Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 30
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Johnstown, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    14
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Questions on the economics of reloading

    Greetings all, various threads have talked about this subject, but since I am new to the concept and I don't know all that goes into reloading I want to get your opinions on whether handloading/reloading is economical for me and my particular situation. My question takes into account not only money, but also time necessary to dedicate. If it only saves me for example $0.05 a shot for rifle loads, it may not be the best for me to reload because of the time commitment.

    First off I am a student, with lots of time needing to be spent studying, class related projects/events. Looking at about 40 hours a week at least. Then I work 4-12 hours a week, plus take care of the house etc. There are lots of things on my plate, but I still like to head out to the range, and the idea of being able to pump out 100 rounds in a 20 minute study break is pretty attractive.

    I don't have a lot of money, so I am well familiar with buying in bulk and looking for deals.

    There may be the opportunity to acquire some used reloading equipment free of charge (if I am lucky, a Hornady Lock and load AP), the only thing I would have to get would be the dies and whatever else is needed (I don't know what all that is, could use help here too). Reloading seems to be where the savings are but if I was also to reload, I imagine there would be more expense both in money and time acquiring the means to sort and clean brass?

    The calibers I would consider handloading/reloading would be 7.62 x 54r, 7.62 x 39 (hunting loads) .303 British, 8mmJS, .308/7.62x51, .30-06, 9mm, 45 ACP, and 10mm Auto, and maybe 5.56x45.
    What I am mostly looking to do is to make loads that I can't find, like match 7.62 x 54r and 8mm Mauser, or make less expensive match rounds than I could find for say .30-06 or even .308. And make inexpensive but quality plinking loads that cost less than what I could purchase them for.

    First question, what would it cost me in dies and what are the other things that I would need to get started that may not come with the stock loader. (I know I could look this all up but it saves me time to ask you experts, and then I get all the information in one place)?

    Second, Is it truly economical to make full power plinking rounds, I.E. full weight FMJ's, and powder? $8-$9 a box for 9mm wolf, or $0.37 .308 wolf is hard to beat. Obviously quality of handloads would be higher. But economically for plinking purposes do handloads match up, using the same parts consistently, not just hodge-podge pieces from half a dozen sales here and there? I don't really like the idea of loading with x bullets one week and y bullets if it affects consistancy or performance.

    Third, which calibers do you think would be economical to load and which, if any, should I not waste my time on? O
    obviously for the match rounds I have to make them or pay for them, but for example .303 is supposedly hard on brass, which is not cheap in and of itself and PPU can be had for $0.70 a shot.

    Fourth, what cost saving measures can I put forth regarding using the same components for multiple calibers. 7.62 and .303 use the same bullets, as do .308 and 30-06. Could I use the same match powder for the match loads of all the rifle calibers, and the same plinking powder for plinking rounds of all the calibers, and so buy bulk of each and have only 2 powders?

    Fifth, about how many loads can you get out of a rifle brass case? Does performance or consistancy suffer as it ages? What all is involved in prepping fired case for reloading.

    I appreciate any and all help so please stick around as I am sure to have more questions as the first ones get answered. With good answers this could be helpful for other people who are in similar situation.

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Lancaster, Pennsylvania
    (Lancaster County)
    Posts
    4,879
    Rep Power
    21474857

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    Question 1: Dies can be had for $25-50 depending on which brand, new or used, and which calibers. Shop around a bit and you can get some pretty good deals. Other than the presses themselves and the dies, at a minimum you will need:

    a. calipers
    b. powder scale
    c. powder measuring device for dispensing the powder charge
    d. tumbler and media (which is cheap) for cleaning the brass
    e. priming tool if not included with your reloading press setup
    f. case trimmer
    g. lube (Ballistol or others will do) for sizing rifle brass

    Also nice to have a deburring/chamfer tool.

    Question 2: Yes you absolutely do come out ahead vs. Wolf if you get your bullets for the right price. 9mm can be handloaded for $4-5 a box vs. the $8-9 of Wolf, 5.56/.223 can come out somewhat ahead not too difficult if you buy the bullets cheap. As for getting different lots of bullets, as long as you keep same kinds together it's not an issue if you know that you're shooting separate batches at the time. E.g. if you get say 150 of a 168 gr .308 Nosler for the .308 and .30-06 then 225 of a 175 Sierra, just mark the boxes of finished ammo accordingly and you'll have 2 sets of different yet both very accurate ammo that you simply coordinate what you shoot together.

    Question 3 and 4: You can load most of those centerfire rifle rounds with the same powder and save BIGTIME, like 50% or more over store bought. Ditto with pistol rounds, particularly .45 ACP and 10mm the latter of which they seem to charge WAY more b/c of smaller production batches. VERY worthwhile. Again, 5.56 is narrower a margin on the less expensive type rounds so for plinking you might save the time buying them but it gets back to major savings when loading the match type stuff.

    Question 5: Depending on the brand (Lapua and Norma are really really good), up to 10 with some and typically not less than 5. Performance after a few firings really depends on the particular batch in question, and as stated Lapua is thought to be the best with Norma and Hornady also well thought of. Preparation involves inspection, cleaning, reinspection, lubing, sizing through a sizing die, and measuring and trimming to appropriate length.
    Last edited by Yellowfin; October 12th, 2012 at 12:39 AM.
    "You can't stop insane people from doing insane things by passing insane laws--that's insane!" -- Penn Jillette

    "To my mind it is wholly irresponsible to go into the world incapable of preventing violence, injury, crime, and death. How feeble is the mindset to accept defenselessness. How unnatural. How cheap. How cowardly. How pathetic." -- Ted Nugent

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Washington, Pennsylvania
    (Washington County)
    Age
    39
    Posts
    1,016
    Rep Power
    304000

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    I save an average of 50% reloading than what it would cost buying factory ammo.
    FOAC Member, NRA Member

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Upper Macungie, Pennsylvania
    (Lehigh County)
    Age
    62
    Posts
    1,158
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    here is a cost calculator, this might be helpful. get some prices and you can see your savings. i save about 50% reloading my own, especially .308, i tend to shoot a lot of .308

    http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    3C, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    527
    Rep Power
    279355

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    Total up how much you spend per month on ammo from the store. Then, total up the start-up costs on reloading equipment, plus monthly reloading supplies to shoot the same amount. Divide the reloading equipment & supplies per month by what you shoot now per month. This will be your break-even timeframe in months.

    Mine was a couple of years, so I won't relaod (yet?). Maybe I don't shoot enough...?!

    The bigger factor for me, and likely for you as I'm not much older, is what is your time worth?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    2,864
    Rep Power
    21474851

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    Ditto on the 50%+ savings.

    It sounds as if your time is very limited with your present schedule. Reloading is VERY time consuming, especially for precision shooting. However, if you have an opportunity to get the equipment at no charge jump on it now.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
    Posts
    5,440
    Rep Power
    16969192

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    Personally, I only reload for 2 rifle calibers (.223 & 30.06). I don't reload to save money. I reload to create custom loads to achieve maximum accuracy out of the rifles. Your intended use of the firearm will determine if the nominal increase in accuracy with reloads, over factory loads, is warranted.

    I don't shoot handguns often enough to justify the cost savings of reloading for them. I don't believe reloading purely for accuracy holds much validity in pistols.

    There is the argument out there regarding the true cost of reloading, which may or may not include your time spent doing so. I guess if it's just a means to an end, then you should calculate your time into the cost. If it's a hobby that you enjoy, don't include your time into the cost.
    Toujours prêt

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Somerset, Pennsylvania
    (Somerset County)
    Posts
    1,760
    Rep Power
    2282359

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    I agree with Hawk's last line.

    I also disagree with those who worry about recouping the cost of equipment. It doesn't wear out (I still use a set up that I bought in 1979 for $110, that's what $3 or so a year?) and if you break it, the companies are real good with warranty and parts.

    In the OP's situation, I think the time factor will be the tough nut to crack right now.

    BTW, you can reload without a tumbler, I did for probably 20 years.

    Dale

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Brookville, Pennsylvania
    (Jefferson County)
    Age
    51
    Posts
    20,076
    Rep Power
    21474874

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    While it is harder to match bulk or milsurp ammo prices, it can be done. It just takes longer to recoup your equipment costs. ...which, you really aren't saving money until your equipment has been paid off from the savings you earn from reloading.

    Where you can really save is with specialty or hunting ammo. Factory "defensive" or hunting ammo is so overpriced it isn't even funny. You can load the same cartridge at same performance levels(or better) for a fraction of the price of the specialty loads.

    Not to mention that you can load your ammo so that it performs to your gun's liking. Each gun is a beast of it's own and will prefer a certain bullet, pressure, and/or velocity. The factory cannot load to your individual gun - they load to an industry standard.
    Last edited by knight0334; October 12th, 2012 at 05:33 PM.
    RIP: SFN, 1861, twoeggsup, Lambo, jamesjo, JayBell, 32 Magnum, Pro2A, mrwildroot, dregan, Frenchy, Fragger, ungawa, Mtn Jack, Grapeshot, R.W.J., PennsyPlinker, Statkowski, Deanimator, roland, aubie515

    Don't end up in my signature!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Piney twp, Pennsylvania
    (Clarion County)
    Posts
    1,631
    Rep Power
    21474851

    Default Re: Questions on the economics of reloading

    Think down the road 20-30 years from now. Comes quicker than you think. My presses from the 70's still work as good as ever. My original investment has been paid off more than once. What's the future economics going to be if for whatever reasons ammo is priced so high it's out of reach or worse yet unattainable? Glad I can make my own.
    It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. new to reloading... few questions
    By Bigrepp61 in forum Ammunition & Reloading
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: October 21st, 2011, 07:53 AM
  2. Reloading 380 Questions
    By 22OnUp in forum Ammunition & Reloading
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: March 5th, 2010, 08:31 AM
  3. reloading questions
    By savage308 in forum General
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: December 2nd, 2009, 09:42 PM
  4. .223 reloading questions
    By ah141nj in forum General
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: May 14th, 2009, 11:28 AM
  5. New to reloading & have Questions
    By Calvin in forum General
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: April 30th, 2007, 09:07 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •