I spent $105.00 on ammo last month alone...

Z

zauer

New member
....geeeeeezzz. I just calculated it at 5 trips to the range per month and 3 boxes ($7.00 at my local range) of 9mm per visit. My question is, is it worth it to reload 9mm cartridges? I mean, about how much does it cost to reload 50 rounds of 9mm? Less than $7.00? Thanks in advance.
 
I don't reload for 9mm, but you should be able to turn out 50 rounds of 9mm for $3-3.50 when buying components in bulk and using your own brass. I can do it that cheap reloading other handgun calibers. Try posting on the reloading forum for specific data.

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Just one of the Good Guys

And yes, S&W MUST DIE!
 
If it makes you feel better, I ran up $80 on ammo just last week! I'm seriously considering reloading. I just need to get a few of the manuals first.
 
Until I start shooting some of my long guns more, I'll probably NOT worry about reloading.

(Some of the long guns I have -- a Swiss Mauser and a Japanese Arisaka -- are very expensive to shoot. At $1 - $2 a round, it makes sense to reload for them. To make matters worse, there's no place nearby to shoot long guns, without spending big bucks for a gun club membership.)


Reloading takes an initial investment that can be sizeable, unless you're getting the most basic of gear.

It takes time -- that low per round cost comes, in part, from your FREE labor. And while "free" your time is still worth something.

Its take attention to detail. Don't watch what you're doing and could ruin your gun, your face or hand, or your life.

I'm still thinking about it.

I shoot a lot of 9mm, and can get it, a case at a time, for around $6.00 delivered (from several internet sources). Given the considerations above, that seems pretty damned cheap.
 
Reloading for pistol (or even rifle) isn't that expensive to get into. A basic setup like an RCBS Rockchucker kit will run around $200. It does take some time, but it allows me to shoot more. I can reload a hundred rounds of .45 for about $6. And I can tailor the loads to what I'm going to be doing: punching paper (light loads) pin busting (hotter loads). It takes me a little more than an hour to reload a hundred cases, and some of that time I can spend watching TV.

Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.
 
Nothing beats reloading, approx.$2.85 per box
for 9mm lite loads,easy on the gun and fun.
All guns can shoot more accurate with reloads
after some trial and error. I do it for the
fun and of course more shooting.!
 
Buy a progressive press if you get into reloading. One insertion of the case into the press instead of four with the single stage press.

Probably the most logical way to go about it is to stick to as few calibers as possible, then maybe have a Dillon Square Deal for each caliber. Buy all components in bulk.

I listen to books on tape obtained from the library so I'm learning about something as I reload. That way it isn't too much of a time sink.

You can probably load nines for half what you are paying for loaded ammo. You can easily load a box of fifty in under twenty minutes on a progressive loading machine.
 
9mm reloading cost useing cast bullet will run you about4.5 cents a round.You are paying
14 cents a round.Saveing at about 9.50$ a hundred.If you Dillon 550B total cost for the system with everything you will need plus some extras should rin about $500.00.You can easly load 500 rds a hr on this unit.
Little divison and you come up with 5300 rds app to save the cost of the reloading system.I might be off by a 1000 rds but I know I am very close.Reloading time for say 6000 rds about 12 hrs.The math works out very well.Ok you just paid for the cost of your loader now you will shoot more and be a better shot.You allso have just a small cost to start reloading other calibers.
It pays very well doesn't it?
IF you need dillons address or phone number email me.ANy questions feel free to email me too.
I haven't too much exparence in reloading.I started in 1968.

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Bob--- Age and deceit will overcome youth and speed.
I'm old and deceitful.
 
Just this weekend I shot 200 9mm, 250 45acp and 400 223.

That was about 4 hours of reloading on the Dillion RL550.

I don't know if I saved any money but I had a fun reloading them and I had a blast shooting them.
 
You don't mention if you are required to buy the ammo from the range, but I'll assume you don't or you wouldn't be asking the question. There are ranges here in VA where you have to buy their bullets, I only frequent them once.

You should be able to reload for less that $7/50 rounds. I agree with Walt, it depends on if you count your time in the equation. You could also find other factory ammo at less than $7/50 rounds. I bought 1000 9mm rounds for $112 delivered a couple months back from Natchez http://www.natchezss.com/ammo/9mm.html. If you watch for specials, you can usually do all right.

Personaly, I'd rather shoot than load, so I stopped reloading everything, rifles, shotguns, etc.. Every once in a while I get the itch to reload something or expirement, but that is offset by the extra time I can shoot or plan a hunt.

By the way, the Clinton-Gore administration thanks you for keeping this economy going by spending that $85 on ammo!!

Snake
 
I reload but not for the 9mm - it's too cheap to bother with. I reload for the .45s, .41. .44, and .357. I do save my 9mm brass though to turn in to somebody someday.
Mac
 
If you're not ready to spring for the $$ for reloading equipment, or just don't want to reload, there's always the alternative of a .22. Sight picture and trigger squeeze technique are the same on a .22 as a centerfire, just less $$ and recoil. I have a Ciener conversion for my 1911, and a Ruger .22/45 that is the same dimension as my Browning Hi Power. Both are invaulable aids, and help keep the cost of shooting somewhat in line. I spent roughly $70.00 last month on ammo, but I did send 10 times more lead downrange.
 
Yeah, the RANGE AMMO SCAM. Aren't they supposed to be on our side? ;) Seriously, I have a friend who reloads all the time. I have bought the bulk cases/bullets/powder and he loads my 9mm out of it. All it costs me is the initial price for the supplies, and the steak/chicken we barbeque after we shoot!!! That's my advice, find a person who reloads and befriend them.

Mike
 
I too am thinking of getting into reloading to cut the cost of ammo. Some of you mention being able to get into it for $200 - $500. Please advise me of where you get your equipment. The last time I figured up the cost for a Dillon 550B (I've spoken with many reloaders and the general consensus seems to be that the Dillon's are the best reloaders out there), a scale, a tumbler, a case trimmer, a priming tool, and all of the other necessities, the total comes out to be close to $1000. If you guys could tell me how you manage to get started for $200- $500 I'd greatly apreciate it.

Thanks.

Giood shooting.
 
Mom T(or anyone else),
Ask over in the reloading forum about getting started.Dillon makes ultra fine equipment, but on the other hand, some of us oldsters got started with some pretty basic equipment.
(My first reloading was done on a Lee pound and size set--->Cost all of $14.95, plus a buck for primers and 10 bucks for powder, plus another 10 bucks for bullets)
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mom T:
I too am thinking of getting into reloading to cut the cost of ammo. Some of you mention being able to get into it for $200 - $500. Please advise me of where you get your equipment. The last time I figured up the cost for a Dillon 550B (I've spoken with many reloaders and the general consensus seems to be that the Dillon's are the best reloaders out there), a scale, a tumbler, a case trimmer, a priming tool, and all of the other necessities, the total comes out to be close to $1000. If you guys could tell me how you manage to get started for $200- $500 I'd greatly apreciate it.

Thanks.

Giood shooting.[/quote]

Buy the RCBS Rockchucker Kit--$250, a set of carbide dies for the caliber you want--$30, a shell holder for the caliber you want--$5, and toss in the cost of primers, powder, bullets, and brass for your first batch.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mom T:
..... If you guys could tell me how you manage to get started for $200- $500 I'd greatly apreciate it.

Thanks.[/quote]

Lyman's Crusher II PRO KIT is well under $200 , includes press scale, reloading block, lube tray . funnel, manual...

Their T-MAG II turret press with expert kit goes for $350ish and also includes trimmer and powder measure. Available in 9mm, 38-357, 44 mag, 45 ACP and 3006.

A tumbler and a few other goodies will probably take you over the $500 range, but you can be in business for $200 to $500.

Tom
 
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