Considering reloading, but have some questions

[Cueball]

I have been thinking recently about getting into reloading in order to save some money. I would be reloading primarily 40 S&W and I would have to use FMJ bullets since that is required at the range I use. My first question is, what would my cost per round be by going with reloading? I currently have a connection that I can get 1,000 rounds of 165gr FMJ for $180 after tax and no shipping. Since i have to use FMJ, will reloading save me much? I would probably average 750 rounds per month and I'm just wondering if going to the expense of all the reloading equipment would be worth it for me in the long run. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks

 

[YellowLab]

YES.

You will save money. .45 cal is under $0.06 per cartridge for supplies. Less if you use surplus bullets. Since you cannot use lead then casting is out. Pick up range brass and you are set.

My bias is towards Lee for low cost reloading gear.. a PRO1000 is all you need, add a scale and you have a complete getup. Screw case gauges, trimmers, tumblers etc. You are reloading pistol, no need for that stuff.

Inital investment maybe $200 but that would also include 500 or so rounds in that price.

 

[kart racer]

You can get bullets from here http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
You'll have a little more than a 100.00 per 1000.Depending on how much you shoot it'll be worth it.Plus it's a lot of fun.Order 2000 and the shipping's free.

 

[trickyasafox]

check and see if your range allows plated bullets also. some ranges just dont want straight lead, but are okay with plated pullets, if so, check out berrys preferred plated bullets or rainer ballistics. you could probably load for about 75 per k if you can use either of those.

edit: just checked cabelas. berrys preferred plated run 50 per k before shipping. just so you have a point of reference

 

[Cueball]

The range specifically requires FMJ or TMJ ammo so I am stuck on that one

 

[caz223]

Plated IS TMJ, AFAIK.

 

[Bacchus]

If you shoot 750 rounds per month, you'll definitely save a LOT of money by reloading your own.

 

[trickyasafox]

rose distrib. has 165gr tcfm bullets for 85 per k before shipping. im not sure if they do bulk discounts. primers run from 15-20 dollars per 1000 depending on your location. here in upstate ny we have them from 14.50 at the cheap places to 22 dollars per k. powder should run similarly, 15-20 per lb. there are 7000 grains in a lb, i dont reload 40 sw so i dont know what an average charge would be, but me using bullseye (a powder by allient) i reload about 1500 45acp's off of 1 lb. other powders like clays might go a bit further per lb.

brass for 40 sw should be free or close to it. its available every where. check LE Ranges and ask if you can have some of their brass. by me they give it away by the barrel.

i would also specifically check if plated qualify, i know they said TMJ but some plated are aren't they? also this is probably a reach, but you can buy copper washed bullets usually very affordably.

millseatcomponents.com has some phenominal brass and bullet deals. they work with a plated company called excel, and are the cheapest i have found online. great people to work with, i'd recomend giving them a call sometime if this peaks your interest.

 

[frenchwrench]

Another way to save money is to do group buys on powder and primers.If you have friends that reload, this can save quite a bit on components also.

 

[azredhawk44]

If you can afford to do so, buy your powders by the 8lb keg rather than the 1lb bottle. 8lb of Unique is usually only about $80-90 depending on vendor. 1lb of Unique is usually about $20.

Buy 1lb containers until you find one particular powder you really like for 40S&W. Then buy an 8lb-er for it and you won't need new powder for about 5 years at your rate of loading.

Also...who's gonna know if your bullets are FMJ copper jacketed or plated? I can't tell looking at them unless I am REALLY close and I have reloaded for about 3 years using Berry's, Rainier and Sierra/Hornady/Nosler/Winchester.

 

[TooTaxed]

Your ammo cost will depend on whatever you pay for components, plus shipping costs. Shop for deals, buy in bulk, share bulk shipments with others, advertise on your shooting range bulletin boards for what you want.

Rule of thumb: cost per pistol cartridge (9-mm to .45 Auto) is about 1.8 cents/primer, 1 cent for powder, plus cost of whatever bullet you get...assuming you use free range cases, otherwise add cost of case.

Shop Midway http://midwayusa.com where you will pay shipping, and Graf & Sons http://grafs.com, where shipping is free, for Ranier plated and Win/Rem jacketed bullets. Be careful when buying jacketed bullets...most have lead exposed either on the nose or base (most commercial ammunition uses these bullets). Check with your range to see exactly what they will accept.

Plated bullets are completely enclosed in a thin coating of copper...no exposed lead...but if you load them, you must bell the case mouths the same as for lead bullets. I haven't found that to be necessary for jacketed bullets, though most reloaders do it anyhow.

 

[PinoyInFL]

Although cost is a big reason why we reload, let us not forget the other big reason - accuracy! I just enjoy shooting far more when I hit the target more often. You just hit your target better with quality ammo.