Seems like a lot of really inexpensive 9mm for sale , is it worth getting all the gear (dies,cases, bullets ,etc) to make reloading worthwhile. I don't have any gear for reloading 9mm so I would have to buy everything. Is it worth it?
Are 9mm worth reloading
- Thread starter Jack B.
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Are you a reloader now? I assume so since your list of things you'd need to get did not include things like the press, scale.
If you have the basic stuff, it's a pretty small incremental investment, as you know. I think it'll come down to 1/ do you find the process enjoyable and 2/ what sort of time do you have available and 3/ what sort of payback do you consider reasonable.
I'm assuming, of course, that there is a payback. If you load you probably have encountered firsthand that most reloaders do not save total $. We save a lot (depending on the caliber) in $/round, but the shooting volume for reloaders tends to go up. So we're shooting more, but not saving on actual dollars spent.
For me I'd load 9mm even if I didn't save any money. I enjoy any loading as much as I like shooting. And after having my own custom ammunition at the range, I kind of can't conceive of having factory stuff, if I'm able to load it myself. And fortunately, I'm recently retired, so I have available time to load however much I want to shoot.
OR
If you have the basic stuff, it's a pretty small incremental investment, as you know. I think it'll come down to 1/ do you find the process enjoyable and 2/ what sort of time do you have available and 3/ what sort of payback do you consider reasonable.
I'm assuming, of course, that there is a payback. If you load you probably have encountered firsthand that most reloaders do not save total $. We save a lot (depending on the caliber) in $/round, but the shooting volume for reloaders tends to go up. So we're shooting more, but not saving on actual dollars spent.
For me I'd load 9mm even if I didn't save any money. I enjoy any loading as much as I like shooting. And after having my own custom ammunition at the range, I kind of can't conceive of having factory stuff, if I'm able to load it myself. And fortunately, I'm recently retired, so I have available time to load however much I want to shoot.
OR
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LiveLife
Member
Even with 9mm factory ammo selling for $9 per 50, it is worth it for me to reload 9mm.
These are current pricing for my 9mm plinking load which is more accurate than value/white box target ammo:
$75/1000 - RMR 115 gr FMJ with 5% THR discount (thehighroad5 promo code and must enter THR ID in the order comment box) and free shipping - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-for-reloading/9mm-115-grain-rmr-fmj/?v=7516fd43adaa
$25.20/1000 - S&B SP primer with extra 10% off and free shipping - http://www.cabelas.com/product/SELLIER-BELLOT-PRIMERS-BRICK/2002898.uts
$112/8 lbs - Promo using 4.2 gr powder charge - http://www.recobstargetshop.com/browse.cfm/4,342.html
Even with HazMat and shipping charges factored in and buying brass to reload, I can reload 50 rounds under $6. I shoot a lot and 10,000/year round count will save you more than $600. If you pay $12/50, your savings will increase to more than $1200.
RMR 115 gr FMJ with 4.2 gr of Promo produces lighter recoil than Federal/Winchester white box ammo and is a joy to shoot out of M&P Shield and 9mm carbines.
These are current pricing for my 9mm plinking load which is more accurate than value/white box target ammo:
$75/1000 - RMR 115 gr FMJ with 5% THR discount (thehighroad5 promo code and must enter THR ID in the order comment box) and free shipping - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-for-reloading/9mm-115-grain-rmr-fmj/?v=7516fd43adaa
$25.20/1000 - S&B SP primer with extra 10% off and free shipping - http://www.cabelas.com/product/SELLIER-BELLOT-PRIMERS-BRICK/2002898.uts
$112/8 lbs - Promo using 4.2 gr powder charge - http://www.recobstargetshop.com/browse.cfm/4,342.html
Even with HazMat and shipping charges factored in and buying brass to reload, I can reload 50 rounds under $6. I shoot a lot and 10,000/year round count will save you more than $600. If you pay $12/50, your savings will increase to more than $1200.
RMR 115 gr FMJ with 4.2 gr of Promo produces lighter recoil than Federal/Winchester white box ammo and is a joy to shoot out of M&P Shield and 9mm carbines.
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rskent
Member
I don’t think I would start reloading just for 9mm.
When I started I was shooting mostly 45ACP. It was worth it for sure. Making a lot of different loads, both hardball and semi wadcutter.
But since the reloading stuff is here, why not. About the only ammo I buy is 22lr and 9mm. And of course, carry ammo. The rest is reloads.
When I started I was shooting mostly 45ACP. It was worth it for sure. Making a lot of different loads, both hardball and semi wadcutter.
But since the reloading stuff is here, why not. About the only ammo I buy is 22lr and 9mm. And of course, carry ammo. The rest is reloads.
It really depends on how much you shoot.
With say 9mm to rate of teturn for reloading is not as great as say reloading 45 Colt. 357 Mag, 45 ACP which cost a lot more for factory ammo,
Yes, 9mm is not as expensive but it is still not "cheap" like it used to be.
Say you go the range and shoot only 100 rounds , that is at least $20+ in ammo. It gets expensive fast.
My
motto" is if I own it I reload for it!
7.62 x39 AK excluded!
With say 9mm to rate of teturn for reloading is not as great as say reloading 45 Colt. 357 Mag, 45 ACP which cost a lot more for factory ammo,
Yes, 9mm is not as expensive but it is still not "cheap" like it used to be.
Say you go the range and shoot only 100 rounds , that is at least $20+ in ammo. It gets expensive fast.
My
motto" is if I own it I reload for it!
7.62 x39 AK excluded!
peterk1234
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It is not just about cost. It is also about having control of your loads. My wife just purchased a gun with a match grade barrel. I am in the process of going through figuring out the best load for the job. Still have a couple of kinks to work out but bench rest testing shows that our reloads are more consistent than the factory rounds we have tested. Oh, and it just plain fun to reload
Patocazador
Member
I don't reload to save money; I reload to use the bullets, powders, and loads of my choice.
I know that my concoctions are superior to the FMJ Euro and US stuff.
In "the old days" I could buy reloaded .38 spl wadcutters for < 8 cents/cartridge. Now each component costs more than that. I'm retired so my time is cheap and it's rewarding to make up good, accurate loads.
(I just posted and realized my post was a duplicate of the previous one. My typing skills suck.)
I know that my concoctions are superior to the FMJ Euro and US stuff.
In "the old days" I could buy reloaded .38 spl wadcutters for < 8 cents/cartridge. Now each component costs more than that. I'm retired so my time is cheap and it's rewarding to make up good, accurate loads.
(I just posted and realized my post was a duplicate of the previous one. My typing skills suck.)
Nature Boy
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Worth? Hahah
The answer to your question is yes. You asked it in the reloading forum. People here will buy a rifle chambered in an obscure caliber because they found an empty case for it at the range.
The answer to your question is yes. You asked it in the reloading forum. People here will buy a rifle chambered in an obscure caliber because they found an empty case for it at the range.
Orcon
Member
Is it worth reloading? Yes and no. It really depends on your shooting volume and how much your time is worth.
I only have a single-stage press, mostly used for rifle cartridges. It is incredibly time consuming, in my opinion, to reload hand gun ammo the way I'm set up. I mean, I do it, but if I see brass cased 9mm at ~$0.23 per round, I buy it; 500-1000 rounds at a time. I hold onto the brass though and figure at some point I will get a dillon or something for bulk reloading.
I only have a single-stage press, mostly used for rifle cartridges. It is incredibly time consuming, in my opinion, to reload hand gun ammo the way I'm set up. I mean, I do it, but if I see brass cased 9mm at ~$0.23 per round, I buy it; 500-1000 rounds at a time. I hold onto the brass though and figure at some point I will get a dillon or something for bulk reloading.
In the 1960's and early 1970's you could reload for a lot less than what it cost to buy ammunition. That started to change in the 1980's and today if you factor in the amortization of equipment and your time it is not worth your time; unless, of course, you like trading your time at the same rate paid to a child chained to a sewing machine in a Bangladesh shirt factory.
But, you don't reload to save money. You reload because you enjoy doing it, you appreciate being able to match the ammunition you craft to the gun, and you appreciate the fact you may come out ahead financially.
LiveLife
Member
Orcon, you can get a Dillon 550 and have it paid off within a year if you shoot several hundred rounds a month.
Buy a Lee Pro 1000 and have it paid off in several months.
Since I bought my Dillon 650 with case feeder, I shot over 50,000 rounds just in pistol calibers so I essentially got the 650 set up for free (at least that's the story I am telling my wife)!
Buy a Lee Pro 1000 and have it paid off in several months.
Since I bought my Dillon 650 with case feeder, I shot over 50,000 rounds just in pistol calibers so I essentially got the 650 set up for free (at least that's the story I am telling my wife)!
Nature Boy
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Do you reload now?
If the pistol is free and you have everything you need to make 9mm except dies and components then the answer is again, yes.
Unless you are looking for us to talk you out of it, then the answer is no, don't ever start reloading for 9mm, or any other caliber. It's not worth it.
FROGO207
Member
OP for now it may presently be a wash for any caliber, but I even have the gear and supplies needed to reload 7.62X39. I have also worked up good loads with a variety of propellants for everything centerfire I own. If it comes to it I can load for any of them----heck I can cast a good enough bullet for them as well. There will be something I can at least shoot with accuracy no matter what might happen in the future world, at least in my lifetime. I have enough components and brass for more than my lifetime as far as that goes.
I reload for 5 different calibers now. Not sure worth my time to reload 9mm. Good factory ammo available cheap. Not even sure I'll like 9mm.
Orcon
Member
Orcon, you can get a Dillon 550 and have it paid off within a year if you shoot several hundred rounds a month.
Buy a Lee Pro 1000 and have it paid off in several months.
Since I bought my Dillon 650 with case feeder, I shot over 50,000 rounds just in pistol calibers so I essentially got the 650 set up for free (at least that's the story I am telling my wife)!
I've tried your argument with the Mrs. but there's no BSing this lady. If she was the head of the CBO our national deficit would be gone in short order. Besides, the faster I can reload ammo, the faster I can unload it and I would be component poor in a rather short amount of time.
We need to hire her then.
If all you want is decently accurate full power 9MM then it is hard to tell someone they need to buy what they need to relaod it right now.
If you want to be able to tailor your loads to suit you, then reloading is the answer.
wally
Member
It definitely was a few years ago, post Trump, not so much. Pick up brass and save it. Acquire tools, and supplies (bullets, powder, primers) when "on sale" to be prepared for the next "shortage". I did this last time 9mm was "too cheap to bother reloading" circa 2005 ($3.86/50 for CCI aluminum Blazer). What components I set aside then served be well during the Obama nightmare.
Ironicaintit
Member
If you really are worried about the economics is of the thing, it's probably not worth your time.
I don't even keep track of how much ammo costs, because I'd load them myself regardless.
Not because of quality control (though that's a plus) but I just like the process, and take pride in what I'm building. And it keeps me from bouncing off the walls when/if I can't sleep
I don't even keep track of how much ammo costs, because I'd load them myself regardless.
Not because of quality control (though that's a plus) but I just like the process, and take pride in what I'm building. And it keeps me from bouncing off the walls when/if I can't sleep
LiveLife
Member
My wife is the same. I have been telling her the past 22 years of marriage that she missed her calling as an IRS auditor and she agrees. Even though my sister is a CPA, my wife has done every single tax return since we got married.
I solved my limitation on amount of money spent on my hobbies years ago - She gets to spend double what I spend. Now she allows me to spend whatever I want.
But in 2014, I went on a spending spree for Christmas that included several guns and Dillon 650 with case feeder and total coming to over $7,000. Guess what? My wife gave me a big smile and said, "Honey, I get to spend double, right?" and proceeded to spend over $15,000. Well, most of her purchases were spent on remodeling our retirement house we had just bought - I was simply required to go to Home Depot and pick up things with no questions asked and install whatever I picked up or came in by UPS. Believe me, she had a VERY VERY NICE Christmas cooking in her brand new kitchen.
My fishing hobby spending that led to purchase of 21' Startcraft boat with Berkeley jet drive resulted in me buying wife a 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 crewcab with EcoDiesel/Outdoorsman trim, 20" rims and side steps. My dream of building a project retirement International Scout 80/800 is now on hold at least 10 years as I continue to "enjoy" our 1997 4x4 Suburban with stock highway tires as my "offroad" vehicle.
This year for my birthday, I spent over $3,000 on several dedicated 9mm carbine builds along with reloading component restocking. You guessed it, wife got to spend over $6,000 on her hobbies.
Last month, when everyone seemed to have sales at lowest prices I have seen, I spent over $2,000 on M&P Shield 9mm ($75 rebate on $319 gun?), .223 Wylde uppers, 40 boxes of 22LR and several optics to include large restock of S&B primers from Cabela's (How do you pass on a Cabela's exclusive rebadged Leupold VX-1 for $149 with free shipping?
). Well, now wife wants a lift kit for the truck, killer sound system, offroad rims/tires and 150" movie screen projection home theater system with bluetooth wireless sound system.I am glad I only have one wife.
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Ironicaintit
Member
My wife is the same....there is no fooling her, so I don't try. She's a rational woman though (oxymoron?) and listens as I plead my case(s).
I'm too broke for a bds style quid pro cuo
I'm too broke for a bds style quid pro cuo
I enjoy reloading as a hobby unto itself so reloading 9x19 is a no brainer for me. In fact, I just completed a 2900 cartridge run of 9x19. It was the number of prepared cases that I had on hand at the time. Several wonderful evenings doing an activity I enjoy
I now can move on to work on reloading other cartridges or on firearm related projects.
I do not have to keep huge amounts of component inventory on hand for each cartridge that I reload for. Primers and powder I use in 9x19 have uses in several different cartridges. Even some of the 9mm bullets that I have had on hand can be used in other cartridges. After the 9x19 run, I loaded several hundred 38/45 Clerke cases using some 124 gr 9mm bullets that I had on hand. This is similar for most of the 30+ different cartridges that I have reloading equipment for.
If the time spent at the reloading bench is drudgery, then reloading is not a good fit. For example, I used to do all my own car repairs but currently I do not care to spend the time or make the effort, so my check book performs the repairs these days.
It's good that the shortages of the past few years have eased.
I now can move on to work on reloading other cartridges or on firearm related projects.
I do not have to keep huge amounts of component inventory on hand for each cartridge that I reload for. Primers and powder I use in 9x19 have uses in several different cartridges. Even some of the 9mm bullets that I have had on hand can be used in other cartridges. After the 9x19 run, I loaded several hundred 38/45 Clerke cases using some 124 gr 9mm bullets that I had on hand. This is similar for most of the 30+ different cartridges that I have reloading equipment for.
If the time spent at the reloading bench is drudgery, then reloading is not a good fit. For example, I used to do all my own car repairs but currently I do not care to spend the time or make the effort, so my check book performs the repairs these days.
It's good that the shortages of the past few years have eased.
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