Spent $800 on reloading gear, saved $50 so far

[Alan]

The math isn't mathing yet..everyone said it pays for itself. Three months in and I've reloaded maybe 200 rounds. At this rate I'll break even in 2035. Anyone else realize reloading is expensive to start?

 

[HaRrY]

Classic reloading math. You don’t save money, you just shoot more and feel productive doing it. Break-even is a state of mind.

 

[rfd]

Reloading can be done on the cheap without spending a small fortune on tooling ... components are a different tale these insane price dayze.

There are times when loading cartridges is Mandatory, simply because specific cartridge types aren't commercially available or yer loading for extreme accuracy. Case in point for me is black powder paper patched cartridges that require slicks and not bullets. Or .223 for 800 yards and out.

Lots will have to do with how deep in the weeds one is with shooting for consistent accuracy. For the most part, the bulk rates for the popular cartridges (5.56, 9mm, etc) will make loading yer own a waste of money and time if all yer doing is minute-of-torso accuracy shooting. But getting an AR to hit consistent MOA groups at 500 yards and out, or 9mm at 50 yards and out will typically require more carefully built rounds.

Some folks will reload just for the process, to know how to do it and to create really Good rounds, despite the cost.

YMMV.

 

[Alan]

Classic reloading math. You don’t save money, you just shoot more and feel productive doing it. Break-even is a state of mind.

Reloading feels productive but the math rarely matches the time and money spent.

 

[Alan]

Reloading can be done on the cheap without spending a small fortune on tooling ... components are a different tale these insane price dayze.

There are times when loading cartridges is Mandatory, simply because specific cartridge types aren't commercially available or yer loading for extreme accuracy. Case in point for me is black powder paper patched cartridges that require slicks and not bullets. Or .223 for 800 yards and out.

Lots will have to do with how deep in the weeds one is with shooting for consistent accuracy. For the most part, the bulk rates for the popular cartridges (5.56, 9mm, etc) will make loading yer own a waste of money and time if all yer doing is minute-of-torso accuracy shooting. But getting an AR to hit consistent MOA groups at 500 yards and out, or 9mm at 50 yards and out will typically require more carefully built rounds.

Some folks will reload just for the process, to know how to do it and to create really Good rounds, despite the cost.

YMMV.

Custom or hard-to-find rounds make reloading worth it, even if bulk ammo seems cheaper.