Posted: 4/30/2012 9:05:59 AM EDT
| Hey guys I have been looking into reloading for 3 gun and had a few questions for you. I have been looking at the cost of reloading rifle and pistol and have realized that I can't reload any cheaper than what I can buy the cheap ammo for (at least thats what I have found so far). Do any of you reload rifle/pistol in bulk and come out ahead? I have also been looking into shotgun reloading, specifically slugs and buckshot, and have found I may can turn a profit doing that. If any of you do reload and turn a profit can you let me know what you are using so I can look into it? |
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I'm reloading for 13.6 cents per round for .223
You need to buy in bulk. Even though it costs more up front, it saves you money in the long run. IMO, you need to buy in minimums of 8lbs of powder, 5k in primers and 1k in bullets. Your best bet is to try and get into a group buy with local reloaders. That way you can split the hazmat/shipping and benefit from a large order discount without actually buying the whole amount. The reloading forum has a stickied topic where people post deals. Another option is to work outside of Arfcom with locals......which would be reeeeallly cool if we had a list of said locals......<ahem> Hank 
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I reload slugs n buck. I cast the slugs n buck using lee moulds n scavenged lead. I can load it for less than the skeet guys do their shells as I don't have to buy shot. The process is no more difficult. It is more time consuming as you have the casting to contend with.
I run them exclusively for 3 gun and they run just fine. You can use a cheap lee shotgun loader. I bought a well used MEC on eBay 15 years ago and it is still running strong. |
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I reload pistol. I'm set up for .223 and have loaded for it in the past, but when I can buy Wolf for the same price, I'll do that. For the occasional steel target requiring "good" ammo, I'll just buy a case of PMC or whatever and that will last me a good long time. If that stuff gets outrageous, I'm sitting on a 5-gal bucket of brass and several thousand bulk Remington and Berry 55 grainers.
As for shotguns, I don't shoot them in anything except 3-gun and I won't bother investing in a setup for that. |
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Quoted:
Prices have dramatically increased the past couple months. 55gr M193 used to be $70 per 1k. Now, you're looking at $85ish. Montana Gold (good reputation) can be had for $280/3.5k ($80 per 1k when broken down) It's only going to get worse as the year progresses. Yup, I'll be buying another 16lb of powder and 5k bullets/primers. In the reverse order probably. |
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Here are my costs for pistol ammo. All I shoot is cast lead bullets, locally purchased to avoid shipping.
.45 –– $.105 / round = $105 /1000. Wolf: $260 .40 –– $.092 / round = $92 / 1000. Wolf: $250 9mm –– .086 / round = $82 / 1000. Wolf: $160 Rifle costs me about the same as crawlin95, $.17 / round, say $170 / 1000. Last I bought Wolf, it was about $200 / 1000. The time saved not having to reload it, and the convenience factor of not having to collect rifle brass is more than worthwhile to me. Plus I shoot a whole lot more pistol than rifle, so the cost savings add up faster. |
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Yes, the time factor is something most gloss over when it comes to loading. I can run 400 rnds/hr rifle and pistol on my Dillon. That don't count some prep work on the rifle (trimming, polishing etc) and 100 rnds/hr shotgun. That don't count time casting the payload which is ungodly slow.
The skill is good to have but if you do not find it enjoyable its really just break even at best. Contact me if you get set up to do shotgun. I can sell/ trade you some home cast slugs and buck to see if you want to bother with getting set up to cast them yourself. |