reloading savings ?

Cserv

Cserv

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Minuteman
Mar 29, 2010
27
1
wherever I may roam...
#1
Have a M70 300WSM that I don't get to shoot as much as I'd like to, because $35-$70 a box for ammo is just out of the budget. What kind of savings would I be looking at with reloading my own. I'm not a comp. shooter, this is just my hunting rig. I would like to shoot enough to be able to get out to 500yds effectively, and understand it takes trigger time. Have a baby due in 2 weeks so saving is real important right now. Any replies appreciated, thanks.
Eric
 
#2
Re: reloading savings ?

Saving? Don't count on it. I load too shoot and start the cycle all over again. I load ammo when I can't go shooting. It's jut another hobby to pass the time
wink.gif
 
#3
Re: reloading savings ?

Everything I handload is half the cost of factory & the load is much more accurate. Yes, you WILL shoot more, but you can afford to shoot twice as much..
 
#5
Re: reloading savings ?

Ok, I understand if I load more, I'll shoot more(kind of the plan)
smile.gif
. So to be more specific on my meaning of savings, what type of cost difference can I look to achieve per round. Thanks again.
Eric
 
#6
Re: reloading savings ?

For 308 it is about half the cost or less of store bought. Not sure about 300 WSM. It is also loaded with better components (Lapua brass and projos and CCI BR2 primers). To get the same quality you would need to spend almost 3 times as much.

Josh
 
#7
Re: reloading savings ?

When I reload I do it for 3 reasons.

1. I get to create ammo that is extremely accurate for my guns.
2. I save money over the top quality match grade ammo that can be bought.
3. I enjoy it.

I have never seen anyone here post that they reload to create the most cost effective ammo possible as thier primary focus. (Im sure this is not really your intent either) But remember you will also need to spend money up front on reloading equiptment and it can get expensive too. So it may be a while before you start "saving" money.
 
#8
Re: reloading savings ?

Savings was just an excuse for the wife.

Always stocking up on components, buying new tools, dies, presses, etc as it becomes an addiction/hobby of its own. But if you were to directly compares costs of components vs store bought in many cases you can use vastly superior components and still make your own at 1/2 the cost.
 
#9
Re: reloading savings ?

It depends on the cartridge, but what I load ranges from 30% savings to about 80%. I don't know about the 300WSM, but I'd definitely expect to save more that half. I'd really expect it to be more like 70% vs. good quality factory ammo.
 
#10
Re: reloading savings ?

cost effective? You better add in cost of reloading equipment that will do what you want. Then figure in the # of rounds shoot a week. It takes a bit to recover from the initial cost. I have thousands into reloading equipment. It has paid for it self of the years. For a couple of years I was using 30lbs of powder a year.
 
#11
Re: reloading savings ?

^^^^^

The cost of the equipment to get it done isn't much, the cost of the equipment to make it faster and easier is what kills.

edit: looked at Midway just now,

100 hornady 165 gr interlocks-$24
100 primers $3-$5
assuming a 65 grain load, 7000(grains/pound)/65 =107 loads per pound, about $25 per pound for most rifle powders=$.23 for powder, so roughly $.50 a round or so.
 
#12
Re: reloading savings ?

You can save $$$ from reloading???? News to me, I've actually spent more money since reloading. It's an addiction in itself and while cost per round might go down... rounds down the barrel will go up!!!!
 
#14
Re: reloading savings ?

If your in a situation where your frequently going out and buying boxes upon boxes of Federal Gold Match (ie, your after match ammo), then reloading is worth it as you can reload cheaply with high end components that either match or beat Federal GMM ammo.

If your after a projectile that isnt found on factory ammo, then reloading is also worth it.

I love reloading just as much as i do shooting. You can learn a great many a things whilst reloading and generally your shooting should improve too.

IMO reloading is worthwhile to a serious shooter.
 
#15
Re: reloading savings ?

I am at the range every weekend, but primarily shoot a couple hundred rounds of .22lr. This is because the CF calibers I have are expensive to feed i.e., .270Win. and 300WSM. Have found cheap .223 to feed my Mini(3.59/20rds), but I like a bit more accuracy from my hunting rifle.
I understand there will be an initial cost to get set up, but in the long run round for round I would like to save some change so I can shoot more. On average, $40 for 20 rounds is a bit steep for me right now.
 
#16
Re: reloading savings ?

The first box of 20 reloads will likely cost you about $25 roughly, the 2nd time you load that brass it will probably cost you about $11. You should be able to get at least 5 reloads out of your brass without much hassle at all. If you anneal the necks after every 3 firings you may well get 12 reloads from the brass if you keep your pressures in check. Possibly even more if you really put some thought into it. Far too often guys get into reloading and hot rod the ever loving piss out of their reloads, and that drastically shortens the life of the brass. Not to mention it can burn a barrel out in 1500 rounds give or take a bit.

Gary
 
#17
Re: reloading savings ?

As others have said, if cost savings is your primary goal, it is hard to justify the initial outlay for quality reloading equipment. If you are after the best ammunition that you can have in YOUR specific gun, then reloading is the only way unless you are independently wealthy and can hire someone to workup and then load rounds for your firearm.

Unfortunately, when you purchase quality match grade ammo and look at the cost of components, it is easy to see a cost savings. the larger the caliber generally, the bigger the cost savings.

But then if you start reloading like most of us, and find that you "need" the chargemaster to speed things up, the trimmate because it will save time, the s-type bushing dies so you can really tweak the neck tension, the neck turner because those darn necks aren;t gonna be uniform you know, the meplat trimmer (and man I am seriously eyeing the bullet pointing dies because you all know how uniform those SMKs are), the possum hollow gauge to get your true distance to the lands, that set of really nice powder funnels, That micrometer seater because I sure hate being .001 off from my last OAL (which is why I really am eyeing those bullet poining dies), maybe that giraud trimmer because the trimmate and L.E. Wilson case trimmer with the power driver adapter just is too slow for doing 200 rounds at a sitting, and MAN, did you see the latest deal Midway had on SMKs? With the EPA looking to outlaw lead bullets I better get a couple boxes of 175s and heck better get some 168s also...you never know, jees I forgot the 338LM, the .223, the 6mm better get some of those also, just in case, Holy cow I forgot the powder, I bought 8 lbs of 4064, but I think that Varget is doing better, so better order a couple kegs of that, but I also wanted to try some retumbo in the 338 throw that on there........etc, etc, etc and I haven't even gotten into the outlays (yes multiple) on equipment for case cleaning (ultrasonic? SS media?, where you are gonna put the relaoding equipment (man I really "need" the reloading room. Did you say reloading bench? buy one, don;t like it, build one that is downright built like a tank and costs the same as a Bradley............you get the idea


I am only partially kidding with the above rant ( I really am eyeing the bullet pointing dies)
smile.gif


If saving money is your goal, go grab a couple cases of FGMM, and don't look back. You will thank me. If you want to make excellent ammo for YOUR gun then welcome to the addiction!

madd0c
 
#18
Re: reloading savings ?

Dont reload for savings... In a way you can save some $$ but you'll get over it. I'd suggest only get into reloading if your really looking to improve accuracy and actually enjoy it as a hobby..

People who tend to start reloaing to save some cash usually dont reload for long. Your going to shell out some money and it might take a long time unless your shoot thousands of rounds a year to see your money back and it takes up some good time to reload properly.
 
#19
Re: reloading savings ?

But to actually answer your question asked I hand load 308 and spend about $.68 a round as to the equivelent factory match ammo would come to about $2.50 a round give or take a few cents one you break it down. But if I were to shop around a little and wait for a good sale on the powder & primers ect. I would probably save a good $.10 per round to come to about $.58 a round costing about the same as cheap crap factory ammo but get match grade loads out of it.

In all I spend about a good $600+ on my reloading set up and supplies to get started I still have about $550 to go to see some actual savings from reloading.. But the time of making quality ammo.. Getting time away from the girl friend and just knowing everyt shot you hit that steel at 800 yards was produced all by you... Is PRICELESS
laugh.gif
 
#20
Re: reloading savings ?

You know, alot of guys get into it because of the savings aspect, and very quickly things turn and all of a sudden the focus is on squeezing every last drop of accuracy you can out of your rifle.

The thought of going out and buying 100 rounds of mediocre ammo and having a day at the range bugs me to no end. I would immediately be uncomfortable after that first 5 shot group.

Shooting a solid 5 shot group with hand rolled ammo and getting a sweet result is extremely rewarding... especially when your rifle isnt all that crash hot.

I suggest all shooters reload, except for people that are clearly slow... for them it may be dangerous
laugh.gif
 
#21
Re: reloading savings ?

If you want to reload for savings, get the Lee Hand Press. That will get you in the door with the lowest outlay possible. Then get one of those Franklin electronic scales.

The cost breakdown is this (assuming you are reusing the brass):

Primer - 3 cents per round
Bullet - 27 cents per round (depends on which one of course, this is avg)
Power - assuming $20 lb and 50gr load, it is $20/(7000/50) = 14 cents

So total is 44 cents give or take. You can keep your starting cost low by going with the Lee Handpress, Lee dies, Lee Lube, and Lee trimmer and chamfer tool. All can be had for just under $100.

I have reloaded 300 Win Mag rounds at the range with the above setup and they were like, "Holy Shit! I didn't realize you could do it so cheap and easily!"
 
#23
Re: reloading savings ?

I originally started reloading after all the local ammunition was bought. I had 6 or 7 .243 rounds left and I didnt think it would ever come back on the shelf. So I bought all my reloading stuff found primers and powder and bullets and called it a day. I then started wondering myself how much I would save. Well I also started looking into bigger calibers to shoot. When I bought my first .338 MLR I was thinking 120 a box for bullets is crazy when I can reload them for 1.50 a round or so. But if you want to figure out your savings I find this calculator very helpful.

http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/Rifle_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm
 
#24
Re: reloading savings ?

When I stated reloading a while back, my funds were pretty tight. I got the LEE Anniversary kit but the only thing worth using in that kit is the press and the hand primer tool. after that I invested in an RCBS powder scale, RCBS chamfer/deburring tool, and I just use a LEE case length gauge and cutter in my drill. All in all It's probably $250 bucks. I saved a lot in the long run but I do it because I want to see every bit of accuracy possible
 
#25
Re: reloading savings ?

when I consider what I make per hour at work, there are no savings from reloading, I consider reloading a evil money pit, I may in the future just do as Frank Lindy and Jacob do, just shoot factory 308

BH 175
Retail $1350 per 1k, Triad Tactical Price, can be had cheaper but I didn't look.

To reload 1k you need, Powdervalley prices
1k 175smk $280.02
1k Winchester Primers $25.00
1k Winchester Brass 329.00
8lb of Varget 43.0grn per case $135.00
Total
$769.02


You save $580.98 by reloading(Shipping and Hazmat not included) and you will have 1k once fired cases and 1.2lbs of Vargay left so consider how yall make at work, and what your off time is worth to you, and the ammo you make may not shoot as good as BH does.
 
#26
Re: reloading savings ?

The prices that Cobra has posted seem to be around the average no matter where you shop, local or internet. Hourly rate applies if you take off time to reload. The thing about time is how and when you do it. If you prep a little at a time you spread out the time investment. Tumble 200-250 cases (.223, 100 to 150 .308), about an hour. Then size and deprime them while the next batch runs. Or tumble a batch while you trim the first in front of the TV. Sit and prime infront of the TV the next night. The only thing that I don't do while watching TV is powder and seat bullets. I run about 100 rounds a week this way in a few hours. If you prep brass for a while you can have several gallons of brass done and prime and load as you need it. Pistol is a different story, it's all progressive after the tumble. I suppose that sonic cleaning or stainless tumbling adds a step to cleaning the brass but that would be done as you clean/tumble.

Equipment cost has to be figured in if you want to figure out how much you save and when it pays itself off. It's a hobby as much as shooting is and a way to make better, less expensive ammo. The down fall is buying inferior equipment and replacing it with better quality or constantly buying new equipment instead of learning how to use what you have. Trying to save $50 or $60 on a piece of equipment usually turns around to bite you latter.
 
#27
Re: reloading savings ?

I agree with your price chart 427Cobra, but where the big savings do come in is when you re-use your brass. if you have 1k cases, you have at least 8k rounds or 15-20k if you have Lapua brass. I don't agree with reloading to save money so I'm not debating that, but there is something to be said about saving money on brass.
 
#29
Re: reloading savings ?

You don't save, you just shoot more. Nothing wrong with that.
smile.gif


Find a buddy who reloads already. Take beer when you go over there. You will learn alot, and an extra set of eyes that knows WTF they are doing never hurt anything.

I did this, and when I decided I was ready to get a reloading setup at home, I was told it would suck because we wouldn't hang out as much in the garage drinking beer together.
 
#30
Re: reloading savings ?

I like to see guys get into reloading. So I have a Lyman turret press that I do not use any more(just bought a new Hornady LNL). So if you can use it I will sell it to you pretty cheap. I would take $50 for the press, and about $10 to ship it. So if you want it I will send it to you for $60. It is the one on the left hand side in the picture below. The press does not have a primer arm. But the Lee AutoPrime does a great job, and is relatively inexpensive.

It is much cheaper to reload 300 WSM ammo than buying factory.

Advertise for some good used stuff. I am sure there are some other guys on here that might have an item or two extra that they could sell you for a good price.

If you want it let me know. Tom.

IMG_0172.jpg
 
#31
Re: reloading savings ?

Depending on what you shoot, you can get a functional reloading setup for the price of several boxes of factory ammo, or a couple cases of blasting ammo. You're not likely to wear most of these tools out in your lifetime.

That's a benefit that sticks around much longer than what you get out of buying X number of rounds and firing them.

A few years ago, I took the money I would have spent on rifle and pistol ammo for a few months, and bought tools. Since then, I've been able to toss together and shoot any reasonable number of rounds I feel like, at any time I want, for a fraction of the cost of new ammo.
 
#32
Re: reloading savings ?

Since you're looking for numbers, here's what mine come out to. Keep in mind this is with reusing brass instead of using new brass every time.

For .308
168 gr. BTHP Match, $8.77 per 20
175 gr. SMK, $9.37 per 20

For .40 S&W
180 gr. JHP, $2.96 per 20

For .223
55 gr. FMJ, $4.47 per 20
55 gr. VMax, $5.47 per 20
52 gr. BTHP, $5.58 per 20

So, moral of the story, reloading will get you cheaper ammo, but as has been pointed out multiple times, it depends on how much your time is worth to you and how elaborate you want to get with your reloading setup.
 
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