I was asked If it was economical to reload?

[dgeesaman]

Well let’s consider the inflating cost of components: a handloader may have, say, 5000 primers, 5000 bullets, and 500 brass on hand. In the year they bought those components the costs savings will be minimal, but by year three the factory ammo may have doubled in cost while the handloader hasn’t paid a dollar more. The handloader comes out well ahead and doesn’t have any supply issues during those years.

I suppose you could try to play the factory ammo stockpile game to counter my argument but I don’t see that happening.

 

[Shooter13]

You can't buy (most of) what I shoot so reloading is a necessity. I also love to do it so my wife thinks it is really economical.

 

[TIMO]

You can't buy (most of) what I shoot so reloading is a necessity. I also love to do it so my wife thinks it is really economical.

That's right, every new tool, or shooting/handloading accessory I buy saves me money. That is my pitch to the Treasurer, then multiply that savings by 2 when I buy here on the forum from another member.
Tim

 

[joshb]

My equipment costs were payed back years ago. Standing at a counter listening to people begging for ammo these last few years was priceless!
Manufacturing is not “dead” in my house!

 

[sqrlgtr]

People, some of our significant others read these threads from time to time so yes, yes, yes it is a lot cheaper to reload duh..... I would probally say its 5 to 1 cheaper come on people....

 

[46and2]

100% more expensive than buying ammo!

Testing all kinds of combinations trying to wring out every fraction of precision. Expanding tooling equipment.

The most valuable resource we have bar none is the actual time we have living on this earth. Far more expensive than any cut rifled barrel or reloading components. You can put your own price on that.

 

[miningshawn]

Just a thought...

Looking at all of the powder, primers, bullets and brass I bought before the drought - reloading definitely pays off. I am still producing 223 69gr match at $0.24 per round, and will be for at least another 2 years.

As the prices continue to climb (and they will continue to climb sisters and brothers) the ones who bought at good price and availability will always come out ahead. I refuse to rely on market availability. How many 6.5's are collecting dust right now waiting on price and availability?

 

[jds holler]

I'm also one of the Lee Loader kids from back in the 1970's. Reloading back then was very economical, and components cost roughly TEN times less than they do now. I've still got the powder cans with the price stickers that say $2.95 - $3.95 per pound. Sleeves of primers for 7-10 bucks. We didn't have the fancy bullet selection back then, but standard rifle bullets went from $3.95 to $6.95 per box. I knew NOBODY who bought new brass.

We also didn't have Premium Ammo as an offering, and all the ammo manufacturers offered basically two bullet weights for every cartridge, and it was what it was. We had pretty much Remington, Winchester, and Federal. Basic deer rifle cartridges cost five or six bucks a box.

I've always been a tight-wad, wheeler dealer, and still manage to get components and equipment for pennies on the dollar. So for me the economics of reloading has never been in question.

Don't ever forget that guys like me are dying all the time, and our stuff is sold for a pittance at some local gunshow/flea market. About a year ago, I picked up a basic reloading kit for a friend who wants to get started. (my local gun show) I got a Rockchucker Press with auto primer feed, Uniflow powder measure, RCBS 510 scale, powder trickler -- all under $200.

The thought of buying factory ammo leaves a sour taste in my mouth and a queasy stomach. It just doesn't feel right. jd

 

[Cecil S.]

I started buying "handloading" (LOL) equipment in 2010 guidance form this site was my go to. I only paid full price for my Coax press the rest of my equipment was purchased used. So my return was quicker but I keep expanding my equipment (Labradar) collection. I havent bought a box of ammunition in many years and I would rather research and build the rounds for what I shoot. This gives me satisfaction.

 

[6Creed73]

This is why I handload. Hornady "Match" ammo 8 thou out vs my ammo 0 thou out.

If you want precision, you don't have a choice but to handload. And it's doubtful you'll save money doing it.

 

[jelenko]

I load 223 'match' ammo that needs to be ~ 1/2 - 3/4 MOA.

For 3/4 of what's needed in a match, it costs 39 cents per. The closest commercial costs just under a buck a round.
There is no commercial equivalent for the other 1/4 that's needed.

Because I go through 7-9K rounds a year, it's VERY economical for me.

 

[Bat Rastard]

Another valid question:
Is reading this forum economical?

The information and knowledge gleaned here is priceless.

On the other hand, reading a different current thread made me aware of a new bullet from RMR. $88 later, there is a box headed my way.

 

[SKWERLZ]

On some bigger cartridges you certainly can reload cheaper and break even on investment fairly fast.

 

[joshb]

Another valid question:
Is reading this forum economical?

The information and knowledge gleaned here is priceless.

On the other hand, reading a different current thread made me aware of a new bullet from RMR. $88 later, there is a box headed my way.

Which one????

 

[joshb]

On some bigger cartridges you certainly can reload cheaper and break even on investment fairly fast.

 

[SKWERLZ]

View attachment 1431250

View attachment 1431251

I load my 338 edge with solids cheaper than that.

 

[joshb]

I built a 338 Win Mag for one of my kids that wanted a boomer, about 5 years ago. I bought 1k bullets @30 cents each, 1k magnum primers for $32 and an 8 lber +4 one pounders of powder. He’ll be shooting cheap for quite a while!
Costs me about a Buck a round to reload which, at the time, I thought was pretty expensive!

 

[Bat Rastard]

Which one????

The thread titled 223 AI

 

[Bill K]

Back when I started reloading, I would say yes ( 1950 era) today, with prices, etc. and supply, it is a toss up.
However I enjoy reloading and working up, more accurate loads as a good hobby. Plus you must reload some cartridges, we/you might have, that you find impossible to locate factory ammo for.

 

[joshb]

The thread titled 223 AI

Ah, thanks. I bought a thousand of their 69 grain bullets. Good stuff.