What is the benefit of reloading?

[Parrishco]

Ok so I know nothing about reloading. I assume its cheaper for thousands of rounds otherwise peole wouldnt do it. Or is it because you can choose your powder charge and grain? The question is where is the break even point for reloading - several thousand rounds? I shoot mostly 40S&W but some .45 and 7.62X39 and maybe .223 and 9mm soon. I shoot about 500 a month but would be more if not for the cost. Is it really worth the time for the money saved - assuming there is money saved. Then if I did want to start - how? A book? What press? What initial cost? Is it dangerous if you mess up? Whats the low down on this reloading thing. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[JD McDorce]

Take a look at the following threads and see if these answer your questions:
http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic.php?t=27980&start=0
http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic.php?t=27170&start=0
http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic.php?t=26866
http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic.php?t=25043
http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic.php?t=24567

[beardman2]

I did the math once. For a Dillion setup it would take me somewhere in the 8-10000 rounds to make up for the cost of the equipment. Then again I'm happy using Wolf ammo so the margin is a lot less than other ammo.

I'm going to start reloading for handguns soon although I'll be getting the less popular cheap equipment to help offset the break even time.

[gaspipes]

Get yourself a Dillon RL 550B and you'll be set for life.

Buy a good reloading manual. Speer, Hornady, Lee, Lyman. All of them have how to sections at the front. If you don't want to start with a progressive pree, then buy something like an RCBS Rock Chucker.

It's not rocket science. I suggest you go buy one of the manuals first and read up, then make decisions on a press. If you have friends that load, look at their's.

The cost benefit comes in the fact that you can shoot lead bullets, or plated bullets. They are much cheaper than jacketed. I buy cast linotype(very hard) from a local guy for $38.00/1000. .45, .44, .40 This ammo is fine for use on the range.

http://www.rainierballistics.com/mainframe.htm
http://www.berrysmfg.com/
http://www.pennbullets.com/
http://www.precisionbullets.com/
http://www.sureshotbullets.com/
http://www.starlinebrass.com/
http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/
http://www.rozedist.com/
http://www.laser-cast.com/

That's just a small sample of bullet manufacturers. There must be hundreds and hundreds of them. Again, if you can find a local, you save the shipping. Lead ain't light. Ask around the local shooting ranges to find a local caster.

[ampleworks]

Originally Posted by beardman2

I did the math once. For a Dillion setup it would take me somewhere in the 8-10000 rounds to make up for the cost of the equipment.

500 rounds/month * 24 months = 12,000 rounds
I guess if you don't have the time or patience to load ammo, then reloading isn't for you. Using your numbers simply two years of going into the hole for equipment and then saving money for each round you load after that isn't worth it to you? If you're content on Wolf (which it is good stuff for plinking!)

The Dillon press I currently own is over 15 years old, at that current rate using my 9mm 147gr numbers:

500/month factory * 15 years = 1800 boxes (of 50) @ $7.48/box = $13,464
500/month reload * 15 years @ $4.31/box = $7,758

I don't know about you, whether its over a month, year, or twenty years but $5700 isn't small bananas.

[ichy_trigger]

I am currently loading my .40's for $10.00 per hundred, I think WWB is around $16.00 per hundred. I shoot 1000 rounds per month on average right now so thats $60.00 per month I am saving. Thats $720.00 per year I save on ammo just for my .40's. I also load .45, .44 mag, and some rifle rounds. It didnt take long to pay off my presses and I can taylor my loads to my particular gun and my needs. If I buy cheaper powder I can save even more money.

[Scooter72]

Originally Posted by ichy_trigger

I am currently loading my .40's for $10.00 per hundred, I think WWB is around $16.00 per hundred. I shoot 1000 rounds per month on average right now so thats $60.00 per month I am saving. Thats $720.00 per year I save on ammo just for my .40's. I also load .45, .44 mag, and some rifle rounds. It didnt take long to pay off my presses and I can taylor my loads to my particular gun and my needs. If I buy cheaper powder I can save even more money.

What bullets do you use in .40 S&W? Also what brand press?

[bevis]

it would not matter to me if the cost for reloads and WWB were the
same. i enjoy making my own rounds and i have alot of fun
doing it. it also lets you customize your loads the way you want to.
you can then tailor a load to a specific weapon. the best advise i can
give you is dont stray from the loading books max loads when it comes
to powder charges for a specific weight / shape bullet. stick
with the loading manual and you wont go wrong. if you start
playing with home made concoctions, nothing good will come of it
and you may get hurt or hurt someone else. if you do it right
you will get great satisfaction from doing it.

right now, im using a dillon Square Deal but am considering
upgrading to a XL650. the 550 is a great machine but the XL650
is only another $100 and it has automatic indexing and is 5 stations
allowing for a powder check station if you buy the powder check
die and buzzer.

[Snake-eater 1]

Originally Posted by bevis

right now, im using a dillon Square Deal but am considering
upgrading to a XL650. the 550 is a great machine but the XL650
is only another $100 and it has automatic indexing and is 5 stations
allowing for a powder check station if you buy the powder check
die and buzzer.

There is also an optional case feeder for the 650 (and the 1050) that will save unbelieveable amounts of time, the 650 just isn't complete without it. Apparently, a bullet feeder also has been developed for the 650, I have just started seeing ads for it. A bit pricey, as is everything Dillon (actually made/promoted by someone else), but might be worth it if you load a LOT. Of course, it should have the Lifetime, No BS warranty.

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by Scooter72

What bullets do you use in .40 S&W? Also what brand press?

I use Rainier Bullets and I use a Dillon 550 (is there any other brand of press?). Even with the 550, you can crank out 100 rounds in 10 minutes without breaking a sweat.