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Posted: 3/30/2012 8:52:50 AM EDT
Does starting a reloading setup for 9mm start to pay benefits? For a good reloading press (one that I won't want to replace for 3-5 years) and all the stuff that comes with it
I was talking to the local gun shop guys, tryin to find someone locally that reloads... You know, so I can become best friends with them  ... And he basically says it's not worth it...
So I ask the hive: with prices like Freedom Munitions being 155/case on "blaster" 9mm, is he right? Background info: I'm a semi new shooter (2yrs) Have around 500 NATO +p 9mm Have around 1500 "blaster" 9mm About 600 5.56 (she's kinda turning into safe queen with as much as I like the pistola) Shoot around 300-600 rounds per month 9mm, have had my 500 round range days though Looking to start shooting 45 in the next yr or 2 ETA: Sorry for posting in the wrong forum! Thanks for moving me |
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles.
So really, whether it is worth it or not is based on how much you shoot. More expensive calibers will pay off more quickly. Take a look at the cost of getting set up and then figure out how much you shoot and that'll tell you how quickly your equipment will pay for itself. It WILL eventually pay off assuming you shoot enough, but it could take a while. I would like at a Dillon Square Deal or similar progressive press. |
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I am personally about 58% cheaper per round for my .223, but my total time invested is where my large cost comes in as I have about 7800 rounds to load and no progressive in site currently.
My .270 is about 65% cheaper, but I may only load around 100-150 rounds a year for that. |
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around here i can buy 9mm for 18-20 cents a round.
to make them it costs primer .03 powder.01 bullet .08 so i can make the for .12 a round now do the math and you will see if you are only reloading 9mm it will take a long time to pay for your equipment. i don't reload to save money for the most part i load so i can shoot more with better ammo and i love loading. it starts to pay for itself when you load several calibers especially large pistol calibers and rifle calibers then i save 50-60% or more sometimes. |
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles. Okay, for the sake of being truthfull... It is impossible to reloading .45 and 9mm for the same $3 per 100 that you claim. The fact is, you are using more powder for .45 than 9mm, so that right there means it'll cost more to reloadin .45. That's assuming you never pay a cent for your casing lead, and your primers cost the same. Most people are either going to buy the lead (at some cost) and/or buy the bullets, either way, .45 will cost more than 9mm.. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue here, just getting the facts streight.. To answer the OP's question.. A cheap box of 50 rounds of 9mm is about $11.98, which is ~$0.24/Round, a few years ago you could get the 100 round WWB ammo for $19.99/Box, which is ~$0.20.Round, So let's say the best price on 9mm today would be $0.20-$0.24/Round (Which is rock bottom). I reload 9mm for $0.029 (Primer) + 0.082 (Bullet) + $0.010 (Powder) = $0.12/Round.. So for argument sake let's say $0.14/Round, that's $7 per 50 rounds, that's saving $4.98 for every box of 50 rounds. That means if I spend $1,200 on reloading equiptment, I have to reload 240 boxes of ammo, or 12,000 rounds to pay for the equiptment.. Everything after that is free money. But I also reload .223. Now .223 I question all the time if it's worth it, because of all the extra prep work that need to be done to reload it.. Pistol rounds can be reloaded soo quickly on a progressive press that it is indeed worth the investment. All that said, you can definitly start reloading for much less than $1,200, but you said you wanted a setup that you wouldn't want to replace for many years, so that would likely be either a Hornady LNL AP, or a Dillon XL650. I wouldn't start with anything less than a Lee Classic Turret Press, but to be honest if you want to make alot of ammo quickly, I would definitly go to either a Dillon 550 (If you are only ever going to reload pistol), or a Dillon XL650 or Hornady LNL AP if you will want to reload multiple calibers, especially rifle. If your the type of shooter that only shoots a few times a year and or you only shoot a box or two at the range, then I would say reloading isn't for you. It has been said, realoding isn't to save money, but rather to be able to shoot more for the same money. Hope that helps.. -Masta |
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Does starting a reloading setup for 9mm start to pay benefits? For a good reloading press (one that I won't want to replace for 3-5 years) and all the stuff that comes with it
I was talking to the local gun shop guys, tryin to find someone locally that reloads... You know, so I can become best friends with them ... And he basically says it's not worth it...
So I ask the hive: with prices like Freedom Munitions being 155/case on "blaster" 9mm, is he right? Background info: I'm a semi new shooter (2yrs) Have around 500 NATO +p 9mm Have around 1500 "blaster" 9mm About 600 5.56 (she's kinda turning into safe queen with as much as I like the pistola) Shoot around 300-600 rounds per month 9mm, have had my 500 round range days though Looking to start shooting 45 in the next yr or 2 If you start reloading now, you can get enough components so you'll actually have ammunition after the full bore hoarding gets going in late Spring or early Summer. |
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles. Okay, for the sake of being truthfull... It is impossible to reloading .45 and 9mm for the same $3 per 100 that you claim. The fact is, you are using more powder for .45 than 9mm, so that right there means it'll cost more to reloadin .45. That's assuming you never pay a cent for your casing lead, and your primers cost the same. Oh boy, ok if we have to argue over minutae, let's do it. First, I said "about" $3. Didn't think the exact calculations were necessary, nor do I have them on hand. Now, let's assume I'm reloading 115grn lead bullets for 9mm and 230grn lead for 45acp. A popular powder I've used in Winchester's 231. So, a quick check on their website shows that the 9mm should take between 4.3 and 4.8grn and .45acp 4.3 and 5.3grn. So the powder charge could very well have been the same. Those are facts. But I could've been loading 700x or the primers could've been a bit more expensive for one than the other. It doesn't matter. The costs were very equivalent, and that was the point I was trying to get across. So, for the sake of being truthful, I don't appreciate you trying to call me out for being a liar. I was being truthful. |
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles. Okay, for the sake of being truthfull... It is impossible to reloading .45 and 9mm for the same $3 per 100 that you claim. The fact is, you are using more powder for .45 than 9mm, so that right there means it'll cost more to reloadin .45. That's assuming you never pay a cent for your casing lead, and your primers cost the same. Most people are either going to buy the lead (at some cost) and/or buy the bullets, either way, .45 will cost more than 9mm.. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue here, just getting the facts streight.. To answer the OP's question.. A cheap box of 50 rounds of 9mm is about $11.98, which is ~$0.24/Round, a few years ago you could get the 100 round WWB ammo for $19.99/Box, which is ~$0.20.Round, So let's say the best price on 9mm today would be $0.20-$0.24/Round (Which is rock bottom). I reload 9mm for $0.029 (Primer) + 0.082 (Bullet) + $0.010 (Powder) = $0.12/Round.. So for argument sake let's say $0.14/Round, that's $7 per 50 rounds, that's saving $4.98 for every box of 50 rounds. That means if I spend $1,200 on reloading equiptment, I have to reload 240 boxes of ammo, or 12,000 rounds to pay for the equiptment.. Everything after that is free money. But I also reload .223. Now .223 I question all the time if it's worth it, because of all the extra prep work that need to be done to reload it.. Pistol rounds can be reloaded soo quickly on a progressive press that it is indeed worth the investment. All that said, you can definitly start reloading for much less than $1,200, but you said you wanted a setup that you wouldn't want to replace for many years, so that would likely be either a Hornady LNL AP, or a Dillon XL650. I wouldn't start with anything less than a Lee Classic Turret Press, but to be honest if you want to make alot of ammo quickly, I would definitly go to either a Dillon 550 (If you are only ever going to reload pistol), or a Dillon XL650 or Hornady LNL AP if you will want to reload multiple calibers, especially rifle. If your the type of shooter that only shoots a few times a year and or you only shoot a box or two at the range, then I would say reloading isn't for you. It has been said, realoding isn't to save money, but rather to be able to shoot more for the same money. Hope that helps.. -Masta Honestly, all ass kissing aside, that is the post ive been looking for for a while! Right now it looks like it isn't quite worth it. I just hope there wont be an ammo price spike that will make me think other wise. That price breakdown is EXTREMELY helpful. Truth is space is almost as much of a contributing factor as price at this point, and when you factor in the cost of time for reloading 12k+ it just dosent make sense (yet). Conclusion (please correct me if I'm wrong): Buy the s*** out of that 9mm blaster, and enjoy it until I pick up a 45/40/10mm/ect. in the future.  About how long does it take to reload... say... 1000 9mm on one of those progressives (assuming clean brass)? (i tend to overanalyze things...)
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I load 9mm but I started with .45 and .223. The 9 mm was an easy decision since it cost me less than $100 more to set up my Lee turrent for it. I use an LNL AP now though. As stated before, the more expensive the round the greater the potential for savings. I don't even know how much or little I save. I load because I like it and it gives me something to do when I'm bored. Btw, where in AL are you?
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles. Okay, for the sake of being truthfull... It is impossible to reloading .45 and 9mm for the same $3 per 100 that you claim. The fact is, you are using more powder for .45 than 9mm, so that right there means it'll cost more to reloadin .45. That's assuming you never pay a cent for your casing lead, and your primers cost the same. Oh boy, ok if we have to argue over minutae, let's do it. First, I said "about" $3. Didn't think the exact calculations were necessary, nor do I have them on hand. Now, let's assume I'm reloading 115grn lead bullets for 9mm and 230grn lead for 45acp. A popular powder I've used in Winchester's 231. So, a quick check on their website shows that the 9mm should take between 4.3 and 4.8grn and .45acp 4.3 and 5.3grn. So the powder charge could very well have been the same. Those are facts. But I could've been loading 700x or the primers could've been a bit more expensive for one than the other. It doesn't matter. The costs were very equivalent, and that was the point I was trying to get across. So, for the sake of being truthful, I don't appreciate you trying to call me out for being a liar. I was being truthful. Yep theres a lot of people here that can load for those prices casting makes it so easy, lead/ww can still be gotten for free, range pickup brass free. My lowest priced primers on hand $16.25 K and still have several jugs of powder at $9 a pound add $1.50 for lube I'd say WilsonCQB1911 is spot on |
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My advice is to gradually get into reloading.
Keep your own brass and round up any other brass you find at the range. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before storing it in plastic. Look for components that are on sale or closeout at the LGS and also online. I think dryflash is correct - the whole ammo / reloading component situation could get crazy in a little while. Cruise craigslist and the local classified ads and online auctions for good buys on good equipment. If you do not get in a hurry and do not try to have the flashiest equipment you can start out reloading quite inexpensively. Regards, dcat |
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http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/550/P1150742.jpg You may also end up with several presses. It never stops.  Ah, good. A picture I can show my wife to prove there are people with worse sickness than me. 
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Quoted: Quoted: http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/550/P1150742.jpg You may also end up with several presses. It never stops. Ah, good. A picture I can show my wife to prove there are people with worse sickness than me. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/262015_Official_Reloading_Bench_Picture_Thread___Now_with_100__more_Pictures_.html Show her the reloading bench thread. My bench is on page 6.
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I load 9mm but I started with .45 and .223. The 9 mm was an easy decision since it cost me less than $100 more to set up my Lee turrent for it. I use an LNL AP now though. As stated before, the more expensive the round the greater the potential for savings. I don't even know how much or little I save. I load because I like it and it gives me something to do when I'm bored. Btw, where in AL are you? I'm over in Auburn, War damn eagle! Looks like its time to slowly start cruising the EE for deals 
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My advice is to gradually get into reloading. Keep your own brass and round up any other brass you find at the range. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before storing it in plastic. Look for components that are on sale or closeout at the LGS and also online. I think dryflash is correct - the whole ammo / reloading component situation could get crazy in a little while. Cruise craigslist and the local classified ads and online auctions for good buys on good equipment. If you do not get in a hurry and do not try to have the flashiest equipment you can start out reloading quite inexpensively. Regards, dcat I'm gonna start keeping all my brass, but whats the deal with range brass i pick up... What steps should I take once I pick it up the brass? Is there anything that I should look for damage wise? I ask this because all the reloads I see online say "once fired brass", and theres no way to tell (that I know of...) Anyhow, the hive has already expanded my knowledge base a bit, so i humbly thank you all
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You CAN load for much less, but the first thing to do is sift through the internet BS.
First there's the guys who "figure in their time" when it comes to reloading. Ridiculous. I don't know anyone who figures in the time they spend playing golf or sitting on their butts watching TV, so why would you calculate time spent reloading, unless you don't like to reload, in which case you shouldn't. Second, you do not have to go out and buy all new, shiny equipment, nor do you have to buy a big, confusing, mentally overwhelming progressive set up. (i know this first-hand because as a teen I had to learn to use progressive loaders as I shot competitively) Watch garage sales and internet forums for good used equipment. Brands like RCBS, Pacific, Lyman, Hornady etc. will outlast you and quality single stage presses, measures, scales and trimmers can be had worth the money. Obviously single stage presses are slower, but there are techniques that greatly speed up production with single stage presses. If you shoot 600 rounds of 9mm a month, that means you need only load 150 rounds or so per week and that can EASILY be done in a couple of hours per week. Like WilsonCQB1911 said, if you really want to save money, then eventually get a bullet casting set up. With a quality 4-cavity mould and lead pot, I can cast 400 bullets in 1 hour or so. I primarily use Alliant shotgun powder and find it from time to time at gun shows for about $20 which means using my cast bullets (free wheelweights or range scrap), I'm loading 9mm and 38 Spec for about 3.5 ¢ per round or $1.75 per box of 50. GG |
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For plinking ammo, right now, at current prices, using Berry's bullets, 4.5gr of HS-6, and CCI small pistol primers, you can load 50 rounds of 9mm for $6.24/50. That's $125/1000.
The cheapest average 9mm ammo I see that is brass cased for comparison is $10.49/50. That's 210/1000 That's $85 in savings for your first 1000 rounds. You can get a Lee 1000 Progressive kit that comes with almost everything you need for $155. Add another $100 for a few other things you'll need and you have it all for $255 $255 -$085 –––––––––– $170 All you need to load now is 2000 more bullets at $85 savings. You say you shoot 600 a month. You'll have your equipment paid for in 5 months with your savings. Now, there is a cheaper press kit like I have, the old 3-hole turret kit that has more in the kit, and is cheaper, but since I don't see it anywhere right now, I can't price it. I've loaded 15,000 or more .45acp rounds on that thing, plus a few thousand 9mm too. Still works. Also, that's all for new stuff. You can probably get all your needs met on the EE here used for half of that, or, get better equipment for the same price. Now is always the cheapest time to buy a kit. It won't ever really get cheaper. |
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As a general rule of thumb, reloadings saves you about 40%-50%. In the best case scenarios, I was reloading 100 rounds of .45 or 9mm at about $3 per 100 rounds. But I was using lead projectiles that I cast myself out of free wheel weights. Basically the only cost was the primer and powder, but it required considerable more work than just buying my own projectles. Okay, for the sake of being truthfull... It is impossible to reloading .45 and 9mm for the same $3 per 100 that you claim. The fact is, you are using more powder for .45 than 9mm, so that right there means it'll cost more to reloadin .45. That's assuming you never pay a cent for your casing lead, and your primers cost the same. Most people are either going to buy the lead (at some cost) and/or buy the bullets, either way, .45 will cost more than 9mm.. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue here, just getting the facts streight.. To answer the OP's question.. A cheap box of 50 rounds of 9mm is about $11.98, which is ~$0.24/Round, a few years ago you could get the 100 round WWB ammo for $19.99/Box, which is ~$0.20.Round, So let's say the best price on 9mm today would be $0.20-$0.24/Round (Which is rock bottom). I reload 9mm for $0.029 (Primer) + 0.082 (Bullet) + $0.010 (Powder) = $0.12/Round.. So for argument sake let's say $0.14/Round, that's $7 per 50 rounds, that's saving $4.98 for every box of 50 rounds. That means if I spend $1,200 on reloading equiptment, I have to reload 240 boxes of ammo, or 12,000 rounds to pay for the equiptment.. Everything after that is free money. But I also reload .223. Now .223 I question all the time if it's worth it, because of all the extra prep work that need to be done to reload it.. Pistol rounds can be reloaded soo quickly on a progressive press that it is indeed worth the investment. All that said, you can definitly start reloading for much less than $1,200, but you said you wanted a setup that you wouldn't want to replace for many years, so that would likely be either a Hornady LNL AP, or a Dillon XL650. I wouldn't start with anything less than a Lee Classic Turret Press, but to be honest if you want to make alot of ammo quickly, I would definitly go to either a Dillon 550 (If you are only ever going to reload pistol), or a Dillon XL650 or Hornady LNL AP if you will want to reload multiple calibers, especially rifle. If your the type of shooter that only shoots a few times a year and or you only shoot a box or two at the range, then I would say reloading isn't for you. It has been said, realoding isn't to save money, but rather to be able to shoot more for the same money. Hope that helps.. -Masta This man has it figured out! |
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<removed> you could have left this part out. dryflash3 Now that you're at waters edge, choice is this. Do you drink or stare at reflection till you go blind ? In you're mind you're justifying a want by creating a need. That sales job might work on your wife or majority here who took stroll down mental masturbate lane, then climbed aboard de'river denial while spending hundreds to thousands on equipment. Here's how rediculous some get. Shoot more to absorb price of equipment sooner. Who ever heard logic, spend more to make costs less ? My budget is X. Here's another good one. Buy once, cry once. This likens to buying a Caddilac on a Chevy Impala budget for some. If you got it, spend it. Just don't come home with a half cocked, over thought scheme for saving money with a list of equipment totalling over a grand. Only person you'd fool is yourself. Some are lucky enough to have gun nut wives. For those lucky few that logic might work. For the rest, wifey will see through that. Equipment is overthunked past reason in here. It's simple. You have a want that you've reclassified as a need. No problem, we've all done this. What most don't do is sit down, put dollar amount available to spend for an entire set up. Make a list of all equipment needed/wanted to start including manuals, brass prep and enough components to start. Add all that up, then subtract from total. That's what's left to spend on press and dies. If all that's left is funds for Lee turret, then it is what it is unless you hold off to save more. Moral of the story. Do your homework. Read through tacked and gateway threads at top of this forum. P.S. Reloading costs a small fortune after you've been into it a while. |
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