Are my observations correct or do I have my head up my butt?

[David Milisock]

Many years ago when I was young and so was the convertible Malibu reloading for my field firearms gave me premium ammunition at a cost less than regular Joe factory ammo and a lot less than good factory ammo. It was more accurate, cost less, performed better on game and was more than worth the time invested.

Today the same can still be said for my specialized cartridges, 6MM Remington, 450 Marlin and 358 Norma Magnum to name a few.

However, 5.56, 6MM ARC, 308, 30-06 as well as a raft of handgun cartridges, not only can you buy good shooting factory ammo, but it now can be done at a cost that negates the investment in the time it takes to reload.

My most recent cases in point are the 6MM ARC and the 30-06. My AR15 in 6MM ARC at 100 yards will average around 1/2" over 10 or 20-5 shot groups with factory 105 Hornady Black, (I own 2 lots of factory ammo) and it's very consistent. My handloads are no better and only cost about 10 to 15 cents a piece less.

I was loading up some 30-06 from inventoried materials and looked to buy some more supplies and very much the same thing can be said about the cost.

Granted with a self loader that may be shot a lot that 10 to 15 cents a piece adds up but for the very large aspect of field work in many calibers reloading may be a thing of the past for me.

It also points to the concept of the newer cartridges with better manufacturing control possibly being in the same situation in terms of ammo costs.

 

[M-61]

but it now can be done at a cost that negates the investment in the time it takes to reload.

I never considered the money nor the time. It’s my hobby. I enjoy it and expect it to cost something.
Someone on here does it for a living? And I don’t mean these guys with their YouTube crap.

 

[6.5 forever]

Many years ago when I was young and so was the convertible Malibu reloading for my field firearms gave me premium ammunition at a cost less than regular Joe factory ammo and a lot less than good factory ammo. It was more accurate, cost less, performed better on game and was more than worth the time invested.

Today the same can still be said for my specialized cartridges, 6MM Remington, 450 Marlin and 358 Norma Magnum to name a few.

However, 5.56, 6MM ARC, 308, 30-06 as well as a raft of handgun cartridges, not only can you buy good shooting factory ammo, but it now can be done at a cost that negates the investment in the time it takes to reload.

My most recent cases in point are the 6MM ARC and the 30-06. My AR15 in 6MM ARC at 100 yards will average around 1/2" over 10 or 20-5 shot groups with factory 105 Hornady Black, (I own 2 lots of factory ammo) and it's very consistent. My handloads are no better and only cost about 10 to 15 cents a piece less.

I was loading up some 30-06 from inventoried materials and looked to buy some more supplies and very much the same thing can be said about the cost.

Granted with a self loader that may be shot a lot that 10 to 15 cents a piece adds up but for the very large aspect of field work in many calibers reloading may be a thing of the past for me.

It also points to the concept of the newer cartridges with better manufacturing control possibly being in the same situation in terms of ammo costs.

That 10-15 cents per round is worth it to me. I'm retired, lower income and more time. But I understand your thinking.

 

[cmysix]

obviously you haven't shopped for .30-06 ammo

 

[drop_point]

I can load better ammo cheaper than factory stuff, but I can't do it without a time investment. I can tune the loads to my individual firearms. That's why I load.

For instance, I have a Tikka T3X chambered for .308 Winchester that is quite picky. I went through about five bullets, three powders, and two primers to get the rifle to group. I cannot just go to the store and pick up that combination for the rifle. I can shoot 2 MOA factory fodder for a premium or can get 0.7 MOA for less money.

Pistol ammo for USPSA is another advantage. I can load to just above power factor and minimize muzzle flip and keep it reliable. Factory ammo just can't accomplish it.

 

[AccelR8]

My wife believes I reload because it saves money. Don't ruin it for me!

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Hey it’s YOUR time and money, if it works for YOU have at it

 

[PhilC]

I never considered the money nor the time. It’s my hobby. I enjoy it and expect it to cost something.
Someone on here does it for a living? And I don’t mean these guys with their YouTube crap.

I agree. I enjoy making my own and being able to tailor ammo to a specific rifle or pistol. Not only that, but your stock of supplies (we all have them right?) won't disappoint you when the ammo shelves at your local retailer are empty.

 

[David Milisock]

That 10-15 cents per round is worth it to me. I'm retired, lower income and more time. But I understand your thinking.

The savings on reloading don't add up enough for my standard cartridge bolt actions. I may not shoot my 30-06 for a year or more, then when I do it's 50 or less rounds.

My 30 Carbines on the other hand can be reloaded for much cheaper than factory.

I'm retired too but I would rather be photographing wild life and be with my grand kids. They're too young to reload.

 

[jelenko]

Like many things, I think it depends - on your volume and accuracy requirements along with what other time commitments you have.

I load only for 223 for 'across the course'. I use a progressive to load - getting ~ 50 rounds in 5 minutes.
With practice and competition, I go through ~ 8,000 - 10,000 rounds a year.
Not including my time, the rounds cost ~ $0.45 - including having the brass processed. Buying equivalent rounds costs ~ $1.00.

For me, there's no question to reload.

 

[6.5 forever]

The savings on reloading don't add up enough for my standard cartridge bolt actions. I may not shoot my 30-06 for a year or more, then when I do it's 50 or less rounds.

My 30 Carbines on the other hand can be reloaded for much cheaper than factory.

I'm retired too but I would rather be photographing wild life and be with my grand kids. They're too young to reload.

I have the grandsons at the range weekly. They now do there own reloading. I had a tough time keeping up when I was loading for them. Lol

 

[David Milisock]

obviously you haven't shopped for .30-06 ammo

Sure I have corelock is 28 + shipping for 20 rounds, $1.40 per round, or about $1.50 at the local shop

Interlock bulletts are 32 cents + shipping a piece, if I have the brass it's just powder, primer and time.

Premium bulletts are 60 cents a piece + shipping.

My 444 Marlin costs $85 to $110 a box, similar for my 358 Norma. I can't but 500 grain 450 Marlin so I load for all 3.

 

[David Milisock]

I can load better ammo cheaper than factory stuff, but I can't do it without a time investment. I can tune the loads to my individual firearms. That's why I load.

For instance, I have a Tikka T3X chambered for .308 Winchester that is quite picky. I went through about five bullets, three powders, and two primers to get the rifle to group. I cannot just go to the store and pick up that combination for the rifle. I can shoot 2 MOA factory fodder for a premium or can get 0.7 MOA for less money.

Pistol ammo for USPSA is another advantage. I can load to just above power factor and minimize muzzle flip and keep it reliable. Factory ammo just can't accomplish it.

I think this is why we're seeing some new cartridges, quality control of the specs.

 

[David Milisock]

I can load better ammo cheaper than factory stuff, but I can't do it without a time investment. I can tune the loads to my individual firearms. That's why I load.

For instance, I have a Tikka T3X chambered for .308 Winchester that is quite picky. I went through about five bullets, three powders, and two primers to get the rifle to group. I cannot just go to the store and pick up that combination for the rifle. I can shoot 2 MOA factory fodder for a premium or can get 0.7 MOA for less money.

Pistol ammo for USPSA is another advantage. I can load to just above power factor and minimize muzzle flip and keep it reliable. Factory ammo just can't accomplish it.

I think this is why we're seeing some new cartridges, quality control of the specs, 308 chambers and rifles are from before the modern age and so the factory ammo follows suit. Lucky for my decent 30-06 6,5 Swede and 8MM Mauser factory works in my rifles.

 

[David Milisock]

I agree. I enjoy making my own and being able to tailor ammo to a specific rifle or pistol. Not only that, but your stock of supplies (we all have them right?) won't disappoint you when the ammo shelves at your local retailer are empty.

Sure they will, they do run out.

 

[markm87]

I have components stacked deep enough that the margin of savings over $1 and up 5.56 ammo is still significant. My knees buckled when I went poking around at factory ammo prices a few weeks ago. Complete crap ball ammo is 50 cents and up.

Same for .308, 6.5cm, and 300WM.

If I was buying all new components today, however... I'd probably stick to playing guitar instead.

 

[K22]

Having spent 50+ years in the shooting sports, I can attest positively that today's factory ammo, especially premium grade, is very good. I see it at the range all the time, guys shooting sub 1 moa with factory rifles and ammo.

Today the bullets are much better and there is better quality control. Also, the gap between saving money by reloading versus buying factory ammo is closing fast if not closed already.

However, most of us reload to achieve the best accuracy we can for a specific rifle to maximize the rifle's potential. Thus, the reloads are tuned with specific bullet / powder / primer selection, charge selection, seating depth, etc. to a specific rifle.

The other issue with factory ammo is obtaining a consistent supply of something that you have found that works. Also, the manufacturer may discontinue that ammo because most believe what they read on the internet and if a particular cartridge has lost favor with the internet world and bad press results thus reduces sales, justified or not.

While after 50 years of reloading I do not find it enjoyable at all anymore nevertheless if you are a precision shooter, reloading has a definite advantage.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

Sure I have corelock is 28 + shipping for 20 rounds, $1.40 per round, or about $1.50 at the local shop

Interlock bulletts are 32 cents + shipping a piece, if I have the brass it's just powder, primer and time.

Premium bulletts are 60 cents a piece + shipping.

That's a lot more than 10-15c savings per round.

A quick calculation shows the following 30-06 handload costs with your bullets assuming you have to buy brass:

Interlock- $20/box vs $28+ shipping. That's over $0.50 savings per round vs store bought. About 33% savings.

$0.35 Bullet Interlock
$0.13 Primer CCI
$0.40 Powder Varget
$0.11 Brass Starline

Premium- $25/box vs $50-$75??+ shipping. That's anywhere from $1.25 to $2.50 savings per round vs store bought. 50% to 75% savings.

The quality of factory rifles and ammo has indeed improved, but reloading in bulk quantities and frugal shopping still offers significant savings.

For something like 223 Hornady Black 75gr BTHP or Federal Gold Medal 77gr OTM it's $25-$30/box retail vs $17 for handloads, over 33% to 50% savings:

$0.50 berger 75gr VLD ($0.40 Sierra MatchKing)
$0.13 Primer CCI
$0.18 Powder Varget
$0.07 Brass Starline

 

[CJ6]

I find reloading relaxes me. I put some tunes on and just get to it. If I was to start NOW I don't know if I'd be so quick to jump in, as mentioned factory ammo is better than it was 50 years ago even 10 for that matter. But accuracy and the knowledge that you improved on something still gives a bit of pride.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Marketing has followed closely with manufacturing improvements in barrels/firearms. "Premium" ammo in better barrels with great triggers/stocks has closed the accuracy gap between factory and hand loads. You see it in almost all accuracy "guarantees" must use "premium" ammunition. But ammunition manufacturers can't keep up with primer demands, but have separate manufacturing production line equipment(premium/standard)??