Reloading Cost vs. Factory Ammo
- Thread starter N5ATK
- Start date
Rank Amateur
Gold $$ Contributor
Depends on the cartridge and how much you shoot. Also, you’ll have to amortize the cost of reloading tools.
Current average retail prices for pistol primers are 9-12 cents/per, and a little more for rifle (especially large rifle which you’ll need for 7mm08). Cheap bullets for pistol can be had for less than 10 cents per, while good rifle bullets can cost 40-60 cents per. Powder is running close to $50/Lb. I’m going to assume you can reuse brass you have or can pick up at the range, so I’m deliberately going to add nothing for brass (a good thing as rifle brass can cost over a dollar per case). All that said, you could expect to pay ~20 cents for components to load 9mm. As you can buy factory 9mm for 25 cents per, I don’t think loading 9mm is really cost effective right now. 60-80 cents per 7mm08 components is more reasonable if your preferred ammo is running well over a buck a round. On the other hand, you’ll have to buy (at a minimum) a press, dies, powder measure, calipers, vibratory tumbler and media, media separator, sizing lube, priming tool, you’ll also have to amortize several hundred dollars for the gear across however many rounds you load.
You should also look for someone to coach you as you start reloading just for peace of mind and safety. Once you get comfortable, you can potentially load better ammo than what you can buy. So, if you get into this, you could consider starting to load for rifle (as it’ll be the only one that is cost effective in the short term) or get yourself set up/trained up for rifle and pistol to be ready for the inevitable future where ammo you want is unavailable or unaffordable.
Last advice, if you do decide to go forward with this, plan on trying to stock up on components. Even now, some components are difficult to come by, so you can’t plan to just drop by the local gun store to pick something up when you need it. Long term benefit is in cost averaging and simple availability - for example, I can load 9mm when I need to for less than 13 cents per round as I still have stocks of primers I bought for 4 cents, and bullets I bought for 6. I’m going to predict that the current “crazy” prices we’re all bitching about will seem cheap by comparison during the next ammo shortage...
Current average retail prices for pistol primers are 9-12 cents/per, and a little more for rifle (especially large rifle which you’ll need for 7mm08). Cheap bullets for pistol can be had for less than 10 cents per, while good rifle bullets can cost 40-60 cents per. Powder is running close to $50/Lb. I’m going to assume you can reuse brass you have or can pick up at the range, so I’m deliberately going to add nothing for brass (a good thing as rifle brass can cost over a dollar per case). All that said, you could expect to pay ~20 cents for components to load 9mm. As you can buy factory 9mm for 25 cents per, I don’t think loading 9mm is really cost effective right now. 60-80 cents per 7mm08 components is more reasonable if your preferred ammo is running well over a buck a round. On the other hand, you’ll have to buy (at a minimum) a press, dies, powder measure, calipers, vibratory tumbler and media, media separator, sizing lube, priming tool, you’ll also have to amortize several hundred dollars for the gear across however many rounds you load.
You should also look for someone to coach you as you start reloading just for peace of mind and safety. Once you get comfortable, you can potentially load better ammo than what you can buy. So, if you get into this, you could consider starting to load for rifle (as it’ll be the only one that is cost effective in the short term) or get yourself set up/trained up for rifle and pistol to be ready for the inevitable future where ammo you want is unavailable or unaffordable.
Last advice, if you do decide to go forward with this, plan on trying to stock up on components. Even now, some components are difficult to come by, so you can’t plan to just drop by the local gun store to pick something up when you need it. Long term benefit is in cost averaging and simple availability - for example, I can load 9mm when I need to for less than 13 cents per round as I still have stocks of primers I bought for 4 cents, and bullets I bought for 6. I’m going to predict that the current “crazy” prices we’re all bitching about will seem cheap by comparison during the next ammo shortage...
Bottom Fodder
Silver $$ Contributor
I look at reloading as just another hobby, and do it to imp accuracy
Also... if you do load for Rifle, get at least 8lbs of powder at a time. Lot variances can make a big difference, and re-developing for a new lot is burning powder you could be shooting for real.
I learned this the hard way. I used to buy Varget 1 pound at a time and wonder why my 1000 yard come up would change a full mil.
I learned this the hard way. I used to buy Varget 1 pound at a time and wonder why my 1000 yard come up would change a full mil.
Reloading is a money pit now, but the self fulfillment and to be able to tailor your loads to the rifle is well worth it.
To get out cheaper on the factory rifle ammo you could consider switching to the 6.5 Creedmoor round, Hornady produces a lot of bulk ammo for it at fairly reasonable prices for the times
To get out cheaper on the factory rifle ammo you could consider switching to the 6.5 Creedmoor round, Hornady produces a lot of bulk ammo for it at fairly reasonable prices for the times
There are two levels of reloading in my opinion:
1. To produce economical ammo and have a consistent supply of adequate ammunition especially for those who shoot a lot.
2. To produce finely tuned ammunition for a specific firearm (s) for precision shooting such as precision target shooting, benchrest / long range competition, etc.
I first got into reload over 50+ years ago for the purpose described in "1" above for handgun ammunition. Back in those days, one could save a substantial amount of money once the reloading equipment was amortized.
Once I go into precision rifle shooting, I evolved into purpose "2" described above albeit for long range precision varmint hunting. While I don't go to the level that some do, I nevertheless can produce precision reloads tuned to my rifle that meet my needs. The major advantage is that I am able to have a consistent supply of tuned precision ammo. I also shoot a lot, about a thousand centerfire rifle rounds a year.
The "turd in the punch bowl" is the supply chain shortages of recent years which is a challenge to maintain a consistent supply of components but even with this challenge, through careful load testing, it is not difficult to develop alternative combos to retain a consistent supply precision reloads.
Bottom Line: I would only recommend reloading today for those dedicated to precision shooting. "Blasters" playing Rambo and gong shooters I believe would be better served with factory bulk ammo. While not the "rocket science" that some of the net experts seem to promote, there is a learning curve to reloading and it is more suited to individuals that have a personality of attention to detail and are skilled with using tools.
I hope this helps you make your decision.
1. To produce economical ammo and have a consistent supply of adequate ammunition especially for those who shoot a lot.
2. To produce finely tuned ammunition for a specific firearm (s) for precision shooting such as precision target shooting, benchrest / long range competition, etc.
I first got into reload over 50+ years ago for the purpose described in "1" above for handgun ammunition. Back in those days, one could save a substantial amount of money once the reloading equipment was amortized.
Once I go into precision rifle shooting, I evolved into purpose "2" described above albeit for long range precision varmint hunting. While I don't go to the level that some do, I nevertheless can produce precision reloads tuned to my rifle that meet my needs. The major advantage is that I am able to have a consistent supply of tuned precision ammo. I also shoot a lot, about a thousand centerfire rifle rounds a year.
The "turd in the punch bowl" is the supply chain shortages of recent years which is a challenge to maintain a consistent supply of components but even with this challenge, through careful load testing, it is not difficult to develop alternative combos to retain a consistent supply precision reloads.
Bottom Line: I would only recommend reloading today for those dedicated to precision shooting. "Blasters" playing Rambo and gong shooters I believe would be better served with factory bulk ammo. While not the "rocket science" that some of the net experts seem to promote, there is a learning curve to reloading and it is more suited to individuals that have a personality of attention to detail and are skilled with using tools.
I hope this helps you make your decision.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Since you didn't specify how many rds you would like to shoot, or what the use would be.
7000 grs per pound of powder
Handgun 5-10 grs ish per rd(1400-700 don't spill)
Rifle 40 gr + per rd.( 150-175 reloads)
Use these to calculate other components needed to finish up powder. And how much to purchase based on use.
Bullets prices run a WIDE range. Typically .20-1.00 each
Primers 8-12$ per 100.
Safety, safety, safety-- handling, storage, loading has some risk to both you(home) and firearms.
7000 grs per pound of powder
Handgun 5-10 grs ish per rd(1400-700 don't spill)
Rifle 40 gr + per rd.( 150-175 reloads)
Use these to calculate other components needed to finish up powder. And how much to purchase based on use.
Bullets prices run a WIDE range. Typically .20-1.00 each
Primers 8-12$ per 100.
Safety, safety, safety-- handling, storage, loading has some risk to both you(home) and firearms.
jelenko
Gold $$ Contributor
Maybe depends on cartridge.
I shoot only 223. My total component cost per round is ~ $.40. Because I compete, I need match grade ammo which is just over $1.00 per round.
A very rough estimate to set up reloading would be $1500 - including a Dillon 550. It would take me 2500 reloaded rounds to save the $1500.
Here's a link to a reloading cost calculator
https://ultimatereloader.com/tools/reloading-costs-calculator/
You'd need to price out the cost of powder, bullets, brass and primers.
Note that VV powders are now going for ~ $300/8lb.
I shoot only 223. My total component cost per round is ~ $.40. Because I compete, I need match grade ammo which is just over $1.00 per round.
A very rough estimate to set up reloading would be $1500 - including a Dillon 550. It would take me 2500 reloaded rounds to save the $1500.
Here's a link to a reloading cost calculator
https://ultimatereloader.com/tools/reloading-costs-calculator/
You'd need to price out the cost of powder, bullets, brass and primers.
Note that VV powders are now going for ~ $300/8lb.
Rank Amateur
Gold $$ Contributor
Well said @K22. Having entered the firearms/shooting/loading pursuit during the pandemic, the only addition to his advice is that if you like shooting and intend to continue at current levels or expand those in the future, that you make an informed decision before you NEED to. I.E., if you decide to get into handloading, make that decision soon and start getting stocked/set up/trained ASAP. If you additionally or alternatively decide to go the factory ammo route, start stocking (DEEP) ASAP.
During recent ammo shortages, you couldn’t buy the ammo you wanted at ANY price. The only people shooting were those who had stockpiled ammo in earlier years or who had stockpiled reloading components. The only people who REGULARLY shot were those who had stockpiled deep. I don’t know how much “I do shoot a lot” means in your posts, but suggest that you do a simple calculation of number of rounds you shoot/week (or the number you would want to shoot/week if you weren’t constrained), and then extend that to see how many rounds you would need to stockpile if you couldn’t get that ammo for a period of a year or more. During the recent shortages, some specific brass cases have been unavailable for more than 2 years, bullets couldn’t be found for over a year, and primers had to be obtained tray by tray at ridiculous prices. When I started out, the concept of buying ammo by the case was extravagant. Now, buying 50-80 lbs of powder at a time, bullets in 10K lots, primers by the case, and rifle barrel blanks in pairs is the norm. If you don’t know when you’ll be able to find your next box of 9mm, or available 9mm ammo is going for .85/round (no joke), you’ll be amazed at how small a stockpile consisting of “a case of 9mm” will seem.
Good luck to you!
During recent ammo shortages, you couldn’t buy the ammo you wanted at ANY price. The only people shooting were those who had stockpiled ammo in earlier years or who had stockpiled reloading components. The only people who REGULARLY shot were those who had stockpiled deep. I don’t know how much “I do shoot a lot” means in your posts, but suggest that you do a simple calculation of number of rounds you shoot/week (or the number you would want to shoot/week if you weren’t constrained), and then extend that to see how many rounds you would need to stockpile if you couldn’t get that ammo for a period of a year or more. During the recent shortages, some specific brass cases have been unavailable for more than 2 years, bullets couldn’t be found for over a year, and primers had to be obtained tray by tray at ridiculous prices. When I started out, the concept of buying ammo by the case was extravagant. Now, buying 50-80 lbs of powder at a time, bullets in 10K lots, primers by the case, and rifle barrel blanks in pairs is the norm. If you don’t know when you’ll be able to find your next box of 9mm, or available 9mm ammo is going for .85/round (no joke), you’ll be amazed at how small a stockpile consisting of “a case of 9mm” will seem.
Good luck to you!
Avid Reloader's,. Learn to Buy, on the "Dips" and Sales of Components, in ADVANCE of, Need and "Hoard", them for, Tough Times ! Also we Wait and Look for, Deals on Seconds of, Bullets that, we Use.
I have, a very Accurate, G-34 Glock 9mm with, the Marksman Barrel and a Holsun sight, that I use, 124 grain, Horn XTP's in and bought, 500 "Seconds" from Midway that, are as Nice as, any Firsts, that I Have.
Those Bullets and 5.1 grs of, WW-231 Powder bought YEARS ago, make for some CHEAP / accurate, Shooting !
To get Deals,.. you Must Have,.. Patience and Shop like, a Miser !
I have, a very Accurate, G-34 Glock 9mm with, the Marksman Barrel and a Holsun sight, that I use, 124 grain, Horn XTP's in and bought, 500 "Seconds" from Midway that, are as Nice as, any Firsts, that I Have.
Those Bullets and 5.1 grs of, WW-231 Powder bought YEARS ago, make for some CHEAP / accurate, Shooting !
To get Deals,.. you Must Have,.. Patience and Shop like, a Miser !
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SteveOak
Gold $$ Contributor
For 9mm plinking rounds, unlikely. For 10mm plinking rounds, maybe. For rounds that use a specific premium bullet, more likely. For 7-08, if you shoot enough, definitely, especially if you want to shoot a premium bullet.
Cartridge manufacturers are doing it to make money. You can use less powder if you use a faster powder. Less powder = less cost/cartridge = more profit. I like using cleaner powders and ones that are most suited for the application rather than how many cartridges I can get out of a pound.
That being said, I enjoy reloading almost as much as I enjoy shooting. It is especially enjoyable when I shoot well with cartridges I have loaded.
The only cartridge I shoot that I do not reload is 380 ACP. I don't shoot enough of it and they are really small and difficult to handle. I do have dies, brass and bullets for it though.
If your only reason for reloading is to save money, it is probably not for you.
Cartridge manufacturers are doing it to make money. You can use less powder if you use a faster powder. Less powder = less cost/cartridge = more profit. I like using cleaner powders and ones that are most suited for the application rather than how many cartridges I can get out of a pound.
That being said, I enjoy reloading almost as much as I enjoy shooting. It is especially enjoyable when I shoot well with cartridges I have loaded.
The only cartridge I shoot that I do not reload is 380 ACP. I don't shoot enough of it and they are really small and difficult to handle. I do have dies, brass and bullets for it though.
If your only reason for reloading is to save money, it is probably not for you.
While I agree couldn't the same thing be said when we started? Seems like every passing day inventory we bought years ago is saving us 300% or more now.
Consistent "Uniformity" and,. ACCURACY, is WHY,.. I Reload !
Cost is,.. secondary
AND,. I Always HAVE, Ammo,.. "On Hand"
Cost is,.. secondary
AND,. I Always HAVE, Ammo,.. "On Hand"
Yup,. I Bought most of, My Powder and Primers, Plus a Lot of Bullets,.. 4 years Ago
My Staball 65 Powder averages, $34.00 a Pound, it's Now, $52 lb at the Local Gun shop.
Split 5,000, Fed GM-210 M's with, Son at, $75 per M ( Wish that, I'd a Bought, MORE, Now ! )
I Load 6.5 Creed and 6 mm XC,. pretty Cheaply,. STILL !
65 Creed,. 43 grs, Powder $.21 cents, Bullets .40 Cents, Pr's .08 cents = .69 cents a Round X 20 = $13.80 per Box !
Ammo Shoot's into, the Low 3's to, 1/2 MOA,.. every Day ( Operator Dependent )
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I have been asked this question by several of my buddies. I tell them that most reloaders don't really save money; we just get to shoot twice as much. I tell them they can get started with $750-$1000 for a set of reasonable tools. I can reload 260 Rem and 6 ARC for just under $1 per round. Factory ammo would be closer to $2 per round. I compete monthly and load up 100 rounds for each match. Then I shoot weekly at my local club and shoot about 40-50 rounds per visit. That's a total of 300 rounds per month. I wouldn't want to be paying $600 per month for factory ammo. Plus I wouldn't be competitive at my matches with factory ammo.
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