Cost effective?

[Flyer]

Is it really cost effective to do your own reloading? How much would you have to shoot for it to be cost effective enough to make i worth while?

[Flyer]

More specifically for .45ACP

[michaelfm]

Depends on your equipment. Reloading can be time consuming if you're using rudimentary gear. A lot of guys do it as a hobby, and don't mind spending the time. I don't have that much time right now, maybe when I retire! Its much easier to pick it up at Wally World, since their ammo prices are still reasonable.

[wilson133]

If you buy bullets instead of casting your own it will cost about $4.50 a box for reloaded ammo, excluding the brass. The cheapest new 45 auto ammo I can find around here is about $11 a box. So 20 boxes of ammo would save you $130 and that would more than pay for a decent Lee setup and some primers and powder. It looks like good economics to me. It does take some time, but remember you don't pay taxes on money saved, just money earned. That is to buy a new box of 45 ammo takes not just the $11, but the money to pay the sales tax and the amount of taxes you had to pay to net the $11.
Reloading can be a hobby in and of itself, it is fun to try different loads. You can tailor a load just to fit your gun.

[Flyer]

I was not aware one could get into it that cheaply. How safe is it to reload?

[tex45acp]

I started my reloading experience with one of the Lee units that does not require a press of any kind. I think it costs leaa than $20.00 as I bought it used. I loaded several hundred rounds of 41 magnum with it before buying a RCBS Rock Chucker Single Stage Press, also slightly used, with a set of dies for the 41 magnum for $75.00. Even though I have a progressive for my 45acp, I still use the single stage press for everything else. I have reloaded literally thousands of rounds of ammunition over the years. When I was competing, informally of course, it was nothing to reload 500 rounds the day before the competition. I think the last time I checked, I was reloading for somewhere around .10-.20 per round by reusing brass I find at the range, buying powder in larger containers cheaper per pound, and buying primers in bulk.

I am always looking in the "sale" bins at gunstores and at gunshows. THe other day I found some Speer 210 gr semi-jacketed HP in one of those bins. I walked out the door paying $4.00 for 100 bullets. Just look around and you can find all kinds of deals that bring down the cost of reloading.

tex

[iowain45-70]

More specifically for .45ACP

yes it is

[pgreen7436]

Reloading can be time consuming if you're using rudimentary gear.

Ahh, but what a way to relive stress after a bad day!!

Its much easier to pick it up at Wally World, since their ammo prices are still reasonable.

I've found that Sportsman's Warehouse by me has a much better selection and is just as reasonable as Wally World.

[pgreen7436]

I was not aware one could get into it that cheaply. How safe is it to reload?

Like anything else, if you take your time and following instructions, it's very safe. Don't reload if you're tired, drunk, hungover, under sedation... Seriously, if you're careful with the loads, look at your brass each time, handle the primers correctly, etc. it's fun and saves lots of money so that you can shoot more.

[tex45acp]

Flyer,

I just started reloading my 45acp with a Dillon Square Deal. Its a small progressive, that once setup is almost boringly repetitive. Pull the handle and out pops a finished round. I have yet to look at the cost since I bought the Dillon new. I still think it will be cheaper that store bought. I love shooting the ammo I assemble.....it gives me a real sense of accomplishment to see them work.

tex45acp