Ammo costs are up...confirmed by Michael--how many are reloading?

[dgray64]

I've been reloading for about a year now .380, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 apc and I just ordered the dies for .38 Spc/.357.  My work is slow using my Lee equip, but it's fun and trying new recipes is a blast (haven't had any real blasts yet, but many are more hot than commercial rounds). 

Anyway, the I figure that if I can buy parts in sufficient quantity, the rounds cost less.  The only thing that's a kicker now is the Haz Mat charge on powder and primers.  My local stores don't sell in anything other than 1 pound bottles.  Luckily we just had a gun show and I got a couple of large jugs of powder for $6 more than internet, but with no hazmat and no freight.  What a sale!!  Primers weren't that great, but I did get a thousand to keep the inventory up.

I like the idea of buying ammo in advance as you can afford it (i have a lot of both commercial and reloads).  I burn a lot of powder though when my friends and family come down.  Lots of target shooting.  Fun!!

The negative side if it is that every time you hear of the police going to a house to look for something they find a "cashe of guns" (Ho My!!)  and look at all that ammunition!!  He must be evil.  Hasn't been convicted of anything except by the news sources and of course the cops confiscate everything.  My motto, "Keep shooting"!  I do enjoy making little holes in paper targets!

Dave     

[jj]

Welcome to the club of Re-loading..........Michael is right.. Lead it up, powder is up, and primers are up.
Been re-loading for 35+ years.
But now Im trying to stock up on 22's, just in case.

[TAB]

I've been reloading Shot since college( 16 ga is not cheap). Just bought a KISS bullet feeder for the 1050.

[enidpd804]

I've been reloading off and on since about '91.  I have gotten lazy the last several years.  I'm loading all of the components I had put back now.

I don't know if reloading is really worth it for me with the cost, now.  Even with Rainier bullets, my 40's will cost about 7-8 bucks a box.  Feeding my 629 with specials is much cheaper because I can use lead. 

[gunman42782]

Been reloading for 20+ years.  I enjoy reloading almost as much as shooting!

[Sponsor]

[Pathfinder]

I'm new to reloading, have yet to reload my first round. But I did run across a gently used Dillon 550B with low powder sensor and two reloading dies for $300, so I snapped it up two months ago. I have a few thousand cases in .223 and .308, as well as a handful .45, .40 and 9mm. I've picked up lately.

Sadly, I am in the middle of moving - will stay in ND, just a different location due to work. So I have nowhere to set up and get rolling on this. I do know local people who can help me learn the ins and outs, but given what I shoot, and the prices, I should be able to save some cash reloading. Besides, it looks like fun!

[charliefarmerboy33]

My Dad and I started reloading about 1990. I love it and have as much fun creating custom loads as I do shooting them. I have also enjoyed casting my own bullets. Being an early reader of Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton my .357/.38s .44s and .45s are almost always topped off with my own cast SWCs. A long time ago I aquired enough wheel weights to keep me going for a long time. Living in the country, I have my own range and I am able to reclaim alot of my lead. Tanother big savings. I buy in bulk when ever I can... brass, powder, primers.

[Bill Stryker]

I have been reloading for a long time. Started with a Lee Loader for my 7mm Rolling Block that I got from Ye Ol Hunter for $9.95! Now I reload for every thing I have in my safe, shot gun, rifle and pistol. I must admit that I don't believe it saves you any money, but you get to shoot a lot more for the same amount of money! 

I look at reloading as another fun activity. And I can brag that I shot all but two of my deer with my handloads.

Having said all that, I still buy ammo in bulk from DCM when I need it, or when it is cheaper than reloading. e.g. Greek M1 ammo in 8 round clips for my M1s. And at the moment you can buy some shotgun ammo for less than you can reload it! So, buy a few cases.

[2Late45]

Welcome to the club of Re-loading..........Michael is right.. Lead it up, powder is up, and primers are up.
Been re-loading for 35+ years.
But now Im trying to stock up on 22's, just in case.

I started reloading in 1978, don't see any reason to stop.  Everything has increased in our sport, and the rest of our lives.  Sadly my wages haven't kept pace.   Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[2HOW]

I have seen some ammo selling for less now than a few months ago, although handgun ammo is a little higher .223/5.56 and 762x39 has dropped a little.  You would think it would be the other way around. I suppose I will be forced to reload in the future. I have been saving brass.