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how much of a save ?

hiddenmongoose

hiddenmongoose

crazysection
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 30, 2009
569
143
42
Ireland
#1
i know the real reason/benifits of reloading is not just to save money but to tailor a load to your needs/rifle ect. but after the initial cost of buying reloading tools and equipment and your own precious time spent reloading how much are you guys saving per 308 round compared to buying a box of top quality match ammo. im considering getting into reloading and was just wondering what the savings were once you get set up and turning out a quality load?
 
#3
Re: how much of a save ?

trying to keep costs down was going to be one of the main factors for me to make an investment in reloading. currently im paying 42 euro per box of 20 match rounds. i cant afford to shoot near enough as much as i would like to
 
#4
Re: how much of a save ?

The savings are there. The exact amount depends on where you get your supplies from and how much you pay for them. Just look up what it would cost for the needed supplies in you area, and run the numbers. You can calculate your costs HERE. For me, it's not about how much I can save. It's about the quality of the ammo I am making for my rifle. There is absolutly no comparison of factory ammo to tuned handloaded ammo to your gun. There's a night and day difference. Reloading allows you to shoot more for less, and shoot better ammo with whatever bullet you choose.
 
#5
Re: how much of a save ?

thats a handy link cheers.il just suss out what the supplies cost will be and figure it out. having a load for my specific rifle would be nice, making some savings too would be great though !!
 
#6
Re: how much of a save ?

Here's another handy cost comparing site -

http://10xshooters.com/calculators/Handgun_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm

Something else to keep in mind, it may cost a little more up front, but if you are going to mail order primers and powder, buy in bulk to spread out the damn $25.00 hazmat charge they nail you with on top of shipping. You'll pay the hazmat fee whether you get 1 lb. of powder or and 8 lb. jug. I think I ordered 20 lbs. the last time I ordered.

I've found http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/index.html to be a pretty good place to buy in bulk as far as bullets and powder. I pick up my primers at my local Cabelas when they are on sale to avoid the hazmat charge on them. I'm sure there are other good sites to buy from as well.
 
#7
Re: how much of a save ?

some calibers save you a lot more money than others, like 454 casull, expensive buying factory ammo but really reasonable to reload. the best thing tho is being able to produce better quality and a load that works best for you and your gun.
 
#8
Re: how much of a save ?

Great websites to figure costs. Thanks. I was pretty close on my guess. You're right, I can shoot any ammo I want for about the same costs. I've shot one factory load through my .308 just to see how it compared to my loads. Not even close to my accuracy.
 
#10
Re: how much of a save ?

I have been reloading for almost 7 years, and I started because there was no way I was gonna pay the price for match ammo, but I love accuracy.
Buying the reloading equipment is not cheap, but the way I looked at it was if I ever want to sell it, there is some value there. You don't have to buy every high dollar fancy gadget all at once, start with a good basic set then add the fancy stuff as you progress in your learning process.
If you enjoy the reloading process, its a bonus to the fact that you can shoot ammo that is better than Match (providing that you pay attention), and a lot cheaper.
This is not something that you are going to be an expert in few weeks, but you will be able to kick out good ammo with just a little instruction, and this place is a great resource.
Enjoy, SScott
 
#11
Re: how much of a save ?

For me its also knowing what you are putting into your gun ... and that the brass is prepared correctly and there is actually a flash hole.
 
#12
Re: how much of a save ?

.308 costs per round:

.06 Lapua Brass (10 loadings each)
.04 Federal 210M Primers
.12 Varget ($20/lb. 168 rds per lb. loaded at 41.6 grs. ea.)
.43 Berger 185 BTLR ea.
-------------
.65 each of perfect ammo loaded specifically for my rifle.

NOTE: Subtract .15 per round for Sierra 175 Matchkings.
 
#13
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hiddenmongoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">out of curiosity what does a box of 20 top brand match ammo in 308 cost you guys? its costing me 42 euro which works out at 59.45 US dollars </div></div>

A box of Federal Gold Metal Match ammo is just over $20 per box, or $1 per round.

I have a good stash of components and load all my match ammo for .35 per round. When I go out to the range (which is only 2 miles from the house), I usually fire between 60-100 rounds. I would not shoot this much ammo if I did not reload.
 
#14
Re: how much of a save ?

Im in Australia and these are local Lapua prices.

100 x Lapua Factory .308 with 155gr Scenar = $294 or $2.94 per round

Initial brass investment $80
Box of 155 Scenars (100) $48
Enough Ar2208 (varget) for 100 handloads $24
Federal 210M Primers $6
Total cost: $158 or $1.58 per round

After the initial brass cost it then costs me $78 for 100 round or $0.78 per round.

Compare $2.94 to $0.78

If you learn how to set up dies PROPERLY and anneal brass, you should be able to maintain brass life for a long time. 10 firings should be easily obtainable with nice brass.

I have heard arguments to say that you dont save much, and yes this can be true... But if you take care of your equipment and keep using it for years and years whilst shooting a lot, then there are clear benefits to handloads.
 
#15
Re: how much of a save ?

You can reload cheaply and effectively. In answer to your question about how much I'm personally saving vs purchased amoo...the answer is i am not.
 
#16
Re: how much of a save ?

308 costs per round:

.01 Win Brass (25 loadings each)
.02 CCI Primers
.10 Varget ($15/lb. 146 rds per lb. loaded at 47.8 grs. ea.)
.21 Lapua 155 Scenar ea.
-------------
.34 each of perfect ammo loaded specifically for my rifle. Last year when I looked up the then current prices, this would have cost .42 each.

{I stocked up before the prices went sky high.}
 
#17
Re: how much of a save ?

It depends what you are loading. If it's for mass plinking and you aren't using quality products, then you can save around 30-50%. But for myself personally, I don't save much. Here is my break down for my .308 that I hand load.

.70 for Lapua Brass
.28 for Hornady 178grn Amax
.03 CCI 200 primer
.11 46grn of IMR 4895

$1.12 per round...that's give or take a little higher or lower than store bought ammo.

The cost is in the brass mostly. I'm thinking of going back to Winchester brass for cost savings. I don't see a difference between Winchester and Lapua as far as performance. However, I do see a quality difference out of the bag. But if it's not on paper, then imo the cost doesn't justify the means.

Btw, I didn't break down the brass price for how much loadings that it can get to compare apples to apples with new ammo which also use new brass that can be reloaded multiple times.




 
#18
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hiddenmongoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">out of curiosity what does a box of 20 top brand match ammo in 308 cost you guys? its costing me 42 euro which works out at 59.45 US dollars </div></div>


Holy crap. Generally $1USD to 1.50 USD per cartridge.
 
#19
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It depends what you are loading. If it's for mass plinking and you aren't using quality products, then you can save around 30-50%. But for myself personally, I don't save much. Here is my break down for my .308 that I hand load.

.70 for Lapua Brass
.28 for Hornady 178grn Amax
.03 CCI 200 primer
.11 46grn of IMR 4895

$1.12 per round...that's give or take a little higher or lower than store bought ammo.

The cost is in the brass mostly. I'm thinking of going back to Winchester brass for cost savings. I don't see a difference between Winchester and Lapua as far as performance. However, I do see a quality difference out of the bag. But if it's not on paper, then imo the cost doesn't justify the means.

Btw, I didn't break down the brass price for how much loadings that it can get to compare apples to apples with new ammo which also use new brass that can be reloaded multiple times.




</div></div>

I use pretty much the same components except 168 grain smk's and 42 grains of IMR 4895. My brass costs me .57, my smk's .24 so it's about $1 US for me. However the savings really comes in when you reload multiple calibers as I do. I reload over 20 calibers. For example with surplus once fired miltary brass (Lake City which I had the good fortune to pick (2000) for $10 US I can load 5.56X45 for $20 per 1K. Similarly I can reload 45acp for $7/1K with cast bullets. With simlar savings for 9mm and other calibers. I short order the reloading equipment is paid for.
 
#20
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It depends what you are loading. If it's for mass plinking and you aren't using quality products, then you can save around 30-50%. But for myself personally, I don't save much. Here is my break down for my .308 that I hand load.

.70 for Lapua Brass
.28 for Hornady 178grn Amax
.03 CCI 200 primer
.11 46grn of IMR 4895

$1.12 per round...that's give or take a little higher or lower than store bought ammo.

The cost is in the brass mostly. I'm thinking of going back to Winchester brass for cost savings. I don't see a difference between Winchester and Lapua as far as performance. However, I do see a quality difference out of the bag. But if it's not on paper, then imo the cost doesn't justify the means.

Btw, I didn't break down the brass price for how much loadings that it can get to compare apples to apples with new ammo which also use new brass that can be reloaded multiple times.

</div></div>

You really should break down the brass cost. If you reload it 10 times, you can subract 63 cents per round. Your cost is only 62 cents per round, a significant savings over store bought.
 
#21
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hiddenmongoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how much are you guys saving per 308 round compared to buying a box of top quality match ammo. </div></div>

Match stuff is about a buck a round, handloads will be about half that. It is very much worth it.
 
#23
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It depends what you are loading. If it's for mass plinking and you aren't using quality products, then you can save around 30-50%. But for myself personally, I don't save much. Here is my break down for my .308 that I hand load.

.70 for Lapua Brass
.28 for Hornady 178grn Amax
.03 CCI 200 primer
.11 46grn of IMR 4895

$1.12 per round...that's give or take a little higher or lower than store bought ammo.

The cost is in the brass mostly. I'm thinking of going back to Winchester brass for cost savings. I don't see a difference between Winchester and Lapua as far as performance. However, I do see a quality difference out of the bag. But if it's not on paper, then imo the cost doesn't justify the means.

Btw, I didn't break down the brass price for how much loadings that it can get to compare apples to apples with new ammo which also use new brass that can be reloaded multiple times.




</div></div>

I use pretty much the same components except 168 grain smk's and 42 grains of IMR 4895. My brass costs me .57, my smk's .24 so it's about $1 US for me. However the savings really comes in when you reload multiple calibers as I do. I reload over 20 calibers. For example with surplus once fired miltary brass (Lake City which I had the good fortune to pick (2000) for $10 US I can load 5.56X45 for $20 per 1K. Similarly I can reload 45acp for $7/1K with cast bullets. With simlar savings for 9mm and other calibers. I short order the reloading equipment is paid for. </div></div>


I found the most savings loading for plinking rounds. For example, I can load .223, 40SW, and 9mm on the cheap. I'm seeing close to 40% savings on .223 alone. But when it comes to precision loads, it costs wayyyyy more because of the price of quality components. Not complaining at all, you do get what you pay for. I don't know how you keep track of 20 calibers. I load for 4 and I already find myself trying to standardize my powers as much as I can.
 
#24
Re: how much of a save ?

cheers guys for chiming in with all your prices. il be getting prices on all the components this week plus i have a pretty good source for once fired lapua brass that costs me nothing so that will help bring down the cost.
 
#25
Re: how much of a save ?

I'm late for the party but 7.62 is 45 cents a round. I have lots of once fired match brass, but you can find once fired (not machine gun) for 15 to 25 cents a piece. 175 SMK, 150 SMK is 39 cents a round.

Your best prices on bullets are 500's or 1000's depending on who packs them.
 
#26
Re: how much of a save ?

Mongoose

I have news for you. You will not save any money.

You will begin loading nice quality ammo fairly inexpensively. Since you will have a ready source of good, inexpensive ammunition, you will go shooting more often, and shoot more each time you go.

Then you will have lots of empty cases that you will carefully load into more carefully crafted quality cartriges, and which you will take to the range and shoot them, also.

The cycle will repeat.

Trust me....You will get more shooting for your money, but you will not be saving money.

Welcome to the addiction!!!!!

Paul
 
#27
Re: how much of a save ?

^^^^^^ What he said. Applies to reloading for rifle, pistol, shotgun, whatever. More shooting - not saving money. Not that that's a <span style="font-weight: bold">bad</span> thing...
laugh.gif
 
#29
Re: how much of a save ?

For me the only real advantage to reloading is more rounds per dollar.

I dont see factory ammo as bad stuff, its very accurate and dependable. The 308 round seems very stable- tweeking the overall length and attempting to fine tune the powder charge 'better' than factory doesnt return detectable advantage.

I use the 168Amax in a hornady case. I love my reload. I got to shoot two boxes of 'store bought' 168 Hornady given to me and I love that stuff!

But the price of factory vs what I can build it for means my flirtations with factory will be few and far between.

Reload to use an exotic bullet, to get more rounds per dollar, piece of mind if you are real anal in brass prep.

But good factory ammo loaded with a good bullet is tough to beat in accuracy if you use the same bullet and brass.
 
#30
Re: how much of a save ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It depends what you are loading. If it's for mass plinking and you aren't using quality products, then you can save around 30-50%. But for myself personally, I don't save much. Here is my break down for my .308 that I hand load.

.70 for Lapua Brass
.28 for Hornady 178grn Amax
.03 CCI 200 primer
.11 46grn of IMR 4895

$1.12 per round...that's give or take a little higher or lower than store bought ammo.

The cost is in the brass mostly. I'm thinking of going back to Winchester brass for cost savings. I don't see a difference between Winchester and Lapua as far as performance. However, I do see a quality difference out of the bag. But if it's not on paper, then imo the cost doesn't justify the means.

Btw, I didn't break down the brass price for how much loadings that it can get to compare apples to apples with new ammo which also use new brass that can be reloaded multiple times.




</div></div>

I use pretty much the same components except 168 grain smk's and 42 grains of IMR 4895. My brass costs me .57, my smk's .24 so it's about $1 US for me. However the savings really comes in when you reload multiple calibers as I do. I reload over 20 calibers. For example with surplus once fired miltary brass (Lake City which I had the good fortune to pick (2000) for $10 US I can load 5.56X45 for $20 per 1K. Similarly I can reload 45acp for $7/1K with cast bullets. With simlar savings for 9mm and other calibers. I short order the reloading equipment is paid for. </div></div>


I found the most savings loading for plinking rounds. For example, I can load .223, 40SW, and 9mm on the cheap. I'm seeing close to 40% savings on .223 alone. But when it comes to precision loads, it costs wayyyyy more because of the price of quality components. Not complaining at all, you do get what you pay for. I don't know how you keep track of 20 calibers. I load for 4 and I already find myself trying to standardize my powers as much as I can. </div></div>

I keep all my loads for each caliber on a spread sheet. Once I get a reliable and acurrate load I don't change it. I also primarily use 3 powders IMR 4895 in rifles except for 223/5.56 (W748) and Unique for pistols and revolvers the exception being 2400 in 44 mag and Bullseye in 38 special 148 grain wadcutters. I have an fairly extensive collection of foreign and US military rifles and pistols and shoot many of them. Hence the need to reload so many calibers.
 
#31
Re: how much of a save ?

as you stated more shooting for my budget is really what im after rather than saving money. if im still spending the same amount of money per week when i reload but im getting more shooting then i will be happy out
 
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