Can You Save Money Reloading?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มี.ค. 2024
- Full Story: ultimatereloader.com/f1v9
UR on RUMBLE: rumble.com/ultimatereloader
UR on Patreon: / ultimatereloader
Can you really save money reloading? In this video we calculate how much it costs to load popular calibers and how much you need to load for the most savings.
-------------------------------------------
Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Disclaimer:
You alone are responsible for the safety of yourself and your property.
Check local and state laws before undertaking any activity involving possessing, transporting, and shooting firearms. Check local and state laws before attempting to load ammunition or perform any modifications to a firearm. Always abide by the law. Always practice gun safety.
The content on this channel (including videos, ammunition reloading data, technical data, comments, and any other information contained within) is for demonstration purposes only.
Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described in this video or on this TH-cam channel (gavintoobe).
Any reloading data supplied on this TH-cam channel (gavintoobe) or in this video, including any comments from viewers and readers must be assumed to be in error.
Always consult at least three sources of manufacturer's ammunition reloading data before reloading your own ammunition.
Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information found on this TH-cam channel or in this video.
Gunsmithing procedures should only be performed only by a licensed gunsmith.
Ultimate Reloader, LLC can not be held liable for any harm caused to any individual or any personal property related to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this TH-cam channel (gavintoobe) or in this video.
By watching this video in whole or in part, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this TH-cam channel (gavintoobe) or in this video.
-------------------------------------------
Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Material Connection Notice:
The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
- [none]
Ultimate Reloader partnerships involve one or more of the following:
Product supplied for evaluation + testing + features in videos/articles, paid advertising and promotions, engineering and product development services, scientific testing and evaluation, external media production and related marketing services.
Ultimate Reloader LLC is committed to publishing subjective and data-driven information+insights related to products whether it be favorable or unfavorable or both.
For more information about Ultimate Reloader partnerships, please visit: ultimatereloader.com/about
![[HIGHLIGHT] หมีLIVEปะ? | EP.171 เห็นแต่ในจอ วันนี้มาต้องขอคารวะ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gPWLxa0e_Z8/mqdefault.jpg)
I am disabled but I do shoot a lot and I started reloading not just because of the money but to have something to do, and I have to say that it has changed my life, the joy to find new loads and to make cartridge even with my own casting is fantastic so the quality of my life has been amazing and ofcourse I have also made a lot of new and great friends inside the shooting and reloading community.
Exactly! It's a great hobby...I actually find I enjoy the reloading more than the shooting aspect of the hobby. I was a photographer in the navy for 5 years and I enjoyed the processing aspect of photography instead of taking pictures. I like the technical stuff.
Eggzackly Correctamundo citizen Grasshopper
That's great to hear. I wish I had an interest long, long ago. Hearing guys that paid 30 cents for good primers makes me wish I had just bought primers air-sealedd them) and lots of pulldown powders pre-2020 as well as the old spam can Russian ammo from way back.
Another way that reloading saves money is that in my home state, I have to pay for an FFL transfer whenever I buy ammo. Screw that.
Shush if they realise that they have missed a revenue stream. They will bring in more bs taxes and anti 2A tariffs 😂😂😂
???where do you live. That is nuts.
You must live in Commiefornia.. I know, I used to live there
That sounds like NY state
Move.
I decided to start reloading to spend more time with my father. He's been a pistol reloader for 30+ years, never did a bit of rifle loads. Now I wanted to do .223, and he and I are now learning something together. Every second counts. And my last one, it's a skill. A skill I hope to pass on to my children someday, and that's what truly matters to me.
Watch a video on how to use an instant indicator. Really helps to understand reloading rifle rounds
76highboy has some good ones
You can save money, but you won’t save money.
😂
My son and I shoot 270 WSM and were having trouble with ammo availability and the cost was getting ridiculous. We had a lot of brass so we bought a RCBS REBEL single stage set up. Our reloads on our first try were about a 1/3 the cost of factory ammo and much more consistent and accurate. Now we reload 300 WSM and 243 WIN. Some of the reloading components are a little hard to get but we shoot more and enjoy shooting our own loads. ( We have been reloading for about 7 months). Enjoy your videos they are very helpful
Little hard to get. Primers are next to impossible unless your getting extremely bent on GunBroker. Even now most major retailers are selling a brick of large rifle for 80 to 90 bucks lol
I have been reloading for a little over 50 years, a long time ago it quit being about money. This video
was great for me because it reminded me of why I started reloading and how much I have enjoyed it over the years, thank you.
The savings are much higher over here in Europe, where ammo is up to 100€ per 20 shot premium hunting. A simular load with a new brass every time will be 30€ per 20 shot. Thus 70€ savings per 20 shot... you make the equipment back really fast.
That‘s crazy. I‘m in europe but don’t shoot hunting ammo, so the factory stuff isn’t nearly as expensive. Except my 45-70 Hornady FTX - way cheaper reloaded. They‘re about 80 bucks a box of 20
If you want to chase the bug holes, this is a must!
You can save money but there is also a fun factor involved too. I find reloading to be very relaxing and fun.
im pretty sure the short answer is you are basically reloading match grade ammo for the price of regular ammo. the exceptions are going to be the hard to find rounds where the answer is yes
Agreed. People always compare prices of whatever the cheapest factory load on the shelf, rarely of factory ammo that is equivalent
Agreed, working out
Coming to make this exact comment and seeing it was already made.
Not only is handloaded ammo going to be higher quality, but you can also make combinations that are not offered. They may not load factory ammo with a specific bullet you want or it may not shoot well out of your gun, but you can reload it to. Also you can load it to velocities that you will just never get from factory ammo to squeeze all the performance out of a round. You can usually get 100-200 fps more over factory.
@@Nick-sx6jm that’s the thing I really like. Often with factory ammo I have to chose between a load that is accurate and one that has the projectile I actually want. With hand loads you can often avoid that dichotomy.
I started on a Lee challenger breech lock anniversary kit. Was 159$ on Amazon. I use the lee pace setter dies and I bought 6 sets of them for the calibers I reload. I bought a second powder measure and a digital scale and a powder trickler. 3 reloading trays. And a lube pad with case lube. My total cost to get all that was under 500$. I loaded 1500 rounds of .30-06 1000 rounds of 9mm 2500 rounds of .300 blackout and 3000 rounds of .45. and 10,000 rounds of .223. I think I have saved enough to buy my equipment twice over.
Just today I ordered two boxes of Aguila 124g 9mm for $14/50 and there are other brands for $15/50, $16/50 and up. On sale, not always that cheap. I do reload but don't bother with 9mm. Reloading is cost effective for most cartridges as you pointed out. I handload 220 Swift, 260 Rem and others that cost $2 to $3 per round to buy and I can load them for less than $1 each, especially when you find supplies on sale. And as others have said, handloading is fun and a great hobby on it's own.
Yeah I would never set out to reload common cheaper rounds like 9mm or 223 to save money. However if you already have a setup for different rounds you already reload then all you need is some dies, bullets, and powder/primers if you dont already have what you need. Like I reload because I have some stuff that is not really made anymore and a 28 nosler and wby stuff. So, also started doing 9mm because I already had most of the stuff needed and the rounds to break even is super low.
Thats. .28 per round....that's 15000 rounds to break even with used brass....
I'm a reloader and have been for about 30 years.... I buy my components on sale and in bulk I buy factory seconds from Nosler. It's MUCH CHEAPER to hand load anything bigger than 38 special, Or BIGGER than 223. (Those can be done for cheap, but, not worth the time for me).
Oh. It’s expensive. I’ve been doing it since 1984.
Up until around 2006, ammo prices were pretty stable and I didn't Reload. You could buy Blazer Aluminum cased 9mm for $3.86 a box & .45 ACP for $8.99 a box at Academy, Blazer Brass .40 S&W for$7.89 a box at Walmart, and 5.56 from Palmetto State for under $300.00 per 1,000 (shipped). Since I didn't reload, I wasn't worried about brass. I had my CHL and my Wife ended up getting her CHL also. So we were going through (easily) 500 rounds a week for practice and I also shot Competition with a little group once a month and I'd go through another 200-300 rounds (so a minimum of 2,000 rounds a week). Then I got word that ammo Prices were about to skyrocket, so I started picking up any brass that was left at the range that I would keep to reload or trade to other People on Reloading Forums. I ended up trading or buying a LOT of bullets/reloading equipment/ammo/etc from those guys before Prices went through the roof. I also bought as much ammo as I could afford before Prices took off, both in store at Academy and Walmart, and also online. I don't shoot much anymore and have more brass than I could ever use but I still go down and pick up brass every couple of weeks.
My Son told me here a while back that a Friend of his was complaining how hard it was to find a certain Caliber of Ammunition due to the "shortage". I asked him "What Shortage?" I told him "I don't have any trouble at all "Finding It", I just walk out to the Reloading Room and there it is", LOL!
I load for about 14 different cartridges. I just started casting bullets about 4 years ago. My operation has spread from just a spare bedroom in the back of the house out to a 24’x14’ shop. The shop is where I cast and prep brass. The “recreation” room is where I load. My reloading has pretty much paid for itself many years ago, but I keep investing in new technology and gadgets. It’s no longer a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. 🤣
@@TexasSheepdawg21
Pretty much the same with me. It used to be that the Weatherby and WSM Calibers were where I saved the most money reloading but these days it seems like almost everything is at least $1.50-$2.00 per round for Factory.
About 15 years ago, a Friend of my youngest Son bought a house that had 32'x16' building on it. It was a pier and beam wood frame building with 26 gauge steel sides and roof. The Guy's Fiance wanted a swimming pool and the guy told my Son he could have it for free, he just had to get it moved. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room to move the entire building all at once, so I had to take it apart, Piece by Piece, and move it. I labeled absolutely everything as to where it went and then when I had it all at my house, I put it back together again. The only things we couldn't reuse were the sheetrock on the walls and the insulation. I added hurricane ties and brackets and used 1/2" plywood in place of the sheetrock, plus put a 16'x32' loafing shed on the backside (planning to enclose it and pour concrete floors). All in all so far, I only have about $3,200.00 in the building (not including my labor, of course).
@@rodneyferguson446 I’ve put about $17K in my little shop since I got it in 2021. It’s insulated, with wood siding. AC & Heat plus lots of electrical work for running fridge, TV, microwave or Air fryer. The casting area has an industrial vent hood to the outside and at that bench there are two dedicated HD recepticals each on their own circuit breaker. 20Amp with 10/2WG wires. They are for the lead furnace pots. On the opposite wall is my case prep bench where all my polishing tumbling goes on. It’s a nice comfy shop to spend a day in. If I want to take a break there’s a small couch to chill on to watch Netflix You Tube whatever/or a dvd. The incoming electric is 240VAC with 100Amp main breaker.
@@TexasSheepdawg21 I don't have the vent hood although I do Need one. Right now, I open a window and put a box fan there blowing the lead fumes out the window when I cast (it works but not all that well). I have as/heat but not the Fridge/tv/microwave/etc although my Wife has told me I should put all of those out there (I wonder what she was trying to infer?). I used to operate my FFL01 out of this building so I've got a 240 V plug that I planned on running an air compressor off of for a sandblasting Cabinet and possibly a Powdercoating setup. I have the Cabinet, just haven't took the time to get the compressor.
So needless to say, while you can get away with the "Bare Bones" Minimum when it comes to reloading, Those like you and I know that you can also get invested pretty deep. Is the amount I've spent ever going to break even with just having purchased Factory Ammo? "No Way, Jose'!" But My Wife and I are Retired, we don't Travel, and everything we own is paid for, so to have somewhere to go to just relax and get away for a Day (and I've spent thousands of hours/Days out there) has been worth it TO ME.......and My Wife, LOL!
Any powder, primers,brass and so on is worth more than gold right now
I never reloaded 9MM till recently. 9MM ammo used to be as low as $10 a box. 45 ACP was $16 a box. .38 wad cutters at the indoor range were $2 a box. Today I reload for everything I shoot.
All my lgs still want $90 for 100 primers, I picked the wrong decade to want to start reloading.
@@bdkj3e that's cheap today. I was paying 200$ 2 years ago
Around me you literally can’t buy small or large rifle primers from any of the American manufacturers. They have started importing primers from some Indian manufacturer.
This level of market drag across the industry is suspect. I have heard that the government doesn't need to ban the gun, they just need to manipulate and regulate the ammo out of the price range of the common man.
Nobody is paying $24 for 9mm. PSA has cheap 9mm at $259/k on the regular.
exactly, cost effectiveness for reloading doesn't make sense anymore unless you are shooting magnums
If you cast your own bullets, it's pretty cost effective for 9mm. I was reloading 9mm with cast bullets for about 8 cents a round.
I was thinking the same thing. If you buy in bulk 9mm is about the same as what he’s reloading for
Come on now, 9mm 124gr can be had all day long for 26¢ per round. The veracity of your claims are called into question if you can’t even get 9mm ammo cost correct with just a One minute google search.
Currently, SGammo also sells white box Winchester 9mm (115 grain) for $260/1000 (free ship). So if you are looking at economics only, reloading for common calibers does not seem to make sense for most people including me.
I started on a RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press that was given to me by an uncle. I think it was important to understand each process 1 step at a time. Started reloading .45 ACP and then moved into .223/5.56. I eventually purchased a Dillon 550B second hand. Living in AZ is convenient as they will refurbish a press free of charge. I slowly added convenience parts to my press to achieve higher yields per hour on the press. Obviously you can spend a lot of money in press upgrades and die sets. I found the Dillon 550B the most versatile press as you can reload almost everything on this one press with just the change of a shell plate and tool head.
I have saved the most money on reloading sub-sonic 300 Blkout rounds. Primers are coming back into stores but they were the hardest thing to find the last couple years.
Reloading is my therapy between my lead therapy sessions!
Happy Reloading!
I started reloading for 300blk, broke even a long time ago. Started to upgrade all my reloading equipment, started real cheap with a lee press. I enjoy the fact I can make ammo to my specs, ie cheap plinking gets the min powder load or I could spend a ton of time ensuring consistency between rounds. I know the ammo will be more consistent than I am with my shooting “can’t shoot the difference” but it is fun knowing how to.
One of the best you have done Gavin, in a while. True to the core with this one.
44 MAG, 45-70, match grade 6.5 CM and 308 have helped me break even. Especially during 2022 and 2023 with 44 MAG and 300 BLK prices for factory ammo
I started reloading out of necessity over 45 years ago. I had purchased a second-hand Ruger Blackhawk in .41 Magnum and literally couldn't find the ammunition anywhere. I bought a second-hand RCBS press at a garage sale, ordered some dies, supplies and a manual and taught myself how to reload. Since then, over the decades I've added more equipment as I got into competition shooting and loaded to support that hobby, then decided that an even cheaper way to support my habit was to cast my own bullets for target and plinking uses. Along the way I've added dies for ammunition that is virtually obsolete (in my case, .303 British as well as .308 Marlin Express for one of my favorite hog rifles) and can't be found anywhere. Given the tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands?) of rounds I've loaded over that time, I'm pretty sure that I've gotten my money's worth, but the added knowledge I've gained along the way on ballistics, accuracy, marksmanship and even metallurgy, combined with the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction of "rolling your own", well -- the experience has been priceless.
In the UK we also have difficulty buying ammunition. We have to go in person to a gun shop to buy, no mail order for ammunition. And as shooting is less common, there are not as many shops as you guys have. And their stocks are often far more limited.
So home loading is quite attractive. And we can mail order components (though the hazmat shipping can be expensive).
And for me, it's a major part of the hobby. Have prob loaded in excess of 100k rounds over the decades. All on a single stage press. have also been casting my own bullets from range scrap for the last decade. That really brings the costs down.
Also in the UK,started reloading about 2 yrs ago. It's fun and relaxing and I always have ammo to shoot, given the shortages we are experiencing it's a big plus.
Also pretty much the only way to load accurate target loads tailored to your firearm. Hand loading is pretty much essential in the UK unless you are a hunter that doesn't get through many rounds.
If you shoot a rare or older cartridge, reloading is the only way to go. Example: I bought a Rossi R92 in .454 Casull. A box of loaded ammunition (20 rounds) is between $45 to $70 a box! I bought the die set, crimp die, and 200 Starline cases for $181. I already have bullets, powder, and primers. I can make 20 rounds for $20-$25 for 50 rounds! I have been at this for 55 years and reload for 28 cartridges. Reloading can save you a lot, but the benefit is you can shoot more, you learn ballistics, and shoot better.
Just started buying my supplies. Very excited to get started!! Thanks!
Cowboy Action...45 Colt and 38 Colt reloading is a MUST!
Yes, but if I spent the time reloading, working. I could just buy as much ammo as I wanted. But, yes. I reload 10mm, 308, 45, 357, 40, 303, 44. Mainly for fun.
THIS!
THANK YOUfor using your noggin
Do you spend all your time working?
I agree if we are doing down and dirty we should add in time but then again I think that there is more to it. We all spend some time scratching our behinds and I enjoy loading more than that. Also, the ammo you can make, especially nowadays, is better than what you can buy. I don't think I'll ever recoup the cost of my AutoDod in any spreadsheet but it gives me pleasure and great ammo!
@@byronchristie5253 yeah, I hear ya. I load some pretty impressive 10mm and 357 that’ll have you pulling your socks back up.
That’s all fine and dandy until you go to the store one day and you can’t buy ammo
Good video, that's actually honest compared to some of the others I've seen.
I started loading my own in the late 70's while in the Air Force. A friend got me started on his equipment. I bought the dies to load for the 44 Mag Ruger SBH I bought. Some of the things he did I didn't think of as safe. I then bought my own press and accessories. RCBS Rock chucker press and a Lyman D5 scale. And a Lyman 45th edition book.
Over the years I have added other things to make things easier and safer. I still think that for most loaders a set of dies, a press, a powder scale and a good manual or three are an ok place to start. If you are keeping the brass from store bought ammo you fired in your gun you can load it several times before you need to worry about case length or trimming. Buying new brass can get you the same results. If you are picking up brass at the range or buying once fired, sorting and doing some measuring is a good idea.
Starting out with the bare minimum will let you learn enough that you can then decide if you like it enough to buy some of the more expensive things that gets recommended.
I have tried a vibratory case cleaner and didn't take long to decide it was not for me, to dusty and noisy. Oon cleaning cases I have found it doesn't make much difference in how the ammo performs, just how it looks. On the cases after I fire them I wipe them off, lube with Lee's lube. I like the Lee because it works very well and can be washed off with water. A bit of Dawn dish soap in boiling water, slosh around for a few minutes, rinse till the soap is gone, let dry. Once dry, finish the loading process.
I have used several trimming methods. Again I have found Lee's system works for me. It may be a bit slower but it can change it's setting and ruin cases. I have found you don't need to trim every time.
I have piles of things I have bought and don't use or don't use often.
When I started out and for many years after, learning was trial and error. Not like today where at the click of a button and you get questions answered. Most of the things I learned in the early years was from magazines or hanging around the gun stores.
What I talk about is for the majority of shooters. Those who want to get more into loading for precision shooting, adding all the expensive equipment can be worth getting. Same for those who push the limits of a cartridges performance or velocity. Wild ats require more equipment also.
For a lot of loaders that only shoot a few hundred rounds a month then the basics will be fine. At one time with the 44 Mag I had a Lyman 310 tool and dies and a set of Lee dippers a bullet mould and a lead pot on the stove top.. I would cast bullets from wheel weights I collected from several tire shops, lube with a cake cutter. I spent a few hours every evening loading these bullets with the 310 tool. Some of the most accurate loads I have shot were these 310 tool loads.
With a good solid rest for my back and bracing across my knees would get one ragged hole 6 shot groups at 50 yards. By one hole I mean one hole. Often less than 1/2" groups. At one range I was shooting at about 250 yards up the hillside was fenceline. Some hung a car flywheel on the fence. Stand upright and shooting off hand it was easy to clang that 6 for 6.
All this is to say you don't need hundreds of thousands to get started loading. A bit of shopping around and you can get started very cheap. A press, dies and a powder scale can be enough. Beyond that is up to you. Oh, and always use good data from a reliable source.
The trick with the vibratory tumblers is a good polishing liquid to add to your media and the really big trick is throwing in a dryer sheet! Like the scented dryer sheets. They collect all the dust and eliminate the static electricity that keeps the dust stuck to everything. A shooting buddy taught me that and it completely changed my opinion on vibratory tumblers. I bought one and almost sold it because it seemed too slow and dirty.
But the combo of dryer sheets and a quality polishing liquid added to either corn cob or walnut media makes it really good! Maybe give it another go.
@@ShootingUtahAgreed, and get your media from a sand blasting supplier. Far cheaper than from a gun store.
Then there's also the reduced cost ratio, adding a new caliber.
The press, scale etc you buy once. Then to add a caliber you add the dies lock rings plate. It's a few boxes of ammo to break even adding a caliber.
I used the calculator with one added factor. Reusing brass. Say six times. I divide new brass price by six (or more if it lasts longer) and that is where you see an added savings.
I have been reloading for 5 years and I still learn tips from this channel
Great video , thanks for your work on this. I started reloading for 2 reasons, 1- load development for bolt action rifles and 2- ammo was difficult to get back then.
So right now I try to stock up on components and buy factory ammo to shoot because its available and not too pricey for 1000 round cases.
Now I will be prepared for the next shortage with reloading supplies and equipment.
Your videos helped me ALOT, thank you for that. You have done a great job of showing how its done.
Thanks Gavin you've really helped me out as a new reloader it can be overwhelming
Excellent information. Thank you.
Gavin very strong presentation. Reloaders definitely have the edge. Huge savings more shooting more accuracy more control. Self-reliant. So many wins
Your presentation is a much needed help for my decision I’m going to make before shopping for bulk ammo.
Very helpful. I'm looking it all over!
I love it when people say…. “ I’m getting into reloading to save money!” 😂
Honestly it can still be about that, especially if you shoot oddball calibers like 450 marlin, 350 rem mag or 375 Winchester
I did because I started doing it around 2020
I definitely save when it comes to 338Lapua and 300hamr. Those two rounds, I believe, make the rest a savings as the savings there offsets the cost of the equipment. However, the fact that it's also an enjoyable hobby for me makes it a definite value.
I'm reloading 300 Norma Magnum. Savings are $4 a pop. I have supplies for 1000rds. Then there's all the other calibers as well. :)
I've done the math on reloading military surplus rounds. The savings are phenomenal
Got into reloading out of necessity and love it. Too many oddball calibers with no options off the shelf. 32WinSp, 38-55, 32-40, 45-90, 303Savage to name a few. Cost was just a part of the necessity.
Great comparison good job Gavin
Never view reloading as a way to save money. To me, it’s a fun hobby that coincides with my shooting hobby.
I only reload rifle, it cost me at least double. That doesn't even factor in the equipment. I do it for .27 at 200 yards ( my best load, 6mm). 😁
So what happens when you can’t find ammunition because the governments taking it all for war. I would think it would be good to know how to do this and be ready, an empty weapon doesn’t fire very well
Right, if you’re loading plinking ammo, you’re probably not going to make your cost back, especially when you consider the cost of your time.
Once you consider developing a load for long range or some kinda oddball chambering, now you’re probably talking about breaking even or saving money with your time considered. Match grade is spendy.
Great stuff. Thank you.
Yet again another fascinating vid. I have got back into reloading since I have retired. I have the Lyman Brass Smith setup. Why did I get back into reloading - It's just fun
This is a great video! Not sure if I will ever save enough to come out ahead. For me it's the process I love it and my ammo works better than anything I can buy. I watch every vide you put out.
I think if you went with a lee press it would change things
Go to a gun show and buy your gear used. You can get complete reload and set up for a couple hundred bucks....
It's worse than any drug or alcohol habit when it comes to fiscal means. Although the outcome is different 😅.
This is true. I'm getting to the point i can't stand to see a brass case empty.
Best video covering this topic.
Thanks, Gavin 👍
Thank you so much professor!
You rock!
The answer is no. Because you will shoot more. 😂
You can reload for what you could buy it for
Pre joe that is . LoL 😂
My answer is yes, I shoot the same :P
thank you for info on this
I bought my first Hornady progressive press after watching your earliest videos when you were starting.
I’ve never looked back! Investment… Absolutely. Return on my investment? Exponentially! And it can’t be measured in dollars alone.
Thanks for your commitment to offering valuable content for interest viewers!
great vid!
I have been reloading since I retired. Enjoy the hobby, probably am saving money, never wanted to know. Also have been making/modifying my own reloading equipment to suit my self. Would send pics if I knew how.
Over the past 15 or so years I’ve definitely broken even Gavin. Btw- love the channel and content
Great vid! I started in '83 with a RL450. We "guys in my unit" pooled are money and saved a lot. Run my shooting life on a RL550 for rifle and a RL750 for handgun. I also learned that I saved more and shot then when I spent the money at the bar talking about shooting!
When the alternative is not being able to buy ammo because it has been discontinued, you reload. I have a .375 Win., and haven't seen factory loads for years now, but I have the components on the shelf to make my own, and hang the cost.
I always bought the best equipment so saved nothing on reloading over the years.
I mostly did it for "fun", as you mentioned in the video.
good info I hadn't though about pricing in years I've been reloading since 1966 when it was really cheap to reload
I started reloading in 2014 with an LNL AP. It's more than paid for itself. I just enjoy reloading. I dont chase super small groups, just an accuracy standard for rifle ammo. For pistol ammo, I'm just trying to rip out as many as I can for the lowest price as fast as I can load primer tubes and keep powder in the measure.
I usually can buy a 1000 rd of 9 at around $300. I dont think im going to break even reloading it but why not do it anyway.
Is that a particular brand or just in general. All last year I was catching online sales and paying $220-$235. It's gone up recently to $235-$259. That's 1krd cases of Magtech, S&B, Norma,Igman,Grindhard. I've purchased about 21cases over the past 2yrs from places like SGAMMO, Bereli ammo, Velocity Ammo.
@@carlosdaniels9515 yeah same basic range ammo
Don't forget about antiquated cartridges, ie 30-40 Krag
Yes! Keeps the dust off old rifles for sure
I reloaded .44 Mag, .38/.357, .30-30 , .30-06 and 7MM Mag. in the 70's & 80's. I thought I saved money back. Reloaded is RCBS Rockchucker. I still have it. Just started to dig it out of storage a couple weeks ago. I'm looking at getting a progressive reloading setup with my brothers and the Hornady set up is at the top of the list. I will forward this clip to them. Thanks for your efforts.
I think you hit the nail right on the head. I originally got into this to save money, though now I just love the hobby overall and the ability to customize my rounds. I originally got into it for 44 mag and 500 mag (so it paid for itself in short order)... now I even reload 380ACP, 9mm, & 45ACP. If you pick your spots on component purchases, you will always "save" money over time... though, we all know you really just shoot more for the same money ;-)
I started over 20 years ago when primers were a penny a piece. Saved magnitudes over purchased.
Currently Only reload 9mm, I reload 147gr, not shooting as many competitions lately, but savings and difference between 147gr vs 115gr is more significant
I agree, same! Plus you use less powder with the heavy bullets. I load them mostly for suppressed shooting but i like the lower recoil too
I started off back in the 80s loading up my 300 H&H at $51. A box of 20 was a no-brainer. I moved up to a gallon 750 with extendable tool heads for each caliber I use two different tool heads one for processing and one for loading, yes it can cost a lot of money for me. It was worth it because I loaded a lot of ammo starting off with the rocker or a single stage. I recommend that for a lot of people asked me about reloading learn the process before you move up. I still use my trucker today. It’s a good price, remember I bought it back in the 80s I also buy bulk my bullets I buy bulk thousand round more at a time buying a box here in a box there you can save money but you do better in bulk. Initial cost is a bit expensive, but it pays off at the end and watching your channel cost me more money all the new gadgets improvements on my 750. It helps thank you for that. Oh by the way I live in Tacoma Washington. I love to come and see your set up. Who knows Madeline something new keep up the good work.
Not why I reload.
Great presentation. Being retired every day is a holiday for me,, the only limit on my time is I won't live forever. I also cast my own bullets mostly for pistol shooting and I have a bullet trap to recycle my lead with a recovery rate of about 99%. This makes reloading super in inexpensive for me with my highest cost being primers.
That is success! Saving 💰
Great video. DITTO on Midsouth. One of my suppliers. You have to weigh in two things, the addiction, and evermore precision if you chase small groups.
The benefit i reload for is accuracy, the choice of bullets, and savings especially if you buy components in quanities.
Thanks for these videos.
Thanks for the informative video. I reload for 9mm, 38spec, 357mag, 30-30 and 30-06. I save per round but not overall as I, like a lot of people shoot more. I started reloading during the ammo shortage during the Obama years as it was easier to find components than ammo. I find it easier now to have a sufficient stockpile of components for future shortages, except maybe large rifle primers. Finally reloading is a good hobby something to do during the winter.
Two factors matter, volume and calibre. I save money on reloading 9mm alone, despite also reloading for other calibres. Why? Because I shoot a $hit load of it. If you shoot low volumes than the calibre must be relatively expensive to buy for you to save a significant amount of money, which isn't the case for 9mm. The whole "you don't save money because you shoot more" doesn't make sense. That's a choice, not a financial reality.
You also have ways to still significantly improve the cost of 9mm down to near 15 cents by casting and coating your own projectiles.
I started reloading for a 44 magnum when I moved back to the states decades ago. I was in my late 20s and on a tight budget. I bought a single stage press and also a mold and acquired a lubri-sizer for cast bullets. Pretty soon I was pumping thousands of rounds for my 44 magnum, everything ranging from 45 ACP equivalent loads to full powered loads and I was shooting the way most people shot 22.
That was my start to reloading and since then I literally went decades between store-bought center fired ammunition. i finally did store bought with 2 cartridges you started with: 9mm and 5.56. Those cartridges, because of the military connection and volume lower costs per round, I did buy those calibers but mostly 9mm for practice ammo. For a time I found that I could not really load 9mm for cheaper than I could buy it, so I bought it. Now it is a little different. The price of 9mm has jumped considerably so I load for it. 5.56 is a different story: I can load plinking fodder for cheaper than I can buy it, the fmj stuff. Precision ammunition, it is no question: reloading is the only way to go.
Any kind of off the beaten path ammo, it makes sense to reload. Now I feed 30-06, 7.5x55 Swiss, 45 colt, 38 Special, 6.5 grendel, precision 9mm subsonic for a tax stamped suppressed SBR, plus several others. In those instances, your best option is reloading without question.
Two weeks ago I tracked my costs on a spreadsheet for my equipment and local costs vs local ammo cost. Central/Eastern Montana. Three pistol and four rifle cartridges. I am saving great on reloading everyone without considering brass cost. When I consider brass case costs, I will still be saving on all but one caliber. The .30-06 will have no cost advantage being equal to factory cartridge cost. However, there is still the accuracy benefit. Lucky for me I probably have enough .30-06 brass to carry beyond my shooting ability, it is my least consumed caliber. I reload for .223/.556, .22-250, 9mm, .30-30, .30-06, .44 Rem Mag, .45 ACP.
All on a single stage RC Supreme. Enjoy your channel. I have been thinking about a turret press, keeping the dies set for my pistol rounds would be great. My tools are far from new, but still work like new. I belive in taking good care my tools.
This honestly gave me a lot of insight. I’m a machinist currrntly so measuring stuff comes with the job and I’m honestly considering getting into reloading especially for my rifle ammo since I own most 243 and 308 however I just bought a 300 win mag and paying 70 bucks for a box of 20 shells is crazy and I rather reload it for cheaper and fine tune the accuracy of my gun
Great video on costs, this should help those contemplating reloading make an informed decision. I started reloading shotshells when I was 11 as I quickly realized that if I could build my own ammo for half price, I could shoot twice as much! I still have my MEC 600 jr. in 20 gauge and have added another for 12 gauge. I have 3 metallic presses as well. Have I saved money? Well, with the investment I have in my gear, not on your scale but maybe a bit overboard compared to most folks, no savings but have been able to create rounds with accuracy not available on the market so there is value in that for me. I enjoy the whole process of it from researching different loads to time at the press and at the range. I have worked up many loads over the years that shoot sub 1/2 moa in my rifles and that gives me great satisfaction. Thanks for the informative video!
I'm so glad I got into reloading when I did. Back in the late '90s, I purchased a 650 with all of the trimmings for less than a base model 750 is going for now, that amortized itself in the first 4000 rounds of 9mm I loaded on it, and it's process easily over 200k rounds of various calibers since. And I don't really look at it as saving money as much as it allows me to shoot more for a given price.
I had been desirous of reloading since I was a teenager. Finally bought a kit in 2019. Bought it with gift cards and did a price match. I only spent $12 out of pocket. Bought a set of 38/357 dies on clearance for $20. Got a tumbler at a pawn shop for $40. Got the kit up and running spring of 2020 right before things got stupid. I've definitely got my initial investment back and more. Downside is that whenever I buy a new firearm that isn't a caliber that I already own, I end up needing to figure the cost of dies when budgeting for it.
My first reloading press was the lee breechlock press for 45 bucks brand new. Worked great, it just took extra time to setup the dies for each step.
Started out reloading my hunting ammo 338 win mag and have now ventured into 40, 9, 10, and 556/223. It's enjoyable reloading for me, plus it gives me something to do during long nights during winter months in Alaska when I don't want to shoot at 20 below zero.
I got into reloading for my 338 win mag, then got into 40, 9, 10, 45, and 340WBY and since i have a crippling habit of getting rifles in obscure calibers all of them now. And Alaska winters are cold and the higher the latitude the higher the price.
Just started reloading, I bought a Dillon 750, just received my case collator. I am starting with 9mm because it is an easy and forgiving round to load. Hope to eventually move to other rounds and eventually save on cost. It is not cheap to invest in equipment. $600 is still a good chunk of change when you have a young family. Love your videos btw
very helpful
Reloading is therapy. Talk about all the people you hate and problems you have while reloading. Get into a groove. And work out all your problems
It was helpful, I broke even going even cheaper, Lee classic loader kits to start, then Lee and some Lyman dies coupled with Lee presses, the APP press is the bomb, with almost progressive speeds, couple all of these savings with casting my own bullets and powder coating cast, I save TONS! even loaded and shot cast .223 at 3200 fps, with powder coating, zero leading! Powder coating cast boolits is like shooting jacketed ammo. Keep the good stuff coming!
Great video. 40 years ago I bought a Lee loader press. I reloaded 38 special and 270. My brother worked for the parent company of RCBS and got me a great deal on an Auto-5 progressive Reloader. I sold the Lee press 30 years ago and never loaded a single shell on the new Reloader. I made it a goal to reload this year on the Reloader. I have been gather supplies and I hope to get started in the next little bit. Your information is helping continue in moving forward. I think most of my reloading with be for the 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 win, REM 7 mag, 223, 38 special and the 9mm. I have a few powders, but not sure which cartridge would be the easiest to get started with? Thanks for sharing.
With casting, I can reload 9mm for 11 or 12 cents a round. It was a steep learning curve, but I learned and do everything in bulk. I used to shoot a 50 round box a month. Now I’m shooting 200 a week, for just slightly more than a box. I haven’t bought a box of ammo is several years and love playing with all the variables.
Very helpful information. And very well presented. Thank you and no, I don’t reload YET. And I’m not sure if I’m going to
Back in the mid 1970s I did an analysis of economics of me reloading.
1. Payback is the is the wrong way to look at capital costs. Internal rate of the return is the correct way.
2. You need to include some case replacement as cases do not survive forever and you will lose some. For an individual scenario you have to look at your starting inventory of cases and how many rounds you will have loaded after a loading session. This will give you how much to capitalize as as starting brass.
3. Be careful about assuming the reloading devices will last forever, especially when you get to high round counts on less expensive equipment
4. Production waste: I am not perfect so not every set of round components will result in a usable round and I may may destroy some brass.
While the numbers are different from 50 years ago, my conclusions:
- you have to be shooting a lot to make it economically worth while
- rifle and pistol reloading is usually justified by your need for consistency and non standard loads
- the only economic reloading is for plastic cased shot gun shells because the basic kit has such a low cost.
This does not address:
- space for your reloading operation
- your spouses tolerance for you to spend more time on a dangerous pursuit
-time spent reloading could have been spent shooting.
My overall conclusion was that only way for reloading to make economic sense was to have a a business to either reload or make rounds from all new components. One of my high school classmates and her husband are in the business of making high quality rounds.
Reloading is a great way to survive long cold winters. Good equipment will outlast the person unless electronic.
I get most of my reloading components from American Reloading. With free shipping I get 9mm bullets for about 5.5 cents a round and primers for 7 cents a round. With powder I’m getting about 1.5 cents a round. The total reloading costs is about 14 cents a round. That said, after getting into reloading, I’m definitely not saving money. I shoot and hoard magnitudes more ammo than from before I got into reloading. 😄
great video, did a similar calculation last year and it was interesting, but in the end i wasn't saving any money, i was shooting more.. but i'm ok with that.
Very helpful video. Your calculator is very handy. I'm reloading MK 262 clones for $0.64 each at today's prices, so I'm saving right at 50% per load. I included tax and shipping on my components too. As for 9mm, and 5.56 fmj you can buy factory cheaper than you can reload when you factor in time the way i see it.
Just calculated my 224 Valkyrie PRS precision rounds last week. Using: Starline Brass / Berger LRHT 85.5 / Hodgdon BL-C(2) / Fed. 205’s. I find it cost just over 50% the cost of factory loads per round at ~.80¢ (minus the cost of brass)
I think if you shoot odd cartridges, Wildcats or odd combinations of cartridge and bullets like I do where I just can’t get what I want it’s worth it. And it’s a fun part of shooting.
Happy Huntin’ Gavin.
I started reloading because I wasn't able to purchase any 204 and 22-250 ammo a few years ago. So now I get a guaranteed ammo supply with a bit more accuracy and I save a few dollars. I also load 243 now. Great video so thanks for you effort and time.
I crushed these numbers! I got my original set up (RCBS) for 200$ All the dies, sold a couple I didnt shoot. Then, my uncle bought me a Zero press. I've never got a progressive. I shoot 10-12k rounds a year, more when I competed. I've been reloading for over 10 years now. I think I'm ahead by now, LOL!
I love to watch these reloading videos. Now I just need to learn how to reload.
I just started reloading about a year ago. I love it. I wish I would have started years ago
I am saving at least 50% cost per round on reloading the specialty stuff like .44 mag, S&W500, 45-70, and 6.5 Creedmoor. I really like Berry's .44mag, 45-70, and .500 bullets for shooting at the range. ELD Match and Barnes Match Burners are my favorite for 6.5 Creedmoor. For basic handgun range ammo like 9mm and .40S&W, I don't think I could beat the prices on Herter's at Bass Pro when my time is factored in. I probably spent about $3000 for a full reloading setup with a RCBS Rebel press, a Chargemaster Supreme, all the reloading dies for 4 different sizes of ammo, all the measuring equipment, and all the tumbling stuff for stainless media, and a dehydrator. Your videos helped me in deciding what to buy!