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Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

GunDudeUSA

GunDudeUSA

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 11, 2010
129
7
Seattle, WA
mil-rad.com
With ammo cost going through the roof these days, I'm seriously considering reloading. However, I'm totally new to this and was wondering whether reloading cost i.e. brass, powder, primers have gone up and supplies availability now difficult?

In other words, if ammo cost has doubled, has reloading cost also doubled and availability just as hard to find? Insight much appreciated.

I'm thinking of 308, 260 and 338. Thanks.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

You can pay for the cost of reloading equipment in a season or two, depending on how much you shoot.
My 338 Lapua costs 5-6.00 per shot if I was running factory Lapua. But if you handload, 2.50 per case, and should get 10+ firings out of the case, 70 rounds per pound of powder at 20.00 a lb, .04 per large rifle magnum primer, and .70 per Lapua 300 gr. projectile, so added up is 3.50 for the first firing, and thereafter, about a dollar a shot.
Handloading is for economy first, (for most people) and then added accuracy. Some people just need another hobby.
Run the numbers on your other calibers and tell us what you come up with. J
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

So prices have not gone up and brass/powder/primer is just as easily available as before all the craziness?
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunDudeUSA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So prices have not gone up and brass/powder/primer is just as easily available as before all the craziness? </div></div>

No. Im just getting into reloading myself. I have everything I need on the way, but components are a bitch to find. Primers are impossible to find, and powder is here and there but the popular units are gone, and sell out in minutes when they become available.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

I began hand loading a couple of years ago with the idea that I would become able to build a better bullet than I could buy, not to save money. As I became more skilled, I began to upgrade the quality of my infrastructure and components, which are now more expensive and harder to find. This too shall pass. I have no delusion of saving money. It's a great hobby. It's therapeutic and affords me a great way to relax. The measurements I take on every load suggest I am getting better and more skilled, and the result is more consistent and precise ammo. As my technique improves, my groups are becoming smaller and better defined. As my groups become tighter, I become less concerned about cost. If you intend to build precise and consistent high quality ammo, saving money should not be your prime motivator. I may be saving money for all I know. Regardless, take the plunge and enjoy.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob 964</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I began hand loading a couple of years ago with the idea that I would become able to build a better bullet than I could buy, not to save money. As I became more skilled, I began to upgrade the quality of my infrastructure and components, which are now more expensive and harder to find. This too shall pass. I have no delusion of saving money. It's a great hobby. It's therapeutic and affords me a great way to relax. The measurements I take on every load suggest I am getting better and more skilled, and the result is more consistent and precise ammo. As my technique improves, my groups are becoming smaller and better defined. As my groups become tighter, I become less concerned about cost. If you intend to build precise and consistent high quality ammo, saving money should not be your prime motivator. I may be saving money for all I know. Regardless, take the plunge and enjoy. </div></div>

I couldn't agree with Bob more. I started reloading just a few years ago myself, at first just to have practice ammo. It was actually my interest in reloading that brought me to long distance shooting. Now I prefer the term handloading to describe my hobby. Yeah, component prices have gone through the roof; I bought 1,000 55 gr fmj .224 bullets in the fall for $88.00. Just got an email from the online retailer telling me they had them in stock: same bullets $249/1000. Ouch.

My concentration is on handloading precision ammo for now. Not 'reloading' so much.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

not to be short but YES I stocked up 3-4 years ago with approx $3,000.00 of supplies and today they are worth Double that

Still reloading is the way to go !!!!
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Prices have not gone up from larger retailers, just there is no availability. Stuff can still be found in the secondary market, or just hang out in the hide px thread. The local Sportsmans warehouse gets a shipment every Fri, and they ration out primers to 300/person, but they have been getting a good supply of medium burn powder and bullets every shipment. I think you Seattle guys have one out at Federal Crossing.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

no real jump in premium components - the big changes are for basic stuff: surplus powder and FMJ bullets
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Is the Rock Chucker Supreme Kit a good set to start with? I'm thinking of getting something but would prefer something that I won't outgrow anytime soon.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

I started with Lee and have moved into RCBS. That kit will last you forever, and even if you decide to get a progressive or a Dillon, you can always use it to deprime, size or whip up a few rounds. Resale is also pretty good.

If you will be loading a bunch of pistol and 223 you may want to look into a progressive, but a single stage press is a good place to start.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

I run a rockchucker II press with mostly rcbs support equipment. I'm not sure the specifics on the supreme kit, but the rockchucker is gtg. The press and equipment is great for cost savings and precision but not for turning out large quantities. I started loading to save money in high school and now continue for accuracy and custom load benefits.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunDudeUSA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the Rock Chucker Supreme Kit a good set to start with? I'm thinking of getting something but would prefer something that I won't outgrow anytime soon. </div></div>

YES! I have the RC kit but I've replaces the beam scale with the CM1500 and Lyman 1200 and use comp dies and the like. For bulk I use a Dillon 650. The RC kit Will handle everything past a 338LM but .50BMG would require a different press. For the most part all brands of dies and stuff are compatible will other presses so it's really not a big deal what brand of press/dies you get but personally I love my RC press, great value for the money.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

As others have implied.. It depends on the cartridge.... Accuracy wise, reloading wins in all calipers. 223 is only worth reloading for accuracy reasons or if u have extra time, and that was before the higher costs. 308 is worth it, even with inflated costs, but it kind of depends on how much your value your time.

Reloading really pays off when you get into the bigger mans more serious calipers. As others have said, 338lm is 5-7 dollars a shot with factory ammo. I reload mine for about 1 to 1.25 a shot, with match level components. You really can't beat reloading top notch 338 ammo for the cost of factory 308 rounds
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

There is absolutely no way I could have shot 5000 rounds of 243 last year without loading it myself. There is also no way I could get the quality from anyone else loading my ammo for me.

You can load great ammo with that RCBS kit. As you learn the process, you will start finding ways to speed things up. You will find that you load and shoot a lot more than you are now. In the long run, it probably isn't cheaper, but you shoot a lot more.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Gundude,
One thing to remember when buying reloading equipment, it's capitol, and resellable. You can expect 75% return on your goods. Some guys on here get closer to 95%, so pa attention as to what brands command the better resale, Redding, Forster press, Dillon etc...
As for price of components you picked the wrong time!! But stick with companies like Powder Valley, 3rd Generation, Mid South, maybe even Midway, they seem to hold their own on pricing.
One thing concerning price, every manufacturer seems to have a price hike the first of the year, so it's construed a liitle right now.
Myself, I wouldn't even shoot if I didn't reload, even .223, hell I remember buying 20rd boxes of .223 for 5 bucks, $160.00 for a case of 1000.
If your spouse or girl will put up with it, you'll have a fun hobby you'll enjoy till you can no longer shoot, but still teach.
Good luck.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Good points.

Sounds like there's no downside (beside time) to handloading.

223, 308 - won't save cost, but improve accuracy over factory loads
338 - save money and have great accuracy

And you learn cool stuff and have fun!
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunDudeUSA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good points.

Sounds like there's no downside (beside time) to handloading.

<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">223, 308 - won't save cost, but improve accuracy over factory loads</span></span>
338 - save money and have great accuracy

And you learn cool stuff and have fun! </div></div>

The part in red is incorrect. I save a lot of money reloading .223 and .308, and the cherry on top is that my ammo is far superior to factory loaded or bulk ammo.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boogaloo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunDudeUSA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good points.

Sounds like there's no downside (beside time) to handloading.

<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">223, 308 - won't save cost, but improve accuracy over factory loads</span></span>
338 - save money and have great accuracy

And you learn cool stuff and have fun! </div></div>

The part in red is incorrect. I save a lot of money reloading .223 and .308, and the cherry on top is that my ammo is far superior to factory loaded or bulk ammo. </div></div>
Gundude,
You will save money on everything, the key is volume, buy bulk. I'm not saying buy bulk shit bullets, just look for deals, and you HAVE to buy at a good price, even when you think you can't afford it.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gundude,
One thing to remember when buying reloading equipment, it's capitol, and resellable. You can expect 75% return on your goods. Some guys on here get closer to 95%, so pa attention as to what brands command the better resale, Redding, Forster press, Dillon etc...
As for price of components you picked the wrong time!! But stick with companies like Powder Valley, 3rd Generation, Mid South, maybe even Midway, they seem to hold their own on pricing.
One thing concerning price, every manufacturer seems to have a price hike the first of the year, so it's construed a liitle right now.
Myself, I wouldn't even shoot if I didn't reload, even .223, hell I remember buying 20rd boxes of .223 for 5 bucks, $160.00 for a case of 1000.
If your spouse or girl will put up with it, you'll have a fun hobby you'll enjoy till you can no longer shoot, but still teach.
Good luck. </div></div>

A big +1 on this....

Buy the top of the line brand name items, but guy them used and you won't lose anything. (redding, giraud etc..)

I bought my rockchucker used, and I ever need to sell it, I might even make some $$ of it! So if you are patient and buy smart, it's almos as good as cash....
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Only down side is once your friends see how accurate your gun starts shooting its new custom ammo they all seem to want you to load for them lol
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasent</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only down side is once your friends see how accurate your gun starts shooting its new custom ammo they all seem to want you to load for them lol </div></div>

Holy shit if that isn't the understatement of the year!
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

I was looking at some of my past invoices from Midway, circa 2001, 2003 and 2004 and things have gone up quite a bit.

.338 250gr SMKs were running $22.50 per 50 even in '06. 45acp XTPs from Hornady were $10-$11 per 100 and typical powders were <$19 per pound.

Chris
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gundude,
One thing to remember when buying reloading equipment, it's capitol, and resellable. You can expect 75% return on your goods. Some guys on here get closer to 95%, so pa attention as to what brands command the better resale, Redding, Forster press, Dillon etc...
As for price of components you picked the wrong time!! But stick with companies like Powder Valley, 3rd Generation, Mid South, maybe even Midway, they seem to hold their own on pricing.
One thing concerning price, every manufacturer seems to have a price hike the first of the year, so it's construed a liitle right now.
Myself, I wouldn't even shoot if I didn't reload, even .223, hell I remember buying 20rd boxes of .223 for 5 bucks, $160.00 for a case of 1000.
If your spouse or girl will put up with it, you'll have a fun hobby you'll enjoy till you can no longer shoot, but still teach.
Good luck.</div></div>
I tell this to people all the time. Buy quality, and you will continue to have a marketable asset. I see Redding used Big Boss presses go for $150-180 on e-bay, and the T-7 typically gets $235 for a press that sells for $260 new. I have a friend that tried to sell his lee press for 4 months, and the best offer he got was $35 to be shipped (shipping was going to cost $18 anyway).

As for reloading - The cheapest I have found 147 grain M1A ammo was $15.99/20 WWB. I bought bullets a few months ago for $120/1000, or 12 cents a piece. Primers have historically been around 2.5-3.0 cents a piece, and the powder charge (I buy by the keg - $128, and get 160 loads per lb) is about 10 cents. I reload my brass up to 8 times at relatively low ranges. All in (excluding brass) I am looking at 25 cents per reload for 308, and for my 223 I am close to 15 cents per round.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking at some of my past invoices from Midway, circa 2001, 2003 and 2004 and things have gone up quite a bit.

.338 250gr SMKs were running $22.50 per 50 even in '06. 45acp XTPs from Hornady were $10-$11 per 100 and typical powders were <$19 per pound.

Chris </div></div>
Is this a piss the youngsters off post?
I remember the price hike of powder to the $19.00 mark, totally skipped 17&18 bucks. Powder hovered in the 13-16 dollar range for years.
I have a box, 1k aps CCI 450's here marked $15.00, late 90's, and I remember overpaying for them from a LGS east of town. Primers were $13.00 a 1k. In the 80's I never loaded bulk, but remember around .79 for a hundred sleeve.
In 99-2k, I remember having cases, 1k rounds of 45acp shipped from Natchez, and Bachman Pawn & Gun of Dallas for $215.00- 220.00, 9mm for $115.00.

I'll stop now, just rekindling the "good ole days".
smile.gif


I just bought a box of 205M's for 40 bucks yesterday, shit.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

Your idea is correct, it is just that your timing is wrong.

As others have said, buy quality gear. Check the for sale section of the hide and other sites that you visit and save a few bucks on a press or quality dies.

Use the current time to read the stickies at the top of this section. Buy some reloading manuals and read them. The ABC's of relading by richard Lee is excellent.

Last but not least is to find like minded friends and order in bulk when components become available again. Splitting shipping or hazmat fees 2-3 ways is the way to go.

Good luck and enjoy a great hobby. The rewards of it are excellent. It is a great way to decompress at the end of the day.
 
Re: Has reloading cost and availability gone up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking at some of my past invoices from Midway, circa 2001, 2003 and 2004 and things have gone up quite a bit.

.338 250gr SMKs were running $22.50 per 50 even in '06. 45acp XTPs from Hornady were $10-$11 per 100 and typical powders were <$19 per pound.

Chris </div></div>
Is this a piss the youngsters off post?
I remember the price hike of powder to the $19.00 mark, totally skipped 17&18 bucks. Powder hovered in the 13-16 dollar range for years.
I have a box, 1k aps CCI 450's here marked $15.00, late 90's, and I remember overpaying for them from a LGS east of town. Primers were $13.00 a 1k. In the 80's I never loaded bulk, but remember around .79 for a hundred sleeve.
In 99-2k, I remember having cases, 1k rounds of 45acp shipped from Natchez, and Bachman Pawn & Gun of Dallas for $215.00- 220.00, 9mm for $115.00.

I'll stop now, just rekindling the "good ole days".
smile.gif


I just bought a box of 205M's for 40 bucks yesterday, shit.</div></div>

I remember loading 30-06 with my granddad in the basement in the 80's and he had just come home from the once a year gun show with a 8lb keg of military surplus powder, for $32. He used to shoot hi power with his old 1903A. I wish I could find powder for $4 a lb!
 
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