I spent $105.00 on ammo last month alone...
- Thread starter zauer
- Start date
45 Shooter: I can watch TV while cleaning primer pockets and trimming brass. The rest of the process is in the basement with no distractions.
I know you were kidding, though.
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.
I know you were kidding, though.
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.
Ron Ankeny
New member
Don't listen to these guys. Reloading will put you in the poor house. I spent over $100.00 just for primers last month.
Steve Smith
New member
I love my Dillon 550B! Reloading is almost as much fun as shooting, and it allows me to shoot twice as much as I could normally afford to.
Ditto what Mr. Ankeny said,
you will not save any money reloading, you will simply be able to shoot more for your money and will probably end up shooting three times as much though reloading will save perhaps 50% on ammo, i believe that constitutes 50% net increase in expenditure
ex. you used to shoot 100rnds/wk for say $20, you now only pay $10/100, but you think its so cheap now you think nothing of shooting 3 boxes for a total of $15, that is how the addiction of reloading starts
edited for mathematics
[This message has been edited by AndABeer (edited October 16, 2000).]
you will not save any money reloading, you will simply be able to shoot more for your money and will probably end up shooting three times as much though reloading will save perhaps 50% on ammo, i believe that constitutes 50% net increase in expenditure
ex. you used to shoot 100rnds/wk for say $20, you now only pay $10/100, but you think its so cheap now you think nothing of shooting 3 boxes for a total of $15, that is how the addiction of reloading starts
edited for mathematics
[This message has been edited by AndABeer (edited October 16, 2000).]
Here's what I did:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">code:</font><HR><pre>
Dillon 550B: 325.95
9mm Dies: 49.95
Flip Tray: 12.95
Tumbler Kit: 85.00
Bullet Puller:10.99
Calipers: 15.99
Scale: 24.99
9mm Case Guage 8.99
TOTAL: $533.86
[/code]
That's hardly a scrimp 'n' save kit, but it's much less than $1,000. The tumbler kit is nice, but a soapy bucket will do just fine.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">code:</font><HR><pre>
Dillon 550B: 325.95
9mm Dies: 49.95
Flip Tray: 12.95
Tumbler Kit: 85.00
Bullet Puller:10.99
Calipers: 15.99
Scale: 24.99
9mm Case Guage 8.99
TOTAL: $533.86
[/code]
That's hardly a scrimp 'n' save kit, but it's much less than $1,000. The tumbler kit is nice, but a soapy bucket will do just fine.
Hell, get a Lyman 310 Tong Tool with the dies for all your calibers and after loading a couple 1,000 rounds each you'll have a grip that will crush rocks. I started loading .45 ACP on one back a whole buncha years. Talk about mind numbing, one case, one step at a time.
------------------
"If there be treachery, let there be jihad."
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
------------------
"If there be treachery, let there be jihad."
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
Guy B. Meredith
New member
Listen to the guys who say you probably won't spend less cash. I spend an average of $75.88/mo.
On the other hand this is feeding my habit of about 1000 rounds/mo of .38 spl or $3.80 a box and these are premium rounds with clean shooting copper plated (and pretty) bullets that shoot like *I* want. I would pay $7.50 per box of 50 from a reloader and as much as $15 from the factory.
You definitely need to feel spending some personal time is worth the cash savings. Experimenting is a fun way to spend time, but mass production is mass production. The other day I did spend 2.5 hours examining 500 cases that had just been cleaned, setting up the bullet seating die for a different bullet, verifying powder charges, cranking out 400 rounds and putting them into trays. I am no speed demon, though, and find the reloading bench a good place to escape life's commotion--or escape doing the dishes.
For startup I invested pretty much as follows less tax--which varies with location:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive -- $250 (normally about $310)
RCBS 5-0-5 scale -- $58.50
RCBS Lockout die -- $21.95
Hornady M3 (large) tumbler -- $59
Hornady calipers -- $36.00
RCBS carbide dies -- $30.95
RCBS primer flipper -- $2.95
RCBS bullet puller -- $19.50
Lyman 47th edition reloading book -- $15.95
Speer #13 manual -- $13.25
For a total of $508.05 for tools and books.
Er, then there was the $120 tool bench from the local Home Base store, so call it $628. No scrimping, but nothing extra. Don't need case trimming and lube for non-MOA accuracy.
Not cheap, but over the 5700 rounds loaded thus far over the last 5 months the savings has been $421.80 over professional reloads and as much as $1276 over commercial ammo of similar grade. Either way, the gear will have paid for itself in another couple of months.
Then $87 startup quantity of components for 1000 rounds plus powder enough for an additional 500 rounds:
Accurate Arms #2 powder, 1lb-$18
1000 WSP Primers-$17 (after those gave out bought 5000 for $50 at closeout sale)
1000 West Coast copper plated .38 spl bullets -$52 (includes shipping)
For a total of $595.05 (less bench) to get out the first 1000 rounds.
On the other hand this is feeding my habit of about 1000 rounds/mo of .38 spl or $3.80 a box and these are premium rounds with clean shooting copper plated (and pretty) bullets that shoot like *I* want. I would pay $7.50 per box of 50 from a reloader and as much as $15 from the factory.
You definitely need to feel spending some personal time is worth the cash savings. Experimenting is a fun way to spend time, but mass production is mass production. The other day I did spend 2.5 hours examining 500 cases that had just been cleaned, setting up the bullet seating die for a different bullet, verifying powder charges, cranking out 400 rounds and putting them into trays. I am no speed demon, though, and find the reloading bench a good place to escape life's commotion--or escape doing the dishes.
For startup I invested pretty much as follows less tax--which varies with location:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive -- $250 (normally about $310)
RCBS 5-0-5 scale -- $58.50
RCBS Lockout die -- $21.95
Hornady M3 (large) tumbler -- $59
Hornady calipers -- $36.00
RCBS carbide dies -- $30.95
RCBS primer flipper -- $2.95
RCBS bullet puller -- $19.50
Lyman 47th edition reloading book -- $15.95
Speer #13 manual -- $13.25
For a total of $508.05 for tools and books.
Er, then there was the $120 tool bench from the local Home Base store, so call it $628. No scrimping, but nothing extra. Don't need case trimming and lube for non-MOA accuracy.
Not cheap, but over the 5700 rounds loaded thus far over the last 5 months the savings has been $421.80 over professional reloads and as much as $1276 over commercial ammo of similar grade. Either way, the gear will have paid for itself in another couple of months.
Then $87 startup quantity of components for 1000 rounds plus powder enough for an additional 500 rounds:
Accurate Arms #2 powder, 1lb-$18
1000 WSP Primers-$17 (after those gave out bought 5000 for $50 at closeout sale)
1000 West Coast copper plated .38 spl bullets -$52 (includes shipping)
For a total of $595.05 (less bench) to get out the first 1000 rounds.
Heck yeah! You don't think that we're just sitting in our basements and garages for our health do you?
How much would it cost for a box of Ranger XT? $12.99? Multiply that times 20. If I buy a case, with tax it will cost me upwards of $250 if it is discounted.
I can reload my own case for $75.
Gee, I saved $175 dollars in one case.
I can reload a case of .45 ACP for $95 with 230 grain hollowpoints just like the Federal HydraShoks or Golden Sabres.
People forget that with reloading you can not only make plinking/target rounds, but also simulate commercial self defense rounds.
------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
How much would it cost for a box of Ranger XT? $12.99? Multiply that times 20. If I buy a case, with tax it will cost me upwards of $250 if it is discounted.
I can reload my own case for $75.
Gee, I saved $175 dollars in one case.
I can reload a case of .45 ACP for $95 with 230 grain hollowpoints just like the Federal HydraShoks or Golden Sabres.
People forget that with reloading you can not only make plinking/target rounds, but also simulate commercial self defense rounds.
------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
It will cost you a good $500 to buy a good Dillon 550 with all of the needed accessories.
But if you shoot a couple times a month, you recoup your investment very quickly.
Ever try to buy a Dillon progressive press used. Can't find them easily because there is always a market for their presses.
Get a Dillon and pump out 400-600 rounds an hour. I started on a Lyman Spar-T turret press and could only crank out 120 rounds an hour.
That $500 on a Dillon saves me a heck of a lot of time which is also important.
Just remember, ask around on the Net, many gun stores owners don't want you reloading because they'd rather suck your wallet dry with the factory $9.99 Pretty Much Crap ammo.
My range sells very little reloading equipment for a reason, they want sell guns, ammo, scopes, and holsters.
I have to drive to the sticks for my reloading supplies but I still save a ton of $. Just reloaded 300 rounds of .45 ACP this morning in about 35 minutes.
I'd switch ranges too if I "had" to buy "their" ammo.
------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
But if you shoot a couple times a month, you recoup your investment very quickly.
Ever try to buy a Dillon progressive press used. Can't find them easily because there is always a market for their presses.
Get a Dillon and pump out 400-600 rounds an hour. I started on a Lyman Spar-T turret press and could only crank out 120 rounds an hour.
That $500 on a Dillon saves me a heck of a lot of time which is also important.
Just remember, ask around on the Net, many gun stores owners don't want you reloading because they'd rather suck your wallet dry with the factory $9.99 Pretty Much Crap ammo.
My range sells very little reloading equipment for a reason, they want sell guns, ammo, scopes, and holsters.
I have to drive to the sticks for my reloading supplies but I still save a ton of $. Just reloaded 300 rounds of .45 ACP this morning in about 35 minutes.
I'd switch ranges too if I "had" to buy "their" ammo.
------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
Bill Daniel
New member
Zauer:
Others have said it but I will second it. I do save money over buying my 45 ACP but I also enjoy reloading. I get greater satisfaction from shooting well with my handcrafted bullets than with factory loads and I enjoy reading and learning new skills. The down side is you will want to shoot more thus partially negating your savings.
All the best,
Bill Daniel
------------------
Prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law and their weapons will become harmless.
Others have said it but I will second it. I do save money over buying my 45 ACP but I also enjoy reloading. I get greater satisfaction from shooting well with my handcrafted bullets than with factory loads and I enjoy reading and learning new skills. The down side is you will want to shoot more thus partially negating your savings.
All the best,
Bill Daniel
------------------
Prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law and their weapons will become harmless.
Hi, my name's Bogie, and I'm a shooter...
Let's see... In the month of September I went through about a thousand custom 6mm and .22 bullets, or about $150 worth... I toasted about 40 pieces of brass during the nationals, so add in $80 for that. Add in the $118 on powder, $25 for primers, and $156 for match fee and camping... Toward the end of the month, I ordered another two jugs of AA2200, which bumped the ante another $115 with delivery (and they left it on my bud's porch - no signature...).
Let's see... In the month of September I went through about a thousand custom 6mm and .22 bullets, or about $150 worth... I toasted about 40 pieces of brass during the nationals, so add in $80 for that. Add in the $118 on powder, $25 for primers, and $156 for match fee and camping... Toward the end of the month, I ordered another two jugs of AA2200, which bumped the ante another $115 with delivery (and they left it on my bud's porch - no signature...).