Curious about reloading

[mitchntx]

Not knowing anything about reloading (other than a lot of ranges don't allow it) is this just an extension of the shooting hobby or can serious money really be saved?

The wife and I go through 1000 rounds of 9mm a month. And I use the cheap stuff like Winchester bulk white box or the UMC Mega-Pack. It can be found in the $.18/ round range when buying in big lots.

So not including the initial purchase of the required tooling, what is a reasonable cost per round of lead/brass and a 115 grain load?

[extremist]

I don't shoot lead, and I have a large supply of brass saved over the years. I have bought brass for about $20/K in the past year from LEOBrass.com because I like that he has mostly Federal. Using jacketed or plated 115/124 gr bullets, and figure .03 for primers and I haven't really figured out how much powder costs, I'm guessing I'm reloading 9mm for about 10-12 cents a round.

On my Dillon Square Deal B, I can easily load 150 rounds an hour, casually, checking each round in a case gauge. That setup will cost you about $400 to start.

I typically shoot about 150-200 rounds a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

It's a relaxing hobby for me - there are those that will tell you it won't save you that much on 9mm.

But I shoot a lot of .45 and it saves me a BUNCH because I load .45 for about the same cost 10-12 cents a round and that's 230gr FMJ (I got a good deal on a bulk purchase of bullets) :)

If you shoot 1000 rounds a month and you don't mind spending 8 hours a month reloading, I think you will find it will pay back your investment in a year.

My .02

James

[extremist]

Not knowing anything about reloading (other than a lot of ranges don't allow it)

Oh and I forgot to comment on this. I would find another range to shoot at

James

[longtooth]

completely agree.

[mitchntx]

Not knowing anything about reloading (other than a lot of ranges don't allow it)

Oh and I forgot to comment on this. I would find another range to shoot at

James

LOL ...

Options are limited here.
While not on the edge of the earth, I can see it from my back porch.

A reload blew up and the range knee-jerked the rules.
I guess when you're the only game in town ....

[Jumping Frog]

The real expense in handloading is purchasing bullets.

I cast my own bullets and reload 9mm for about $2.55 per hundred. That is $1.55 for primers and $1.00 for powder. I have never had to purchase 9mm brass.

If I purchase cast bullets for about $60 per thousand, that adds another $6 per hundred. Reloading at about 8.50 per hundred or $85 per thousand versus your $180 per thousand for commercial ammo means you can pay off your reloading equipment in short order.

My biggest savings are when I am reloading .44 Magnum. My cost is under $12 per hundred, where Buffalo Bore sells the same spec ammo for about $35 per 20, or $175 per hundred. My first 300 rounds paid for my press and all equipment to reload 4 calibers.

FWIW, I load about 450 rounds per hour on my Lee Loadmaster. When I am casting, I'll cast, size and lube about 1000 bullets per hour.

[mitchntx]

Good data. Thanks.

Ok ... the question that always gets asked ...

Is there a checklist somewhere as to what equipment is needed?
How about a review of said equipment so that I don't buy junk?

what about a decent source for supplies. I've made note of a couple vendors mentioned in here.

[A-R]

I'm new to reloading, but my initial experiences concur with what has been posted already.

IMHO, reloading 115-grain 9mm FMJ really isn't worth the effort as you're going to pay about 12 cents per round vs the 18-22 cents you're paying to buy new factory loads. Translates to saving about $3-$4 per box of 50.

But the cost benefits really show themselves when you start reloading bigger bullets and/or bigger calibers. Even loading 147-grain 9mm (an oft-used round for competition shooting because it can be loaded soft and still make "power factor" because of the extra grain weight) can be a savings because those heavier rounds usually go for 2-5 cents more per round retail for factory loads and can be hand-loaded for basically the same as 115-grain.

But the huge savings is in .45 ACP and other larger rounds. This is the whole reason I got into reloading. I can't afford to shoot much .45 at the $17-$23/50-round box retail prices (~ 35-45 cents per round). But I reload Berry's plated 230-gr RN bullets into reused brass for about for about $9/box of 50 (18 cents per round ~ 14 cents per bullet, 3 cents per primer, 1 cent or less per powder load). So that's a 50-percent or better savings ($8-$10 per box of 50) and I'm not even buying in bulk or casting my own bullets to REALLY save $$$$

My typical shooting sessions are 150 rounds or less, so saving about $10-$12 on 150 rounds of 9mm is not really worth the couple hours of my time (I only have a slower single-stage press right now). But saving $30 on 150 rounds of .45 becomes more worth my time. I once I upgrade to a progressive press and load same number of rounds in half the time it will be even more worthwhile.

Also I've found most of my reloads are at least as accurate as quality factory ammo, and some is noticeably more accurate. Especially once you start fine-tuning a load to a particular gun and barrel. Plus there's the added benefit of specialty loads - like the little "bunny fart" loads I've made in .38 special to fire out of my Airweight J-frame revolver so I can practice more before my hand starts to ache.

[A-R]

Good data. Thanks.

Ok ... the question that always gets asked ...

Is there a checklist somewhere as to what equipment is needed?
How about a review of said equipment so that I don't buy junk?

what about a decent source for supplies. I've made note of a couple vendors mentioned in here.

I can recommend the RCBS Rock Chucker starter kit sold at Cabelas (http://tinyurl.com/73kadte" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) ... $50 rebate makes that a sweet deal right now.

It's a great way to start and learn. Many will recommend a progressive press for faster pistol cartridge reloading, and I don't disagree (planning to upgrade to one at some point). But I am glad I've cut my teeth on this press and many of the accessories (scale etc) are still usable even after you upgrade to a faster-operating press. Plus most experienced reloaders seem to still prefer a single-stage press for low volume, high accuracy rifle loads.

Edited to add: One gripe about RCBS - while their dies and all their equipment are generally first-rate, and their warranty/customer service is awesome (they've sent me free replacement parts on USED items I purchased off eBay), I find their die lock rings to be sorely lacking in strength/stability and have subsequently upgrade to tighter-locking Lyman and Forster cross-thread die lock rings (minor item - $4 part upgrade).

[extremist]

Don't know if you've seen this, but I found it on Brian Eno's forum, it's very cool:

http://ultimatereloader.com/tools/reloa ... alculator/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My 9mm calculated out to 11.2 cents per round with W231 and xTreme 124gr plated RN bullets, and take your pick primers.

Regards,
James

[mitchntx]

Don't know if you've seen this, but I found it on Brian Eno's forum, it's very cool:

http://ultimatereloader.com/tools/reloa ... alculator/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My 9mm calculated out to 11.2 cents per round with W231 and xTreme 124gr plated RN bullets, and take your pick primers.

Regards,
James

Thanks, James

Losts of great info on that site ...

[Jumping Frog]

IMHO, reloading 115-grain 9mm FMJ really isn't worth the effort as you're going to pay about 12 cents per round vs the 18-22 cents you're paying to buy new factory loads. Translates to saving about $3-$4 per box of 50.

Anyone can do much better than 12 cents a round if they are purchasing wisely.

Primers can be purchased for $0.015 to $0.02 apiece. Grafs has Magtech SP for sale right now at $100/5000. Powder Valley Inc. has Wolf SP for $15.50 per thousand.

Grafs has 8 lb Bullseye for $108.99. Works out to about $0.87 per hundred, or $0.0087 per round.

Grafs has a sale, purchase 32 lbs powder and it is free shipping with no hazmat. The primers ride for free.

Missouri bullet co has 4000 115 gn 9m for $236 plus $13 shipping. With the THR discount, they are $59.30 per thousand shipped, or $0.0593 per round.

I've loaded and shot thousands and thousands of 9mm and have never purchased brass, so I consider it free. If the OP is shooting 1000 rounds per month, I would hope he has thousands of cases accumulated.

That works out to 8.8 cents per round. Since the OP said he is shooting 1000 per month at 18 cents per round, that is a monthly savings of $92. That works out to my time being worth $41.40 per hour. I would assert that it is worth the effort to reload 9mm.

[Jumping Frog]

what about a decent source for supplies. I've made note of a couple vendors mentioned in here.

If you are buying online, everyone has heard of Cabelas.com and Midwayusa.com. Other sources I have purchased from and been very pleased with are:

Midsouth Shooters Supply
Kempf Gun Shop
Graf & Sons, Inc
Wideners Reloading and Shooting Supply Inc

For components, also check out:
Powder Valley Inc.
Missouri Bullet Co.
Dardas Cast Bullets

As you probably could guess from my posts above, I am a numbers guy. When I am making a large purchase, I build up a spreadsheet with the parts I want and check prices at the above vendors.

Is there a checklist somewhere as to what equipment is needed?
How about a review of said equipment so that I don't buy junk?

I helped a friend get setup in a Lee Loadmaster Progressive Press a couple of years ago and here was the shopping list we put together to start in .45 ACP. You'd have minor changes in part numbers to have 9mm instead of .45 ACP.

Lee Anniversary Pack (Reloader Press and Reloading Manual) (90700) $20.40
Lee Load-Master Progressive Press Kit 45 ACP (90945) $224.52
Lee Universal Depriming and Decapping Die (90292) $7.95
LEE 45 ACP/AR/SCHOF/MAG CARB. FACTORY TAPER CRIMP (90864) $15.50
Lee Pro 1000, Load-Master Progressive Press Case Collator (90667) $9.99
Lee Double Disk Kit (90195) $10.47
Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar (90792) $6.67
Graf's Impact Bullet Puller (GR19) $17.99
Cabelas Rotary Media Separator (XJ-214213) $21.99
Cabelas Case Tumbler 110 Volt 3.5S (XJ-212867) $44.99
Lyman Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel (7832212) $34.00
Redding #2 Master Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity (02000) $61.40
RCBS Die Locking Ring Wrench (9634) $7.19
Total $483.06

If you decide to go Turret Press instead of Progressive, Lee makes two turret presses, the Lee Turret Press, part # 90932, retail approx $72.00, or the Lee Classic Turret Press, part # 90064, retail approx $105. The Classic Turret Press is cast iron and is a sturdier, more durable press. However, it is the regular Lee Turret Press that is sold as the Lee Deluxe Turret Press Kit, part #90928, retail approx $111.00.

You'll also need several reloading manuals. If you buy Lee Equipment, then it makes sense to purchase Richard Lee's Modern Reloading book.

Priming: Lee Priming Tools gives you the choice of either priming on the press or priming off the press. If you want to prime on the press, you would use the Lee Safety Prime (large & small), part #90997, retail approx $21.00. If you want to prime off the press, you would use the Lee Auto-Prime XR (large & small), part #90230, retail approx $17.00.

Some other items you'll probably want to include would be:

Lee Double Disk Kit (90195) $10.47
Graf's Impact Bullet Puller (GR19) $17.99
Cabelas Case Tumbler 110 Volt 3.5S (XJ-212867) $44.99
Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel (672060) $22.00
Redding #2 Master Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity (02000) $61.40

I'd strongly recommend starting with a traditional balance beam scale. That is why I listed the Redding (which I have and really like). I know there are cheaper scales out there than spending $60, but being able to accurately weight powder is really critical to reloading success. The electronic scales are still a little flaky, with issues like zero drift, overly sensitive to air currents, and calibration. I also have electronic scales, but the balance beam still gets used every time I load.

Finally (I know this is a long-winded post), if you are considering various brands of progressive presses, make sure you factor in the costs involved with adding an additional caliber. There is a large variation in costs to add one more caliber, and I don't know anyone who gets serious about reloading who sticks to a single caliber. If you compare prices, it will raise your eyebrows.

[CDH]

My rule of thumb; If my labor is free the ammo comes out to about half price over similar new ammo. It adds up fast, but then I shoot more because it is cheaper!

[mktacop]

Good data. Thanks.

Ok ... the question that always gets asked ...

Is there a checklist somewhere as to what equipment is needed?
How about a review of said equipment so that I don't buy junk?

what about a decent source for supplies. I've made note of a couple vendors mentioned in here.

A good place to start would be to pick up a copy of "The ABCs of Reloading". Read through it and it will give you a great overview of everything involved with reloading.

As far as costs go, shop around, look for the best prices on what you want. This link will take you to a nice calculator that will help you figure costs involved. I also have an excel spreadsheet I found that I can email you if you want, just PM me. (The spreadsheet allows you to itemize everything and even calculates how long it would take to recoup your investment and has a nice label printing function for reloaded ammo). http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/ ... ulator.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;