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Is Reloading worth it for me.
Ingalls
Member Posts: 304 ✭✭✭
I am in the very early stages of getting in to reloading. In looking at past topics, I know I have to get some books and start reading, but some questions wont be answered by a book. I am trying to figure out if would be worth the investment for me. I plan to reload .38, .357, .40, .44, and .45ACP, with the .40 being jacketed so I can shoot it in my Glock. I would guess I would reload 200 rounds a month more or less depending how many times I get to the range. Speed of loading them isnt really a factor. And I really dont have an interest (for now) in experimenting with different loads, this would just be to eventually save money on ammo. For those who know all the investments and hidden costs of reloading, is this something that would make sense to pursue. Thanks.
Comments
But there are some "hidden" costs............
After you get started, you will realize that
you never have enough reloading stuff, there's always
room for more "tools", different powders, new bullets, etc.
If I were you, I'd "go for it".
If you compare the cost of the ammo alone, you can reload for about half to as little as a third the cost of factory ammo. The equipment and component costs amortize very quickly. So why isn't that a savings? Because you'll shoot two to three times as much of it. In the end, you wind up spending the same amount of money as before, but you'll be shooting more.
My unvarying suggestion for new reloaders is to first buy the Lyman Reloading Manual and carefully read the entire front half (the How and Why section) before you buy any hardware.
When you are ready, buy a reloading kit with most of what you need in it. All makers sell them, and all modern equipment is top notch. Some are a bit heavier-duty, but all are satisfactory. Do begin with a single-stage press, not a progressive machine. Progressives are great for high volume, but not so good for learning the process.
And do feel free to ask questions. There will be a lot of them!
I'll just tell you in a nutshell right now that hands down you will have better ammo and save a bunch of money to boot if you reload. I have never been sorry for getting into all the reloading I do. I will acknowledge there are "hidden costs" but they always come along when I want to do something else with reloading that will cost me even more to buy the product in the store.
As a fair comparison, you shoot 200 rounds a month. Right now good(not great) target ammo is $20.00 a box. That's $80.00 a month. Bulk bullets are $.10 each powder per case(pistol) is about $.02 Cases are .$15-$.25 but can be re-used avg. 5 times so case cost is $.05 .10+.05+.02= $.17x50=$8.50 That's an $11.50 savings per box or $46.00 per month. The first month pays for 2 sets of dies.
Even standard ammo for 30-06 is cheaper to make yourself. I can buy bulk bullets @ $.20 ea. Powder runs $.18. Cases are usually free as I pick them up in our reload barrels all the time. $.38x20= $7.60 per box. That's half of what you pay at a discount store! You can even 'tweak' standard ammo to better work in your firearm. No question about it. Reloading is WAY better.
J
Reload supplies (Brass, Lead, Primers) are increasing at ~15% per year.
That is a better investment than ANY 401K right now.
If later you decide it not worth it. Just sell your remaining supplies here on GB and break even in about 2 yrs.
Just a thought.
How many of you out there go back and look at the cost label on the Boxes on your bench and wish you'd bought more at that price!
Don't forget.
Reload supplies (Brass, Lead, Primers) are increasing at ~15% per year.
That is a better investment than ANY 401K right now.
If later you decide it not worth it. Just sell your remaining supplies here on GB and break even in about 2 yrs.
Just a thought.
How many of you out there go back and look at the cost label on the Boxes on your bench and wish you'd bought more at that price!
quote:Originally posted by DENWA
Don't forget.
Reload supplies (Brass, Lead, Primers) are increasing at ~15% per year.
I am in the very early stages of getting in to reloading. In looking at past topics, I know I have to get some books and start reading, but some questions wont be answered by a book. I am trying to figure out if would be worth the investment for me. I plan to reload .38, .357, .40, .44, and .45ACP, with the .40 being jacketed so I can shoot it in my Glock. I would guess I would reload 200 rounds a month more or less depending how many times I get to the range. Speed of loading them isnt really a factor. And I really dont have an interest (for now) in experimenting with different loads, this would just be to eventually save money on ammo. For those who know all the investments and hidden costs of reloading, is this something that would make sense to pursue. Thanks.
Reloading is part of the hobby of shooting. When yo start reloading your horizon expands, you can become a better shooter and still have money left over. Save your money and buy decent equipment, it will not let you down. FWIW I am helping a friend set up a Lee Press, dies and powder measure. I don't like the press and the powder measure but that dislike is unfair. Both work fine and will last a long time. They are not what I am used to using, RCBS and other steel presses and powder dispensers.
BTW, after you start reloading, bullet casting will soon follow! [:D]
And the information I've gleaned not only from the reloading books, but from fellow reloaders here in GunBroker and about town is priceless.
Lately, I've been going to a lot of gun auctions to find good deals on supplies. I've probably got components for tens of thousands of handun rounds and thousands of rifle rounds.