Can I say no, it is just another addiction to tools for me!!! I just bought myself a Christmas gift of the Giraud Annealer and Giraud Power Trimmer, another major purchase that will not pay off for decades! But, I love the hobby and making the best ammunition I can... Woodworking was the same way, got a garage full of tools now for both and running out of room, now my logic is I need a bigger house... Oh well, it keeps me from watching all the crap on TV!
Is reloading really worth it?
- Thread starter Barrett93
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TimSr
Member
Not everyone agrees. It's just not possible for me to shoot up all my savings, even when I used to hit the range twice a week. When you start loading magnum revolver cartridges your savings can be 2, 3, or 4 times your actualy cost, and that's a LOT of extra shooting.
Nature Boy
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If you see any used Dillon 650's for 50% off of retail let me know and I'll buy another one.
I have roughly $2k in reloading stuff. It would take a long time to amortize that investment over the reduced cost of ammo. Plus, I keep buying more stuff so the investment/return lines on the graph will never cross.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
It's another level of the shooting sports hobby and you get ammo for your time, materials and effort. Plus a smug sense of self sufficiency when you look upon the box(es) of ammo when you are done. 
I plant a garden every Spring as well as hunt. Is it a "cheaper" way to get food ? Probably not 'but again, it's a Hobby and I do get to eat or share the results of my efforts.
YMMV
I plant a garden every Spring as well as hunt. Is it a "cheaper" way to get food ? Probably not 'but again, it's a Hobby and I do get to eat or share the results of my efforts.
YMMV
I'm a relative new comer to reloading. I've been at it for only 2 years. When I started with the idea was that I would save money. I think that happens a lot. Once I got going I found that I could shoot way more for the same money, and I did, plus more.
I currently load for 9MM, ,223, 243, and soon 30-06. Even with expensive components these days my 9mm costs me under $7 a box, and around here you'd be hard pressed to find it in a store for under $12-$15. For rifle I can generally save 50% off store stuff, or I can shoot premium ammo for the cost of the cheap stuff. Most all of my loads are more accurate than retail so that is a bonus as well.
So is it worth it ? For me it is because it enables me to shoot more and I enjoy the ability to make what I want when I want it. I kept track of savings until I recouped the costs of my press, and then quit tracking it. Mostly I didn't view it as cost saving any more, but more as a way to enable me to shoot more often. It is becoming as much a hobby as shooting and other activities that I enjoy. I've since bought more dies, and gadgets, it really never ends.
-jeff
I currently load for 9MM, ,223, 243, and soon 30-06. Even with expensive components these days my 9mm costs me under $7 a box, and around here you'd be hard pressed to find it in a store for under $12-$15. For rifle I can generally save 50% off store stuff, or I can shoot premium ammo for the cost of the cheap stuff. Most all of my loads are more accurate than retail so that is a bonus as well.
So is it worth it ? For me it is because it enables me to shoot more and I enjoy the ability to make what I want when I want it. I kept track of savings until I recouped the costs of my press, and then quit tracking it. Mostly I didn't view it as cost saving any more, but more as a way to enable me to shoot more often. It is becoming as much a hobby as shooting and other activities that I enjoy. I've since bought more dies, and gadgets, it really never ends.
-jeff
mstreddy
Member
Nature Boy said --
Believe it or not, it's quicker than you think. Particularly if you shoot often or a fair amount. In my case, I shoot 3 or 4 times a month, mostly pistol. I shoot around 300-400 rounds of 9MM a month, 100-200 rounds of 380ACP, 100-200 of 38 Spcl, Same for 45 ACP, and same for 223. At those levels, comparing to factory ammo prices I "paid off" my $1840 equipment/tools cost in about 10 months.
If I factor in the more unusual $$ calibers compared to factory, the payback period is even shorter. 300 Blackout, 7.7x58, 6.5x50, 6.5x55, 45 Colt, 30-40 Krag, etc.
Believe it or not, it's quicker than you think. Particularly if you shoot often or a fair amount. In my case, I shoot 3 or 4 times a month, mostly pistol. I shoot around 300-400 rounds of 9MM a month, 100-200 rounds of 380ACP, 100-200 of 38 Spcl, Same for 45 ACP, and same for 223. At those levels, comparing to factory ammo prices I "paid off" my $1840 equipment/tools cost in about 10 months.
If I factor in the more unusual $$ calibers compared to factory, the payback period is even shorter. 300 Blackout, 7.7x58, 6.5x50, 6.5x55, 45 Colt, 30-40 Krag, etc.
Sapper771
Member
If your a shooter.....If you have the time and the money, then yes it is worth it.
The panic of 2008 is what motivated me to look into reloading.
The hardest part for me was that initial cost. I was more of a gun owner than a shooter in those days. I still shot every week, but I was more interested in buying another pistol than feeding the stable I already had. I wanted to add another gun to the safe.....not drop $1K on a reloading kit. I went against what I wanted to do and got the reloading kit. Took home a new RCBS Rock Chucker kit and everything I needed to roll 1,000 rounds of 45acp.
Probably the best decision I have ever made , firearm related. I now have 3 or 4 single stage presses, a turret, and a progressive. I reload multiple rifle and pistol cartirdges. I can cast my own bullets as well.
Its time consuming and expensive, but I get to shoot twice as much on the same dollar. Example: The cheapest 9mm ammo at my local WM is $11 for 50 rounds (Tula steel case). My cost to reload 50 rounds of 9mm is around $5.56 right now (cut that in half if I cast the bullets). On top of saving 50% by reloading, I get better accuracy, cleaner burning powder , and higher velocities.
The panic of 2008 is what motivated me to look into reloading.
The hardest part for me was that initial cost. I was more of a gun owner than a shooter in those days. I still shot every week, but I was more interested in buying another pistol than feeding the stable I already had. I wanted to add another gun to the safe.....not drop $1K on a reloading kit. I went against what I wanted to do and got the reloading kit. Took home a new RCBS Rock Chucker kit and everything I needed to roll 1,000 rounds of 45acp.
Probably the best decision I have ever made , firearm related. I now have 3 or 4 single stage presses, a turret, and a progressive. I reload multiple rifle and pistol cartirdges. I can cast my own bullets as well.
Its time consuming and expensive, but I get to shoot twice as much on the same dollar. Example: The cheapest 9mm ammo at my local WM is $11 for 50 rounds (Tula steel case). My cost to reload 50 rounds of 9mm is around $5.56 right now (cut that in half if I cast the bullets). On top of saving 50% by reloading, I get better accuracy, cleaner burning powder , and higher velocities.
illinoisburt
Member
For general range fodder in 9mm 762x39 and 223 I haven't bothered d to reload for many years as the cases of cheap foreign ammo are so close to my component cost as to outweigh my time (like around 1 to 2 cents per round). However for my 44 mag with full power loads it is absolutely worth it to reload at 22 cents versus 70-80 cents per round. A few range sessions pays for a lot of equipment.
stubbicatt
Member
I enjoy hand loading. Though I go through phases where I begrudge having to do it in order to shoot. At least I know when I pull the trigger the ammo will work, and the bullet will go where I aim.
What I don't really enjoy is load development or testing to arrive at a good load. So, as soon as I arrive at a velocity and accuracy goal, I just load those recipes over and again.
What I don't really enjoy is load development or testing to arrive at a good load. So, as soon as I arrive at a velocity and accuracy goal, I just load those recipes over and again.
chipcom
member
The combination of reloading and maintaining a good supply of components is definitely worth it during each new panic.
Absolutely, I was approaching break even point in the first year, and to celebrate I got a cts trimmer, rcbs case prep center, and a chargemaster.
I'm looking at the boxes under the tree now and seeing the redding neck guage, 21st century neck lathe and conctricity guage.
So I should be far far away from the break even point now to just enjoy loading.
Although I do probabally save money on the 87 gr 6 mm vmax rounds I make., as those are not availible commercially.
Cwall, let me know how you like the annealer.
I enjoy loading for the craft and hobby aspects. But the 9mm, 38 is $5 a box, and the 45 acp is $6.50 a box. the 77 gr match load in 223 is 0.45/rd, so yes there is some savings.
I'm looking at the boxes under the tree now and seeing the redding neck guage, 21st century neck lathe and conctricity guage.
So I should be far far away from the break even point now to just enjoy loading.
Although I do probabally save money on the 87 gr 6 mm vmax rounds I make., as those are not availible commercially.
Cwall, let me know how you like the annealer.
I enjoy loading for the craft and hobby aspects. But the 9mm, 38 is $5 a box, and the 45 acp is $6.50 a box. the 77 gr match load in 223 is 0.45/rd, so yes there is some savings.
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X-Rap
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I'd ask the same question about hunting, fishing, car repair, gardening or any other activity one might take up as a hobby that may also supplement their way of life.
I'm sure I've "broken even" a number of times but quickly add or upgrade my equipment so for me, reloading simply allows me to shoot more.
My hunting and fishing on the other hand probably will never come close to break even based on a $ to # ratio.
Try golf or skiing and see what kind of return you get from those hobbies.
I'm only guessing but I'd also say sewing and knitting has a pretty low return on your time/dollar investment.
I'm sure I've "broken even" a number of times but quickly add or upgrade my equipment so for me, reloading simply allows me to shoot more.
My hunting and fishing on the other hand probably will never come close to break even based on a $ to # ratio.
Try golf or skiing and see what kind of return you get from those hobbies.
I'm only guessing but I'd also say sewing and knitting has a pretty low return on your time/dollar investment.
trixter
Member
I got started casting and reloading in the mid '80s, didn't have a clue and learned quite a lot, that was for my 30-06. Couldn't hit the side of a barn so I sold everything and was ok with buying a box of shells about two weeks before hunting season, using half of it to practice and taking the rest of it for the hunt. In 2008 my son bought a 45ACP and we decided that we could not afford factory ammo, so I went on the hunt for reloading stuff. I found a LGS that had a box full of Lee stuff and bought it for $75.00. There was a single stage 'C' press and a powder dispenser and the whole set of powder dippers and a scale. I bought dies, powder and some bulk 200gr jacketed bullets, and we were in heaven. A friend gave me a pound of Bullseye and a gallon can of once fired brass. Since then I have added 300 Savage and 223/556.
All this to say that I would not be able to shoot as much and have as much fun if I had to buy off the shelf ammo, besides it gives me something to do instead of staring at the one eyed monster.
All this to say that I would not be able to shoot as much and have as much fun if I had to buy off the shelf ammo, besides it gives me something to do instead of staring at the one eyed monster.
spitballer
Member
Reloading was the only way I ould get .223 ammo to shoot properly in a varmint barrel. It took me years to find this out. The experience gave me newfound respect for the serious competitors who design and build their equipment and ammo from the ground up. It ain't easy when it comes to advanced reloading techniques, especially when there's a dearth of information as a result of over-litigation.
Catpop
Member
To me, reloading is cheaper therapy than a phychatrist and I don't have to make an appointment.
I'm confused, no wait maybe I'm not!
I'm confused, no wait maybe I'm not!
justin22885
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- Nov 9, 2009
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taking the really cheap wolf and tulammo out of the equation, i can handload 75gr HPBT 5.56 match ammo for about $0.30/rd, to buy the same ammo would cost me at least double that... could i buy cheaper? sure, with wolf and tulammo, however youre not going to find quality match ammo for the price i can load it for... so for 5.56/.223, i get a huge performance boost in my ammo for minimal costs over the cheap stuff.. yeah, its worth it
For me, the answer is "it depends".
When I first started reloading, I was in a job that had enough spare time that I could devote to reloading. It was completely worth it both financially and in terms of quality then.
Now my current job has much more limited free time, and I value spending that limited time with my family, thus I buy factory ammo when I can instead.
When I first started reloading, I was in a job that had enough spare time that I could devote to reloading. It was completely worth it both financially and in terms of quality then.
Now my current job has much more limited free time, and I value spending that limited time with my family, thus I buy factory ammo when I can instead.
I reload not so much as too save money but I am very anal retentive about accuracy. I love knowing what each of my firearms love to shoot. So loading for each one gives me a piece of mind knowing that it will always perform exactly the same way with the first round or the 10000th round.
mljdeckard
Member
You can save money, you can get better quality, but the thing I like most about handloading is that it gives me a more global understanding of shooting in general.
Depends on how you define worth it. I started before I had kids and made a lot of high quality stuff. Now I have kids running all over the place and a couple hours to sit and reload is a fantasy at this point. For me, I love reloading but my time has become more valuable so at this point it is not worth it. I take the time I use to reload and now shoot. One day when either the kids get interested in it or they move out, I will continue my reloading career. As far as money, if you are not a high volume shooter it will take time for all the fixed costs to be offset by savings. Good luck!
Zeke/PA
Member
I've been reloading for almost 60 years and I never really considered cost versus REALLY accurate loads in my rifles.
This weekend I loaded sixty .30-30 rounds for a friend/neighbor and the cost came to just over $24.00 to him, components ONLY in the price.
Sadly though, the younger generation have other interests and NOT reloading or shooting !
This weekend I loaded sixty .30-30 rounds for a friend/neighbor and the cost came to just over $24.00 to him, components ONLY in the price.
Sadly though, the younger generation have other interests and NOT reloading or shooting !
Ironicaintit
Member
Im trying to change that! We all should be, i guess, but...
My little teetertoddler is about to turn 4, and he already likes to see and ask about what Im doing, and does his best to pull that handle hard enough to cam over. He knows the difference between a cartridge and a bullet, and feeling the recoil while I shoot the ruger mark I with him between my arms makes him giggle.
Hunting, reloading, tying knots, sharpening a knife, making fire, and just basic self sufficiency (Caveman 101) are all becoming lost arts, it seems.
But, there are still some little coals left that can be stoked yet!
zb338
Member
I think reloading teaches one more about guns and ammunition.
It certainly gets a shooter more involved about his hobby. When
it comes to rifle reloading, reloading allows a shooter to load
ammo that is more accurate. Go ask a bench rest shooter if he
buys his ammo at Wall-Mart.
Zeke
It certainly gets a shooter more involved about his hobby. When
it comes to rifle reloading, reloading allows a shooter to load
ammo that is more accurate. Go ask a bench rest shooter if he
buys his ammo at Wall-Mart.
Zeke
Lr_athlete32
Member
I once read that reloading isn't cheap, it just allows you to shoot more, and I'm perfectly OK with that!
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