Is it economical to reload .223/5.56?

[420Stainless]

I'm not so sure its really worth the labor if you worry about the time you spend reloading, but I like to reload .223 just to get a good bullet at a decent price.

 

[evtSmtx]

Shoot bigger calibers & save even more.
When the wife adds up the savings she'll INSIST you buy that 338 lapua magnum or the 50 BMG.

 

[Sport45]

I have to disagree.
It really doesn't sum it up.

The OP didn't ask if it was worth it. He asked if it were more economical. Big difference.

Whether or not something is worth it is subjective. Something that is worth it to you may not be to me, and vice versa.

Whether or not something is more economical is a matter of fact, not opinion. It is either cheaper or it isn't.

I will stand by my original statement.

The OP is comparing the cost of components with the cost of factory ammunition and asking if reloading 223 is economical when compared with factory.

The "worth it" is implied in this case.

I will agree with the rest of the comments on the value of worth to each individual.

It's really just simple math.

Like this.

 

[RPegram]

Is it worth it to me? Without a doubt. I save a little money per round, but most importantly I get the satisfaction of shooting a round I made. I enjoy the peaceful relaxation I get sitting at my reloading desk and resizing, removing crimp, trimming, dropping powder and seating every single piece. I enjoy the process of developing that near perfect load I shoot the best. Do I save money? Without a doubt, no. If I didn't reload, I would only shoot a few hundred a year instead of a few thousand. I personally believe most people reload for the enjoyment, not saving money. I shoot so I can reload.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

My 168 grain Nosler HPBT loads offer huger money savings. Factory match loads run around $1.25/round. I'm loading the same bullet, producing 3/4" groups at 100 yards, for 42 cents/piece!

I shoot about 500 rounds of 308/year.....so I'm actually saving bigtime money here.

 

[cwall64]

I reload everything, love it, and I am sure I have broken even over the 30+ years I have been doing it - but don't forget we handloaders like to buy tools! Throw a nice progressive (Dillon, Hornady, or RCBS) into the mix and you are adding a big startup cost. I used a RCBS RockChucker for 30 or so years and it was a great press, but recently bought a Dillon, it will take a while to get even again...

it is all about how you like to invest your time in my opinion. If you like to sit down or stand behind a press, pay close attention to details, and make precision ammo (or just plinking ammo) - it is for you. If your not patient and don't like paying attention to details - it is not for you...

I do this with home improvements also - if I can buy the tools and do the job for less than the contractors bid - I do... It is all a hobby and most of us like accumulating tools to do the job the best!

 

[Hondo 60]

The idea that you'll save money by reloading is usually wrong in my opinion.

You'll probably shoot BETTER ammunition.

You'll almost certainly shoot MORE ammunition.

That's it EXACTLY!
I can shoot waaaayyyy more for the same money.
There's ALWAYS a reason to go to the range!
That's the way uh, uh, I like it! uh, uh,
(isn't that a 70s song?)