I California, we now have to go through an FFL dealer, and get a background check with each purchase. No mail order to your home. The cost of avoiding all that is PRICELESS!
My take: I reload for fun. It is relaxing. Plus: for self defense, I only carry factory premium rounds like Sig365. Using the factory loads for lots of practice would break my bank. Instead, I practice with reloads I set up to replicate the Sig365 ammo. I save a ton of money that way.
Pre-plandemic, I used to load 147gr polymer coated lead bullets that I got in bulk from a variety of online sellers, $100 per thousand bullets with free shipping. I also used Titegroup, which I picked up from my local Cabela's for $25 a pound. Winchester primers were $30 per thousand. My particular load was 3.2gr of Titegroup per round. I really wish I could have stocked up on primers and powders in 2019, it was so available and inexpensive compared to just a year later.
For .300 win mag, I’m at around $0.70 CPR loading up 168 .30 cal Hornady ELD-M bullets. I try to buy that in the store and I’m looking at $3.50 a round for rounds that are less consistent and less accurate. Bought all the components second hand for a fraction of the new price. Reloading is the only way I could afford to feed my gun lol.
As a reloader based in Sweden it’s very interesting to hear about your cost. If I do the same exercise with European manufactured components. I always buy everything in bulk and it’s inconvenient to order it online so I have to go and pick it up (3h drive). Fiocchi primers - 0.07$ VV N320 powder 2kg ~5800 loads - 0.04$ HN 115gn bullets - 0.10$ Diesel for the drive - 0 $ when I try to convert to USD. Total 0.21$/round If I buy CCI, Winchester, Federal (if I can find any) its 8-9 Cent more/round. As for the classic ”how about the cost for the equipment??” In my book everything has a value and it isn’t before you sell it you know how much it cost you. If I sell all my reloading equipment to day I will probably go break even because a bought everything before the big price increase.
Your costs are almost identical to mine...but that 3hr drive is OUCH! I'm also glad I had all my equipment before the big prices increases over the last few years.
The drive kind of sucks but I try to combine it with other errands. For me it would be interesting if you can do the same breakdown for 44 spl, 45 ACP or other LP-primers.
I reload as a hobby and don't pinch every penny I spend. My neighbor and I went to the range the other day and shot off 600 rounds. Normally, we wouldn't shoot that many rounds due to the cost. Being retired, I need something to do with all my spare time.
I reload, go to the range and shoot w/o worrying about how much I'm shooting. The joy of reloading allows me to further enjoy shooting without worrying about ammo cost/availability. I'm just not retired...yet. SO close!!!!!!!
Very Very nice video on the topic, As a reloader we are always looking at over all cost and take advantage of sale items when it occurs. Time it is a hobby and it’s during my free time I reload. Winter come’s and it’s cold, spend the afternoon of a few hours at the most reloading and with my Dillon 550B I try to reload maybe 500 rounds of one caliber, then I am stocked up for a while. Another weekend another caliber and so forth. Not that i shoot every week, but I have the rounds ready when in the mood. Always practice safe reloading procedures! Good job, keep them coming! Happy 2025 to everyone.
i like your concepts. personally,.. me, i reload in the winter. here in Maine. and through the other months, i am slowly building my supplies. pleaces like American reloading ( pulled ammo powder primers) i orere from Smith Werder in El spaso Texas for my range brass, i also set up a bucket at my local gun shop for used brass donations..etc.. if i dont find enough here. and i build the stuff up slowly with sales- free haz mat..etc .. and etc.. this month i am reloading..nove Dec jan.. i batch reload my 556 in 5K sets.. case prep, etc. i found a company that has saved me big money on case prep- DACam Reloading, he sells a "pod" that is a motor for case prep, i got a amazon foot pedel power.. to turn off and on my machines when case prep.. it is huge metally for me.. as a retired wounbd warrior .. my hands, back, legs.. this keeps my hands in rehab durring the winter.. i truly like ur thinking.! all around concept! man, body, mind, money..SemperFi cheers from the Maine Woods!!
I started reloading due to costs, it more comes down to where you live. I am in country Australia (Queensland) where ammunition for some rounds are double what I can buy in the city. For 9mm I can buy Remington 125 grain UMC for $55 for 100 pack (Australian) when I visit our capital so with the high price of primers and components it’s not really worthwhile reloading unless I cast my own projectiles. Another issue here is pistol suitable powder is out of stock and has been for years. For 300 Blackout that’s not as common here due to automatic loading rifles being banned, around $55 a box of 20 to give you a idea. Started reloading 223 for bolt actions, so will be cutting down 223 free range brass to make 300 blackout rounds for my new Howa 300 Blackout and due to no suitable powder will be using Benchmark powder (Actually ADI Benchmark 2) with small rifle magnum primers and developing a load that will work with the slower rifle powder.
I think the real savings is in pistol ammo that is not 9mm. I reload all my pistol ammo, .380, .40, .45, 10mm etc. That is where the real savings is. I have a friend in Oregon (no sales tax) who I split cases of 9mm with. He just brings it to me in his checked baggage.
I've been reloading for over 30 years, buy #8 lbs of everything I use......I agree, when factory bullets are hard to get, I still shoot at will. I load about about 15 handgun/rifle calibers and 3 shotgun calibers and wouldn't change a thing! It is true. "Performance is the challenge and the fun of it all".
Agreed, and no one seems to be willing to put a "value" on that skill...only comparing store bought ammo to reloading component cost. The hobby, enjoyment and skill. Key to me.
I bought my reloading presses and gear over a decade ago. I am still using components I purchased back in 2018 and 2019 when things were cheap and plentiful. Also I would suggest you write the date purchased on the boxes so you can use up the oldest powder/primers first. I recently found a box of 1K primers dated 2016. I buy bullets from Rocky Mountain reloading (RMR) as they have very competitive prices for FMJ in 115 & 124 grain. Using these components the last time I checked my cost per round was around $0.14.
As a prescision shooter BR, etc, I reload because I can make a bullet that is consistently accurate with my weapons. With regard to cost, doesn’t matter if you can’t find your particular caliber on any store shelf.
I first got the reloading "itch" in the mid 1980's while in the Army. Couldn't have that gear/components in the barracks. Shared living space. That itch stuck with me (same thing for my motorcycle) through the years. Finally got the motorcycle in 2000...and jumped into reloading in 2010. Sold the bike last year, will never give up reloading!
Reloading is a hobby. Hobbies cost money for the most part. No issue there. When you come up with costs associated with expendables…. Your failure to differentiate from private sales versus REAL WORLD prices of LGS sourcing or from online purchases casts a shadow on the whole presentation. There are people who I am sure have supplies piled high and stacked deep. Bravo to them to have the funds to lay in such a cache of expendables. They are the exception and not the average joe for the most part. Your assessment that 9MM brass is virtually free for some reloaders is viable, but not every person goes to ranges that allow for retrieval of brass. Another problem is that scavenging brass can lead to issues. Some people who are gamers shoot 9MM Major….and the only way to reload that brass is roll sizing. One must be cautious with picking up brass. Refined explanation of projectiles you used. Plated bullets are NOT jacketed. And, your last video portrayed Xtreme Bullets as Full Metal Jacketed bullets. Using powder that may not be available for a while or if at all sort of is a disservice to the view. The last time I saw Unique on the shelf at LGS it was over $50 per pound. Buying primers and powder online can get you less expensive expendables, but there is that Haz Mat Charge, Ground Shipping Charge, and you do not avoid sales tax. One must ponder true cost factor of those purchases. In the end I enjoy reloading. I have better ammo than I can buy off the shelves. Keep up your videos but be more transparent
I had the means to stockpile a bunch of reloading components years ago and also traded range brass for most of my reloading equipment. I've given complete equipment setups to people that wanted to start reloading and was glad to help out. But I'd hate to be starting out right now with the prices these days. With that being said though, as others have said prices aren't gonna go down. IF you decide to reload 9mm, definitely use range brass and if you can, get lead out of the berm for casting. I've got hundreds of thousands of pieces of 9mm brass and a couple of hundred pounds of lead. YES, you are gonna have to get a melting pot and mold, but using range lead and brass will really help you save.
Back in 1968 and 1969 when I started reloading 30-06 it was costing me about 7 cents a round. 0.5 cents for the primers. About 2 cents for the powder and 5 cents for the bullet which were high end Sierra bullets. Around 7 cents each. $1.40 for 20 rounds. I was buying surplus 30-06 ammo for $2.00 a box mainly for the cases.
Appreciate the video, I'm reloading curious and will likely get equipped to do it eventually. Regarding using AmmoSeek, using the F/CF (Free or Conditionally Free) option to filter down to the sellers that are not using shipping & handling as a revenue stream - you'll regularly find good deals. My recent order in August 2024, 500 rounds Blazer 115GR FMJ brass cased @ $116.99 (w/ tax, free shipping) = 0.23398 per round.
So you live in Commiefornia! I moved out 4 years ago. Last time I ordered 9mm(a couple of months ago) it was 25 cents a round for Winchester 124 gr. Military Hi Pressure at SG ammo for 1000 rounds with free shipping! If you're doing it as a hobby, great.
American reloading has 5 pounds of pistol powder for like 150 bucks with hazmat included and the same for primers and pulled bullets that are really cheap
Right now since 9mm is relatively cheap and available I saving components for when ammo isn’t easy to get But I save a lot of money on 44 mag ,10mm,45 acp
I dont reload but my perspective of it was that guys never do it for the cost. Especially with common calibers like 9mm and 5.56. Most guys i figure do it because A. They like doing it as a hobby, B. They can get all technical on it, and C. They like the level of independence it brings them. I personally dont do it cause id rather just spend the time elsewhere, but i can understand the appeal. Also you need to move brother. Whatever state you're in really isnt gonna be the place to be in the next 20 or 30 years. You may find that your reloading hobby may become impossible to do soon.
At the end of the day, for me, it's not about cost. It's what I enjoy and I'm always looking for additional ways to enjoy it (which translates into spending more money on some gear I can't live without).
FWIW right now in my area two people have clean lead ingots listed at $1/pound. I’d be around $22/1000 cost for the blue powder coated rn’s I use for 9mm. Granted, I wouldn’t mess with 9 if I didn’t already have the equipment. Reloading really pays when you get into something like magnum rifles or specialty loads. Casting pays, especially if you want something specialty, like for 460 or 500 smith with a gas check. Even high volume 45 Colt or 357 cowboy loads.
10+ years ago, "clean" (not WWs) lead ingots were costing me $1 shipped, that was back in the day the USPS used to say "if it fits, it ships" (and there was a 70lb max). Now I regularly see $3-$4 for that same type of product (clean ingots). I can't get WWs around me as my state moved to a "greener" product and lead is a no no.
@ Also I used to order commercial cast from Rimrock. They took advantage of the post office’s flat rate box. Older lady has my route and I just told her knock and I’d come get the boxes out of the truck.
Firearms, for me, are primarily for self-defense, so I'm literally looking for the most bang for the buck. Accuracy in self-defense is almost always far more dependent on skill set over bullet MOA capabilities. I'd get far more benifit spending 2 hours training than loading. Im not looking for therapy, and there are a plethora of things I'd rather do than sitting at a bench repeatedly pulling a handle, so reloadind would be more akin to work or a chore than fun. Sounds like you live in California, as do I. I can buy 1,000 rounds of decent brass or aluminum factory loaded 9mm ammo out of state for 21-23 cents, including shipping, plus CA sales tax. I pay $13 to the FFL, including background, for as much ammo as I want per batch of ammo. Out of state vendors have no mechanism to pay the 11% unconstitutional tax on an enumerated right to the state, so collecting it would be fraud. The sale is with the out of state vendor, not the CA FFL. The only function for the FFL is to verify that you are not a prohibited person. They don't even know if the ammo is a gift, a prize, a private, non- monitary transfer, or a purchase, so many FFL choose not to interject themselves in a private transaction outside of their perview, nor take on the roll of law enforcement. With all taxes, your looking at 27 cents per round, versus the 29 I think you said for reloads. Your price didn't include brass. Many ranges have a "'hit the ground, it's theirs", policy. If not, you have to scroung the brass off the floor, and prep it for reloading, or buy it, adding to the cost. As i get older, my time becomes of paramount value, so I just can't value it at zero for activities that I either don't love, or that i have to do. So time has to go into the equasion for me, but obviously not for you. I'm glad for you on that. For precision shooting, competition, Cowboy Western, etc, either very expensive custom ammo or reloading makes a lot of sense, and can be seen as an integral part of the hobby and loved. Sounds like you fall into that world and love it.
What state is penalizing gun owners that bad? Here in NC, prices are not cheap, but we buy at any store that sells reloading supplies and no mail penalties.
So true. People often overlook the availability fact when only focusing on price. What happens when you can't find/but it online? For the folks who say that never happens, just look back to the height of the cough or one of the recent mass school incidents. Ammo becomes scare, extremely high priced or just plain unavailable.
I thought about getting a mold to cast lead and trying to figure out what kind of coating I could use on them. I can find lead and even buy it fairly cheap. I like to listen to audiobooks and videos while I'm doing stuff like this.
If you already have the brass, you can not buy factory ammo for less! I pick up brass from my range, evern for weapons I don't have. Not to mention Uncle Sam has no idea of what I have for ammo. Just because you X amount of primers that does not equate into loaded ammo.
I am w U. Time should NOT be in the conversation. It's a Hobby. No One breaks down price/cost for their hobby. Golf, shooting, whatever hobby, no one pays themselves for their hobby. Unless you are selling your hobby. I did a video myself on same topic! I can reload 9mm for about 0.23 per round and I can buy at store around 0.25 per round. People do not take into account w reloading you can make custom ammo you want such as softer shooting ammo or a specific bullet you want. Reloading is way cheaper especially when loading defensive ammo.
Haven’t watched yet but from what I see on your bench, someone could lower the cost by going with cast/coated projectiles, off brand primers, and a more efficient powder like titegroup which needs less powder to get acceptable velocity than unique. I’ve seen 5cpr primers, 5-8cpr projectiles, and idk if you can do good on any powder price these days
I say to the ones that piss and moan about what we do, can do whatever we please, and they can piss off. So many benefits to reloading, they don't need to know why. good video. What does everyone think of them extreme bullets , I've never used them yet, but gonna give them a shot😅 they any better than berry's? take care
Academy sports has monarch brass cased 9mm for $9.99 + 6% Kentucky sales tax. So $211.78 per thousand. I can't beat that price reloading for a varity of reasons 1. The actual cost 2. The time required to process brass, fill primer tubes, cast or buy projectiles, and finally the actual time required to load 1000 cases. If it cost the same and i do not have to invest my personal time then yes reloading is silly, there are other things to do that are more productive.
All valid points...except when the price is higher (what was 9mm in your area the first few years of the cough?) or the ammo is unavailable (was 9mm available to you all through the cough? Around me and online, prices went sky high and availability was limited/restricted (1 box max) and at times completely unavailable. So in "good times", you are right, the "cost" savings may not be there. What's the "value" of ammo when you need it and can't find/buy it? Also, in terms of quality (e.g., specific bullet/weight, powder preference, brass headstamp, bench rest primers - competitive or match shooters) or a specific load for performance/consistency, commercial ammo doesn't necessarily hit the target (pun intended). To each their own and all good. YMMV.
During the cough I witnessed a guy walk into a LGS here in North Texas (a big and plush popular one) and trade 2000 hand load 9mm rounds in ziplock bags for a Shadow Systems MR 😮
I think the big thing we can both agree on whether a person chooses to reload ammo or purchase manufactured ammo is this, when it is cheap stack it deep. As others have stated, ammo or component take on unknown values in unpredictable times. I really enjoy your content please keep it up.
You're skipping the fact that powder and primers were not available several years ago. It's only in the last year that these items are becoming available, but at a premium
I have everything to reload all my pistol rounds but I really only shoot 9 anymore. I just buy cases of it so i don’t have to give up all my time to load it. I’ll load rifle rounds. Maybe I’m just lazy but I work 7 days a week
As of Jan 3rd 2025 hp de fence 9 Mike mike at turners $1.00 to $ 1.50 per $ 0.28 xtp hp per 1. , primer $0.10 per 1 , Powder $0.05 per round = $0.43 per 1. I’d say $0.50 to $1.00 per round savings is well worth it 👍
Uh, no. That would be no fun and I could care less what you think. I'm going to be when I click on your name/channel, you have zero content of your own to share or set as an example of "how to". Another keyboard warrior troll know it all.
Well, I'll admit, I was actually surprise to see you had ANY videos posted...all shorts. But not surprised at your quality/content. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!
Sounds like you live behind the iron curtain of democratic rule, where those who rule are afraid an armed populace may lead to a rebellion. Perhaps reloading is more about fine tuning the round for your weapon, rather than worrying about the cost incurred for the hobby.
Thanks for breaking things done. What communist state are you from where you can’t get ammo shipped to you and there is a need for a background check to purchase it
For me, reloading isn't about cost, it is about freedom.
Absolutely!
Amen brother, Amen!
Still, the video is specifically about cost. I mean it's in the title! Cost is not a bad thing to know.
To me, reloading just makes me more self sufficient and I enjoy finding just the right load for each firearm I'm reloading for! Thanks 👍
Totally agree!
I California, we now have to go through an FFL dealer, and get a background check with each purchase. No mail order to your home. The cost of avoiding all that is PRICELESS!
Crazy isn't it? And they are trying to raise that ammo DROS from $1 to $5.
My take: I reload for fun. It is relaxing.
Plus: for self defense, I only carry factory premium rounds like Sig365. Using the factory loads for lots of practice would break my bank. Instead, I practice with reloads I set up to replicate the Sig365 ammo. I save a ton of money that way.
Totally agree.
Pre-plandemic, I used to load 147gr polymer coated lead bullets that I got in bulk from a variety of online sellers, $100 per thousand bullets with free shipping. I also used Titegroup, which I picked up from my local Cabela's for $25 a pound. Winchester primers were $30 per thousand. My particular load was 3.2gr of Titegroup per round. I really wish I could have stocked up on primers and powders in 2019, it was so available and inexpensive compared to just a year later.
It will probably never be cheaper than this again.
Cabela's price for tite group is not 25 a pound
For .300 win mag, I’m at around $0.70 CPR loading up 168 .30 cal Hornady ELD-M bullets. I try to buy that in the store and I’m looking at $3.50 a round for rounds that are less consistent and less accurate. Bought all the components second hand for a fraction of the new price.
Reloading is the only way I could afford to feed my gun lol.
As a reloader based in Sweden it’s very interesting to hear about your cost. If I do the same exercise with European manufactured components. I always buy everything in bulk and it’s inconvenient to order it online so I have to go and pick it up (3h drive).
Fiocchi primers - 0.07$
VV N320 powder 2kg ~5800 loads - 0.04$
HN 115gn bullets - 0.10$
Diesel for the drive - 0 $ when I try to convert to USD.
Total 0.21$/round
If I buy CCI, Winchester, Federal (if I can find any) its 8-9 Cent more/round.
As for the classic ”how about the cost for the equipment??”
In my book everything has a value and it isn’t before you sell it you know how much it cost you. If I sell all my reloading equipment to day I will probably go break even because a bought everything before the big price increase.
Your costs are almost identical to mine...but that 3hr drive is OUCH! I'm also glad I had all my equipment before the big prices increases over the last few years.
The drive kind of sucks but I try to combine it with other errands.
For me it would be interesting if you can do the same breakdown for 44 spl, 45 ACP or other LP-primers.
Good of you to take time out from your hobby to educate the people with more money than brains.
I reload for a hobby and to have something to do since I'm now old and can't get around like I used to. It's killing time not costing time.
Great perspective "killing time not costing time"...
Problem with social media is your every day armchair warrior knows more than you do and is always right.
Isn't that the truth!
I reload as a hobby and don't pinch every penny I spend. My neighbor and I went to the range the other day and shot off 600 rounds. Normally, we wouldn't shoot that many rounds due to the cost. Being retired, I need something to do with all my spare time.
I reload, go to the range and shoot w/o worrying about how much I'm shooting. The joy of reloading allows me to further enjoy shooting without worrying about ammo cost/availability. I'm just not retired...yet. SO close!!!!!!!
Very Very nice video on the topic,
As a reloader we are always looking at over all cost and take advantage of sale items when it occurs. Time it is a hobby and it’s during my free time I reload. Winter come’s and it’s cold, spend the afternoon of a few hours at the most reloading and with my Dillon 550B I try to reload maybe 500 rounds of one caliber, then I am stocked up for a while. Another weekend another caliber and so forth. Not that i shoot every week, but I have the rounds ready when in the mood. Always practice safe reloading procedures!
Good job, keep them coming! Happy 2025 to everyone.
Thanks. I have a space heater in the garage for winter months reloading. Plenty for spring and summer paper hole punching therapy ;-)
i like your concepts. personally,.. me, i reload in the winter. here in Maine. and through the other months, i am slowly building my supplies. pleaces like American reloading ( pulled ammo powder primers) i orere from Smith Werder in El spaso Texas for my range brass, i also set up a bucket at my local gun shop for used brass donations..etc.. if i dont find enough here. and i build the stuff up slowly with sales- free haz mat..etc .. and etc.. this month i am reloading..nove Dec jan.. i batch reload my 556 in 5K sets.. case prep, etc. i found a company that has saved me big money on case prep- DACam Reloading, he sells a "pod" that is a motor for case prep, i got a amazon foot pedel power.. to turn off and on my machines when case prep.. it is huge metally for me.. as a retired wounbd warrior .. my hands, back, legs.. this keeps my hands in rehab durring the winter.. i truly like ur thinking.! all around concept! man, body, mind, money..SemperFi cheers from the Maine Woods!!
I find myself doing more reloading in the winter months to "stock up" as well for the summer/warmer months.
I started reloading due to costs, it more comes down to where you live. I am in country Australia (Queensland) where ammunition for some rounds are double what I can buy in the city.
For 9mm I can buy Remington 125 grain UMC for $55 for 100 pack (Australian) when I visit our capital so with the high price of primers and components it’s not really worthwhile reloading unless I cast my own projectiles. Another issue here is pistol suitable powder is out of stock and has been for years.
For 300 Blackout that’s not as common here due to automatic loading rifles being banned, around $55 a box of 20 to give you a idea.
Started reloading 223 for bolt actions, so will be cutting down 223 free range brass to make 300 blackout rounds for my new Howa 300 Blackout and due to no suitable powder will be using Benchmark powder (Actually ADI Benchmark 2) with small rifle magnum primers and developing a load that will work with the slower rifle powder.
I think the real savings is in pistol ammo that is not 9mm. I reload all my pistol ammo, .380, .40, .45, 10mm etc. That is where the real savings is. I have a friend in Oregon (no sales tax) who I split cases of 9mm with. He just brings it to me in his checked baggage.
I've been reloading for over 30 years, buy #8 lbs of everything I use......I agree, when factory bullets are hard to get, I still shoot at will. I load about about 15 handgun/rifle calibers and 3 shotgun calibers and wouldn't change a thing! It is true. "Performance is the challenge and the fun of it all".
Agreed!
Reloading is a great skill to have!
Agreed, and no one seems to be willing to put a "value" on that skill...only comparing store bought ammo to reloading component cost. The hobby, enjoyment and skill. Key to me.
I reload as a hobby, 22 different calibers. When primers were $23 a box, I stockpiled a lot. Keep them dry and cool and they will outlast me.
"Keep them dry and cool..." words to live by!
I bought my reloading presses and gear over a decade ago. I am still using components I purchased back in 2018 and 2019 when things were cheap and plentiful. Also I would suggest you write the date purchased on the boxes so you can use up the oldest powder/primers first. I recently found a box of 1K primers dated 2016. I buy bullets from Rocky Mountain reloading (RMR) as they have very competitive prices for FMJ in 115 & 124 grain. Using these components the last time I checked my cost per round was around $0.14.
I do put dates on my primers with the intent of oldest first.
Very well done and good information!
Thanks.
As a prescision shooter BR, etc, I reload because I can make a bullet that is consistently accurate with my weapons. With regard to cost, doesn’t matter if you can’t find your particular caliber on any store shelf.
Fine tuning/precision loads...and never worrying about store shelf inventory...priceless.
I started a little over a year ago and I never even thought about cost versus factory ammo. My state wants to limit how much ammo we can buy.
I first got the reloading "itch" in the mid 1980's while in the Army. Couldn't have that gear/components in the barracks. Shared living space. That itch stuck with me (same thing for my motorcycle) through the years. Finally got the motorcycle in 2000...and jumped into reloading in 2010. Sold the bike last year, will never give up reloading!
Reloading is a hobby. Hobbies cost money for the most part. No issue there.
When you come up with costs associated with expendables…. Your failure to differentiate from private sales versus REAL WORLD prices of LGS sourcing or from online purchases casts a shadow on the whole presentation. There are people who I am sure have supplies piled high and stacked deep. Bravo to them to have the funds to lay in such a cache of expendables. They are the exception and not the average joe for the most part.
Your assessment that 9MM brass is virtually free for some reloaders is viable, but not every person goes to ranges that allow for retrieval of brass. Another problem is that scavenging brass can lead to issues. Some people who are gamers shoot 9MM Major….and the only way to reload that brass is roll sizing. One must be cautious with picking up brass.
Refined explanation of projectiles you used. Plated bullets are NOT jacketed. And, your last video portrayed Xtreme Bullets as Full Metal Jacketed bullets.
Using powder that may not be available for a while or if at all sort of is a disservice to the view. The last time I saw Unique on the shelf at LGS it was over $50 per pound.
Buying primers and powder online can get you less expensive expendables, but there is that Haz Mat Charge, Ground Shipping Charge, and you do not avoid sales tax. One must ponder true cost factor of those purchases.
In the end I enjoy reloading. I have better ammo than I can buy off the shelves.
Keep up your videos but be more transparent
I did a video recently of secondary market pricing to reload 9mm...this is the full retail pricing version video.
I had the means to stockpile a bunch of reloading components years ago and also traded range brass for most of my reloading equipment. I've given complete equipment setups to people that wanted to start reloading and was glad to help out. But I'd hate to be starting out right now with the prices these days. With that being said though, as others have said prices aren't gonna go down. IF you decide to reload 9mm, definitely use range brass and if you can, get lead out of the berm for casting. I've got hundreds of thousands of pieces of 9mm brass and a couple of hundred pounds of lead. YES, you are gonna have to get a melting pot and mold, but using range lead and brass will really help you save.
Back in 1968 and 1969 when I started reloading 30-06 it was costing me about 7 cents a round. 0.5 cents for the primers. About 2 cents for the powder and 5 cents for the bullet which were high end Sierra bullets. Around 7 cents each. $1.40 for 20 rounds. I was buying surplus 30-06 ammo for $2.00 a box mainly for the cases.
Prices sure have changed since then!
7 cents in 1968 is 63 cents in January 2025.
Appreciate the video, I'm reloading curious and will likely get equipped to do it eventually. Regarding using AmmoSeek, using the F/CF (Free or Conditionally Free) option to filter down to the sellers that are not using shipping & handling as a revenue stream - you'll regularly find good deals. My recent order in August 2024, 500 rounds Blazer 115GR FMJ brass cased @ $116.99 (w/ tax, free shipping) = 0.23398 per round.
good to know about free/conditionally free, thanks!
So you live in Commiefornia! I moved out 4 years ago. Last time I ordered 9mm(a couple of months ago) it was 25 cents a round for Winchester 124 gr. Military Hi Pressure at SG ammo for 1000 rounds with free shipping! If you're doing it as a hobby, great.
Where did you decide to move to from CA?
@@ReLoadersBench Pahrump NV.
American reloading has 5 pounds of pistol powder for like 150 bucks with hazmat included and the same for primers and pulled bullets that are really cheap
Right now since 9mm is relatively cheap and available I saving components for when ammo isn’t easy to get
But I save a lot of money on 44 mag ,10mm,45 acp
I dont reload but my perspective of it was that guys never do it for the cost. Especially with common calibers like 9mm and 5.56. Most guys i figure do it because A. They like doing it as a hobby, B. They can get all technical on it, and C. They like the level of independence it brings them. I personally dont do it cause id rather just spend the time elsewhere, but i can understand the appeal. Also you need to move brother. Whatever state you're in really isnt gonna be the place to be in the next 20 or 30 years. You may find that your reloading hobby may become impossible to do soon.
At the end of the day, for me, it's not about cost. It's what I enjoy and I'm always looking for additional ways to enjoy it (which translates into spending more money on some gear I can't live without).
FWIW right now in my area two people have clean lead ingots listed at $1/pound. I’d be around $22/1000 cost for the blue powder coated rn’s I use for 9mm. Granted, I wouldn’t mess with 9 if I didn’t already have the equipment.
Reloading really pays when you get into something like magnum rifles or specialty loads. Casting pays, especially if you want something specialty, like for 460 or 500 smith with a gas check. Even high volume 45 Colt or 357 cowboy loads.
10+ years ago, "clean" (not WWs) lead ingots were costing me $1 shipped, that was back in the day the USPS used to say "if it fits, it ships" (and there was a 70lb max). Now I regularly see $3-$4 for that same type of product (clean ingots). I can't get WWs around me as my state moved to a "greener" product and lead is a no no.
@ Also I used to order commercial cast from Rimrock. They took advantage of the post office’s flat rate box. Older lady has my route and I just told her knock and I’d come get the boxes out of the truck.
Firearms, for me, are primarily for self-defense, so I'm literally looking for the most bang for the buck. Accuracy in self-defense is almost always far more dependent on skill set over bullet MOA capabilities. I'd get far more benifit spending 2 hours training than loading. Im not looking for therapy, and there are a plethora of things I'd rather do than sitting at a bench repeatedly pulling a handle, so reloadind would be more akin to work or a chore than fun.
Sounds like you live in California, as do I. I can buy 1,000 rounds of decent brass or aluminum factory loaded 9mm ammo out of state for 21-23 cents, including shipping, plus CA sales tax. I pay $13 to the FFL, including background, for as much ammo as I want per batch of ammo. Out of state vendors have no mechanism to pay the 11% unconstitutional tax on an enumerated right to the state, so collecting it would be fraud. The sale is with the out of state vendor, not the CA FFL. The only function for the FFL is to verify that you are not a prohibited person. They don't even know if the ammo is a gift, a prize, a private, non- monitary transfer, or a purchase, so many FFL choose not to interject themselves in a private transaction outside of their perview, nor take on the roll of law enforcement.
With all taxes, your looking at 27 cents per round, versus the 29 I think you said for reloads. Your price didn't include brass. Many ranges have a "'hit the ground, it's theirs", policy. If not, you have to scroung the brass off the floor, and prep it for reloading, or buy it, adding to the cost.
As i get older, my time becomes of paramount value, so I just can't value it at zero for activities that I either don't love, or that i have to do. So time has to go into the equasion for me, but obviously not for you. I'm glad for you on that.
For precision shooting, competition, Cowboy Western, etc, either very expensive custom ammo or reloading makes a lot of sense, and can be seen as an integral part of the hobby and loved. Sounds like you fall into that world and love it.
What state is penalizing gun owners that bad? Here in NC, prices are not cheap, but we buy at any store that sells reloading supplies and no mail penalties.
California
Welcome to CA
I'm wondering what state you live in with the unconstitutional restrictions and taxes?
it is easery to buy parts to reload than to buy loaded ammo. So reloading may be the only way to get ammo in some states
So true. People often overlook the availability fact when only focusing on price. What happens when you can't find/but it online? For the folks who say that never happens, just look back to the height of the cough or one of the recent mass school incidents. Ammo becomes scare, extremely high priced or just plain unavailable.
I thought about getting a mold to cast lead and trying to figure out what kind of coating I could use on them. I can find lead and even buy it fairly cheap. I like to listen to audiobooks and videos while I'm doing stuff like this.
Two popular coatings are Moly (easy, cost effective no setup costs, just tumble in a can) and powder coating (more processes and equipment needed).
If you already have the brass, you can not buy factory ammo for less! I pick up brass from my range, evern for weapons I don't have. Not to mention Uncle Sam has no idea of what I have for ammo. Just because you X amount of primers that does not equate into loaded ammo.
I am w U. Time should NOT be in the conversation. It's a Hobby. No One breaks down price/cost for their hobby. Golf, shooting, whatever hobby, no one pays themselves for their hobby. Unless you are selling your hobby. I did a video myself on same topic! I can reload 9mm for about 0.23 per round and I can buy at store around 0.25 per round. People do not take into account w reloading you can make custom ammo you want such as softer shooting ammo or a specific bullet you want. Reloading is way cheaper especially when loading defensive ammo.
Haven’t watched yet but from what I see on your bench, someone could lower the cost by going with cast/coated projectiles, off brand primers, and a more efficient powder like titegroup which needs less powder to get acceptable velocity than unique.
I’ve seen 5cpr primers, 5-8cpr projectiles, and idk if you can do good on any powder price these days
Right, cost saving would be nice though letting that dictate hobbies would eliminate most things I enjoy.
So true. I wonder if golfers obsess on the cost per swing when golfing...considering the green fees, cart, clubs, shoes, etc.?
I say to the ones that piss and moan about what we do, can do whatever we please, and they can piss off. So many benefits to reloading, they don't need to know why. good video. What does everyone think of them extreme bullets , I've never used them yet, but gonna give them a shot😅 they any better than berry's? take care
I was a Berry's fan years ago until they became too pricey for my liking.
I use extreme for 9mm 38 spl 44spl 45acp there just for putting holes in paper and knockind down steel plates .
@@larrymills8527 - agreed!
I hate to think of the sticker shock I'm going to have, when I have to purchase this years components.
At least it's not as bad as it was a year or two ago. Still needs to come down IMO.
What State are you talking about? I've never heard of state charges other than tax.
CA, passed Assembly Bill 28 mid 2024 that adds an additional "tax" of 11% on pew pew stuff (on top of a 10.25% sales tax). Ouch.
Academy sports has monarch brass cased 9mm for $9.99 + 6% Kentucky sales tax. So $211.78 per thousand.
I can't beat that price reloading for a varity of reasons
1. The actual cost
2. The time required to process brass, fill primer tubes, cast or buy projectiles, and finally the actual time required to load 1000 cases.
If it cost the same and i do not have to invest my personal time then yes reloading is silly, there are other things to do that are more productive.
All valid points...except when the price is higher (what was 9mm in your area the first few years of the cough?) or the ammo is unavailable (was 9mm available to you all through the cough? Around me and online, prices went sky high and availability was limited/restricted (1 box max) and at times completely unavailable. So in "good times", you are right, the "cost" savings may not be there. What's the "value" of ammo when you need it and can't find/buy it? Also, in terms of quality (e.g., specific bullet/weight, powder preference, brass headstamp, bench rest primers - competitive or match shooters) or a specific load for performance/consistency, commercial ammo doesn't necessarily hit the target (pun intended). To each their own and all good. YMMV.
During the cough I witnessed a guy walk into a LGS here in North Texas (a big and plush popular one) and trade 2000 hand load 9mm rounds in ziplock bags for a Shadow Systems MR 😮
@@joshp9797 - sweet deal for that reloader!
I think the big thing we can both agree on whether a person chooses to reload ammo or purchase manufactured ammo is this, when it is cheap stack it deep.
As others have stated, ammo or component take on unknown values in unpredictable times.
I really enjoy your content please keep it up.
You're skipping the fact that powder and primers were not available several years ago. It's only in the last year that these items are becoming available, but at a premium
I covered the availability aspect in the previous "secondary market reloading component costs" recently.
@ReLoadersBench I haven't seen that one yey.
Yet
Use pull down powder.
I've tried bullet pulls from American Reloading, but never any pulled powder.
7gr .maxs load with this power is 5.5 gr. Has it changed.
Id like to start but its about space and storage
It is possible to start small with limited space and storage...but you have to do what's right for you and when. Understandable.
I have everything to reload all my pistol rounds but I really only shoot 9 anymore. I just buy cases of it so i don’t have to give up all my time to load it. I’ll load rifle rounds. Maybe I’m just lazy but I work 7 days a week
That's a long, never ending work week you have there. You have my sympathy on that. I need my weekends to recharge...and reload!
@ yeah usually get one weekend every three months. You get use to it.
As of Jan 3rd 2025 hp de fence 9 Mike mike at turners $1.00 to $ 1.50 per
$ 0.28 xtp hp per 1. , primer $0.10 per 1 , Powder $0.05 per round
= $0.43 per 1. I’d say $0.50 to $1.00 per round savings is well worth it 👍
Couldn't agree more.
What state do you live in
CA
i guess i am lucky because i can buy 1000 rnds at my local farm and home for 230 bucks
I would agree.
10c for primers is CRAZY. Gotta shop around
Agreed.
The text on your screen materializes painfully slowly
No idea why that is. Have to look into that.
Where do you live !!
CA
This should be... 3 mins
Zero likes do not recommend
@@grendal113 - YOU just can't see the likes...by design.
Uh, no. That would be no fun and I could care less what you think. I'm going to be when I click on your name/channel, you have zero content of your own to share or set as an example of "how to". Another keyboard warrior troll know it all.
Well, I'll admit, I was actually surprise to see you had ANY videos posted...all shorts. But not surprised at your quality/content. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!
@@ReLoadersBench you really sure the internet is the place for you?
Sounds like you live behind the iron curtain of democratic rule, where those who rule are afraid an armed populace may lead to a rebellion. Perhaps reloading is more about fine tuning the round for your weapon, rather than worrying about the cost incurred for the hobby.
Even though the video was around cost, you are correct. The real "value" is in what I produce and that "fine tuning" aspect.
Dude seriously it sounds like you need to move!!
Agreed...trying to find today's version of Mayberry U.S.A.
@ 😂. I do agree with your sentiment. Reloading is like therapy and may not save any money but I sure as hell shoot a lot more and learned a lot.
Your state sucks
We sure do have some crazy restrictions, that's for sure.
Thanks for breaking things done. What communist state are you from where you can’t get ammo shipped to you and there is a need for a background check to purchase it
Welcome to CA