Is it still cost effective to reload?

radarmonkey · Oct 16, 2009

Hey guys, I have never reloaded and am thinking of trying my hand at it. However, considering how much the cost of ammo has gone up, is reloading still a less expensive alternative? Has the cost of powder, primers etc. gone up as well? I also saw a thread where someone recommended a Lee setup for beginners. Is that the cheapest, safest way to learn? I would reload
9mm, .45 & .223.

WhiteyMacD · Oct 16, 2009

Yes and no. Ammo still comes out cheaper than buying it factory.

But you also have the time factor.

How much is your time worth? - Depending on the type of press, you could be looking at less than an hour for a box of ammo, or half a day.

You also have the repositioning of finances.

Still spending the same, just have more bullets or more guns. - What you save in ammo either goes into more ammo, or more guns.

My honest advice is to get into it as a hobby, not as a money saver. I think people who get into only to save money have 1 of 2 things happen. They either fall in love with reloading and it becomes a hobby, or they get burned out.

Not trying to discourage you, its a very rewarding activity, rewarding beyond the fiscal savings.

radarmonkey · Oct 16, 2009

I have a real weird work schedule.....I work split shifts 8p-2a, 8a-1p usually so time is a factor. Thanks

the tR · Oct 16, 2009

WhiteyMacD said:
Yes and no. Ammo still comes out cheaper than buying it factory.

But you also have the time factor.

How much is your time worth? - Depending on the type of press, you could be looking at less than an hour for a box of ammo, or half a day.

You also have the repositioning of finances.

Still spending the same, just have more bullets or more guns. - What you save in ammo either goes into more ammo, or more guns.

My honest advice is to get into it as a hobby, not as a money saver. I think people who get into only to save money have 1 of 2 things happen. They either fall in love with reloading and it becomes a hobby, or they get burned out.

Not trying to discourage you, its a very rewarding activity, rewarding beyond the fiscal savings.

+1
he's right not money saved just more to shoot.............

WhiteyMacD · Oct 16, 2009

radarmonkey said:
I have a real weird work schedule.....I work split shifts 8p-2a, 8a-1p usually so time is a factor. Thanks

That still shouldnt discourage you, that should just point you to what type of press you might want to look at. If you are just wanting some plink ammo, get a decent auto indexing progressive and go to town. Do some reloading while waiting for dinner to cook, or 30 minutes a day before bed.

What I mean by hobby is you really need to enjoy the process, not that it should consume every waking hour.

BadgeBunny · Oct 16, 2009

More so now than ever before IMHO. Of course, I am still using primers I bought a few years ago before they became impossible to find. Wish I had had the money to stalk up on powder and bullets like that too.

I have a Dillon for pistol calibers. We still reload rifle calibers on a Lee single stage press. Of course, we shoot a lot more 9mm and .45 than we do .223 or 30-06.

Roadking Larry · Oct 16, 2009

With the brass I have on hand and the bullets I cat myself I crank out .45 ACP for less than a dime a round.
Not only am I able to produce ammo for far less than I can buy it thus being able to shoot tons more than I could if I had to buy it I enjoy the process of casting and reloading.

lowbudgetplinker · Oct 16, 2009

I reload other calibers but the biggest money I save at the moment is for my .41 mag. It's a big savings if you have an odd ball caliber(s) such as me. +1 for reloading!

Phat Mike · Oct 16, 2009

for me it's a hobby! and I sure enjoy it! I've turned 3 friends into reload junkies also!

Lance Jensen · Oct 16, 2009

It is cost effective. I can load 1000 9mm for about $130.00
Price a case of 9mm... The bigger the caliber the more you save. I was just figuring .223 - $500 my cost would be $150.00
I have way more time than money, so it's worth it!
Dillon 550 here

That's if you already have the brass

Is it still cost effective to reload?

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