Are the days of saving money with handloading

[SecondsCount]

I never started loading ammo to save money. I load to get my guns to shoot better. I load for another hobby for me. When you figure in labor costs, nobody has ever saved money loading ammo. Your time is worth money. Load ammo for the sport and fun.

I started reloading because I wanted to save money. I bought a revolver in 45 Colt and when I went to buy a box of ammo for it, I had sticker shock. I paid for the press and accessories, loading for that caliber, in no time. The problem was that I didn't save money, I went shooting twice as often

Now I enjoy making accurate ammo for my guns. Sure, I save some money by loading 9mm on a progressive for $6/50, using components that I purchased pre pandemic.

Today, the components are high but are starting to creep down. I'm hoping they keep heading that way and no more panics.

 

[1shot]

It doesn't matter if I'm saving money or not, and trust me, I ain't rich! I reload (other than because I enjoy) it is a necessity because of the calibers I shoot. There is no place on the planet that I'm aware of the stocks 6-BRX, 6-SLR 6.5-GWI, etc. If I were strictly a rimfire shooter, I wouldn't be reloading anyhow, so rolling my own is just part of the sport I love.

Lloyd

 

[big5ifty]

I started reloading because I could not afford factory revolver ammo in the quantities I needed. I had a uberti 44 mag back then, and a day on the range was over 100 rounds.

My first press was a Lee pro 1000. It paid for itself many times over loading just for that uberti.

I never put a value on my time.

Today I reload for sport shooting, handguns and rifles. Some of the rifles are big bores, so the money I save casting and reloading for those alone covers all the costs of reloading for everything else.

Today I reload because I enjoy reloading.

Objectively, if I add up all the money I spent on my reloading equipment, brass and components, it would still be a lot less than buying that ammo over the years.

The time is not a factor for me, it's my spare time, and I've got nothing better to do with it.

 

[wildcat3d]

It doesn't matter if I'm saving money or not, and trust me, I ain't rich! I reload (other than because I enjoy) it is a necessity because of the calibers I shoot. There is no place on the planet that I'm aware of the stocks 6-BRX, 6-SLR 6.5-GWI, etc. If I were strictly a rimfire shooter, I wouldn't be reloading anyhow, so rolling my own is just part of the sport I love.

Lloyd

Well, Uh I started down this rabbit hole, To relax after neck turning for my ppc...

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[mikecr]

If I could buy factory ammo that shot the same as mine, I wouldn't reload or build it.
I'd just buy the factory ammo (even if it 'seemed' to cost more).

 

[JimSC]

Definitely headed towards a rich mans game. I used to be able to shoot a match cheaper than a round of golf, not so anymore.

precision shooting has always been a rich mans game and the shooting sports in general is not something for those living paycheck to paycheck. Every time you pull the trigger you are turning money into smoke and noise. I could go bowling or shooting pool all afternoon for the amount of money I shoot up in 15 minutes on the rifle range

When I first took up the hobby I had a budget of $75 a week and when I was trying to outfit myself with basic gear and supplies that did not go far even 20 years ago. Looking back that was a not a bad thing, it forced me to learn to make do and make every shot and every dollar count.

 

[hogpatrol]

"I lose money on every round but make it up on volume".

 

[PopCharlie]

I reload to shoot and shoot to reload. My reloading room is my escape from my full time business as a general contractor. It really never was about "saving money" to me. It was about the most accurate ammo I could produce. And it's a mighty big rabbit hole if your willing to chase it. Lol

I'm retired, but I shoot to reload and reload to shoot. The accuracy bug bit me long ago. I've been exploring this rabbit hole since 1984. I go out to my shop, turn on the music, and let the good ammo roll!

PopCharlie

 

[hogpatrol]

I'm retired, but I shoot to reload and reload to shoot. The accuracy bug bit me long ago. I've been exploring this rabbit hole since 1984. I go out to my shop, turn on the music, and let the good ammo roll!

PopCharlie

Pop, Same here. Turn on the XM radio or mp3 player and "rock and load". The music sort of numbs the chore of turning necks.

 

[PopCharlie]

Pop, Same here. Turn on the XM radio or mp3 player and "rock and load". The music sort of numbs the chore of turning necks.

Or uniforming primer pockets.

 

[wboggs]

I mean - have you looked at the price of loaded ammo? “Saving money” is all relative…

I started reloading in the 50s because the hunting bullets of that area were mostly subpar for many animals, especially at magnum velocities. Noslers were far superior to factory loads. The were plenty accurate enough, 1.5 moa with careful loading. Over a 40yd shot was unheard of and most were 200 or less.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

There has to be value in the consistency/accuracy of handloading, besides the cost of components. Otherwise ammo companies have scammed us with the different lines/price points of "Match, Custom,Premier" ammo. Last couple years I have been reloading upland 12 ga rounds. Using 70-80's components I had stored. Figure I have .05-.08 per round, 1.00 a piece for high velocity nickel plated pheasant loads at the farm store. There is satisfaction in taking game/fur/bullseye with ammo/arrows you have loaded or assembled.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I just checked prices of 6BR factory ammo $125 box of 50. I load 100 at a time cost is about $78, quality not even close in my rifle.
You tell me what is cheaper.

 

[6fatrat]

I shoot ATC, service rifle and center fire prone apx. 3000rds in a season.
Reloading is a must.
Steve Bair

 

[KMart]

How boring would life be if all we did was go to work, have a perfect yard, and wash all the vehicles twice a week? You wouldn't have many outside relationships where you could shoot the breeze and relax.
As to the expense to entertain yourself, just try jumping off into fishing, bass or offshore, old car restoration, or race cars. Compare costs and shooting may be much cheaper.
And besides, I have never been to a funeral where the guy had his money stacked in the coffin with him.
Enjoy life.

 

[joshb]

“Your time is worth money.”
Yes and no. I changed my habits to get some value out of my time. Instead of evenings sitting in my chair watching TV, which is wasted time, I sit with a tray of brass to prep and listen to a good audiobook. I can clean and uniform primer pockets, deburr necks, sort head stamps of range brass and other such mundane tasks. Do 200 cases in an evening and it adds up. A good hand primer gets that job done, too!

 

[Shooter13]

Things to consider:
Why am I reloading?
How much do you shoot?
Are you shooting hunting loads or for precision?
What are your goals?
Do you already own the equipment?
Do you enjoy reloading?
Do the benefits outweigh the cost? (subjective to say the least).
Do you like spending time alone? LOL (having good music to listen to without interruption or a drink of your fav beverage, (doesn't have to be alcoholic).

 

[Bill Norris]

Like many have stated although I started hand loading for accuracy back in the mid-90's one could realize a little savings once the equipment was purchased. I've been on this journey "down the rabbit hole" every since and enjoy every minute of it. I've learned many lessons from the process and from this forum as well. Would not trade it for any other hobby period. I was fortunate to find having a fantastic rifle builder (WSMNUT) makes it alot more fun too. Thanks to every member that has shared their knowledge with me. I hope I can continue to contribute in some small way.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Way back in the old days, (late 50s) my brother started reloading for his 45 Long Colt with his Lyman 310 Tong Tool, he later bought a Pacific 'C' for reloading for his 222 Rem. I heard him and others say that the reason they reload was it was cheaper than buying factory ammo and at that time factory ammo was not as accurate as some is today. Cheaper & more accurate ammo.

 

[Myshootinstinks]

I never started loading ammo to save money. I load to get my guns to shoot better. I load for another hobby for me. When you figure in labor costs, nobody has ever saved money loading ammo. Your time is worth money. Load ammo for the sport and fun.

Same here.