Bulk Buy: Bullets

[Raptor1956]

I'm nearing the decission point to put together a reloading setup and I'm looking for sources for bulk purchase of bullets. I think I'd like to start with a 500 count purchase but might opt for 250 or even 1000 if the price is right.

The weapons I'm going to be reloading, at least at first, are my SA XD in 357 sig and my Bushy Varminter AR-15 so the bullets would be .355 and .224.

At present I'm thinking about Hornady with the 124gr JHP for the XD and Hornady 55gr V-Max for the AR.

So, any good sources for these bullets in quantities of 250-1000?


Thanks,

Brian

[jeepinbanditrider]

That's not considered "bulk" by any company out there right now. 2-5k might be though.

You best bet is to shop around all the online places or try to find a local place that has good deals to save on shipping. Any savings you might get will be killed only buying 250, or 500 at a time. You might be able to save on 1k at a time if you order other stuff along with it like dies and stuff.

Me and a guy at work order together to split the shipping and hazmat fees on our orders and it keeps us from having to order 2-5k plus bullets just to break even.

Opps forgot to put websites in there
MidwayUSA — Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes
widners.com
Powder Valley, Inc.

Also do a google search for "reloading componets" and "cast bullets" or "plated bullets" or "jacketed bullets" depending on what you plan to reload the most.

[PatriotnMore]

perhaps you could find others here, that live close to you that are also interested in buying, put your cash togeher and get some serious discounts?
Just a thought.

[xdfan80]

I dont reload. yet. But midway usa is always a good company to deal with. Might want to check them out and see what they have.

[Raptor1956]

I didn't realize that 500 was not concidered bulk...

One of the problems with the 357 sig is that it is not very popular so finding someone in my area that would: have a 357 sig, wish to reload, and agree to my bullet selection is not real high.

I guess what I might do then is start out with about 250 and then buy, say, 2000 or so if the first batch works as I expect.


Thanks,

Brian

[PatriotnMore]

I am on a couple of different gun boards, specifically one for Californias, and people are always posting items for sale, I just bought 400 .44 cal 240 gr. JHP bullets for 50.00.

I always have my eye open for a good deal.

[Raptor1956]

It looks like the going rate for either of these bullets is about $0.15/round or about $35/250. Clearly, unless you make your own bullets the cost of bullets is the single largest onging expense to reloading, at least for the cartridges I'm going to reload. It breaks down like this:

* Propellent: about $0.015-$0.035 per round for the 357 sig and $0.05-$0.075 per round for the 223

* Primers: about $0.025-$0.035 per round for either weapon

* Bullets: looks like about $0.15/bullet for the bullets I'm looking at

* Brass: assuming 10 reloads per case and about $0.15/case (once fired) up to $0.27/case (virgin) the per reload cost is likely to be about $0.02 per round

That brings the total per round to about $0.23 (357 sig) and $0.26 (223). Or call it about $25/100 net not counting depreciation of the equipment required for reloading. Based on my estimates it looks like I'll need to reload about 5000 roaunds to recoup the cost of the reloading gear and then after that the cost will pretty much be as above.


Brian

[Mercmar]

I believe I'm reloading .223 for less than some, apparently. I'm using AA2200 @ 23.5gr. per load. Paid $48 for 8#, shipped..got 32#.

Just got zinged for brass, which is up everywhere. 1000 pcs. of LC brass that's been 100% processed @ $92.

Probably have to pay $65 or so for 1000 bulk 55gr. fmj bullets. (Haven't ordered any lately, maybe they're higher now?)

Paid $103 for 5000 primers, ordered with two 8# jugs of AA#5. Only one hazmat, of course.

[Cannibul]

Not even close to bulk. Unless you hit case quantities or something over 5K you are not even close to bulk.

[fredj338]

I agree, 500 bullets is not bulk. SOme guys shoot that in one outing. You start saving money when you buy at least 1000 bullets, 4# jugs of powder & 5000 primers. You shouldn't be buying bulk though until you know what you want. Bite the bullet (so to speak) & buy several 1# cans of powder & no more than 500 bullets to start. Once you have your loads worked up, then buy in larger quanitities.
You are right, bullets are the most expensive part of reloading. The brass is reusable & the primers & powder are small costs. The 357sig requires a specific bullet style/shape for good, safe feeding. You'll need truncated cone (TC) style FMJ or JHP. Less expensive bullets I have used that work well are 125grFMJ from Montana Gold: https://secure3.mooseweb.com/montana.../pricelist.tpl
Berry's or Ranier (Midway) 124gr plated TC: 124 GR FP or Precisions Delta: Precision Bullets Index Page