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Posted: 12/22/2014 4:03:15 PM EDT
I keep a copy of my reloading costs so I thought I'd go back and look at what data I had for some popular calibers I load for compared to the costs of components this morning on the internet. Both sets of prices are for 1K bullets, 8lbs powder, sleeve of primers (15k), 1k brass level. These are only component costs and don't include the price of my press or accessories. The different dates represent when I first started reloading those calibers. Interestingly, the prices still represent 25-33% of Winchester White Box quality ammo prices when the components were purchased. ETA: I don't buy pulled M193 bullets anymore; haven't in years. Instead I buy Hornady 55grn bullets in 5-6K packs when on sale. The M2 and M-80 bullets I got were new stock. The listing shows common calibers, bullet weights, and loadings. My rifle ammo (9 calibers) are mostly loaded for precision, long range shooting (4-500 yds) and then the component cost vs commercial ammo percentage gets much more favorable. The savings vs commercial ammo has paid for all my reloading equipment and my firearms! |
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looks about right IME Blasting ammo is often a toss up whether to reload or buy, esp when you consider steel cased ammo. Shooting tiny groups or shooting animals is where you rapidly see a ROI when reloading. Of course, reloading is the only hobby that people seem to demand that it pay for itself. Never have understood that. |
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Nice to see my 2014 costs are in line with yours, except I usually use Xtreme Bullets
brass credit program so my pistol bullet cost is equal to shipping cost of sending brass to Xtreme (I get a LOT of range pickups). Last order of 1,000 230gr plated 45ACP HP and 1,000 124gr plated 9mm HP costs me less than $60. |
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Good info. It would be nice to chart it against historical factory ammo costs.
I remember when I was 13 (2003) I could buy 7.62x39 for $2 a box of 20 at the surplus store. 9mm was normally $5/50. I think factory ammunition costs have risen roughly in line with your findings, more or less. |
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Quoted: Good info. It would be nice to chart it against historical factory ammo costs. I remember when I was 13 (2003) I could buy 7.62x39 for $2 a box of 20 at the surplus store. 9mm was normally $5/50. I think factory ammunition costs have risen roughly in line with your findings, more or less. Back in 2001, I only loaded 40s&w and 45acp on a Dillon 550B, so I have our local Walmart Win White box prices from back then. 40s&w was $5.97 per box of 50 and $10.97 per box of 100 and 45 acp was $7.97 per box of 50 and $14.97 per box of 100. Today, 40s&w American Eagle is $31.00 and Win White box is $34.97 per box of 100 while 45 acp American Eagle is $46.00 and Win White box is $48.97 per box of 100. |
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