloading endeavors and this is what I have come up with.

Dollar amounts are based on what I started with the thread -
$20 per box of .45 ACP
$28 per box of .44 Mag
$13 per box of .38 SPC

For this, I've included the cheap .38 special rounds I buy for about $13 a box. My figures will stay static at $6 per box for reloads, although at this point I'm getting my components for less, so the cost is down to about $5 per box, regardless of caliber - it's slightly different based on caliber, but it's close enough that it can be rounded. Also, keep in mind that these are all factory cast, sized and lubed lead bullets

.45 ACP - 1074 rounds, 21.48 boxes - $429.60 factory, $128.88 reloaded
.44 Mag - 777 rounds, 15.54 boxes - $435.12 factory, $93.24 reloaded
.38 SPC - 992 rounds, 19.84 boxes - $257.92 factory, $119.04 reloaded

Total cost if I had purchased - $1122.64
Total cost reloaded - $341.16

Total "savings" since July - $781.48 - just six months worth of reloading and shooting.

Based on some numbers I just looked up, (and keep in mind I'm looking at quality brass ammo, not el cheapo steel cased) it looks like .45 ACP can be had for about $18 a box, but .44 Mag is around $30 a box, and surprisingly enough, .38 special is running about $17 a box for 158 gr lead SWC, just like I reload, so the number can be fudged around a bit, but it's still over $700 worth. I could have paid for a Dillon setup plus some!

(I just ran the figures based on what I found for current ammo prices, and my savings would be $848.96, which is actually better than I thought, and it increases to $905 if I calculate my cost to reload at $5 per box)

If that's not a good argument for reloading, I don't know what is.

 

[lazarus]

Lazarus, I think I already posted the link to the thread I started a number of years ago talking about my cost savings for reloading. My gear paid for itself pretty rapidly, although to be fair, I did start pretty bare bones - a Lee Challenger press kit and an RCBS vibratory tumbler. Here's my first post from that thread:


Of course the cost of components aren't what they once were, but reloading gear paid for itself in just 3 months. I was also using the absolute cheapest bullets I could get my hands on - for the person who wants to reload with much better projectiles, it narrows the gap.

This is the post I made after 6 months of reloading. I'd have paid for a basic Dillon 550 setup (at the prices as they were in 2009) in just six months loading only 38 Spc, 45 ACP and 44 Mag.

If loading and shooting in those volumes, for sure. A lot of people don't. I realize I might be on the lower end of guys on MDS there, and a lot of calibers I reload are pretty cheap for factory ammo loads, like 9mm (but also really stupid expensive ones like 6.5 Grendel). Your 6 months of reloading in 45 and 44 mag probably equals about a year and a half of my 45acp shooting and likely about 2 years of 44 mag shooting for me. Maybe longer time lines. I also choose to include all the thing (and maybe you did to).

Just based on extra. I added an LED light to my press. Only $28, but $28. An auto ejector was a few bucks. A quick change plate so I can swap on my Lee APP for certain brass prep. The Lee APP was like $180 once you include some accessories like a different cartridge feeder. I probably have $100 of different cartridge cases for reloading (bulk I stick in heavy zipper bags or larger cans/jars). Generally 2-3 20-50 round boxes for any given cartridge size family. So I have a couple for .30-06, a few for .308, a few for .223, a few for 6.5G/7.62x39, a few for 9mm/7.62x25, 45acp, 38/57, 44, etc. Only like $3-5 a box, but when you have like 30 cartridge boxes between all of your cartridges, it adds up. I have to include the cost of my reloading bench. Or a stand if you use one for your press. Inline rails and Lee turret holders for the rails. The several reloading manuals and handbooks I have, etc. All added up, it is at least a couple thousand dollars. Of course if I was reloading for only 1 or 2 or 3 cartridges, that likely would have saved a solid $1000 between dies, cartridge boxes, organizers, manuals I would have needed to get to try to get some good data on a more obscure cartridge (*shakes fist in Tokarev*).

 

[Tomcat]

Just happen to have a Square Deal, new in the box (never cut the tape) I’d be willing to part with since I found a deal on a 550 after purchasing it.

Posted in the
classifieds so as not to run afoul of forum rules.

 

[trickg]

Posted in the
classifieds so as not to run afoul of forum rules.

I've been curious about the Square Deal B - I think that for a person who wants to set it up as a dedicated press for one particular caliber - set it and forget it - (more or less but not really - this is reloading after all and periodic checks are always a good thing) I think the Square Deal B would be a great way to go.

 

[4g64loser]

I've been curious about the Square Deal B - I think that for a person who wants to set it up as a dedicated press for one particular caliber - set it and forget it - (more or less but not really - this is reloading after all and periodic checks are always a good thing) I think the Square Deal B would be a great way to go.

In spite of dillons statement to the contrary, the sdb is a PITA to change calibers in. Great press for the person who won't swap around. If you load a lot of a given pistol round and can't justify a 750, the sdb is for you. If you load a little of a lot of things, a 550 is still the way.

If you load a lot, you probably already know a 750 or bigger is going to be the thing.

 

[Biggfoot44]

That's going to get you a really, really, basic setup. That'll be real slow to reload with. And doesn't include dies. So you are still talking at least $200ish, and realistically more like $300 for an okay setup. $400+ for a nice kit where you might not be replacing things within months because you want something that works better/faster.

Well , faster .

The OP will be loading .44 Magnum . It's cliche , but odds are he won't be shooting it all 500 rounds every week .

" Buy Once , Cry Once " is well used phrase . Sometimes it's 1000% spot on , sometimes lots of caveats and nuance . If the " cheap " option doesn't effectively do the intended purpose , or has very short functional lifespan , then absolutely go with the good stuff .

My example above ? A hand press isn't going to wear out in anybody's lifetime . There always hand to have , even if you also have a ( insert favorite $$ rig ) .

If space is cramped , your gear can be stored in a boot box or milk crate when not in use . Or be carried to the range for on the spot load development . Or throw in the RV on a camping trip .

Money is a thing. Some people really do have tight budgets . More commonly is a mental threshold about start up $ for an unproven to them endeavor . Up to a certain level , it's semi casual , semi impulse . give it a shot . In today's new normal economy , that would be $150- 200 . $4- 800 will be thinking about it a lot , and working it into the budget .

Possible outcomes of getting feet wet this way :

1. Handloading sucks , it's not for me.
2. Hey this is Cool ! And this setup does ok for my production requirements for the imeadate future .
3. Hey , this is Cool ! But now that I've seen the joys of inexpensive , more accurate , tailored to my preferred performance level(s) ammo , I've stepped up to shooting 1,000 rds of .44 every week . But I'm even more of a workaholic than Biggfoot , and there aren't enough leisure hours in the day to keep up .