Reloading Costs??

[Jackaroo, # 29989]

So cowboys, with all the higher prices now for almost everything how has it affected your cost to reload?

Be interested to hear what y'all have worked out to reload 38 special with a 125 gn and/or 158 gn pill.

Cost must include new brass as sooner or later you're gunna haveta replace your split and lost brass.

Brass, powder, primer, & projectile.

[John Barleycorn, SASS #76982]

I just did a reloading calculation and it’s $9.65 per 50 rounds. 

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

I have been reloading and casting for longer then I care to remember. 

Even though prices keep rising on equipment and supplies. 

To reload will cost you about 25% of the price of buying. 

I have over the years bought and bought and bought equipment and or supplies to last the rest of my intre life .

You can usually find old single stage or progressive presses around for Pennies on the dollar compared to Equipment.

I use my brass till I can't use it any longer before I replace brass .

I cut 44 mag down to 44 special or even 44 Russian depending on the split in the brass .

I have bags & bags of new brass I have bought at a discounted price over the years and have never even opened yet .

You just need to shop around put the word out and you will find the stuff you need relatively cheap compared to buying new equipment. 

Supplies is what it is .

When the price is right buy all you can afford. 

You will use it all sooner or latter .

So Saith The Rooster. 

 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Since brass is reusable, that is why we reload, you have to apportion the cost into your loading calculation.  For example divide the cost of the new brass by ten (figuring ten reloads) and use that number.

[Mayhem Mae]

I'm at 5 cents/bullet, 6 cents/primer and 3 cents/powder. I don't include brass as a cost because I still find plenty of once fired at the range. I have more than I'll ever use. I'll will add 1/cent for misc.  So that's $7.50/50. 

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

I haven't paid for brass in a while, either.  My indoor range club has no problem on weekdays with me helping their janitorial dept by sweeping up all the spent brass I can reach (and taking it home).  I never leave a practice session without a mixed bag of at least 1,000 cases of once-fired brass in a wide variety of calibers (but overwhelmingly 9mm).  I sort, keep what I reload, and give away the rest to other interested reloading pals.  (Though, after I stockpiled thousands and thousands of 9mm, I give them away too, all to a non-reloading buddy who knows the owner of a commercial reloading company.  He gives them brass, they sell him re-man 9mm for about $179/1000 case, which isn't bad at all these days for FMJ range ammo.  Plus, while Larsen E. Pettifogger says to use 10 reloads per case for this calculation, I know people who have been shooting the same brass for years or even decades, with only an occasional split or otherwise damaged case.  (Excluding nickel-plated cases, which are useless and split after just a few cycles.)  The SASS power factor rule severely restricts the stresses put on brass cases used for cowboy action shooting, and if you like to load light mouse-phart charges, the stresses are even lower.  Those cases can, and often do, last practically forever.

[Dream Chaser, SASS #79316]

For me the primers run 8 to 8.5 cents each.  New Starline brass is 16.5 cents.  Coated bullets I buy are barely over 8 cents.  Powder is now running me 2 cents I think.  All totaled, if using magnum primers, is 35 cents per round.  I like to consider my rounds at 25 cents cause I will reuse the Starline or other old brass a lot.  Basically each stage runs me at least $2.50 cents.  

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

Just remember that Choice Ammunition, for example, sells their excellent 200gr 45LC cowboy ammo for 86 cents per round, plus tax and shipping.  There are no commercial suppliers of cowboy action ammo who sell for less than we can reload, even at 35 cents a round.

[Badlands Bob #61228]

I've never bought any 38 spl brass.  I was donated a lifetime supply of 38 spl. brass about 20 years ago when I started CAS so I'm unable to calculate a cost for brass at anything but $0.  My 38/125 bullets are 6 cents each and primers are 8.5 cents each.  The powder is 1.1 cents per round.  The total excluding brass is 15.6 cents per round for 38/125 uncoated lead bullets.  This is almost double the cost of 2019 cartridges.  

[Snake-eye, SASS#45097]

I just ordered some 125 gr. 38’s at $.08 per round (only because it’s too hot to cast some and I’m lazy). Adding primer and powder not including my brass, it comes out to about $.20 per round. If I cast my own, it’s substantially less.

[Captain Bill Burt]

Federal SPP at Midway - 0.09

 

.38 special brass at nereloading - 0.076/20 = 0.004

 

Titegroup powder at Lohman - 0.016

 

.38 125g TCFP Bullets from Outlaw - .06

 

Total - .17

 

 

Edited July 5 by Captain Bill Burt

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

I get much of my brass from others for free.  At a recent modern revolver match I got a small bag of once-fired 38 Specials from fellow shooters who don't reload.  I also find plenty at outdoor ranges where concealed carry qualifications are shot.  These provide me with brass for major matches.  This brass then replaces cases lost or split at local matches.  If I was starting CAS now, I'd probably buy revolvers and a rifle from Taylors chambered in 9mm Luger as once-fired 9mm Luger brass is abundant and free.

 

I'm paying the awful prices for primers and powder.  However, I do take advantage of any sales or discounts.  I was glad to replenish my reloading inventory as I was getting low during the pandemic.  One year I shot mostly bullets I cast myself due commercial casters being terribly backordered.  I fear this will all happen again as armed conflict may increase across the world.  Recreational shooters who handload are at the bottom of the food chain for supplies.  The current selection of powders is poor but at least suitable powders can be purchased.

Edited July 5 by Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971

[Jackrabbit Joe #414]

I'd like to add this for yah

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

for my .45 Colt reloading spreadsheet

rifle 100 rounds $24

pistol 100 rounds $20

different loads due to arthritis in my hands and need to pull rifle bullets a bit so don't get blow-back from my Marlin's 'generous' chamber

 

I have built in a bit of a fudge factor for future costs

 

cast on bullets

 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Reloading costs are going to be pretty much the same for everyone as no vendor is selling powder, primers or bullets at a radically different price.

[Eyesa Horg]

5 hours ago, Jackrabbit Joe #414 said:

I'd like to add this for yah

That seems pretty pricey, almost a buck a round average and half a buck for shotgun. Must be new costs, no?

[Caladisi kid]

It is always a compromise:  You can have comfort (low recoil), savings (keep money in pocket) or convenience (buy it and go) .  Never all three, sometimes 2.  Whatever makes you enjoy the game I say!  😀

Edited July 5 by Caladisi kid

[Buckeye Pete, SASS # 29941]

For me, cost is a huge factor in reloading for CAS.   Along with cost is my ability to tailor my loads for the game.  I shoot duelist and want a comfortable load that will still take the knockdown targets down.  I really don't know what is available commercially, but I would be surprised if I could find a similar load I use and still be able to afford it.  Especially since my grandsons like to shoot CAS.

[watab kid]

when the cost becomes much oof a factor in our gamew we are done as we load to shoot what we want and need but cannot buy , 

[Jackrabbit Joe #414]

16 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

That seems pretty pricey, almost a buck a round average and half a buck for shotgun. Must be new costs, no?

Can't remember when it was.

JRJ

[Blackwater 53393]

22 hours ago, Jackrabbit Joe #414 said:

I'd like to add this for yah

Those look like “store bought” ammo prices!!

 

Next month will mark the start of my 22nd year in SASS. (I know. I know! I’m a short timer!). 
 

My first match was shot with store bought ammunition and I borrowed one pistol from my dad.

 

Two boxes of Magtec .45 Colt was right around $25.00. ($12.49 a box) and a box of 12ga AAs was less than $5.00!  
 

And I THOUGHT  that that was expensive!! 
 

I quickly realized the value of reloading and bartering!!

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

This ^^^^^^^^

I just ran mine on ultimate reloading cost calculator

1000 x 125 gr x $90

1000 x SPM x $90

3.2 gr Titegroup x $31 per # (8# at $250 a jug)

1000 38 brass x $250 / 10 reloads ($25 per thousand)

about 22 cents per round - $10.96 box of 50

Since most of my powder and primers are 4 or 5 years old and I don't recall who was president then (though things were MUCH cheaper) and I actually gave $50 for two kitty litter buckets of once fired brass (maybe 4 or 5 thousand) probably much less.

YMMV

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

[Griff]

I can't calculate new reloading costs because I haven't bought powder or primers in more than a decade.  I probably have enough powder for another decade, but will likely buy some primers this year.  Bullets are up a little, but I generally cast my BP bullets and I bought 5,000 round balls for my cap guns 3 or 4 years again... while prices were still reasonable.  10 reloads on a 45 Colt @ CAS pressures is really conservative, even factoring in loss at the range.

[Leroy Luck]

Just do a generous guesstimate on loading 45 colt. 
 

$41.49/pound of titegroup from midway (not counting hazmat/shipping) at 5gr in the case equals 3¢. 
 

11¢ per large pistol primer (avg from midway excluding shipping etc)

 

25¢ per piece of brass from midway 

 

12¢ per bullet from Missouri bullet company (cowboy #8 hi-tek 180gr)

 

Grand total is 51¢/cartridge, if’n you don’t subtract the price of brass on account of so many loadings. Or add in the added cost of shipping from anybody. 

NOTE: the cheapest cowboy ammo from midway is 82¢/cartridge. That’s figuring on a 250gr bullet loaded to factory velocity. 
 

It may not be a lot of cost savings to some, but I will take lower recoil rounds versus factory loads any day. 
Plus the satisfaction of loading my own ammo is a good feeling too. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

So, 26 cents per, I would say because you can constantly reload the cases. It is rare that I have to throw away a 45 Colt case.

Horace

[Leroy Luck]

8 minutes ago, Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 said:

, I would say because you can constantly reload the cases. It is rare that I have to throw away a 45 Colt case.

I even go to the trouble of cutting down slightly cracked cases to 45 cowboy special size and run them in pistols. I have yet to find any of the cut down ones that have split. But I do have a lot of cowboy special brass. 

[Dapper Dave]

Sir, you said 38 Special, so I'll go from there.

Brass - I have quite a bit that was donated or bought cheap. Since it is all on its third or so load, that cost is amortized.

Powder - I bought plenty of AA#2 when it was $33 a pound. Considering that I use 3.8 grains for an average good load, that is 1,842 loads per pound. At the rate I am going, I will not run out for...some time. So we call that, two cents per round, rounding up.

Primers - THERES the killer. Last time I bought small pistol primers it was $79 per thousand. So, that's 7.9 cents per primer.

Bullets, well, cost is basically zero. I have a buddy who mined a berm some time ago and gave me the scrap lead. I spit it with a buddy who smelted it down and alloyed it to a decent BHN. No, I can't remember what that is right now. But suffice it to say I have enough ingots to keep me shooting for a long time, and it really cost me nothing. 

Powder coating - remember that buddy who smelted? He loves giving me his old powder, and he set me up with the toaster oven to do it in. I haven't bought powder coat yet, and I've been powder coating for 10 years. 

So, for 38 Special, it looks like rough cost, using the NEW primers, I am loading 50 rounds, (which I did just a few hours ago), for just under $5. 

45 Colt, not sure yet, just started, but the lead is the same, have a couple of molds, powder coated or SPG Tropic lubed for black powder. The cost of the SpG is canceled by the fact the powder is sometimes homemade.

[Texas Jack Black]

I started reloading back in 1972 Bought and Bought  reloading supplies in bulk , traded ,  picked up more and more. 

  I am still using powder and primers from 20 yrs ago. 

  I still see shooters buying 1,000 primers at a time   then complain about a shortage.

Shop and buy  volume

 

Best Wishes

[Mayhem Mae]

I just heard about a place called MOJO Precision.  They are selling once fired 38 special for $15/250 so that's  6 cents each. If you get 10 firings that would be less than a penny per round.  Hope this helps somebody.

[Rye Miles #13621]

I’d say roughly $6.00- $8.00 for a box of 50. I’m working on powder that I had before the increases. Primers are pricey and brass I’ve had for at least 5 yrs. This is based on .38’s 

Edited July 7 by Rye Miles #13621

[Too Tall Bob]

Go to the Dillon website. They have a great reloading cost tool. 

Go to support and videos

then select reloading calculators

 

No, I am not connected to Dillon in any way. This is just a good tool. 

 

Edited July 8 by Too Tall Bob

[Jackaroo, # 29989]

On 7/5/2024 at 2:58 PM, Mayhem Mae said:

I'm at 5 cents/bullet, 6 cents/primer and 3 cents/powder. I don't include brass as a cost because I still find plenty of once fired at the range. I have more than I'll ever use. I'll will add 1/cent for misc.  So that's $7.50/50. 

Where you getting bullets at $25.00/500 and where are you buying primers at$ 60.00/1000 ????? Inquiring minds would like to know.

[El Chapo]

2 hours ago, Jackaroo, # 29989 said:

Where you getting bullets at $25.00/500 and where are you buying primers at$ 60.00/1000 ????? Inquiring minds would like to know.

 

I'm not even sure I paid $30 a thou for the primers I'm shooting.

 

Buy them cheap and stack them deep.

[Bison Bud]

Yeah, the price of components has increased considerably!  However and at least for me, the primary advantage to rolling my own has always been the ability to taylor my loads to my purpose and firearms.  Saving money over factory loads is just a bonus for me and even with the increased prices, I am able to save over buying factory loaded rounds as well as producing better overall results in my firearms.  As others have stated, brass is reusable and I got most of my brass for free by picking them up at our club range.  I shoot my .38 Special, .357 Mag, .44 Special, and .44 Mag. brass until it splits or gets crushed somehow and they last a long time.  Therefore, I don't include the cost of brass in my average cost per round.  I also now cast all my own bullets from scrap lead and they cost me virtually nothing other than my time.  Therefore, the cost of my primers and propellant are my primary cost and I can load all four of these rounds for around 15 cents apiece plus my time and effort and being retired and partial disabled, that's not a big issue either.  Good luck and good shooting to all.  

[The Rainmaker, SASS #11631]

The price of reloading has definitely gone up, specifically with primers and powder being the highest jumps and bullets not far behind, but compared to buying factory ammo, reloading will always be cheaper. The main problem over the past couple years has been availability; ya just can't find the stuff. That is getting better though... slowly.