mxrider
Former MSI Treasurer
If we factored our time in this, I don't think you could reload any type of round cheaper than what you can buy.
If we factored our time in this, I don't think you could reload any type of round cheaper than what you can buy.
That does present a problem doesn't it. I don't load to save money though.
For me:
I have ammo when the shelves are empty.
My ammo is more accurate in my firearms than cheap factory ammo.
I can load softer shooting ammo that is great for practice.
I have a hobby I enjoy.
Does anyone have a cost breakdown to were you would actually see the benefit of reloading? For example at what point would your break even for a single stage/turret/progressive set up?
As is the norm, labor has not been included. I don't work for free, no one does. I make WAY more than minimum wage. I have to clean, inspect, and sort the brass. That is just the short list.
As is the norm, labor has not been included. I don't work for free, no one does. I make WAY more than minimum wage.
As is the norm, labor has not been included. I don't work for free, no one does. I make WAY more than minimum wage. I have to clean, inspect, and sort the brass. That is just the short list.
Wally world prices don't reflect bulk or surplus pricing either.
Here is a link for Freedom munitions, out of stock now. Right around .24 / rnd, with no labor on my part.
http://www.freedommunitions.com/category-s/2891.htm
I know that after 2000 rounds of 308 that I generated, I had started saving money. Granted, I was making loads that were better than FGMM and they were tailored for my rifle.
The cost per caliber is something that you have to figure out on your own. Only you can decide what components you are going to use and how much you are going to spend on components. Because you will make loads that are considered "match" by factory standards, you need to gauge your cost/savings by comparing the cost of your loads to factory match ammo. It is easier that way to see where you will break even.
Some calibers have a lower margin, while others have a higher margin of savings when reloading. Keep in mind that you can use each piece of brass a minimum of 5 times, so divide the cost of your bras by 5 so you can see how much your brass costs per round generated.
Where are you located? if you are near by me, we can meet up somewhere and talk about this or if you want to learn how to reload, I'd be willing to teach you.
I am in Sparrows Point (SE Balto Co.) and it looks like you are in Frederick so pretty far away. I do appreciate the offer and once I am ready to take the plunge I may take you up on it. In the mean time I think I am going to start getting some of the smaller items that will be needed no matter what set up I decide on.
I have a good size work bench but I am thinking about building a dedicated work bench for reloading. Does do you have recommendation as to a size table that would be good for reloading?
As some have expressed, you may not technically save money but you should be able to shoot much more with higher quality ammo. Also you really can't count your time as part of the equation like someone said unless you have a way to replace your free time with paid time at the same rate as your job. IMO people who reload generally are willing to put time to save the money or increase the quality so your time doesnt have a monetary factor in the equation.
Let me know if you want to link up after you get ready to take the plunge.
A bench is a curious thing, only you can define how big or small you want it to be. My bench is one of these (because there are 2 options, mine is the more expensive of the 2). On the other hand, my dad's bench is something he built many moons ago that is L shaped and covers about half of one wall and a quarter of the the other wall. He also has more space for a bench than I do. I am doing just fine with my little bench and I know I will get a second one soon enough, to attach to my original, so I have have some more bench space.
There is actually a thread devoted to nothing by benches, here on the forum. Check it out here. You might find something you like and can build yourself. My bench is in there, if you look for it.
A few members have gone with this bench from Harbor Freight, and have had good luck with it.
Hope this helps.
If you put yourself into a really first-class setup, I'd say that's probably pretty accurate - that's 60 boxes of ammo. In my case, with 45 ACP using cast lead semi-wadcutters, I'm reloading for about $6, so factoring a box of 45s at 32 cents a round, that's $16 a box, saving me roughly $10 per box, or $600 for 60 boxes.I just got my first press for 45 ACP and will start reloading soon. I did a rough excel spreadsheet and it looks like it will take at least 3000 rounds for me to break even.
Factor in that I shoot almost every weekend, but not .45 every time. Realistically it might take a good 9 months.
I did not factor in my time as I take this as a hobby.
Don't forget the chronograph! You can get a good basic one for under $100. The Shooting Chrony F1 Chrony can be gotten from walmart online for about $90.
If you're going go reload, you need to know what you're shooting. For example, my GLOCK G19 Gen4 is typically 50 fps faster than my Ruger P95 with the same batch of reloads.
Reload data from manuals (yeah, you need at least one good one) or online are based on a particular gun, etc.
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Should I go for another thread for just the misc. stuff beyond the presses and dies? I'll have a decent amount of downtime tonight.