Reloading my own ammo???

[Rbtrizzle]

I own a .38 special S&w and a S&w 9mm 5906. I love target shooting and blow through like 200 rounds a week. If I buy a reloading kit and the dies for my guns would I be saving money in the long run? I like the whole customized shot concept but I am really considering it to save in the long run.. Can I get some input on this and if anyone agrees a reccomondation?

[Rainier42]

You'll save money in the long run but not the short since you'll need to put out for a good reloading press, shell plates, dies, books, powder, bullets, primers, scale, calipers, etc. For brass, you can reuse your own and/or pick up at the range you shoot at if they allow it. Plus, you have to factor in your time.

Regardless, I got started a few months ago and have been enjoying it. Am about to make the jump from handgun to rifle loads.

[joseywales]

Google this and you'll find actual financial tables that will show you the break even and "profit" points. Google something like, Money save reloading, or calculate savings for reloading, soemthing like that and I'm sure something will turn up.

Depending on how much you shoot, it might take a year, especially since the rounds you're reloading aren't as expensive as 40s, 45s, etc. Still not a bad idea though.

[Rbtrizzle]

Initial cost aside...what do you spend per "box" of your ammo?

[Rbtrizzle]

Thanx guys for the imput!

[ssphoger]

Ive been reloading for 30 years and wouldn't shoot near as much if I had to buy all that ammo, Over 10,000 rounds a year, Get a Dillon press Sq deal or 550 they will replace anything that breaks for life and have a good tech. support as well. Its going to cost up front but will pay off sooner than you think, Not to mention all the custom stuff you can load up.
Shoot often

[Connal]

Reloading your own ammo can make a dent in your spending. However, as others have said, it won't be overnight.

You are going to need a good load of equipment. Dies, press, scale. The list goes on for a while. The benefits are not only just in saving money (some rounds you will save more than others).

Also, if you get a little handpress, you can do it in your spare time. Sitting around watching TV, or what have you.

If I had the money, and the room, I would be reloading already.

[Waverip11]

I just started reloading and splurged for a lee press kit. I love it. It is expensive to buy everything but why not. I will prob upgrade as i get better but a single press is good for me now.

[Flash]

Not counting my equipment investment (I've been reloading for 45 years), and reusing my own brass or scrounged brass - which last virtually forever, anyhow -

9mm and 38's cost between $5.00 and $6.00 per box of 50.

Flash

[Little Cloud]

I bought a single stage press for centerfire rifle reloading and I am pleased with the results, both cost-wise and ammo-wise. I am shooting alot more because of it.

For straight walled pistol cartridges, I would lean towards a progressive press versus a single stage press, just solely based on the time it takes to assemble the ammunition.

Reloading really isn't that tough to do. The set-up takes a bit of time, sure ... as long as the set up doesn't change, it just requires a check and not a total set-up each time.