Rolled Out On: 3/19/2007 9:36 PM

You got yourself a slot machine thingee going there. Seriously, I don't reload because I feel that I'm already too busy, so how much time does it take to do, say, 200 rounds? What's the setup cost and typically what do you save? Since I primarily shoot 9mm, my savings is going to be less that yours since I'm guessing my cost of materials would be about the same as yours.

Rolled Out On: 3/20/2007 7:59 AM

The cost can be as much as you want to very, very little. If you were to buy a full progressive press such as a Dillon 550, you could spend $800 to a grand in equipment and be able to churn out 300 rounds an hour.

The press you see there is a Lee Classic Turret. My total start up costs were around $350 in equipment. I could ostensibly put out 200 rounds in an hour, but currently I'm working slower until I've got it down pat a little better.

Material wise, it depends on how much you shoot. I'm putting at least 100 rounds downrange every week. A box of 500, 9mm bullets costs `round $40-$50, depending if you're wanting hollow points or whatnot. A pound of smokeless powder runs around $20. There's 7000 grains in a pound, so if you're loading 4 or 5 grains per bullet then you can get about 1400 rounds per pound. For 9mm, your brass is practically free if you pick it up at the range, or you can buy new cases for around $70 per 500. Primers are about $17 for 1k.

Let me say one thing though. Reloading has to be a hobby, not simply a way to save money. You will spend time which for some people is limited. You have to pay attention to what your doing and it's not something you can do while being distracted.

It is pretty fun though, and when you fire your first rounds down range, it's a good feeling.

Rolled Out On: 3/20/2007 11:11 AM

I like being able to adjust my ammo; I shoot several wheel guns, and like adjusting the loads to work well in a particular gun, or make loads that you cannot buy; for example I have some 300gr loads for a Ruger in 45LC that make a nice thump when they hit.