Reloading vs Factory Ammo: Is it REALLY cheaper?
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
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00:00 Intro
00:25 Established Titles
01:47 Factory Ammo for Comparison
02:13 Components of a Cartridge
02:31 Basic Comparison of Reloading vs Factory Cost
02:46 Cost of Each Component
03:37 Cost When Reusing Brass
04:02 Cost When Not Buying Brass
04:42 Including Cost of Your Time
09:30 How to Get the Wife on Board
10:26 The Verdict - Is it worth it? - Sport
I said "1 minute, 63 seconds" to reload a cartridge. I meant to say "1.63 minutes" to reload a cartridge, which is about 1 minute, 38 seconds. Sorry, just read it right off my Excel sheet without thinking.
Was going to say something 😂. Nice catch.
Hey just wanted to say love all your videos. And I have been watching for a long time. Great stuff always. Was curious what your thoughts are on the woox chassis stocks?
Who cares about how fast you reload, If you spend Hundreds cartridges every week end or if you make a living out of shooting, then Speed takes over, I deprime and tumble clean one evening or SAt. Take clean cases and Prime while watching TV, Hand primer, Ok, now comes the serious part, One evening take my time to very carefully put powder charge all 100 or less casses on a cartridge tray and eyball all to see if wrong, No booze/beer on this one,Then procede to seat and crimp, No progerssive loaders for me, Exept for target shotgun shells, I do use a progresive press
that is great it is also fun tailoring your loads,less money ,WIVES STOP BITCHING
So... about 33 minutes to reload 20 cartridges? Right?
Early on, I had a close friend who was a meticulous reloader. I bought components for my particular gun and he reloaded for me. I trusted him and he went right by the book and kept detailed notes. It is very satisfying to shoot a preferred bullet and increase accuracy. I eventually acquired a press and the other gear and then set up my own bench. It has been a very enjoyable journey for the past 30 years or so. My friend has had to give up his passion due to health reasons but he lives on through my reloading now. He taught me well. And now I'm going to pass this pleasure on to my Sons and Grandchildren. Great video and thanks for sharing. God Bless.
That's how I started reloading...
Paying yourself for time spent loading also assumes you would otherwise have spent the time on something you get paid for. If you're reloading instead of watching CZcams or TV, or instead of reading a novel, playing computer games, etc., then it's not paid time. If you're reloading instead of something that creates an income stream, then you need to count the lost revenue as part of the reloading cost. If you're reloading as part of your own CZcams channel, and the channel is monetized somehow, then you need to subtract the revenue from the cost of reloading. Most people who are billing themselves for hours spent on reloading aren't using time that would otherwise make money, so they shouldn't count it as a cost.
But it still shows that it’s cost effective on top of that.
Well said. Plus, i kinda consider reloading like therapy lol.
@@scarecrow6292 I agree.
It's a passion..therapy...and it's fun
It takes 10 mins to reload 20 rounds
I was first exposed to reloading as a teen. My father would reload 357mag and 30-30. Many years later I find myself waist deep in reloading, not only ease the financial burden of shooting but to satisfy an inner desire to carry on a tradition my father would be proud of. And I enjoy the meticulous nature of the task. I tell everyone interested in reloading, that you won't save any $$$, but you will shoot 2x to 3x more. I really enjoy your channel and it's content.
I think "shooting more" is what counts. Also, who knows when ammo will dry up again? Learning to reload is a nice skill to have.
Thanks for your comment.
I do it to save $. Been since 1991.
Generally speaking you should see a small increase in accuracy. I reload in down time and I don't mind hand weighing each powder charge. I find reloading to be calming.
Thats AWESOME! It’s a great thing to hand down with pride! Even with daughters!
Absolutely worth it. I priced up the cost of reloading kit for 223 rem some years ago when I got involved and I was break even at just 300 rounds. I can't explain the joy and happiness felt when I harvested my first deer with ammunition that I had made.
👆👆👆 Ham in a can.
I've reloaded for many years and I live and hunt in Colorado so I have a lot of different game to hunt. I understand the joy and happiness you felt. I have even gone so far as to manufacture my own black powder for my smoke poles and create my own paper cartridges for my black powder pistol. There is also the possibility of creating you own max. powder charges for some firearms, for instance the 7x57. There were so many of them created that the powder charges are kept low in the manuals because of the strength of some of the worst of them. I have been able to safely go beyond the max. loads listed in my custom rifles and reach velocities beyond what is listed in manuals while showing no signs of over pressure. Have fun and stay safe.
Reloading for me is therapeutic, I'm not thinking about the stresses of life and the world, I'm single focused.
Factory ammo is designed to work in most guns without issues first, that means velocity isn't going to be as fast as it could be.
So reloading is a good way to find the best charge for accuracy for your barrel which is something factory ammo just can't do. You can get lucky and find a factory ammo that's sub moa every time but that requires buying a lot of different brands of ammo and types of bullets.
Very good information Jim. Being retired I really enjoy reloading. I like to do ladders and see what works best for different firearms. I've been hunting with ammo that I reloaded for the last 40 years, and it really gives you a feeling of accomplishment. I also enjoy teaching others to reload.
I could use some training.
Just retired and have a Lee 100 with everything I need to start. I have been soaking up as much info as I can. Seems hard, but everyone says just go slow in the beginning and you will be fine. Just want to start with 9 and 45. We will see
Where do you live? I need some teaching, have been reading a lot and watching lots of videos, but nothing like hands on experience before going in fully!!
When it’s a hobby then it cost nothing time wise. 👍
I actually recently got into reloading during the crazy ammo shortages due to the pandemic. Your videos have been a huge help throughout. I just finished a Bergara B14 HMR in 300 win mag, and with my hand loaded 168gn ELDM I am shooting .4” groups @100 and staying sub MOA out to 500. I haven’t been able to test it farther than that yet, but it amazes me how much better the bullets I made shoot vs quality factory ammo. Thank you for all of your help, and you are the one that sold me on buying a silencer as well. I put a Nomad TI on my B14 and LOVE it.
I started reloading in 1998 for my 243 & 7RM, I don’t consider my time because it’s fun and to shoot consistently tight groups at the range. I Like your channel Jim!
For a beginner handloading on a budget or in a small space, something like the Lee Hand Press could be a good option. It’s inexpensive and takes up very little space. Sure it’s slow going but if you only want to load like 100 rounds of .28 Nosler a year, it might be more attractive than shelling out hundreds for a progressive setup
Its a smart way to learn too.
can easily crank out 100 rounds in an afternoon
I've reloaded for lots and lots of years and I can say a beginner should not start with a progressive press. There are to many places a beginner can misstep. A good single stage press will last all your life and if you want to step up later it's no problem.
What made reloading make sense to me was getting the bullet (among other components) I wanted. Everyone raves about the terminal ballistic of Sierra TMKs, but finding factory ammo is nearly impossible, and when you find it in stock the prices are crazy.
I just traded a 15 year old Savage Axis 308 for a Parker Hale 1200 300 Win Mag. It came with a half box of Winchester 180gr power points. They work good, but then I tried my reloads. 180gr Nosler Partition, H1000, Magnum primer. Like lightning and super accurate. I want to try Sierra 175 TGK next. Stay safe and Happy shooting.
I found a bunch of H1000 last year. Score. Now I need to find the loads that work best in my rifles.
My rate of pay keeps me from reloading.
Iv done it for almost 2 decades now and no doubt it is cheaper by the round.
But the performance gains come from time spent in brass prep and that comes at a major time cost. 8 reloads is a real stretch without buying top shelf brass. Getting the gains come from really using the brass properly and doing your job properly
It’s not just half price for better ammo
I've been able to go to the range or places where people often shoot and just pick up the brass I want. It takes some brass bathing but I can find a lot of brass that way, especially .223 or 5.56.
These days, finding primers is the very devil. Powder ain't easy, either. Shopping locally, I've run across small pistol and large pistol primers only rarely this year, and large rifle primers not at all. I've found a decent supply of small pistol primers online, and once, even found some large rifle primers, priced, reasonably (you can always find them at scalper's prices.) I've been reloading since the very early 1980s, for all the reasons stated in this video. Lately, I reload because the rifle caliber ammo that I shoot is seldom if ever available on the shelf anyway. I enjoy reloading as much as I enjoy shooting anyway. Great video!
Low ES/SD is worth it even if it costs the same or slightly more!
I bought thousands in dies, presses, powder, and components. When you shoot 10 rounds in a single hole at 200 yards or a bullseyes at 600 yards with a 6mm dasher; it was worth it. It’s all about the experience and knowledge gained. Plus my wife wants low recoil custom loads.
Having delved in the mystic art of reloading for over 50+ years, I absolutely agree about the expense and the fact it is cheaper. Another good way to save when purchasing your reloading equipment, buy USED. I scour Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Garage Sales, EBay, Local Gun Stores and Gun Shows, all good sources and as a rule, it produces ammunition that shoots better than I am able to buy, it saves more money. Reloading equipment rarely wears out, it is quality stuff, made with quality materials by craftsmen who take pride in their products. Another tip to save, watch for sales and closeouts, stock up when it's cheaper, don't be caught in the shortages, stored properly, it will last a lifetime. Any ammunition I produce from my equipment is at least equal to or better than factory ammo. It is a therapeutic process for me, there is no labor involved.
Very well presented, and good info!
In addition to being fun, it’s definitely a cost savings and a quality increase. Keep up the great work!
Ive always reloaded for performance. Thats the whole point of it for me. Just the bullet that I stuff in the front usually cost more than a whole factory loaded round.
What do you plink with? Or do you just reload and not shoot.
Thanks for sharing Jim! I don't count labor in reloading costs because it allows me to
mentally escape from every day responsibilities and puts a smile on my face. I haven't done as much recently, but look forward to getting back out to the range once I recover from a medical procedure.
The main draw for me is the weird calibers. I've got a .41 rem mag and a 7.5x55 Swiss. These can both be found somewhere, sure, but it's just so much easier to load it myself and not bother with looking.
Love loading 7.5 Swiss, it is absolutely possible to exceed gp11 with it already excellent. Now 41 Swiss, that's been a different ballgame!
Agreed. My favorite gun is a 358 Winchester. Unobtainium on store shelves but I have components to make loads with pistol bullets, 180, 200, 225 and 250 gr bullets
Ditto, I have a 6-284 that I reload for.
Some calibers are pretty much non-existent, with some companies possibly making a few hundred rounds every few years, and then you have to take out a loan to be able to buy them.
Reloading makes it possible to use those obsolete cartridges again!
Thanks Jim! I posted a short video a few years ago about getting started on the cheap and I’ve loaded 1000s of rounds for myself, friends and family! I love it more every day!
Smokeless powders is back in stock everywhere.
Bullets are in stock everywhere.
Primers are priced 300% of normal market price, but available.
Brass is available again too.
You are right! It is the time to start!
A gun nerd and a spread sheet math nerd who enjoys sharing on you tube ! It doesn't get any better than that. Thanks
I built a LE career based off of shooting & reloading that started way back in my early 20's. Things were a ton cheaper back then but to be honest, the one thing you didn't mention was that buying reloading equipment isn't a "one & done" type of acquisition. Over the last 45-50 yrs. I've added to my collection and now I can cast my own bullets as well as swage jacketed ones. I can reform brass from parent cartridge stocks that I have as well. It truly branches out to a point that the only items you truly need are primers and powder. The biggest point in it all is that you are rarely at the mercy of the ammo makers, pandemics, supply chain issues, etc......
The 1 thing for me that is most important about reloading is you can develop the best combination for your particular rifle for optimum accuracy
Completely agree... You learn so much more about your gun and rounds. I was a 6.5 prc rookie 6 months ago, now I'm an old pro.
6 months and you`re a pro?
I`ve been reloading for 50+ years, so what would that make me (?)
Great analysis, and I came to the same general conclusion. I knew the initial outlay would cost me, but the subsequent savings would be worth it.
I don't actually shoot enough to justify reloading, but I am similar to you in that I consider cleaning my firesticks as part of the fun in this hobby. Just as I like watching videos, reading magazines, going to the various stores as part of the hobby as well. Maybe someday I will look at reloading, but for now it makes no sense at all.
I watch this channel because I love the information. I got my .308, and scope after watching your videos.
Great information! To me living in Ca with all the regulation for lead free ammo it makes even greater sense to reload. I shoot 6.5 prc and lead free Barnes for 84.99 plus tax it gets pretty expensive really quick.
i have lots of time because I'm retired, so I can buy once fired rifle brass and clean it up so it cost less money but cost more in time. I also buy my pistol brass used, my local gun shop/ range sells their brass in a 5 gallon bucket and charges whatever the going price of brass is. Last time I got a 5 gallon bucket for $80, so my price per round is much lower because I rarely use brand new brass. Great video, thanks for your time and effort.
the margins get much much better once you have reloaded for a while and learn all the tips and tricks of getting reloading supplies cheaper ... when I first started I was buying 30cal projos from midway for around 30 cents each when on sale .. now I know where to go to get them for around 13 cents each ... and same goes for all the supplies .. large rifle primers are about 130 for a brick and I use to pay 200ish .. powder I paid 25 dollars a pound for 4064 ... so for a 180gr hornady interlock on 44gr of 4064 in 308 lake city brass with rem. 9 1/2 large rifle primer comes out to = 42 cents a round ... I think to buy the same ready made ammo is something like 2.50 a round near where I live (wichita falls tx area) .. so much cheaper .. also for my rifles my own loaded ammo is MUCH more accurate then factory ammo when loaded to proper seating depth for each of my bolt guns ..sometimes to a extreme ... a cheap mossberg atr 100 I have was a terrible shooter. I am talking 6 or 7 inch groups at 100yards .. But after loading the above 40 thousands off the lands its right around 1 to 1 1/2 inch ...
Reloading has allowed me to shoot 2x a month these last three years. I always bought components, because I listened to the older guys telling me to buy stuff every time I see it available. A pound of powder, 200 primers now and again, and bullets when I see them. I am fortunate to have built up a good collection of supplies. I never have to fret about how many rounds I have left, "Save my ammo for the hunt", or anything in that nature. Components inflate at a cheaper rate than 20 round boxes of ammo. Plus with the availability of rounds I can make, that translate to more trigger time.
thanks love your channel more than any other 👍 good luck on your hunt
It's been a no brainer for 15 years. My ammo and being able to make a load that is perfect for each rifle, is great. As you build up a list of places where you can get items online or in person, you can often find stuff. I load for 14 calibers and 3 gauges of gun and find it a terrific part of the sport. I am now getting into casting bullets also and you can really cut your costs on some firearms by casting bullets for cents on the dollar.
Definitely one of the best CZcams channels Right here! Thanks Man.
Appreciate that
I just use a Lee hand loader to reload all my bullets as I don’t shoot many per year. The kit is really cheap and still gives you better than factory accuracy especially if you weigh the powder. Plus it still gives you the satisfaction of loading it yourself and it’s actually faster than you would think.
Reloading is also a great stress-reducing activity! It allows you to work up the best combination of components to achieve the results you want - even at different ranges - at different activities from the same rifle. And working up that combination is also a great exercise at learning just how the various components work together. And once you get comfortable with your first caliber, the next ones become a quick learn and expand your 'fun'. I started with one, now do 6 rifle and 6 handgun and 2 shotgun. Once you have and stockpile the components, you really don't have to worry about availability and can enjoy shooting.
In the last 20 years I have only bought 500 rounds of PMC ,223 because it was so cheap I could not say no. People throw away once fired cartridges at the range if they are from a reputable manufacturer I pocket them. And reloading is part of my hobby, and it's relaxing.
I am a active 357 Magnum Reloader. This is for a 4in revolver and a Single shot Break action Rifle. Factory over the counter ammo is from $1.00 to $2.00 a round.
Using a 158 grain Lead Semi Wad Cutter bullet my ammo cost is about .38 Cents per round.
Being Handloader I can take advantage of the Versatility of the 357 Magnum round. There is a very large amount of 357 bullet types for use.
Light weight bullets for Self Defence, the heavier Bullets to put food on the table. Lighter loadings for the revolver and the rifle safely pushing the Magnum Loadings.
Already knew this! But I like hearing you say it!
I have been reloading since about 1970, although not as much in the last few years because of chores on the farm that takes up my time.
Trying to get back into it now!
Great content Jim! When you start factoring in other additional calibers that you have and reload for, the investment cost disappears even faster. Especially on super high use calibers like 9mm and .223/556. I also really enjoy making my own 300 BLK brass from .223 cases. The .223 cases are inexpensive and easy to find.
If you add in your time of reloading you need to add in the time and fuel or internet surfing to buy the factory ammo.
I have been collecting reloading equipment and components all year. All I really like is building a table and getting everything setup. I am looking forward to diving into the reloading world. I’m not looking to save money I just want more consistent ammo which will correlate into more accurate ammo.
Where I have enjoyed reloading is being able to load cartridges that are hard to find or sell out as soon as they are available. I’ve purchased components over time as they become available and now have the ability to load sub .5” moa rounds using Nosler partition bullets for my 270 Win. I also reload for 30-06, and 308 which helps keep family members hunting as they run out of their factory loads that are no longer on the shelves.
I agree. Started reloading awhile back with the .22 Hornet. Got my first groundhog and haven't looked back. 3-4000 rounds in that Lil gun and still shoots extremely well
Which make & model of 22 Hornet rifle do you have.? I would like to get one too.
When there is no ammo in the stores . When you reload, you can make When you want and not depending on the stores. Also if you casting bullets you have your own supply of bullets and buck shot. Once you have what you need . You can add dies and molds to do as much you like . If count your time . You better off to not bother with reloading.
Excellent! Tailoring for what a particular rifle likes is well worth the time! Hand loaded ammo is the best.
Even as a beginner I've found amazing accuracy in my old 6.5x55 Swede. 4 shots inside the size of a dollar coin from approx 117 long paces, sitting at a home made shooting table. I reload for the Idea of knowing more about my set-up, not less. I reload for 7 calibers so I'm all in . Learning more and practicing on targets, floats my boat.
The 6.5x55 Swede was for the longest time known as the best sniper rifle ever made.
One bonus thing about reloading is that you can tailor a load how you want to. Example would be using a specific bullet that is hard to find chambered in the caliber you shoot
Me running a military surplus channels, I have no choice but to reload for these cartridges that have not been made for a century haha so it doesn't matter how expensive it is.
Though for hunts, a reloaded round is often cheaper, especially if it is something simple like a 308 bullet, and if I have the brass already. 30-40 Krag is a cheap shooter with that setup.
Good luck bud. Another good vid.
Wonderful video. Thanks
Awesome video thanks a bunch. I have been reloading for 30 years. My Ammo is totally great. Factory ammunition don’t compare to hand loads. Thanks for your video
I do it for the accuracy, even if it was a little cheaper to buy. Factory Ammo usually produces groups between 1" to 2" and sometimes larger. Loading my own ammo I can get .5" to .75". That is a lot better for the longer shots. Now if you only hunt in dense woods where the max shot is 50 to 100 yards, you probably do not need that extra accuracy. But out west in the mountains where shots are 100 - 500 yards, you need that extra accuracy.
I also get to select my own bullet of choice. I'm not limited to what ever factory ammo shoots best.
I think you "hit the nail on the head" at 6:40. I tell people not to do it unless it is interesting for you. Don't do it to save money. Do it for the accuracy or because you are simply fascinated by the process!
For 9 mm, I can buy the ammo for about the same price as the components (excluding brass, which I saved), but I like spending an hour to crank through 150 rounds....I find it relaxing, even fun to refine the process! It makes me happy firing them at the range, I assembled them!
For things like 8mm mauser, I'm definitely getting better quality than factory ammo and cheaper. Plus, I had some factory rounds that were flattening primers and even split a case, but grouping well...I was able to disassemble them and reduce the charge, I'll see if they maintain the grouping next week....
Generally, I'd advise everyone against reloading. It starts small....but then you have a few presses, tumblers, brass dryers, a couple sets of dies for each caliber, different sets of prep tools, annealers, sorters..... ammo checkers, scales.....it gets out of hand quickly! Lol
I've been handloading since the 1970s and when I need new brass, i usually have in the form of factory ammo I've picked up on sale. I use factory ammo for shooting practice and to check out new projectiles.
I also enjoy my reloading. I find it an extension of the sport of shooting and hunting from load development too harvesting your game too the table from something you made yourself. It's an invested interest in your passion. You're also not paying someone else that you can do yourself
280 Ackley makes a huge amount of sense both from a $$ standpoint and the fact that I haven’t seen factory 280 ack on the shelves in 2 years. It doesn’t exist where I live (CA) and we can’t order on the internet
Recently got back into reloading after nearly 40yrs. I'll reload 223/556 for both my 15 and a bolt action. Though cost wise, I may break even with FMC, the reality is, the ammo is more than match grade. I've knocked the usual 1.3in group at 100yd with an old 15 down to .7in consistently and even smaller. If you're looking to just throw ammo, then bulk 223/556 is ok, but if you dedicate some time and spend pretty much the same, you can get the willies from how small a group you can produce. That's what makes reloading so much fun to me. Enjoy. 😄😎
If your not shooting a lot of ammo; DO NOT START RELOADING. That's the bottom line. Factory ammo is very good. My advice is to put the 900 dollars you would spend on reloading equipment into a rifle and scope in addition to what you would spend on a rifle and scope. Factory ammo shoots a lot better out of a 2k plus dollar rifle/scope combination.
I disagree handloading for a cheaper rifle will bring that rifle almost on par with the more expensive rifles. If you do a stock up grade then it is even closer. As for glass, well there is a point of diminished returns when it comes to that. In general I am good with around $1000 for some glass. Yes it might not be as prestigious as a S&B, or Tangent theta, but then who really has that kind of disposable cash laying around?
@@louiscapasso4452 my statement was based on a person that does not shoot a lot of rounds. Put the money in the gun and optic if you don't shoot much.
I’ve been pondering getting into reloading. I don’t think I have the time or space right now. But it’s something that keeps coming up. Hmm. Either way, thank you for sharing this info.
Good luck on the hunt!
I hear people say those two things a lot. Time? Everybody has 24 hours in a day and we choose how it is spent. Space? Four foot by four foot area is all you need. Excuses excuses
Watching from Cedar City this morning… will be flying back home to Alabama tonight.
Watching from Hurricane Utah. Hope you have a safe flight back home!
@@louiscapasso4452 Thank you. I have been here visiting my grandson.
Just found this channel and subbed!
I just started about a year ago and I absolutely love it.
Reloading is my peaceful time. I get to nerd out a bit and relax. It's never been a chore. Just something I can enjoy for a little bit after the family is in bed.
"you shoot two to three boxes a year, what are you doing watching this channel?"
I don't reload, I only shoot may be a box or two a year... but still watched the whole video with interest. I'm watching because your content is entertaining and interesting. In the future, once I have more time, this is the kind of thing that I want to get into. I got Sig Cross based on your recommendation months and months ago. Still haven't shot it yet though...
dk418 ~I feel the exact same way as you. All depends on how much shooting a person does, shooting 1 box per year then is 'not' worth reloading. Shooting 10 boxes per year then it 'is' worth it. But I'm still interested in reloading in the future. I have a Tikka T3 and Remington 7600 pump rifle. I also would like to purchase a Sig Cross.
Great info.
Good luck on the hunt
The other thing to consider is the ability to get multiple calibers. That would reduce your overall cost. I have a friend who is wanting me to do some reloading for him. He asked what the total cost would be putting more of a burden on him, such has him buying me the dies. He was amazed on how much savings it would be. He has been saving his brass for a long time.
So if you were to do your analysis with a part of your over all but then break it down per cartridge it is even a greater savings.
Good videos keep them coming. Have fun hunting this year. We are going to start to get cold up here in Alaska.
Thanks. Great video
Excellent video!!!! I've been reloading for nearly 40 years and the advances in reloading equipment has easily surpassed the quality of factory ammo unless you buy the "Match" ammo($50/per 20) and even then I can reload better consistent ammo and cheaper. Now if we could just get this damn primer supply situation figured out!!!!!!
Great information brother.. I started reloading 2010... To save money.... But after much experiment with different powders n loads.... It was more then saving money.... Like u said... You really learn ur ballistic performance... Fps to me is mph... Speed of sound is roughly 760 mph or 1125 fps.... Take the feet per second divide 1.42== mph simple fourmlar... So a 22-250 rd screaming 4000 fps is roughly 2800 MPH!!! The bullet is at 200 yds before the sound even begins at ur bench... Reloading will teach u massive skill about projectiles n energy...😁
I’m not married or have a significant other but ….. You Are the Man ..! Long time subscriber & reloader …..
I have been reloading for over 55 years - and have saved thousands of dollars by doing so. Yes, it's way less expensive than factory loads, especially when you take into account the ridiculously high prices of some of the newer cartridges, which I simply couldn't afford to shoot if I didn't reload.
Another point to consider is the feeling of satisfaction and pride associated with reloading. In fact, the reloading becomes another "sport" in itself just like target shooting or hunting. When you have that mentality, the time required becomes a non-issue.
I’m getting .300 WM Hornady 165gr and 185gr CX and 165gr GMX for $49/box for CX and $47/box GMX. ELD-X is $42/box.
My 180gr Federal Powershok is $32/box.
All of these are prices as of mid October 2022.
When you start to take into account the costs of getting started with hand loading equipment and the learning curve, factory ammo is far easier for most to stomach.
I kook at it like this... you'll probably never break even because you'll shoot much much more. I have cases and cases of ammo loaded up and stashed away and I even load all my self defense ammo as well because I can pick the exact bullet most consistent powder/primer and know every single thing is done right no questions about it. But you're correct lots of stuff is in stock now and prices have dropped a little so it's well worth getting into it now.
I'm really glad you put the 28 nosler your list of ammo. I don't shoot it my self. But I do shoot a 300 norma.
And in my country a box of 20 cost between $180-$220 nzd.
And reloading is so much cheaper for myself.
I think if you are shooting an uncommon cartridge reloading is the only way.
Been reloading about 50Yr. Love it. What you can do with a loud.
2018 a box of 30-30 was $15..now they are $27-30. A box of primers was $30 in 2018, now they are over $100... glad I bought plenty of ammo. I just don't miss when deer hunting 🦌
I'd love to get into it. But I don't have the space in the apartment to reload
I’m in an apartment and I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds with a Lee Hand Press. It’s slow for sure but the thing costs less than $100 and takes up very little space.
I first got into reloading as a teen when I got my very first big game rifle, 56 years ago. I started reloading to obtain good accuracy and what a difference it made back then. Since then factory ammo has become higher quality but I still only buy factory ammo to obtain the brass. Every firearm I now own I also have dies for that firearm because I load and shoot firearms I can no longer find factory ammo on the shelves. Now days this seems to be dictated by firearms manufacturers that just want to push their new firearms I don't find useful. I don't really know if it's cheaper or not. It certainly is not cheaper when you first get started because reloading is tool intensive to start with.
My LGS don't usually sell components, so my primary sources are online. Primers are still the toughest thing to get but they are available. I get in stock notices every day. The tricky part is getting enough at the right price to offset the hazmat fees. If you can get a couple thousand primes and 4-8 lbs. of powder it works.
As for equipment, I spent way more than $900 but I shoot 2-3,000 rounds a year minimum and reload 10 different calibers. 😁
There is also satisfaction in knowing that you can “roll your own,“ if the stores go dark.
Buying reloading gear is a better deal than your wife buying shoes. Just don't use this argument. Find an "old guy" at your gun club who has been loading for forty years and ask him to leave his equipment to you in his will. He probably will give it to you on the spot. The equipment hasn't changed much but the color of the paint in the 40 years I have been reloading. Don't ask. My son already claims mine.
I love everything about reload it and testing
Great video. Good Content. BUT can you tell me what that bucket was from?..... Love that handle.
I’m having issues with accuracy on factory ammo too. But everyone I know that reloads can get their rifle’s down to .5 moa. That means something especially hunting at 3-400 yards. Going to start shopping after I pay for Christmas
The Lee breach lock press is a great press. The stuff that came with my kit was not the best but will get you going on a really tight budget. I don't mind the Lee dies, but really like the Hornady ones, even over RCBS. Where you need to spend the money is on a scale, those can make or break you when it comes to shooting.
I love reloading, done it for 50+ years and will continue as long a s hunt and shoot! When reloading several different rifles, the equipment cost is spread across all cartridges!
Went in to Hurst Hardware on the Boulevard and Bluff a couple of weeks ago and they had a decent stock of primers, albeit with a 3 box limit.
I never looked at it as saving money as much as always having ammo on hand. You don't find 300 Savage, 35 Remington or 357 Sig at Walmart. I used to make my 300 Blackout from 556 brass but it has become so popular at my range I quit picking it up. Same with 9mm, 556 and 308. I enjoy poking holes in paper and working up a load that does it well.
It's the primers! If you can find any these days to reload. 30+ years of reloading inventoried my stock with 18,000+ primers. Now so much reloaded ammo over those years, the only thing I will be handloading is 308W (new to the cartridge), 223 Rem, and maybe some 30-06 (a lot of '06 reloaded already).
Additional: Almost every time I go into a gun shop, I will, "do you have primers?" No. They have the powders and the bullets, but NO primers at all. They also have ALL the factory ammunition.
Your absolutely right on reloading. I bought a 44 mag carbine. Plane range ammo was 40 bucks a box, I could load it for 15.
I allocated the cost of my reloading equipment to just the 9mm i have loaded, long gun calibers is just a set of dies in my calculations. Also get an lee universal decapper die for range pickups. i have traded a lot of brass, deprimed and tumbled for brass in calibers i do have.
You should review a Jp sauer and sign rifle! Would love to see what you think of it!
I enjoy reloading and I got my press 2nd hand at the flea market for a few dollars. Fun to see the results after polishing the brass and putting together a competition round of ammo!
Great video! So well thought out and yes, reloading is very fun and you really do become a better shooter by learning the process, not to mention a valuable skill.
And yes, reloaded ammo is much better than factory. No doubt.
Try finding 150gr 6.5mm Creedmoor for same as reload, or 6.5 JAP with 147gr. That's why you load on your own. Just annel the case neck with blow torch to make it last longer
I stocked up on all reloading supplies between 4 and 6 years ago. Most bought on clearance or at historically low prices anyway. Same for reloading equipment, years before that. Buying all these things when prices are high (now) is absolutely the best way to ensure high prices. Don't be fooled, you need to wait for lower prices, if possible.
I’ve hand loaded ammunition for 40 plus years I enjoy doing myself the keeping up with the brass when shooting semi auto sucks sometimes unless it’s a 22 LR though I can tailor my ammo to a certain gun