Newbie questions

SloSolo2 · February 2, 2001, 10:08 PM

I've recently done a little investigation and it seems like when you compare apples to apples reloading is no cheaper than factory. This seems especially true when you factor in equipment cost and time. I prefer shooting jacketed bullets so that's what I priced. What have I missed?

I'm not asking to start a fight I honestly was thinking I might begin reloading.

Thanks,

Jamie

RugerNo3 · February 2, 2001, 11:16 PM

Anybody that I know started reloading for the hobby and the chance to build a better round then the factory stuff. I don't load as much as I used to, but still enjoy the tinkering. When you get good at reloading, switch to QUALITY cast bullets sized for the particular firearm. They are as accurate as jacketed and don't wear out barrels as fast. In handguns and 35cal and up rifles it's the creme de la creme. LBT gas checked lead will get more velocity then jacketed in handguns. If in doubt, don't reload, however used equipment from current manufacturers is an excellent value. RCBS, LYMAN, etc.

danm · February 3, 2001, 12:42 AM

I dont know SLO. Perhaps you need to recalculate.
On a per-round basis reloading saves me a lot of $.
I calculated that my substantial equipment expenses
were negated after only three months of reloading.
I guess it depends on how much one shoots.
DanM

Michael Priddy · February 3, 2001, 01:13 AM

Yea I save a little money, but that is not why I reload. There is a huge variety of bullet shapes/weight that can't be found in factory laods. I can't get MOA groups with factory stuff. It is good enough to hunt with. I have found that the single most important factor for accuracy other than consistancy in measureing the powder charge is seating depth to three decimal places. The satisfaction of working up a load that will shoot under a half inch and taking it hunting is far superior to walking in Kmart's and buying a box of thuty thutys. I guess any money I save by reloading is burned up by shoot more often. No?? I don't guess I have saved any money reloading when I consider the rifle rest, spotting scope,laser range finder,chronograph, computer programs, custom guns. But it has kept me out of bars and fooling around with strange women..Mike

**Mike Irwin** · February 3, 2001, 01:57 AM

Why would you factor in the cost of your time?

I reload because it's fun.

Romulus · February 3, 2001, 02:40 AM

Michael P., virtue begets virtue...you've perhaps inadvertently given me the best reason to start reloading for real...

Pax

ArmySon · February 3, 2001, 02:42 AM

Lets see, Federal Match 185gr jacketed swc runs about $22 for a box of 50.

My reloads (Hornady 185gr jacketed swc, Federal LP and Bullseye), which I shoot even better, costs me $24.35 for 100.

I don't see how reloading is not cheaper then factory.

SloSolo2 · February 3, 2001, 07:44 AM

Thanks for the replies.

In my previous post I didn't explain why I prefer jacketed. I've only fired a few handloads and the smoke was horrendous. The fellow who reloaded them said it was the bullet lube. Maybe you guys could recommend a non smoking lube otherwise I'll stick with jacketed. It was like standing next to a recently extinguised campfire I could barely find my front sight. Did I mention I was shooting a pistol?

Jamie

Quantrill · February 3, 2001, 10:14 AM

Slo,
If you calculate in your time, what hourly rate do you figure on? what you make on your day job, what you think you are worth or what Remington pays their factory workers? In figuring out pure money outlay, reloading has it all over the factory loads in addition to be customized for your particular firearm. You already have the time available so use it to make reloads.
In shooting lead handgun reloads, I agree that when shooting indoors, the lube smoke CAN become bothersome. BUT all good indoor ranges should have a ventilation system that overcomes that. In addition, how much lube was being put in those bullets? Various articles (see NRA Cast Bullets) have come to the conclusion that too much lube is detrimental to accuracy. Outdoor shooting with lead lubed bullets should never be a problem. Hope you join our ranks. Quantrill

February 3, 2001, 01:13 AM	#4
Michael Priddy Member Join Date: August 13, 2000 Location: North Carolina Posts: 88	reloading Yea I save a little money, but that is not why I reload. There is a huge variety of bullet shapes/weight that can't be found in factory laods. I can't get MOA groups with factory stuff. It is good enough to hunt with. I have found that the single most important factor for accuracy other than consistancy in measureing the powder charge is seating depth to three decimal places. The satisfaction of working up a load that will shoot under a half inch and taking it hunting is far superior to walking in Kmart's and buying a box of thuty thutys. I guess any money I save by reloading is burned up by shoot more often. No?? I don't guess I have saved any money reloading when I consider the rifle rest, spotting scope,laser range finder,chronograph, computer programs, custom guns. But it has kept me out of bars and fooling around with strange women..Mike

February 2, 2001, 10:08 PM	#1
SloSolo2 Member Join Date: December 27, 2000 Posts: 30	I've recently done a little investigation and it seems like when you compare apples to apples reloading is no cheaper than factory. This seems especially true when you factor in equipment cost and time. I prefer shooting jacketed bullets so that's what I priced. What have I missed? I'm not asking to start a fight I honestly was thinking I might begin reloading. Thanks, Jamie

February 2, 2001, 11:16 PM	#2
RugerNo3 Member Join Date: December 19, 2000 Location: Salem, OH Posts: 97	Anybody that I know started reloading for the hobby and the chance to build a better round then the factory stuff. I don't load as much as I used to, but still enjoy the tinkering. When you get good at reloading, switch to QUALITY cast bullets sized for the particular firearm. They are as accurate as jacketed and don't wear out barrels as fast. In handguns and 35cal and up rifles it's the creme de la creme. LBT gas checked lead will get more velocity then jacketed in handguns. If in doubt, don't reload, however used equipment from current manufacturers is an excellent value. RCBS, LYMAN, etc.

February 3, 2001, 12:42 AM	#3
danm Member Join Date: February 22, 1999 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 51	I dont know SLO. Perhaps you need to recalculate. On a per-round basis reloading saves me a lot of $. I calculated that my substantial equipment expenses were negated after only three months of reloading. I guess it depends on how much one shoots. DanM

February 3, 2001, 01:57 AM	#5
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Why would you factor in the cost of your time? I reload because it's fun.

February 3, 2001, 02:40 AM	#6
Romulus Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2001 Location: Kettle Moraine country Posts: 897	Michael P., virtue begets virtue...you've perhaps inadvertently given me the best reason to start reloading for real... Pax

February 3, 2001, 02:42 AM	#7
ArmySon Staff Alumnus Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 2,926	Lets see, Federal Match 185gr jacketed swc runs about $22 for a box of 50. My reloads (Hornady 185gr jacketed swc, Federal LP and Bullseye), which I shoot even better, costs me $24.35 for 100. I don't see how reloading is not cheaper then factory.

February 3, 2001, 07:44 AM	#8
SloSolo2 Member Join Date: December 27, 2000 Posts: 30	Thanks for the replies. In my previous post I didn't explain why I prefer jacketed. I've only fired a few handloads and the smoke was horrendous. The fellow who reloaded them said it was the bullet lube. Maybe you guys could recommend a non smoking lube otherwise I'll stick with jacketed. It was like standing next to a recently extinguised campfire I could barely find my front sight. Did I mention I was shooting a pistol? Jamie

February 3, 2001, 10:14 AM	#9
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	Slo, If you calculate in your time, what hourly rate do you figure on? what you make on your day job, what you think you are worth or what Remington pays their factory workers? In figuring out pure money outlay, reloading has it all over the factory loads in addition to be customized for your particular firearm. You already have the time available so use it to make reloads. In shooting lead handgun reloads, I agree that when shooting indoors, the lube smoke CAN become bothersome. BUT all good indoor ranges should have a ventilation system that overcomes that. In addition, how much lube was being put in those bullets? Various articles (see NRA Cast Bullets) have come to the conclusion that too much lube is detrimental to accuracy. Outdoor shooting with lead lubed bullets should never be a problem. Hope you join our ranks. Quantrill