Why Reload and Cost Information...

Mooseman684 · 12-27-2008, 11:59 PM

It seems that the forum is always getting the same question asked Over and Over again...Why reload and how cost effective is it ?
The Answer is simple...You Reload to save money over the Long run of shooting a lot of ammo over a long period of time , the savings will add up , even though prices for Powder, primers, and bullets are up significantly over what it was the past few years, it is still somewhat cheaper by as much as 25%-50%. It is however Labor intensive to load hundreds or thousands of rounds irregardless of what press or Loader you have, or use.
The Main reason to reload however, is to Develop a load that your guns shoot
The MOST Accurately...and then you stick with that load !!!
It is also to develop special Hunting loads with High Performance Bullets that may not be available in a factory load...It involves a lot of trial and error shooting and testing and measuring groups.

It is NOT to see how fast you can push a bullet, or how big of a blast or fireball you can get, or how close you can come to blowing up your gun...
If that is why you want to load your own, FIND ANOTHER HOBBY !
You are dealing with controlled Explosions of High pressure gasses along with a fast moving Deadly projectile and even the smallest mistake can have devastating consequences to you and other Bystanders...Especially in a cheap or worn out firearm...

I have been loading and reloading since 1975 and I am still learning more each day with new bullets and powders coming on the market.
SO, if you decide to load your own, Buy good equipment, take good care of it, Buy good Reloading books , for the brands of bullets you intend to shoot, and read Them ...Several times... and memorize the safety rules for everybody's sake.

Rich

jimkim · 12-28-2008, 12:38 AM

I hope you don't mind if I add a few things. Please read the info on these links.
John Wooters Reloading Safety Tips
Speer bullets - Reloading
Real Guns
Gunloads.com - stories
Lee Precision, Inc. Reloading Tools and Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Frequently Asked Questions
Hornady
Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths

billy · 12-28-2008, 07:08 AM

Handloading Cost Calculator

DWARREN123 · 12-28-2008, 12:46 PM

I started out thinking I could shoot for less. I now shoot a lot more and make ammo just for my guns. I have found reloading to be a great hobby in and of its on.
I don't think I am saving money but I have and shoot a whole lot more!

billy · 12-28-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWARREN123

I started out thinking I could shoot for less. I now shoot a lot more and make ammo just for my guns. I have found reloading to be a great hobby in and of its on.
I don't think I am saving money but I have and shoot a whole lot more!

i didnt save a dime.
but i shoot as much as i want whenever i want with custom ammo.

these days i shoot until i get tired or hungry whichever comes first.

nathangdad · 12-28-2008, 12:57 PM

The purpose of reloading is to gain maximum accuracy. It is not, as many people seem to think, a way to maximize velocity.

Let us consider a hypothetical rifle of .30 caliber and a rifling twist rate of one in eleven inches. You have a world of info stating it will stabilize a 160 grain bullet at muzzle velocities of 2,400 to 2,600 fps. If you load it up to fire at 3,000 fps muzzle velocity you might move into dangerous pressures
plus you will put excessive wear on your bore and you will not have accuracy. So, what is the point?

On the psychological side, many of us find reloading a relaxing and fun hobby and that counts for a great deal.

SwedeSteve · 12-28-2008, 03:22 PM

I reload 'em cuz they don't work well when empty !!

Draken · 12-28-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

I reload 'em cuz they don't work well when empty !!

I have to agree with this, I get sad when all the cases are just empty brass shells...then get happy again when I fill them back up for another day (or 5!) at the range

Big Dog · 12-28-2008, 06:17 PM

I like reloading.
It's half the price of factory ammo, if you shop smart for components, and DON'T try to factor in equipment start-up costs, or your time.
Feels good to be able to 'roll my own' too - makes us more independent of the market spikes.
Stocking up on components is a good hedge against future political stupidity too.

billy · 12-28-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dog

I like reloading.
It's half the price of factory ammo, if you shop smart for components, and DON'T try to factor in equipment start-up costs, or your time.
Feels good to be able to 'roll my own' too - makes us more independent of the market spikes.
Stocking up on components is a good hedge against future political stupidity too.

i have spent a bundle in the past few years on reloading stuff.
but i have the option of whipping up 1000 rounds of whatever i feel like .
WHEN i feel like it.
and that is a good feeling.

buy in bulk.

FortyXDM · 12-29-2008, 12:26 PM

I agree with virtually all of the above. In my case, the cost angle might not be huge, but like Billy says, I can smoke em cause I got em. And if I run low, I roll some more. If you are after accuracy, particularly in a somewhat finnicky rifle, it is the only way to get there. Plus you can have a little "surplus" on hand, and once I get started I find it relaxing and rewarding.

Aarant · 12-31-2008, 06:58 PM

guys I want to thank ya'll for the great sites. I want to start reloading ( or custom loading) this coming yr. and I was looking for sites to go to for supplies and info. thanks again!

billy · 12-31-2008, 07:19 PM

forget about the cost of the equipment.
buy at the very least 1000 bullets at a time at at bare minimum powder in 8lb. jugs.
it takes money to save money.
that stinks but that is how it is.
and if you pull the trigger 300 times everytime you go out.
you will make your money back in no time!
you might just improve your shooting too......

FortyXDM · 12-31-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

forget about the cost of the equipment.
buy at the very least 1000 bullets at a time at at bare minimum powder in 8lb. jugs.
it takes money to save money.
that stinks but that is how it is.

d'accord. It is a part of a lifestyle. Cost is only relative. My basement/safe/loading room are like black holes. Object only come in. The only object that can escape is the bullet. Lets hear it for "black holes"

FortyXDM · 12-31-2008, 07:33 PM

Just read the rest of your post Billy. So does that mean if you run a factory and you start losing .50 cents per unit, you need make it up with volume? I'm kidding of course, I know exactly what you mean.......and.... I like the way you think.
Tom

billy · 12-31-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FortyXDM

Just read the rest of your post Billy. So does that mean if you run a factory and you start losing .50 cents per unit, you need make it up with volume? I'm kidding of course, I know exactly what you mean.......and.... I like the way you think.
Tom

yes well
i use the "new" reloading math.
perhaps you have heard of it?
imaginary numbers and such.......

Big Dog · 01-01-2009, 08:36 AM

Works for the Dot.Gov! You could get a job at The Fed.

In my reloading, besides saving some money, I like the fact that my reloads generally show as good accuracy as good commercial ammo, and far better than surplus fodder! I still stock up on surplus when possible, but the reloads are there for when I need better performance!
Also, I can load especially for certain guns - my old Spanish M1916 Mauser in .308Win, needs lighter loads for safety's sake - I make a couple 'mild' boxes just for it.
Keeping a good stock of components means I can always crank out something to shoot, even when the store shelves are dry.

billy · 01-01-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dog

Works for the Dot.Gov! You could get a job at The Fed.

In my reloading, besides saving some money, I like the fact that my reloads generally show as good accuracy as good commercial ammo, and far better than surplus fodder! I still stock up on surplus when possible, but the reloads are there for when I need better performance!
Also, I can load especially for certain guns - my old Spanish M1916 Mauser in .308Win, needs lighter loads for safety's sake - I make a couple 'mild' boxes just for it.
Keeping a good stock of components means I can always crank out something to shoot, even when the store shelves are dry.

yep
i just made 200 rnds. of .44spl. before breakfast.

Oxford · 01-01-2009, 10:14 AM

My observation on Mooseman's thread:

Just finished reading all the posts in this thread on reloading. All the gentlemen who made their posts here are sharing with other g&g members really valuable information...all for free, and learned from their personal experiences.

Not that anyone cares what I think, but I honestly would rate this thread as one of the best I've read in quite a while.

billy · 01-01-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxford

My observation on Mooseman's thread:

Just finished reading all the posts in this thread on reloading. All the gentlemen who made their posts here are sharing with other g&g members really valuable information...all for free, and learned from their personal experiences.

Not that anyone cares what I think, but I honestly would rate this thread as one of the best I've read in quite a while.

oxford,
you underestimate yourself.
i listen to you all the time.

12-27-2008, 11:59 PM	#1
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness. Unit 13 Posts: 12,782	Why Reload and Cost Information... It seems that the forum is always getting the same question asked Over and Over again...Why reload and how cost effective is it ? The Answer is simple...You Reload to save money over the Long run of shooting a lot of ammo over a long period of time , the savings will add up , even though prices for Powder, primers, and bullets are up significantly over what it was the past few years, it is still somewhat cheaper by as much as 25%-50%. It is however Labor intensive to load hundreds or thousands of rounds irregardless of what press or Loader you have, or use. The Main reason to reload however, is to Develop a load that your guns shoot The MOST Accurately...and then you stick with that load !!! It is also to develop special Hunting loads with High Performance Bullets that may not be available in a factory load...It involves a lot of trial and error shooting and testing and measuring groups. It is NOT to see how fast you can push a bullet, or how big of a blast or fireball you can get, or how close you can come to blowing up your gun... If that is why you want to load your own, FIND ANOTHER HOBBY ! You are dealing with controlled Explosions of High pressure gasses along with a fast moving Deadly projectile and even the smallest mistake can have devastating consequences to you and other Bystanders...Especially in a cheap or worn out firearm... I have been loading and reloading since 1975 and I am still learning more each day with new bullets and powders coming on the market. SO, if you decide to load your own, Buy good equipment, take good care of it, Buy good Reloading books , for the brands of bullets you intend to shoot, and read Them ...Several times... and memorize the safety rules for everybody's sake. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

12-28-2008, 12:38 AM	#2
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near the Little Ocmulgee river in GA Posts: 4,682 Blog Entries: 18	I hope you don't mind if I add a few things. Please read the info on these links. John Wooters Reloading Safety Tips Speer bullets - Reloading Real Guns Gunloads.com - stories Lee Precision, Inc. Reloading Tools and Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Frequently Asked Questions Hornady Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths __________________ The bigger the government, the smaller the individual. I'm on Facebook. Jim Kimmons
	1 members found this post helpful.

12-28-2008, 07:08 AM	#3
billy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 20,492 Blog Entries: 161	Handloading Cost Calculator __________________ ANGRY SMART AND SOBER
	1 members found this post helpful.

12-28-2008, 12:46 PM	#4
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,129	I started out thinking I could shoot for less. I now shoot a lot more and make ammo just for my guns. I have found reloading to be a great hobby in and of its on. I don't think I am saving money but I have and shoot a whole lot more! __________________ Have a nice day!

12-28-2008, 12:57 PM	#6
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,056	Agree with Mooseman The purpose of reloading is to gain maximum accuracy. It is not, as many people seem to think, a way to maximize velocity. Let us consider a hypothetical rifle of .30 caliber and a rifling twist rate of one in eleven inches. You have a world of info stating it will stabilize a 160 grain bullet at muzzle velocities of 2,400 to 2,600 fps. If you load it up to fire at 3,000 fps muzzle velocity you might move into dangerous pressures plus you will put excessive wear on your bore and you will not have accuracy. So, what is the point? On the psychological side, many of us find reloading a relaxing and fun hobby and that counts for a great deal.

12-28-2008, 03:22 PM	#7
SwedeSteve Suspected Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anchortown, Alaska Posts: 26,429	I reload 'em cuz they don't work well when empty !! __________________ In the absence of orders, ATTACK !!

12-28-2008, 06:17 PM	#9
Big Dog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 14,114	I like reloading. It's half the price of factory ammo, if you shop smart for components, and DON'T try to factor in equipment start-up costs, or your time. Feels good to be able to 'roll my own' too - makes us more independent of the market spikes. Stocking up on components is a good hedge against future political stupidity too. __________________ "A bold spirit embiggens the smallest man!" Jebediah Springfield

12-29-2008, 12:26 PM	#11
FortyXDM Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Gladstone, Mo. (kc area) Posts: 4,231	I agree with virtually all of the above. In my case, the cost angle might not be huge, but like Billy says, I can smoke em cause I got em. And if I run low, I roll some more. If you are after accuracy, particularly in a somewhat finnicky rifle, it is the only way to get there. Plus you can have a little "surplus" on hand, and once I get started I find it relaxing and rewarding.

12-31-2008, 06:58 PM	#12
Aarant Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: south Texas Posts: 129	guys I want to thank ya'll for the great sites. I want to start reloading ( or custom loading) this coming yr. and I was looking for sites to go to for supplies and info. thanks again!

12-31-2008, 07:19 PM	#13
billy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 20,492 Blog Entries: 161	forget about the cost of the equipment. buy at the very least 1000 bullets at a time at at bare minimum powder in 8lb. jugs. it takes money to save money. that stinks but that is how it is. and if you pull the trigger 300 times everytime you go out. you will make your money back in no time! you might just improve your shooting too...... __________________ ANGRY SMART AND SOBER Last edited by billy; 12-31-2008 at 07:27 PM.

12-31-2008, 07:33 PM	#15
FortyXDM Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Gladstone, Mo. (kc area) Posts: 4,231	Just read the rest of your post Billy. So does that mean if you run a factory and you start losing .50 cents per unit, you need make it up with volume? I'm kidding of course, I know exactly what you mean.......and.... I like the way you think. Tom

01-01-2009, 08:36 AM	#17
Big Dog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 14,114	Works for the Dot.Gov! You could get a job at The Fed. In my reloading, besides saving some money, I like the fact that my reloads generally show as good accuracy as good commercial ammo, and far better than surplus fodder! I still stock up on surplus when possible, but the reloads are there for when I need better performance! Also, I can load especially for certain guns - my old Spanish M1916 Mauser in .308Win, needs lighter loads for safety's sake - I make a couple 'mild' boxes just for it. Keeping a good stock of components means I can always crank out something to shoot, even when the store shelves are dry. __________________ "A bold spirit embiggens the smallest man!" Jebediah Springfield

01-01-2009, 10:14 AM	#19
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 14,293 Blog Entries: 4	My observation on Mooseman's thread: Just finished reading all the posts in this thread on reloading. All the gentlemen who made their posts here are sharing with other g&g members really valuable information...all for free, and learned from their personal experiences. Not that anyone cares what I think, but I honestly would rate this thread as one of the best I've read in quite a while. __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".