Author Topic: Is Reloading Cost Effective ? (Read 3613 times)

Sweetwater · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2009, 05:28:20 PM »

Quote from: mjbgalt on November 01, 2009, 12:28:45 PM

ok. here's an example.

i bought a 40 round pack of remington factory .22-250's. $32.

i can load that many for about $14 give or take.

so yes its cheaper.

but what will REALLY happen is, i will shoot the rifle twice as much, using the same budget for shooting lol

so yeah its cost effective but you're not going to be able to drop that $18 into your IRA.

WELL STATED!

Regards,
Sweetwater

huntducks · « **Reply #31 on:** November 02, 2009, 05:29:04 AM »

Quote from: Darrell Davis on November 01, 2009, 11:41:07 AM

Hey there Huntsducks,

The smart folk are those who, as you did, stocked up before the fact.

I know this twists some folks tails, but there are just some things we should all keep well stocked ahead on, food and components being two of those "things".

I guess I feel for any of the young/new reloaders who didn't have that oppertunity before the obamanation, but for the rest of the folk, they can spend all the time they wish cry'in about having nothing to shoot and have no one to blame but themselves

When this thing eases a bit, and I hope it does, we should all spend some extra coin on components and count it money well spent, even IF THE PRICE GOES DOWN AFTER THE BUY!

Keep em coming!

CDOC

Darrell Davis

After the clinton primer powded days I said never again can't tell you how many gun shows or close out and even private partys I bought out for 10 cents on the dollar, I would see a table at a show and someone would have 300-400 primers wrapped with tape and want a buck or someone would have a couple pounds of powder left from a 8lb keg for $10 or 3-4 years ago midway had 50rd box's of 30 cal 150gr moly coated combined tech bullets for $2.20 a box on close out gee did I buy a few box's.

Keep your eyes opened for deals out there I was in a pawn shop about 3mo back they had an older mec 600 shotshell press wanted $40 right next to it was a box full of componts that went with it about 60lbs of shot 1700 Win primers few bags of wads and a almost full 4lb keg of red dot, I kept the press for parts and the primers alone where worth $40.

Sensai · « **Reply #32 on:** November 02, 2009, 07:06:23 AM »

I guess I'm a little on the outside of mainstream, but I reload because I really enjoy it. If I kept track, I probably save a little on the ammo, but I put it all and more back into supplies and equipment. I really like hobbies that require your full attention, and reloading definitly does. If you're not willing to concentrate completely on what you're doing, I would advise you not to get into reloading. If you are willing to give it the time that it requires, you could be finding a hobby that will provide you a lifetime of pleasure and relaxation.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #33 on:** November 02, 2009, 09:59:06 AM »

I'll buy into that line of thought, Sensai.

I don't do it every day or every month or even every year, but many is the time I have loaded lots of ammo just for the fun of it.

I am however, getting to the place that a Square Deal B or some such would be nice for the handguns.

Maybe that has something to do with the 45 having a big and rapid fire hunger.

Really do need to have a casting session so I can spend some more quality time.

I can even remember back , just barely, to when snow was fun or at least no big thing, rather then just the pain it is now.

Hope reloading never gets to that level.

Keep em coming!

CDOC

brianscott12 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:08:36 PM »

Quote from: Sensai on November 02, 2009, 07:06:23 AM

I guess I'm a little on the outside of mainstream, but I reload because I really enjoy it. \

Finally.

I feel the same way. I really do enjoy it.

mechanic · « **Reply #35 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:37:09 PM »

I don't dislike it, but I don't do it for enjoyment. One major reason for me, it that when all the stores are out of ammo, I can "roll my own". When the price goes to $56.00 for green box Rem. 45-70, I can load a box for about $4.00. For years after my Dad died, I didn't bother to reload. I did not shoot that much, and ammo was relatively cheap. Things have changed.

ihookem · « **Reply #36 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:40:40 PM »

I can reload .243 for 8.50 a box if I use Rem. core-loc bullets and add 5 cents for each time for wear on the brass.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #37 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:44:24 PM »

I load for fun and profit. Saves me money and I enjoy it.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #38 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:29:11 PM »

i load to save money but mostly to tune my rifles to the max.

yes i am a reload geek. i worry about how many times i use the brass, the OAL, the charge weight, etc.

its fun but don't take it too seriously. you might make yourself crazy trying to get more accurate every time.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #39 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:40:18 PM »

I reloaded in the 70's. It was as much for accuracy as anything. Although things were cheaper then, so were wages. I reloaded 44 mag, 6mm, and 45 acp. When the family started coming along I devoted time and money to things on a priority basis. Last year I decided to restart reloading. And since that time i have tried to gather the necessary componants. I can find the ammunition i need and want, but powder and primers are scarce as liberals at a gun show. I'm sure that reloading is cost effective especially if it is done the way I'm gonna do it, reload what i need and keep the overhead down.

Quote from: mjbgalt on November 02, 2009, 04:29:11 PM

i load to save money but mostly to tune my rifles to the max.

yes i am a reload geek. i worry about how many times i use the brass, the OAL, the charge weight, etc.

its fun but don't take it too seriously. you might make yourself crazy trying to get more accurate every time.

Yep it would be easy to get crazy if you go overboard!

Sweetwater · « **Reply #40 on:** November 02, 2009, 05:03:26 PM »

I guess I started reloading because Dad did, and Grandfather did, therefore I do.
That was a long time ago. Raising 5 kids, it was a good thing that I did reload, or I would have been out of shooting. To further economize, I started casting out of necessity. Today, I still need to due to economic times, kids and grandkids, however, I really do enjoy it. As it reads under my name, when it ceases to be fun, I shall cease to do it. I go to my reloading bench like some go to their therapist. It is like therapy to me. I can relax and let the world go away from my door. Casting has become a time of comradship as I have a couple friends and we gather to cast our bullets and share life. That is true economics.

Regards,
Sweetwater

Steve P · « **Reply #41 on:** November 03, 2009, 07:16:56 AM »

OMG....I just went to a local "discount" store and Remington 140 Core-Lokt ammo for 7mm-08 was $30 a box. Two years ago in the fall hunting specials you could have bought it on sale for $7.99-9.99.

I bought 100 rem brass $42 and a box of partitions $32. I have powder and primers so will have 50 rounds of premium 7mm-08s for $74. The premium ammo with the partions were $42 per box of 20, but they didn't have any.

With the prices out there right now, reloading is the only way I am going to be able to shoot.

Steve

P.S. while I was there, a younger guy came in looking for some 270 ammo for elk hunting. 6th store he had been in and had found no ammo. I have reloading stuff for about everything I shoot. I am glad I will never be in his shoes (gun but no ammo to use it.)

huntducks · « **Reply #42 on:** November 03, 2009, 08:27:07 AM »

WOW no 270 ammo that's like the market not having milk....

I feel for anyone getting into reloading now and trying to find all the componets they need at a price they can affort to stock up on, all the equiptment is still fairly well priced, the componets are way over priced like bullets and brass not to mention you can't find primers in any numbers.

Steve P

I have a 7mm-08 and have never bought a round of brass stamped 7mm-08 all mine are resized 308 same goes for a 260 I have.

This evening I have nothing better to do i'm going to figure what it cost me to reload some ammo.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #43 on:** November 03, 2009, 08:36:23 AM »

The only component I've really had any trouble finding has been large rifle primers. I finally found 1000 at a local shop and bought them. Powders I've had a low selection of, but now have a good supply built up.

jim36 · « **Reply #44 on:** November 03, 2009, 09:22:41 AM »

I don't save any money reloading... But I get to shoot twice as much.

Jim

teamnelson · « **Reply #45 on:** November 03, 2009, 09:25:51 AM »

I started reloading this year ... even after everyone started hoarding, and prices skyrocketed. While I was in Iraq this last time I tried to look forward a bit and realized I needed to take a holistic approach for the future.

So since I got back I've consolidated my firearms collection down to half as many calibers as I had before, and stayed with common workhorse calibers that are good at what they do. I bought a Lee Hand press, and traded around for dies. I've stockpiled brass and bullets from trading. I grabbed all the free WW I could find and smelted a lot of ingots, and got some bullet molds, started casting. I'm at a point where as long as I can get powder and primers, I figure I can shoot as much as I'd NEED to for a very long time, just maybe not as much as I WANT to. And I don't have more than $100 invested in reloading equipment.

I think all shooters should start reloading and casting now. I know that will affect the market in the short term, but I'm not thinking economics.

burntmuch · « **Reply #46 on:** November 03, 2009, 09:35:51 AM »

Something Ive done is have calibers that use the same bullet IE 35 whelen, 35 rem , 357 max, 357 mag. & 7mm-08 & 7 mag. I can slow the whelen & 7 mag down if needed.

briannmilewis · « **Reply #47 on:** November 17, 2009, 11:03:38 AM »

Do the math yourself with this handy reloading calculator.

epanzella · « **Reply #48 on:** November 17, 2009, 11:31:49 AM »

Quote from: kevinsmith5 on October 30, 2009, 04:48:41 AM

I think his question was more "is it about saving money, or is it because you get better loads for your gun" oriented.

The answer is YES on both counts. I don't buy the argument that it's not cost effective because you'll end up shooting more. If everyone is paying $3/gallon for gas and you can get it for $2/gallon is that cost effective? What if you drive more, does that change the fact that it's cost effective? Of course not. Whether you're shooting more, or driving more, or not, you're still getting more value for your money. The fact that you can tailor your loads to what works best in your particular rifle is icing on the cake.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #49 on:** November 17, 2009, 12:05:52 PM »

OH DEAR, things are gett'in real tough round here!

I'm about to be forced into more shoot'in so I can do more reload'in!

Just this last week, started look'in at my nice stash of Cabela's points, bout 178 Dollars worth, the $30 off on a $150 or more order, 200 - 300 dollars worth of "free" bullets, and felt compled to order a new Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive press from Cabela's.

I can feel the pressure mount'in already, shoot, load, shoot, load, shoot, load, on and on and on, may it never quit or get old!

It is the first progressive loader for this Ol'Coot, so it will take awhile for the "new" to ware off, I hope!!

Mean while shoot, load, shoot, load, shoot, load, shoo------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keep em coming!

CDOC

Savage · « **Reply #50 on:** November 17, 2009, 12:47:05 PM »

The first 20 yrs or so, I enjoyed reloading. My shooing was limited to a few hundred rds a month. All loaded on a RCBS single stage. As I got into action pistol games, hand loading became a chore. Loading all week for matches on the weekend, just like a second job. Now days I have a couple of progressive presses, and a turret press in addition to the old Rock Chucker. I don't reload for pleasure, I reload so that I can shoot. The progressives load my high volume pistol calibers, the turret for my less frequently used calibers, and the RC JIC! Life is good. Now if I can just keep enough components to feed the beast---------

Savage

thxmrgarand · « **Reply #51 on:** November 17, 2009, 01:32:23 PM »

I began going to garage sales a few years ago. Since then I doubt I have shot any rifle or pistol ammo that was not just about free (not counting my time in reloading of course) because garage sale components are just about free (or I do not buy them). I still have to buy most of my shotgun shot, primers and powder because there is less of it at garage sales and the quantities I shoot are quite high. Still, this year I must have found 5 bags of shot and a few thousand shotgun primers. Until the recent price run-up I was forcing myself to only buy bullet sizes I use but I bought all powder and primers I could find. Now I buy all inexpensive components. I only buy powder in sealed unopened containers unless the seller is someone I know. I bring home all lead, using it for pistol bullets, and it is virtually free. I find lots of rifle bullets, including Nosler partition bullets as they were the local premium bullet of several years ago. I have a friend who does not shoot but he buys musical instruments at garage sales, therefore I pick them up for him and he buys any components he comes across. Among the guns I found this year are a 12 GA Win Model 37 and a Marlin 39. Garage sales here begin at 7 AM and are pretty much over by noon every Saturday. I have also bought perhaps 40 molds over the past 2 or 3 years, and I assembled a complete reloading outfit and gave it to a fellow who is down on his luck. I recommend garage sales as part of reloading.

hillbill · « **Reply #52 on:** November 17, 2009, 03:34:05 PM »

to be truthfull, reloading tends to payoff about 10 yrs after yu start.after yu have compiled a huge stock of components at the price they were a few years ago. then it tends to get cost effective.glad i started 10 yrs ago.

Savage · « **Reply #53 on:** November 18, 2009, 01:57:50 AM »

My wife is big into yard sales. If she runs across anything gun related, she gives me a call. In the last 20 yrs she's called me twice. Gun stuff at yard sales is pretty rare around here. Now she did find me a nice Browning Hi Power resulting in one of those calls-----

I'd have to pass on any opened cans of powder, for obvious reasons. I cut reloading costs by buying in bulk, sometimes sharing a large order with other club members. I have also found some good deals on surplus powders on line. I'd certainly be shooting less if I didn't load.
Savage

Steve P · « **Reply #54 on:** November 18, 2009, 09:15:54 AM »

Quote from: Cheesehead on November 01, 2009, 11:22:18 AM

I go to the range with a 5 gallon pail FULL of ammo. I am an avid reloader with a progessive press. That would be expensive off the store shelf.

Cheese

I want to come shooting with you!!

Steve

wncchester · « **Reply #55 on:** November 18, 2009, 10:48:10 AM »

"Is Reloading Cost Effective ?'

How would we expect people on a board dedicated to reloading to respond to that?

Mule · « **Reply #56 on:** November 20, 2009, 04:33:17 PM »

Welcome to My Addiction

kmystry · « **Reply #57 on:** November 25, 2009, 04:55:32 AM »

I own handguns and pistol caliber rifles for target practice and self defense. I do not hunt..but...I think anyone who shoots but doesn't reload in the current political climate is going to lose out. I found a little gun shop in a small desert town of about 2000 people near my home that seems to always have primers, powder, and components. I stock up every chance I get because I firmly believe that one day we're gonna lose the ability to get the stuff we need to defend our homes and families because of the "progressive" inner city politicians who run this country.
Is it cost effective? I don't know...but I think it's a skill you'd better learn.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #58 on:** November 25, 2009, 05:51:44 AM »

YEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep em Coming!

CDOC

gypsyman · « **Reply #59 on:** November 25, 2009, 03:19:26 PM »

Sometimes I think that I shoot to reload. I enjoy getting on the reloading bench and cranking out a few rounds. Gets me away from the tv, which is usually some dumb sitcom, or the news, which raises my blood pressure. It's definitly cost effective, just more so on some calibers than others. gypsyman