Can You Save Money Reloading?

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Can you really save money reloading? In this video we calculate how much it costs to load popular calibers and how much you need to load for the most savings.
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[@Alanbataar]

Another way that reloading saves money is that in my home state, I have to pay for an FFL transfer whenever I buy ammo. Screw that.

[@michaelshaw8370]

Shush if they realise that they have missed a revenue stream. They will bring in more bs taxes and anti 2A tariffs 😂😂😂

[@Ben-ry1py]

???where do you live. That is nuts.

[@Thousand_yard_King]

You must live in Commiefornia.. I know, I used to live there

[@user-eo7sz8kk6x]

That sounds like NY state

[@grobertaguilar6023]

Move.

[@knallis.hjemmelading]

I am disabled but I do shoot a lot and I started reloading not just because of the money but to have something to do, and I have to say that it has changed my life, the joy to find new loads and to make cartridge even with my own casting is fantastic so the quality of my life has been amazing and ofcourse I have also made a lot of new and great friends inside the shooting and reloading community.

[@gtc1961]

Exactly! It's a great hobby...I actually find I enjoy the reloading more than the shooting aspect of the hobby. I was a photographer in the navy for 5 years and I enjoyed the processing aspect of photography instead of taking pictures. I like the technical stuff.

[@chunglow7646]

Eggzackly Correctamundo citizen Grasshopper

[@Arminius-yi2vs]

That's great to hear. I wish I had an interest long, long ago. Hearing guys that paid 30 cents for good primers makes me wish I had just bought primers air-sealedd them) and lots of pulldown powders pre-2020 as well as the old spam can Russian ammo from way back.

[@longrangeautist6117]

You can save money, but you won’t save money.

[@Ultimatereloader]

😂

[@Ryan8495]

I decided to start reloading to spend more time with my father. He's been a pistol reloader for 30+ years, never did a bit of rifle loads. Now I wanted to do .223, and he and I are now learning something together. Every second counts. And my last one, it's a skill. A skill I hope to pass on to my children someday, and that's what truly matters to me.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

Watch a video on how to use an instant indicator. Really helps to understand reloading rifle rounds

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

76highboy has some good ones

[@orozcocris93]

im pretty sure the short answer is you are basically reloading match grade ammo for the price of regular ammo. the exceptions are going to be the hard to find rounds where the answer is yes

[@Alan.livingston]

Agreed. People always compare prices of whatever the cheapest factory load on the shelf, rarely of factory ammo that is equivalent

[@googies12a]

Agreed, working out

[@TheMikePinter]

Coming to make this exact comment and seeing it was already made.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Not only is handloaded ammo going to be higher quality, but you can also make combinations that are not offered. They may not load factory ammo with a specific bullet you want or it may not shoot well out of your gun, but you can reload it to. Also you can load it to velocities that you will just never get from factory ammo to squeeze all the performance out of a round. You can usually get 100-200 fps more over factory.

[@Alan.livingston]

@@Nick-sx6jm that’s the thing I really like. Often with factory ammo I have to chose between a load that is accurate and one that has the projectile I actually want. With hand loads you can often avoid that dichotomy.

[@HerrMerlin]

The savings are much higher over here in Europe, where ammo is up to 100€ per 20 shot premium hunting. A simular load with a new brass every time will be 30€ per 20 shot. Thus 70€ savings per 20 shot... you make the equipment back really fast.

[@Bisley1]

That‘s crazy. I‘m in europe but don’t shoot hunting ammo, so the factory stuff isn’t nearly as expensive. Except my 45-70 Hornady FTX - way cheaper reloaded. They‘re about 80 bucks a box of 20

[@user-ok9xq3js2n]

I have been reloading for a little over 50 years, a long time ago it quit being about money. This video was great for me because it reminded me of why I started reloading and how much I have enjoyed it over the years, thank you.

[@craigkennedy6058]

My son and I shoot 270 WSM and were having trouble with ammo availability and the cost was getting ridiculous. We had a lot of brass so we bought a RCBS REBEL single stage set up. Our reloads on our first try were about a 1/3 the cost of factory ammo and much more consistent and accurate. Now we reload 300 WSM and 243 WIN. Some of the reloading components are a little hard to get but we shoot more and enjoy shooting our own loads. ( We have been reloading for about 7 months). Enjoy your videos they are very helpful

[@dhooter]

Little hard to get. Primers are next to impossible unless your getting extremely bent on GunBroker. Even now most major retailers are selling a brick of large rifle for 80 to 90 bucks lol

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

In the UK we also have difficulty buying ammunition. We have to go in person to a gun shop to buy, no mail order for ammunition. And as shooting is less common, there are not as many shops as you guys have. And their stocks are often far more limited. So home loading is quite attractive. And we can mail order components (though the hazmat shipping can be expensive). And for me, it's a major part of the hobby. Have prob loaded in excess of 100k rounds over the decades. All on a single stage press. have also been casting my own bullets from range scrap for the last decade. That really brings the costs down.

[@saltyreeeloader5268]

Also in the UK,started reloading about 2 yrs ago. It's fun and relaxing and I always have ammo to shoot, given the shortages we are experiencing it's a big plus.

[@redrock425]

Also pretty much the only way to load accurate target loads tailored to your firearm. Hand loading is pretty much essential in the UK unless you are a hunter that doesn't get through many rounds.

[@MrThedraknoir]

If you want to chase the bug holes, this is a must!

[@JacksonMalcolm]

Nobody is paying $24 for 9mm. PSA has cheap 9mm at $259/k on the regular.

[@SigmaBallistics]

exactly, cost effectiveness for reloading doesn't make sense anymore unless you are shooting magnums

[@Bibitybopitybacon]

If you cast your own bullets, it's pretty cost effective for 9mm. I was reloading 9mm with cast bullets for about 8 cents a round.

[@jaretmoskal5558]

I was thinking the same thing. If you buy in bulk 9mm is about the same as what he’s reloading for

[@UrR2KBA]

Come on now, 9mm 124gr can be had all day long for 26¢ per round. The veracity of your claims are called into question if you can’t even get 9mm ammo cost correct with just a One minute google search.

[@capt.jonathans.tuttle1504]

Currently, SGammo also sells white box Winchester 9mm (115 grain) for $260/1000 (free ship). So if you are looking at economics only, reloading for common calibers does not seem to make sense for most people including me.

[@randallcl9925]

Just today I ordered two boxes of Aguila 124g 9mm for $14/50 and there are other brands for $15/50, $16/50 and up. On sale, not always that cheap. I do reload but don't bother with 9mm. Reloading is cost effective for most cartridges as you pointed out. I handload 220 Swift, 260 Rem and others that cost $2 to $3 per round to buy and I can load them for less than $1 each, especially when you find supplies on sale. And as others have said, handloading is fun and a great hobby on it's own.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Yeah I would never set out to reload common cheaper rounds like 9mm or 223 to save money. However if you already have a setup for different rounds you already reload then all you need is some dies, bullets, and powder/primers if you dont already have what you need. Like I reload because I have some stuff that is not really made anymore and a 28 nosler and wby stuff. So, also started doing 9mm because I already had most of the stuff needed and the rounds to break even is super low.

[@davidwithers7181]

Thats. .28 per round....that's 15000 rounds to break even with used brass....

[@jwdundon]

I'm a reloader and have been for about 30 years.... I buy my components on sale and in bulk I buy factory seconds from Nosler. It's MUCH CHEAPER to hand load anything bigger than 38 special, Or BIGGER than 223. (Those can be done for cheap, but, not worth the time for me).

[@thecasualcitizen492]

You can save money but there is also a fun factor involved too. I find reloading to be very relaxing and fun.

[@MR-bp3in]

Any powder, primers,brass and so on is worth more than gold right now

[@2pugman]

I never reloaded 9MM till recently. 9MM ammo used to be as low as $10 a box. 45 ACP was $16 a box. .38 wad cutters at the indoor range were $2 a box. Today I reload for everything I shoot.

[@bdkj3e]

All my lgs still want $90 for 100 primers, I picked the wrong decade to want to start reloading.

[@sergeantdwz5783]

@@bdkj3e that's cheap today. I was paying 200$ 2 years ago

[@Alan.livingston]

Around me you literally can’t buy small or large rifle primers from any of the American manufacturers. They have started importing primers from some Indian manufacturer.

[@sheepherder911]

This level of market drag across the industry is suspect. I have heard that the government doesn't need to ban the gun, they just need to manipulate and regulate the ammo out of the price range of the common man.

[@thomasburch1260]

Don't forget about antiquated cartridges, ie 30-40 Krag

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

Yes! Keeps the dust off old rifles for sure

[@TexasSheepdawg21]

Oh. It’s expensive. I’ve been doing it since 1984.

[@rodneyferguson446]

Up until around 2006, ammo prices were pretty stable and I didn't Reload. You could buy Blazer Aluminum cased 9mm for $3.86 a box & .45 ACP for $8.99 a box at Academy, Blazer Brass .40 S&W for$7.89 a box at Walmart, and 5.56 from Palmetto State for under $300.00 per 1,000 (shipped). Since I didn't reload, I wasn't worried about brass. I had my CHL and my Wife ended up getting her CHL also. So we were going through (easily) 500 rounds a week for practice and I also shot Competition with a little group once a month and I'd go through another 200-300 rounds (so a minimum of 2,000 rounds a week). Then I got word that ammo Prices were about to skyrocket, so I started picking up any brass that was left at the range that I would keep to reload or trade to other People on Reloading Forums. I ended up trading or buying a LOT of bullets/reloading equipment/ammo/etc from those guys before Prices went through the roof. I also bought as much ammo as I could afford before Prices took off, both in store at Academy and Walmart, and also online. I don't shoot much anymore and have more brass than I could ever use but I still go down and pick up brass every couple of weeks. My Son told me here a while back that a Friend of his was complaining how hard it was to find a certain Caliber of Ammunition due to the "shortage". I asked him "What Shortage?" I told him "I don't have any trouble at all "Finding It", I just walk out to the Reloading Room and there it is", LOL!

[@TexasSheepdawg21]

I load for about 14 different cartridges. I just started casting bullets about 4 years ago. My operation has spread from just a spare bedroom in the back of the house out to a 24’x14’ shop. The shop is where I cast and prep brass. The “recreation” room is where I load. My reloading has pretty much paid for itself many years ago, but I keep investing in new technology and gadgets. It’s no longer a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. 🤣

[@rodneyferguson446]

@@TexasSheepdawg21 Pretty much the same with me. It used to be that the Weatherby and WSM Calibers were where I saved the most money reloading but these days it seems like almost everything is at least $1.50-$2.00 per round for Factory. About 15 years ago, a Friend of my youngest Son bought a house that had 32'x16' building on it. It was a pier and beam wood frame building with 26 gauge steel sides and roof. The Guy's Fiance wanted a swimming pool and the guy told my Son he could have it for free, he just had to get it moved. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room to move the entire building all at once, so I had to take it apart, Piece by Piece, and move it. I labeled absolutely everything as to where it went and then when I had it all at my house, I put it back together again. The only things we couldn't reuse were the sheetrock on the walls and the insulation. I added hurricane ties and brackets and used 1/2" plywood in place of the sheetrock, plus put a 16'x32' loafing shed on the backside (planning to enclose it and pour concrete floors). All in all so far, I only have about $3,200.00 in the building (not including my labor, of course).

[@TexasSheepdawg21]

@@rodneyferguson446 I’ve put about $17K in my little shop since I got it in 2021. It’s insulated, with wood siding. AC & Heat plus lots of electrical work for running fridge, TV, microwave or Air fryer. The casting area has an industrial vent hood to the outside and at that bench there are two dedicated HD recepticals each on their own circuit breaker. 20Amp with 10/2WG wires. They are for the lead furnace pots. On the opposite wall is my case prep bench where all my polishing tumbling goes on. It’s a nice comfy shop to spend a day in. If I want to take a break there’s a small couch to chill on to watch Netflix You Tube whatever/or a dvd. The incoming electric is 240VAC with 100Amp main breaker.

[@rodneyferguson446]

@@TexasSheepdawg21 I don't have the vent hood although I do Need one. Right now, I open a window and put a box fan there blowing the lead fumes out the window when I cast (it works but not all that well). I have as/heat but not the Fridge/tv/microwave/etc although my Wife has told me I should put all of those out there (I wonder what she was trying to infer?). I used to operate my FFL01 out of this building so I've got a 240 V plug that I planned on running an air compressor off of for a sandblasting Cabinet and possibly a Powdercoating setup. I have the Cabinet, just haven't took the time to get the compressor. So needless to say, while you can get away with the "Bare Bones" Minimum when it comes to reloading, Those like you and I know that you can also get invested pretty deep. Is the amount I've spent ever going to break even with just having purchased Factory Ammo? "No Way, Jose'!" But My Wife and I are Retired, we don't Travel, and everything we own is paid for, so to have somewhere to go to just relax and get away for a Day (and I've spent thousands of hours/Days out there) has been worth it TO ME.......and My Wife, LOL!

[@wraithvendeta]

I started on a Lee challenger breech lock anniversary kit. Was 159$ on Amazon. I use the lee pace setter dies and I bought 6 sets of them for the calibers I reload. I bought a second powder measure and a digital scale and a powder trickler. 3 reloading trays. And a lube pad with case lube. My total cost to get all that was under 500$. I loaded 1500 rounds of .30-06 1000 rounds of 9mm 2500 rounds of .300 blackout and 3000 rounds of .45. and 10,000 rounds of .223. I think I have saved enough to buy my equipment twice over.

[@FULLAUTO77]

I used the calculator with one added factor. Reusing brass. Say six times. I divide new brass price by six (or more if it lasts longer) and that is where you see an added savings.

[@brandonstews238]

I started reloading for 300blk, broke even a long time ago. Started to upgrade all my reloading equipment, started real cheap with a lee press. I enjoy the fact I can make ammo to my specs, ie cheap plinking gets the min powder load or I could spend a ton of time ensuring consistency between rounds. I know the ammo will be more consistent than I am with my shooting “can’t shoot the difference” but it is fun knowing how to.

[@patriot_fox]

I started on a RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press that was given to me by an uncle. I think it was important to understand each process 1 step at a time. Started reloading .45 ACP and then moved into .223/5.56. I eventually purchased a Dillon 550B second hand. Living in AZ is convenient as they will refurbish a press free of charge. I slowly added convenience parts to my press to achieve higher yields per hour on the press. Obviously you can spend a lot of money in press upgrades and die sets. I found the Dillon 550B the most versatile press as you can reload almost everything on this one press with just the change of a shell plate and tool head. I have saved the most money on reloading sub-sonic 300 Blkout rounds. Primers are coming back into stores but they were the hardest thing to find the last couple years. Reloading is my therapy between my lead therapy sessions! Happy Reloading!

[@MScholtz]

Then there's also the reduced cost ratio, adding a new caliber. The press, scale etc you buy once. Then to add a caliber you add the dies lock rings plate. It's a few boxes of ammo to break even adding a caliber.

[@christiansmith9414]

44 MAG, 45-70, match grade 6.5 CM and 308 have helped me break even. Especially during 2022 and 2023 with 44 MAG and 300 BLK prices for factory ammo

[@leonhart2452]

I started loading my own in the late 70's while in the Air Force. A friend got me started on his equipment. I bought the dies to load for the 44 Mag Ruger SBH I bought. Some of the things he did I didn't think of as safe. I then bought my own press and accessories. RCBS Rock chucker press and a Lyman D5 scale. And a Lyman 45th edition book. Over the years I have added other things to make things easier and safer. I still think that for most loaders a set of dies, a press, a powder scale and a good manual or three are an ok place to start. If you are keeping the brass from store bought ammo you fired in your gun you can load it several times before you need to worry about case length or trimming. Buying new brass can get you the same results. If you are picking up brass at the range or buying once fired, sorting and doing some measuring is a good idea. Starting out with the bare minimum will let you learn enough that you can then decide if you like it enough to buy some of the more expensive things that gets recommended. I have tried a vibratory case cleaner and didn't take long to decide it was not for me, to dusty and noisy. Oon cleaning cases I have found it doesn't make much difference in how the ammo performs, just how it looks. On the cases after I fire them I wipe them off, lube with Lee's lube. I like the Lee because it works very well and can be washed off with water. A bit of Dawn dish soap in boiling water, slosh around for a few minutes, rinse till the soap is gone, let dry. Once dry, finish the loading process. I have used several trimming methods. Again I have found Lee's system works for me. It may be a bit slower but it can change it's setting and ruin cases. I have found you don't need to trim every time. I have piles of things I have bought and don't use or don't use often. When I started out and for many years after, learning was trial and error. Not like today where at the click of a button and you get questions answered. Most of the things I learned in the early years was from magazines or hanging around the gun stores. What I talk about is for the majority of shooters. Those who want to get more into loading for precision shooting, adding all the expensive equipment can be worth getting. Same for those who push the limits of a cartridges performance or velocity. Wild ats require more equipment also. For a lot of loaders that only shoot a few hundred rounds a month then the basics will be fine. At one time with the 44 Mag I had a Lyman 310 tool and dies and a set of Lee dippers a bullet mould and a lead pot on the stove top.. I would cast bullets from wheel weights I collected from several tire shops, lube with a cake cutter. I spent a few hours every evening loading these bullets with the 310 tool. Some of the most accurate loads I have shot were these 310 tool loads. With a good solid rest for my back and bracing across my knees would get one ragged hole 6 shot groups at 50 yards. By one hole I mean one hole. Often less than 1/2" groups. At one range I was shooting at about 250 yards up the hillside was fenceline. Some hung a car flywheel on the fence. Stand upright and shooting off hand it was easy to clang that 6 for 6. All this is to say you don't need hundreds of thousands to get started loading. A bit of shopping around and you can get started very cheap. A press, dies and a powder scale can be enough. Beyond that is up to you. Oh, and always use good data from a reliable source.

[@ShootingUtah]

The trick with the vibratory tumblers is a good polishing liquid to add to your media and the really big trick is throwing in a dryer sheet! Like the scented dryer sheets. They collect all the dust and eliminate the static electricity that keeps the dust stuck to everything. A shooting buddy taught me that and it completely changed my opinion on vibratory tumblers. I bought one and almost sold it because it seemed too slow and dirty. But the combo of dryer sheets and a quality polishing liquid added to either corn cob or walnut media makes it really good! Maybe give it another go.

[@redrock425]

​@@ShootingUtahAgreed, and get your media from a sand blasting supplier. Far cheaper than from a gun store.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Never view reloading as a way to save money. To me, it’s a fun hobby that coincides with my shooting hobby.

[@doublepenn5732]

I only reload rifle, it cost me at least double. That doesn't even factor in the equipment. I do it for .27 at 200 yards ( my best load, 6mm). 😁

[@foolsgold1118]

So what happens when you can’t find ammunition because the governments taking it all for war. I would think it would be good to know how to do this and be ready, an empty weapon doesn’t fire very well

[@jasonmansfieldsr8645]

Right, if you’re loading plinking ammo, you’re probably not going to make your cost back, especially when you consider the cost of your time. Once you consider developing a load for long range or some kinda oddball chambering, now you’re probably talking about breaking even or saving money with your time considered. Match grade is spendy.

[@Hoplophile1]

I started reloading out of necessity over 45 years ago. I had purchased a second-hand Ruger Blackhawk in .41 Magnum and literally couldn't find the ammunition anywhere. I bought a second-hand RCBS press at a garage sale, ordered some dies, supplies and a manual and taught myself how to reload. Since then, over the decades I've added more equipment as I got into competition shooting and loaded to support that hobby, then decided that an even cheaper way to support my habit was to cast my own bullets for target and plinking uses. Along the way I've added dies for ammunition that is virtually obsolete (in my case, .303 British as well as .308 Marlin Express for one of my favorite hog rifles) and can't be found anywhere. Given the tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands?) of rounds I've loaded over that time, I'm pretty sure that I've gotten my money's worth, but the added knowledge I've gained along the way on ballistics, accuracy, marksmanship and even metallurgy, combined with the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction of "rolling your own", well -- the experience has been priceless.

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

If you shoot a rare or older cartridge, reloading is the only way to go. Example: I bought a Rossi R92 in .454 Casull. A box of loaded ammunition (20 rounds) is between $45 to $70 a box! I bought the die set, crimp die, and 200 Starline cases for $181. I already have bullets, powder, and primers. I can make 20 rounds for $20-$25 for 50 rounds! I have been at this for 55 years and reload for 28 cartridges. Reloading can save you a lot, but the benefit is you can shoot more, you learn ballistics, and shoot better.

[@timothygoetz9742]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Many at my gun club tell me that I'm not saving money. They just don't know any better. I took some screen shots of your test results and now I show them data. Outstanding!

[@grantensrud9185]

I definitely save when it comes to 338Lapua and 300hamr. Those two rounds, I believe, make the rest a savings as the savings there offsets the cost of the equipment. However, the fact that it's also an enjoyable hobby for me makes it a definite value.

[@Pallidum]

I'm reloading 300 Norma Magnum. Savings are $4 a pop. I have supplies for 1000rds. Then there's all the other calibers as well. :)

[@tormentorxl2732]

Yes, but if I spent the time reloading, working. I could just buy as much ammo as I wanted. But, yes. I reload 10mm, 308, 45, 357, 40, 303, 44. Mainly for fun.

[@DinoNucci]

THIS! THANK YOUfor using your noggin

[@jaretmoskal5558]

Do you spend all your time working?

[@byronchristie5253]

I agree if we are doing down and dirty we should add in time but then again I think that there is more to it. We all spend some time scratching our behinds and I enjoy loading more than that. Also, the ammo you can make, especially nowadays, is better than what you can buy. I don't think I'll ever recoup the cost of my AutoDod in any spreadsheet but it gives me pleasure and great ammo!

[@tormentorxl2732]

@@byronchristie5253 yeah, I hear ya. I load some pretty impressive 10mm and 357 that’ll have you pulling your socks back up.

[@joshfrisby8616]

That’s all fine and dandy until you go to the store one day and you can’t buy ammo

[@phyconinga]

I usually can buy a 1000 rd of 9 at around $300. I dont think im going to break even reloading it but why not do it anyway.

[@carlosdaniels9515]

Is that a particular brand or just in general. All last year I was catching online sales and paying $220-$235. It's gone up recently to $235-$259. That's 1krd cases of Magtech, S&B, Norma,Igman,Grindhard. I've purchased about 21cases over the past 2yrs from places like SGAMMO, Bereli ammo, Velocity Ammo.

[@phyconinga]

@@carlosdaniels9515 yeah same basic range ammo

[@F1DesignUS]

Cowboy Action...45 Colt and 38 Colt reloading is a MUST!

[@mikeolinger9227]

One of the best you have done Gavin, in a while. True to the core with this one.

[@massmike11]

I think if you went with a lee press it would change things

[@jwdundon]

Go to a gun show and buy your gear used. You can get complete reload and set up for a couple hundred bucks....

[@davemaurer6379]

I have been reloading for 5 years and I still learn tips from this channel

[@KurtisBaus]

Got into reloading out of necessity and love it. Too many oddball calibers with no options off the shelf. 32WinSp, 38-55, 32-40, 45-90, 303Savage to name a few. Cost was just a part of the necessity.

[@MapleHillMunitions]

It's worse than any drug or alcohol habit when it comes to fiscal means. Although the outcome is different 😅.

[@xxhogheadxx21]

This is true. I'm getting to the point i can't stand to see a brass case empty.

[@sergeantdwz5783]

The answer is no. Because you will shoot more. 😂

[@mhughes1160]

You can reload for what you could buy it for Pre joe that is . LoL 😂

[@northman77]

My answer is yes, I shoot the same :P

[@VaMike9]

Good video, that's actually honest compared to some of the others I've seen.

[@71rcode72]

Gavin very strong presentation. Reloaders definitely have the edge. Huge savings more shooting more accuracy more control. Self-reliant. So many wins

[@maynardcarmer3148]

When the alternative is not being able to buy ammo because it has been discontinued, you reload. I have a .375 Win., and haven't seen factory loads for years now, but I have the components on the shelf to make my own, and hang the cost.

[@jwilmes84]

I've done the math on reloading military surplus rounds. The savings are phenomenal

[@stanleysuratt9300]

I have been reloading since I retired. Enjoy the hobby, probably am saving money, never wanted to know. Also have been making/modifying my own reloading equipment to suit my self. Would send pics if I knew how.

[@moushunter]

I could write a book about my reloading experiences. This is a great video for shooters contemplating reloading. I've been reloading since the late 70s. I was given 3 boxes of reloading equipment by a woman that I helped move. Her ex husband had left it 10 years earlier after they divorced. He took his rifles and pistols but not the reloading gear. Most of the box contained brass, about 20 lbs of Dupont and Hercules powders (I still have some of that), dies, a rock chucker press, books, cartridge boxes, primers, I was already loading shotshells so this was a tremendous start for metalic loading. I sorted out gear I probably wouldn't use and traded for more gear I could use. Loading common ammo is a great place to start but loading the expensive and less popular ammo is cost effective. I load 32ACP which is very cost effective. 3000 rounds from a lb of powder! Finding brass is tough. Range brass is scarce for that and many of the imported cases with 7.65 head stamps are Berdan primed or have a smaller rim than cases marked 32acp. The benefit of loading .32 is many guns in that caliber were designed around a 60hp bullet. Target ammo in the USA is mostly 72 grain bullets which creates a magazine issue in many of those small guns. Dropping the bullet a little deeper corrects the jamming on those guns. People frustrated by their jamming .32s are eager to part with them. Reloading is addictive. I spend more time reloading than shooting. I'm invested in bulk components heavily. I still have some primers that I bought under 3¢ a piece. I measure my brass supply in barrels rather than pieces or lbs. I also cast lead bullets for a few of my pistols and rifles. Some nagging issues with reloading today: A lot of very common commercial brass I find at the range has crimped primers. Everything from .380, 9mm, 38sp, 357mag, 40S&W, and .45acp have about a 50% rate of crimped primers now on the once fired factory brass. One brand seems to be using glue or something too as I've punched primer flats out leaving the ring of the primer inside the casing. I'm guess the crimps might be because of the popularity of pistol caliber carbines. Before I start the second page of the book, Thank You Gavin for the great channel. I look forward to every video.

[@garyreadler4886]

Great video , thanks for your work on this. I started reloading for 2 reasons, 1- load development for bolt action rifles and 2- ammo was difficult to get back then. So right now I try to stock up on components and buy factory ammo to shoot because its available and not too pricey for 1000 round cases. Now I will be prepared for the next shortage with reloading supplies and equipment. Your videos helped me ALOT, thank you for that. You have done a great job of showing how its done.

[@jaymiller393]

I love it when people say…. “ I’m getting into reloading to save money!” 😂

[@user-pn4eq7wp9t]

Honestly it can still be about that, especially if you shoot oddball calibers like 450 marlin, 350 rem mag or 375 Winchester

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

I did because I started doing it around 2020

[@lawrencehudson9939]

Great presentation. Being retired every day is a holiday for me,, the only limit on my time is I won't live forever. I also cast my own bullets mostly for pistol shooting and I have a bullet trap to recycle my lead with a recovery rate of about 99%. This makes reloading super in inexpensive for me with my highest cost being primers.

[@Ultimatereloader]

That is success! Saving 💰

[@yeayeasautoadventures]

powder is more than 50 a lb in most places even from your lgs my store went up from 39 to 56 a lb h335 39 to 52 cfe pistol also if you are reloading relatively clean brass, just a bucket is all you need

[@thelittledetailscr7231]

You can find it cheaper online.

[@yeayeasautoadventures]

@@thelittledetailscr7231 what about hazmat fees?

[@ZachHunts]

I started reloading in 2014 with an LNL AP. It's more than paid for itself. I just enjoy reloading. I dont chase super small groups, just an accuracy standard for rifle ammo. For pistol ammo, I'm just trying to rip out as many as I can for the lowest price as fast as I can load primer tubes and keep powder in the measure.

[@homeydirt2278]

Currently Only reload 9mm, I reload 147gr, not shooting as many competitions lately, but savings and difference between 147gr vs 115gr is more significant

[@Bisley1]

I agree, same! Plus you use less powder with the heavy bullets. I load them mostly for suppressed shooting but i like the lower recoil too

[@j.b.woodward3748]

I also check shipping/ hazmat costs vs buying at a big box store.

[@azureoval]

It can save you money, but not the way it used to. H4350 is $65 at my local Sportsmans and Primers were $8-11. And if I buy online then Hazmat charges kill any price savings. I still reload cause I like doing it but its a rough time to be a shooter !

[@natejackson4791]

I have components from years back when they were less expensive. I have a Lee Pro 1000 in 9mm, but I don't load in volume so I tend to use my single stage presses more. I do use the progressive for several other calibers. The Lee press is just a bit too Jerky for me. I can't get it to be smooth and tend to slow way down whenever I have it engaged. Stay safe everyone!

[@travissmith2211]

I had been desirous of reloading since I was a teenager. Finally bought a kit in 2019. Bought it with gift cards and did a price match. I only spent $12 out of pocket. Bought a set of 38/357 dies on clearance for $20. Got a tumbler at a pawn shop for $40. Got the kit up and running spring of 2020 right before things got stupid. I've definitely got my initial investment back and more. Downside is that whenever I buy a new firearm that isn't a caliber that I already own, I end up needing to figure the cost of dies when budgeting for it.

[@4n2t0]

Two factors matter, volume and calibre. I save money on reloading 9mm alone, despite also reloading for other calibres. Why? Because I shoot a $hit load of it. If you shoot low volumes than the calibre must be relatively expensive to buy for you to save a significant amount of money, which isn't the case for 9mm. The whole "you don't save money because you shoot more" doesn't make sense. That's a choice, not a financial reality.

[@KadenaSKK]

You also have ways to still significantly improve the cost of 9mm down to near 15 cents by casting and coating your own projectiles.

[@saltyroe3179]

Back in the mid 1970s I did an analysis of economics of me reloading. 1. Payback is the is the wrong way to look at capital costs. Internal rate of the return is the correct way. 2. You need to include some case replacement as cases do not survive forever and you will lose some. For an individual scenario you have to look at your starting inventory of cases and how many rounds you will have loaded after a loading session. This will give you how much to capitalize as as starting brass. 3. Be careful about assuming the reloading devices will last forever, especially when you get to high round counts on less expensive equipment 4. Production waste: I am not perfect so not every set of round components will result in a usable round and I may may destroy some brass. While the numbers are different from 50 years ago, my conclusions: - you have to be shooting a lot to make it economically worth while - rifle and pistol reloading is usually justified by your need for consistency and non standard loads - the only economic reloading is for plastic cased shot gun shells because the basic kit has such a low cost. This does not address: - space for your reloading operation - your spouses tolerance for you to spend more time on a dangerous pursuit -time spent reloading could have been spent shooting. My overall conclusion was that only way for reloading to make economic sense was to have a a business to either reload or make rounds from all new components. One of my high school classmates and her husband are in the business of making high quality rounds.

[@curtwuollet2912]

22:32 You forgot an important factor. Having ammo when you want it vs not. And weathering spells where prices are insane. A lee turret press and stocking components when you can find them is a great asset. And you aren't sitting on a huge investment.

[@WishiwasinIdaho]

The number one reason is to be able to shoot when you can't find factory ammo. Components can be stocked up on when they become available and then you are set when the ammo shelves are empty.

[@Antli2024]

With casting, I can reload 9mm for 11 or 12 cents a round. It was a steep learning curve, but I learned and do everything in bulk. I used to shoot a 50 round box a month. Now I’m shooting 200 a week, for just slightly more than a box. I haven’t bought a box of ammo is several years and love playing with all the variables.

[@mikecastles]

Could not afford to shoot some rounds without reloading. 327 Federal, 32 H&R, 32 S&W long, etc. Plus get to shoot a 38 Short Colt because I have most of the components already.

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

I think brass should be included as a partial cost. Full cost / number of expected uses. Say like 10 reloads per brass. I would be interested in how this would affect the calculation and what does values would be from your experience for the different calibers

[@Irish_Wristwatch101]

And depending on the brass you can go even further. A lot of the issues end up in the neck of the brass after a while. So, let's say you get 10 reloads for a .223, well, the issue being in the neck means that most of the time you can then cut the brass down to be reused for .300 blackout then spreading the cost of the brass over 20 reloads.

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

@@Irish_Wristwatch101 it certainly makes it more complicated. Like investing in a annealing setup. Gie much more life do you get out of it and what's the break even for that. So many rabbit holes :D

[@Irish_Wristwatch101]

@@thorwaldjohanson2526 There it depends on what you are reloading for .300 Blackout too. Subsonic .300 Blackout generally goes for $1-1.20 a round on the cheap end (outside of sales) while you can reload the same thing for about $0.35-0.40 a round. Just doing 100 rounds will save you anywhere from $60-85. Then you start getting into defensive and hunting rounds and the savings do add up but you'll likely shoot more.

[@Ben-ry1py]

9mm isn't worth it, You can find range ammo for less than what is listed here, but the others are worth it, especially if you have several cartridge types. Another potential benefit is using certain components in more than one cartridge. 223 and 308 often use the same powders. 7.62x39 and 308 use the same primers...ext. I think one of the biggest factors is if the person has any interest in the process. If not, I don't think it's worth all the time, but if so, it would be worth it even if you break even. You can easily get more consistent ammo if you handload carefully. Great video. I love this stuff.

[@mainnutzcvma7983]

Started out reloading my hunting ammo 338 win mag and have now ventured into 40, 9, 10, and 556/223. It's enjoyable reloading for me, plus it gives me something to do during long nights during winter months in Alaska when I don't want to shoot at 20 below zero.

[@davidhague7184]

I got into reloading for my 338 win mag, then got into 40, 9, 10, 45, and 340WBY and since i have a crippling habit of getting rifles in obscure calibers all of them now. And Alaska winters are cold and the higher the latitude the higher the price.

[@xxhogheadxx21]

Very helpful video. Your calculator is very handy. I'm reloading MK 262 clones for $0.64 each at today's prices, so I'm saving right at 50% per load. I included tax and shipping on my components too. As for 9mm, and 5.56 fmj you can buy factory cheaper than you can reload when you factor in time the way i see it.

[@charlesglegg7330]

Great vid! I started in '83 with a RL450. We "guys in my unit" pooled are money and saved a lot. Run my shooting life on a RL550 for rifle and a RL750 for handgun. I also learned that I saved more and shot then when I spent the money at the bar talking about shooting!

[@michaelnelson1911]

Great video. 40 years ago I bought a Lee loader press. I reloaded 38 special and 270. My brother worked for the parent company of RCBS and got me a great deal on an Auto-5 progressive Reloader. I sold the Lee press 30 years ago and never loaded a single shell on the new Reloader. I made it a goal to reload this year on the Reloader. I have been gather supplies and I hope to get started in the next little bit. Your information is helping continue in moving forward. I think most of my reloading with be for the 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 win, REM 7 mag, 223, 38 special and the 9mm. I have a few powders, but not sure which cartridge would be the easiest to get started with? Thanks for sharing.

[@bluescatreimer]

I have been reloading since the early 70's and I have saved a ton of money reloading. Reloading equipment was a lot less expensive back then since factory ammo was a lot less expensive. Since the politics now with the ammo panic buying and shortage the cost of factory ammo has gone way up. With that so many people started reloading that the reloading companies thought, hey let's raise our prices. And the price of primers is insane, powder isn't as bad if you know where to buy it or buy when companies have free hazmat. If you mold your own bullets you save even more money and if you powder coat you pretty much eliminate leading your barrels up as much. I use plated bullets as well as making my own, and if you don't do max loads your brass will last a lot longer. And since ammo companies are watering down cartridges like 10mm I can load them the way they were meant to be.Since Prop 63 took effect in Commiefornia and the other one that makes us have to do a background check for buying a box of ammo reloading is a great way to go.

[@tnovak712009]

Just calculated my 224 Valkyrie PRS precision rounds last week. Using: Starline Brass / Berger LRHT 85.5 / Hodgdon BL-C(2) / Fed. 205’s. I find it cost just over 50% the cost of factory loads per round at ~.80¢ (minus the cost of brass)

[@thelittledetailscr7231]

Magnum cartridges are something you didn't cover. My 338 lap and 300 norma mag are way cheaper to reload than buy.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good point!

[@stevengibb5267]

Love the whole process, money is a slight consideration, however, I find myself constantly upgrading equipment and components. I having a blast, (pardon the pun)!

[@rururu5630]

Boooooo! Lol

[@andrewschneider4618]

I would say for some calibers it would be a must due to availability and or variety prime example 708 300 rum another good one would be 338 winmag. Another one that shines is 300 blk ammoAnother reason I would say to reload is some of your ammunition for your older surplus rifles is either drying up or is exorbitant prime example M2 ball last time I pressed the 20 count box at the store was like 42 bucks

[@robdavidson4945]

I reloaded .44 Mag, .38/.357, .30-30 , .30-06 and 7MM Mag. in the 70's & 80's. I thought I saved money back. Reloaded is RCBS Rockchucker. I still have it. Just started to dig it out of storage a couple weeks ago. I'm looking at getting a progressive reloading setup with my brothers and the Hornady set up is at the top of the list. I will forward this clip to them. Thanks for your efforts.

[@searchBLOC941]

My daddy has reloaded for years, and got me into doing it. His synopsis is that no, you don't save money. You can just shoot more for about the same cost as buying factory ammo and shooting less. Also, factoring in keeping brass; no matter how hard I try, I still only retain about 90% of my brass after each range day. I reload 10MM, 300blk, and 6.5 Grendel. I carry 10MM pistols every day, so I reload for that. 300 I run for duty, so it makes sense to reload so I can train. 6.5 is my hunting rifle, so I tinker with custom loads for that. Haven't gotten into my 9MM, .308, other calibers, and I definitely haven't touched shotgun ammo yet.

[@schwiptsgaming4024]

I wish you had made this video 6 months ago lol. I did my own number crunching and watched your reviews on the Lyman Complete 7 Turret Press kit for reloading .224 Valk. I found that depending on the gr of bullet I'm anywhere between 30% and 45% cheaper doing it myself. I favor the 77gr BTHP for prairie dogs and the 88 gr ELDM for longer ranges, Our range here in town only goes to 900 yrd but I have managed to put 7/10 on the 1 MOA plate at 800 yrds. I still have another 500-600 rounds to go till I break even after adding the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop that you had advertised on your page, but When you take 100 rounds out each time you go prairie dog shooting it shouldn't take much longer. Happy shooting from your neighbor to the north in Wy, (yes it really does exist.)

[@BadDadio]

I’ve been interested in reloading for several years. Where I get stymied is the powder & primer selection. There seems to be such a plethora of options.

[@johnwickre6323]

I get most of my reloading components from American Reloading. With free shipping I get 9mm bullets for about 5.5 cents a round and primers for 7 cents a round. With powder I’m getting about 1.5 cents a round. The total reloading costs is about 14 cents a round. That said, after getting into reloading, I’m definitely not saving money. I shoot and hoard magnitudes more ammo than from before I got into reloading. 😄

[@richardvila3]

Yes very helpful, planning to buy the Dillon progressive machine eventually. I just retired on December for the 5th time and hopefully the last. Want to start reloading. Started to make space in my garage for it

[@robertbroxson4582]

I just started reloading about a year ago. I love it. I wish I would have started years ago

[@michaeltosser7363]

Thanks for breaking this down; I'd largely come to the conclusion hat saving money reloading was largely a no-go for me. Granted, with a Forster Coax for 'precision' rounds (280 AI, 300 PRC, etc) and a Dillon 650 (new in 2019) for pistol and .300BLK subs, I started... Pricy... but I now have hope from the fiscal perspective, as well.

[@speedster-qe1nj]

Once you start down the rabit hole of reloading you usually spend a lot more on certain things to make the experience better. You can't really account for those price differences but once you get into a process and figure it out you shoot a lot more which makes it cost more while saving more so it's a trade off. But worth it for the long run

[@Sagittariustoo]

I always bought the best equipment so saved nothing on reloading over the years. I mostly did it for "fun", as you mentioned in the video.

[@danielrelinski5665]

I hoarded reloading components long before the price hike, people called me crazy at the time. Now I reload for less than half of what you are quoting for todays reloads. I have enough components to last me my lifetime and my sons who is 34.

[@finaltracewildlife]

Same here, bud! Primers for $14 per 1000!

[@shadowcat3163]

Would that be the $10 per thousand primers from the late 90's? Stocked up myself and saved a fortune. Also have em whenever I need them and do not have to search or pay a fortune for em.

[@mattberden9326]

I started picking up range brass years ago and now I have like 4000 cases of 556 and 223 but I don't reload.

[@dxpvxo711]

Ya I have boxes of primers that say 19.95 on them per 1000 from some years ago

[@xxhogheadxx21]

Do you need another kid?🤣

[@lylewalters909]

I've found if you shoot 308,7mm-08,243,260 or 6.5CM, if you buy small rifle primer brass, it saves in a few ways. 1 case lasts longer, in my opinion. 2 The cost of small rifle primers compared to large rifle primers is significant. 3 primer pockets seem to last longer, and overall, case life seems to be longer. At least in my 260Rem, the case gets more uses.

[@RivinaR]

Yep CCI 200 is like a unicorn these days, while CCI 450 is available.

[@Milspecpoptart]

My first reloading press was the lee breechlock press for 45 bucks brand new. Worked great, it just took extra time to setup the dies for each step.

[@rosswitte]

Reloading is a great way to survive long cold winters. Good equipment will outlast the person unless electronic.

[@tearlach61]

I started reloading for a 44 magnum when I moved back to the states decades ago. I was in my late 20s and on a tight budget. I bought a single stage press and also a mold and acquired a lubri-sizer for cast bullets. Pretty soon I was pumping thousands of rounds for my 44 magnum, everything ranging from 45 ACP equivalent loads to full powered loads and I was shooting the way most people shot 22. That was my start to reloading and since then I literally went decades between store-bought center fired ammunition. i finally did store bought with 2 cartridges you started with: 9mm and 5.56. Those cartridges, because of the military connection and volume lower costs per round, I did buy those calibers but mostly 9mm for practice ammo. For a time I found that I could not really load 9mm for cheaper than I could buy it, so I bought it. Now it is a little different. The price of 9mm has jumped considerably so I load for it. 5.56 is a different story: I can load plinking fodder for cheaper than I can buy it, the fmj stuff. Precision ammunition, it is no question: reloading is the only way to go. Any kind of off the beaten path ammo, it makes sense to reload. Now I feed 30-06, 7.5x55 Swiss, 45 colt, 38 Special, 6.5 grendel, precision 9mm subsonic for a tax stamped suppressed SBR, plus several others. In those instances, your best option is reloading without question.

[@nevadaar2773]

I loaded my first round on my cousins press back in the 70’s. I couldn’t afford a press until the mid 80’s. I started with reloading for my Model 70 270 Winchester, then my Dad’s Model 70 243 Winchester. Back then a box of 20 Winchester 270’s would cost around $10. A box of 20 Winchester 243’s around $9. A box of 100 Sierra Gamekings would cost me around $12 for 6mm and $15 for 277’s. A primer was only a penny apiece if I was only buying 100 at a time and far less if buying in bulk. Powder was around $10 a pound. I bought friends Herters single stage press with a Lyman scale. I purchased 243 & 270 RCBS dies. My press, scale, chamfer tool and other extras cost me $100. The accuracy of my loaded ammunition verses factory was factory around MOA, my loads could punch a primer out of a 12 gauge shot shell at 100 yards. That became the determining factor for me to reload. Cost became secondary.I now own 2 Dillon progressive’s the RL550B and the newer XL750. I now have 2 digital powder measures. One I purchased after watching your review, a Chargemaster Supreme. I now have a case feeder, a bullet feeder, a Lyman dry tumbler that is my second dry tumbler, a Frankford Arsenal wet tumble, a brass dryer and currently load over a dozen different calibers and growing. I have firearms I have never shot a factory round through because of the cost of their ammunition. I enjoy your channel and keep up the good work Gavin.

[@emmettperkins844]

I’ve been reloading since 2004. Over the years when I didn’t have time to reload was when I bought bullets on sale or add to powder I favored. Buying a brick of 22 Long Rifle from time to time added to my storehouse.all of this was preCovid . I’m grateful to the man that to the time to teach me to reload. Now he’s unable to reload or go to the range. Take the time to teach someone to reload,the Safety precautions and storage techniques.

[@thevoyageur2152]

I think if you shoot odd cartridges, Wildcats or odd combinations of cartridge and bullets like I do where I just can’t get what I want it’s worth it. And it’s a fun part of shooting. Happy Huntin’ Gavin.

[@daveau3094]

Amazing...I'm about to dip my toe into the deeper end of the reloading pool after learning and watching countless videos of yours. I literally just asked myself yesterday the question....which calibers are worth reloading nowadays?? Then BOOM...this video shows up. Thank you!

[@D.B_Cooper]

Everything is worth reloading

[@daveau3094]

@D.B_Cooper Even 9mm? I'm having trouble penciling that out honestly. With halfway decent components and I already have the brass, I'm still somewhere around 15-20 cents a round. Factory is around $250-260 a case. Not sure it's worth my time.

[@D.B_Cooper]

@@daveau3094 I cast my own bullets get free lead and already have thousands of 9mm cases.

[@larrykennedy2874]

Most people I know don’t reload with the intention to save money. They reload to develop a specific and optimized round for their firearms. Each firearm no matter the make and model will shoot certain types of ammunition even if they are exactly the same make and model. I had a Weatherby Vanguard and my buddy had the same model and we purchased them at the same time. His gun did fantastic with Remington and mine barely shot MOA. Reloaders tend to be precision focused. Most of them started reloading to save money but their focus changed on maximizing performance and spend whatever they can afford to achieve the Nirvana cartridge.

[@BenjaminG90]

There are frequently sales on factory 9mm where if you buy 500 or 1000 you can get them for 24 cents per round. You can’t reload them that cheap anymore. The primer and bullet alone generally cost about that much. I stopped reloading 9mm for this reason.

[@tekanger975]

I began reloading over 60 years ago in my uncles basement. Dad wouldn't let me reload at home because he thought I'd burn the place down. I reload for well over a dozen cartridges including a wildcat. There is no way I have not recovered my equipment costs over the years even though I have, not surprisingly, upgraded a lot of equipment. (Started with Herter's because they said they were the best. Chuckle, chuckle.) I can reload 9mm, but don't simply because of how little I shoot handguns. The rifles are different and if into multiple calibers, it is difficult to consider not reloading. The 5.56 is an area where I reload a little, but the time required isn't hardly worth it for the amount I shoot. The wildcat -- no way I could enjoy the 22BR without reloading, so I'm pretty much locked into reloading. Thanks for your analysis and for all your other videos. Very informative.

[@curtisfinckel6833]

I started off back in the 80s loading up my 300 H&H at $51. A box of 20 was a no-brainer. I moved up to a gallon 750 with extendable tool heads for each caliber I use two different tool heads one for processing and one for loading, yes it can cost a lot of money for me. It was worth it because I loaded a lot of ammo starting off with the rocker or a single stage. I recommend that for a lot of people asked me about reloading learn the process before you move up. I still use my trucker today. It’s a good price, remember I bought it back in the 80s I also buy bulk my bullets I buy bulk thousand round more at a time buying a box here in a box there you can save money but you do better in bulk. Initial cost is a bit expensive, but it pays off at the end and watching your channel cost me more money all the new gadgets improvements on my 750. It helps thank you for that. Oh by the way I live in Tacoma Washington. I love to come and see your set up. Who knows Madeline something new keep up the good work.

[@kramr7012]

I bought my first Hornady progressive press after watching your earliest videos when you were starting. I’ve never looked back! Investment… Absolutely. Return on my investment? Exponentially! And it can’t be measured in dollars alone. Thanks for your commitment to offering valuable content for interest viewers!

[@edbrick7689]

Two weeks ago I tracked my costs on a spreadsheet for my equipment and local costs vs local ammo cost. Central/Eastern Montana. Three pistol and four rifle cartridges. I am saving great on reloading everyone without considering brass cost. When I consider brass case costs, I will still be saving on all but one caliber. The .30-06 will have no cost advantage being equal to factory cartridge cost. However, there is still the accuracy benefit. Lucky for me I probably have enough .30-06 brass to carry beyond my shooting ability, it is my least consumed caliber. I reload for .223/.556, .22-250, 9mm, .30-30, .30-06, .44 Rem Mag, .45 ACP. All on a single stage RC Supreme. Enjoy your channel. I have been thinking about a turret press, keeping the dies set for my pistol rounds would be great. My tools are far from new, but still work like new. I belive in taking good care my tools.

[@frankw7266]

I'm so glad I got into reloading when I did. Back in the late '90s, I purchased a 650 with all of the trimmings for less than a base model 750 is going for now, that amortized itself in the first 4000 rounds of 9mm I loaded on it, and it's process easily over 200k rounds of various calibers since. And I don't really look at it as saving money as much as it allows me to shoot more for a given price.

[@802spawn]

I got into it for my m1 garand. Really dont want to risk bending the op rod, plus when i go hunting this summer, I've got plenty of accurate 30-06

[@MrJdebest]

I just think of reloading as part of the hobby. ** they say that casting your own bullets completes the hobby.

[@rachelstephens3680]

That sounds like a fun hobby 😊

[@Bisley1]

I would like to cast my own bullets too someday😃 But only for fun and only for calibers I shoot low volume or specific bullets in those calibers like some extra heavy lead hard cast .44 and .454 and perhaps some .45 Colt bullets. Certainly not worth the time for something i shoot high volume like 9mm

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

@@Bisley1 I mean it depends on a lot, but I do agree it's hard to justify loading 9mm. But the thing to keep in mind is all bullets are not created equal. I load +p when I do 9mm, or lead rounds for my 9mm cattleman revolver, or subsonic... not necessarily run-of-the-mill range ammo that you can get for $13 a box just to go bang. But 45 Colt on the other hand I wouldn't be able to justify shooting if I didn't reload it. Plus you can do neat things like black powder loads, which I'm sure you can buy but it's probably boutique if you can find it and hence expensive.

[@balaton1]

I think it's different for everyone. I started with a Lee Loadmaster for just 9mm and .223. I was satisfied for about 3 months. Then I made a mistake and looked in my safe at the other caliber firearms and started loading .45acp, 45/70, 40S&W. Awe bloody hell, now i need a case trimmer, wet tumbler, media separator. OOOOH, then I got a used RCBS Rock chucker, 3 different primer seaters, 2 more load masters, 38/357 dies, shell plates. Sold a load master, bought a Lyman turret press. OOOOH now I have the FA X-10, needed shell plates for that too. A few years ago, we became empty nesters. So we remodeled the home, wifey has her walk in closet, I now have a 12x12 reloading room (I'm no longer in the garage). Bought tool boxes, another safe, ammo boxes. LED lights for all presses. I have stuff I bought from estate sales and have many pieces that I have no idea what they do, or to what dies or presses they could be mounted. I forgot to mention I got into casting about 7 years ago. Exact same rabbit hole, antimony, powder coating, 9 different molds. Why do I own 115gr and 130gr 9mm molds??? I did get a toaster oven for free. I have a dedicated vibratory tumbler just getting powder coating to stick. Non stick aluminum foil, parchment paper. My story is of desperation and shame. I instruct my mother that if someone asks if her son reloads, she is to respond: "Absolutely not, he's actually a successful drug dealer." Last week arrived the FA universal bullet seating set and lanolin and 99% isopropyl alcohol, why? Because my imperial sizing lube and hornady 1 shot was working perfect!!! No issues at all. Thank you Amazon. Now I have my 22-250 totally loving the Hornady 40gr VMax with Varget, hitting .5MOA 40% of the time. The best loadings of my life, then today a guy let me shoot his 6PRC. I don't even have the rifle, but ordered bullets anyway. I certainly touch "reloading tasks" at least 5 days a week. Mostly 6-7. But AT LEAST I have NO interest in reloading rimfire. Those that do have real problems. I'm grateful I'm not that bad off. But wait a minute, 17HMR bullets are pretty cheap. Now that I think of it. OH NO, WHAT HAVE I BECOME? I'm like Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis" FFS!!! Quick, throw gas on me!!!!!!!!!!

[@smokingdivot1762]

great video, did a similar calculation last year and it was interesting, but in the end i wasn't saving any money, i was shooting more.. but i'm ok with that.