I was thinking of reloading
Reading the ABC's of Reloading 7th Edition right now. Have thought about reloading several times for my .30-06. However, since I only deer (mule) hunt and ocassionaly elk hunt, I don't know is if the time is right. I can pick up a box of Federal Power-Shok soft point 150/180 for $13.97 a box and I have a nice stash of them. This load will work well for deer but not elk, I realize but I don't think I could reaload cheaper than that. I do keep my '06 brass so at some point, I need to put it to use and reaload anyway. Maybe a small hand press will suffice.
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I'm tumbling brass right now. That is the only expensive thing I have.I have RCBS press,dies for 8 calibers. ,hand mic deburring tools are hand held, LEE trimmers for each cal,5-0-5 scale,lube pad,etc...
Most comes in a kit >I have saved too much $ reloading and spent many hours reading and reloading. With all the ammo hype lately I dug out a dozen boxes of 30-06 , about ten boxes of 7mm rem mag, and I'm not sure how many .223rem I found.It's fun -good ammo-and your recycling-the green thing to do.Go for it -reload your old brass and you will have excellent Elk rounds with Quality bullets.Barnes etc...0 -
If you reload for only a few calibers - let's say your hunting rifle or two and a handgun such as 44 Magnum or 10 mm, ammo that's kind of expensive - then it's probably a good way to save some money and tailor loads to your particular rifle. Problem is, if you're the type who would buy a rifle just because you found a good deal on 222 Remington brass, or you'd like to have a 416 Rigby or 338 Lapua or 458 Win Mag but ammo's too expensive - the reloading can get adventurous and expensive. I think I reload for about 50 calibers, it's great fun and I enjoy it. But I have no illusions about saving money. 0 -
This would be a good kit to start you out; Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit 0 -
Sure, take advantage of cheap ammo now. But, be prepared to roll your own, stock up on components & store them properly, & you will never worry about being forced to use your rifle as a club.
Neal
"Even those of us who are paranoid may have people who are trying to get us."0 -
Plus it is very mind-numbing to sit around and load after a long day/week at work, with a ball game or some good music on in the back ground. I really don't know if I'm saving much....... but it is a great hobby.[:D]
b0 -
I too will be reloading soon and am slowly purchasing most of the equipment ... I ordered a Lyman T-Mag Deluxe set from BassPro for $299 and is due to arrive tomorrow. 
If you look at it as a hobby (when you cannot go out on the range/afield) and a new challenge/endeavor (i.e., various load development opportunities) as suppose to cost saving alone and you'll be OK.
Good luck!
Ed0 -
Reloading IS cheaper, but with limited shooting it's a question of if you want to reload.
Primer is $.0275 ea.(Winchester Large Rifle), Powder is $.125 each (49 grains IMR), Bullet $.39 each (hi grade hunting type), you already have brass. Total is $.54 each and you are paying $.70 each.
One can argue the above costs for reloading I have listed are actually quite high, as you can buy .308 bullets starting at about $.17 each. (I tried to use a reasonable max cost)
When I started to reload (about 50 years ago) it was to save money, but in later years I came to realize that I could customize my ammo to each gun to improve on accuracy, comfort, AND cost. I have almost come to distain factory ammo because it requires me to conform to their specifications instead of what I want.
A small single press will work fine to get started. You may wish to discuss this further on the reloading forum.
Good luck either way.
The above prices for components was gathered from Wedeners and Gander Mtn (never known for being cheap). I'm quite sure that (and it was a risk to put this down) you can spend MORE, and for some of us "shoppers" quite a bit LESS. Bullets ranged from $.08 to about $.39 ea. (I'm sure silver tipped zippy-do-da's cost more). As I stated, it's a risk due to the location and availability, but we all try to help as best we can to answer the quetions.0 -
quote:Originally posted by geeguy
Reloading IS cheaper, but with limited shooting it's a question of if you want to reload.
Primer is $.0275 ea.(Winchester Large Rifle), Powder is $.125 each (49 grains IMR), Bullet $.39 each (hi grade hunting type), you already have brass. Total is $.54 each and you are paying $.70 each.
One can argue the above costs for reloading I have listed are actually quite high, as you can buy .308 bullets starting at about $.17 each. (I tried to use a reasonable max cost)
When I started to reload (about 50 years ago) it was to save money, but in later years I came to realize that I could customize my ammo to each gun to improve on accuracy, comfort, AND cost. I have almost come to distain factory ammo because it requires me to conform to their specifications instead of what I want.
A small single press will work fine to get started. You may wish to discuss this further on the reloading forum.
Good luck either way.
The prices you are quoting are actually quite low. The primers, by the thousand are about 4 cents each, the powder at 21 cents each, and a good bullet these days start at 50 cents and go up. You are looking at 75 cents per round to start. The 13.97 for a box of 30-06 days are over too...sure you can still find themhere and there, but the old power points, core lokt, and power shok's fot 10 or 110.. a box are gone.
Best0 -
And when you cast your own bullets from wheel weights scrounged from your tire dealer and from the outdoor range, you get plinking bullets at a considerably lower cost than what your'e shooting now. and, those cast bullets don't take no 50 grains of powder either. Then, cast a few hundred .357's to go with the 30/06 and you saved enough on the .357 to buy a couple of boxes of premium hunting bullets for the 30/06. Hey, I started casting bullets with a lee mold, a lee flat bottom pot on the kitchen stove. It's not rocket science.
Didn't know primers were $40.00 a thousand. I paid $3.29 a hundred last week at the highest priced gun shop in town. But, prices are all over the place right now
Dan R0 -
Well that is 32.90 for 1000. Most wholesale distributors are around 20.00 per thousand...then add in a 22.00 Hazmat shipping charge. that ends up at 42.00/ 1000. 0 -
Just finished mounting my Loadmaster to the garage floor. It is in place. Set-up was not very difficult given all the videos on the web that are availible. Setting up loads is new to me but I have a friend with a chronie. I am waiting on the results and I hope to sell about 400 rounds of .45 acp at my next gun show. This is my first time too but I find it very effecient and much more enjoyable than paying what I've seen for new ammo locally. Best of luck to you. 0
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