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Reloading/hand loading for a newbie
Mr. Perfect
Member, Moderator Posts: 66,260 ******
Ok, it was suggested to me over on the GD forum that I could get into hand loading inexpensively.
I am not a person who shoots a lot. I like to maintain my proficiency with my guns and spend my fair share hunting, but I'm not the guy who is at the range once or twice a week.
Is it a worthwhile investment for someone like me?
Would I realize significant gains in accuracy over factory loads?
I guess I'm asking what is the cost/benefit analysis?
(sorry if this question has been posted a million times on this forum)
I am not a person who shoots a lot. I like to maintain my proficiency with my guns and spend my fair share hunting, but I'm not the guy who is at the range once or twice a week.
Is it a worthwhile investment for someone like me?
Would I realize significant gains in accuracy over factory loads?
I guess I'm asking what is the cost/benefit analysis?
(sorry if this question has been posted a million times on this forum)
Some will die in hot pursuit
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Comments
Most times the accuracy is better or just as good.
To most of us it is very relaxing to reload for a while as you need to concentrate on what you are doing. If you try while thinking about other problems, STAY AWAY FROM THE PRESS [;)]
Would I realize significant gains in accuracy over factory loads?Almost certainly. However it is a learning curve and some experimentation with each gun/load combo is needed.
I guess I'm asking what is the cost/benefit analysis?See http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp For example: For 100 rounds of 30-06, middle of the road ammo, you'd probably pay around $100- a dollar a round or so. Handloading with similar bullets, assuming you get the brass for free, it would cost about $46. If you bought the brass, that would run about $90 for 100 loaded- BUT you could reuse the brass many times, meaning subsequent loads are far cheaper.
Using this consideration, let's say on average you can save 50% over factory 30-06. That means that even if you went with a fairly deluxe setup- let's say $500- it would pay for itself in 25 boxes of ammo.
Again, that's using all factory components, for a middle of the range price ammo. For something oddball caliber wise, it can pay for itself in 2-3 boxes of ammo.
NO! It used to be but unless you shoot a lot or just like to do it it is not a money saver!
Just because Joker said this, I have to outlay just how cheap it CAN be. I even looked up the prices rather than estimate this time. [:I]
Let's use my 30-06 example again. Only this time, let's say I am going to load my own as absolute cheaply as possible.
Brass- free range pick up.
Primers- 2.5 c each.
Bullet- homemade cast. From free wheelweights or range scrap. Initial outlay for mold: $20, plus $13 for lube sizer. Melt over stove, campfire, whatever you have.
Reduced charge of powder- roughly 18 gr for cast lead- 6.5 c each
Lee loader 30-06- $22
Total equipment: $57
Total cost per round: 9 cents per round. Cost per box: $1.80. 100: $9. Savings over factory: $91. # of rounds to break even: just over 60.
Granted this is an extreme example, but the equipment listed above will nonetheless produce shootable, if downloaded ammo, easy on the shoulder and pocketbook.
And to answer your original query. Yes the price per round goes down... that or you get to shoot more
If you buy five boxes of rifle ammo and it lasts you two years don't bother.
If you want to shoot more, shoot better and expand your knowledge about shooting then reloading becomes a natural extension of the sport.
You can get used equipment at garage sales for a few bucks to get started.
But you will. So your real outlay is going to be AT LEAST what you spend now, even if not counting the cost of the equipment. For a bit more discussion of the whole reloading thing, see my article Reloading 101 at http://www.reloadingroom.com/index_files/Reloading%20101.htm View it with Firefox, because that damned Internet Exploder will scramble it.
What cartridges do you shoot? Perhaps I could give you a more realistic estimate of the costs.
I literally enjoy reloading as much, if not more than shooting.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I need no crystal ball to predict that, my friend!
What cartridges do you shoot? Perhaps I could give you a more realistic estimate of the costs.
I'm going to be reloading a .264 Win Mag, Weatherby .223, and a Howa .25-06.
Using 150gr sst, powder, and primers it costs me ~$10 box whereas buying it at midway $30 + shipping
For my 50 using API bullets I can shoot for `$.50 rd where FMJ bullets from midway are $4rd plus shipping (on sale right now)
Can be cheaper depending on what you load, for 9mm using jacketed bullets probably not cheap enough to worry about
all excellent thoughts and I certainly appreciate the numbers provided. That's pretty helpful to me. Which reloading brands should I be looking at then?
almost all my stuff is Lee brand
It makes no sense to buy an expensive progressive if you are shooting 50 rds/mo.
Provide a budget that includes initial outlay for equipment, etc + your monthly budget for components (powder, brass, etc) and other forum members can probably work around that to give you well thought out suggestions.
If you go that route, start with the Lee Classic Cast press and the Lyman reloading manual. Next up, get a good powder scale. The beam styles and the digitals are equally good for reloading, but stay away from the cheapest models of either. You can actually load with just a scale and a teaspoon to dribble in powder, but that's very tedious. So your next buy will be a powder measure. As with the scale, used ones can be found and almost any of them are more than adequate.
Finally, you'll need dies, shellholders and expendable components. Ask about those after you've accumulated the other items mentioned above. There are other things like trimmers and small tools, but we can cover them with the expendables. If you come across other load manuals, get them, too. You can't have too many, and three is about the minimum to crosscheck against typos.
Even looking at 9mm. At Wally World Winchester white box is $24.99/100rds. So, 1000 rds would be $249.99 or roughly .25/rd. Reloading can be done for roughly .12/rd. Lots of people don't reload, go to your range and collect the brass. My range will even bag up 1000 rds of brass for $10.
Now for the relaxing/fun/feeling of accomplishment factor, it is great! Just be warned, it is an addiction.
There is a website "handloading cost calculator" where you plug in your costs for components and a per round cost is given....
Here's a link to it.
http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp
I've found that the initial cost of handloading is only the beginning. First I made a target frame, then a metal detector to find the errant brass, then I built a solid shooting bench and then I built a reloading bench, then a brass catcher to mount on the shooting bench. Then I bought a chronograph, then I bought a replacement for the one I shot. Then I bought brass by the thousands, then I had to buy bullets to fill the brass, then more powder and primers to replace what I used. Then I bought more guns and had to buy new dies for those calipers.
As you can see, it can become a very addicting and expensive hobby, but it is also a relaxing and enjoyable hobby too. I set up my reloading bench out in my office in my barn, far away from the distractions of everyday life so it's peaceful and quiet, that is until I turn on the vibratory tumbler. [:D]
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I've found that the initial cost of handloading is only the beginning. First I made a target frame, then a metal detector to find the errant brass, then I built a solid shooting bench and then I built a reloading bench, then a brass catcher to mount on the shooting bench. Then I bought a chronograph, then I bought a replacement for the one I shot. Then I bought brass by the thousands, then I had to buy bullets to fill the brass, then more powder and primers to replace what I used. Then I bought more guns and had to buy new dies for those calipers.
As you can see, it can become a very addicting and expensive hobby, but it is also a relaxing and enjoyable hobby too. I set up my reloading bench out in my office in my barn, far away from the distractions of everyday life so it's peaceful and quiet, that is until I turn on the vibratory tumbler. [:D]
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Yup. except I had dies for guns I didnt own. My wife actually found a 218 bee for me. We didn't want to see those dies go to waste and all....
Not to mention all the time I spend driving to the post office to see if my new components are here yet
2. You can save a lot of money, but the initial set up will be expensive - BUT you can find used sets online where some have given up. The definition of "a lot" also depends on you. I just feel I get better quality regardless.
3. NO, it is not NEARLY as big a $$ saver as it was in the 70's, 80, and 90's. I have boxes of .22 from Sierra at $4.95 a box all the way up to rediculous.
4. It also depends on the caliber you are shooting. I don't really save jack on 100 rounds for my 30-06, but I save a BUTT LOAD on my .338 Lapua Magnum. They are not cheap to relooad either, but a lot cheaper than buying a box of 20 for over $100.
5. The satisfaction you will get from finding the SWEET load for your particular gun will always make you smile. It is half of my shooting enjoyment. I spend a lot of time with the kids doing it as well.
quite theraputic, also
a big benefit is you
start shooting more
with satisfaction, using
your own creations
Originally, my rifles were in .308 or 30-06, and it's easy to find ammo on sale. But then I bought a Win Mdl 71 in .348. Factory ammo, when you could get it, was ridiculous, and so it was easy to justify a Hornady reloading kit (press, powder scale, powder measure, etc.). Next, I started experimenting with different bullet weights, and so on. And, as long as I had the equipment, why not buy '06 dies, then .357 Mag? Then.....well, see those posts above.
Presently, I load for 38 Spl, .357 Mag, 44 Spl, 7.62 Nagant, 22 Hornet, .223 Rem, 30-30, 45-70. As you can see, buying some in factory ammo would be much more costly than others. Figuring I amortized the cost of the reloading kit years ago, I'm still saving 50% on .223, 30-30 and 38 Spl. Others show significantly more savings: it costs me less to load 22 Hornet than .223, whereas 22 Hornet factory ammo prices are at least double the cost of .223 Rem.
Buying "++P" 45-70 factory loads for my Marlin Guide gun is expensive. Rolling my own? About half the cost of on-sale Remington 45-70 rounds, which are under-loaded so as to not blow up 19th Century rifles and their replicas.
And as stated so eloquently by previous posters, it is a great hobby....if you want another hobby! [?] [;)]