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Considering reloading - worth it?

I'd say depends on if you plan to only load those calibers or expand out. Also if you find old estates, there are deals out there. I shoot almost exclusively suppressed so I see CPR savings faster with 9mm. The exception is I also cast and coat my own bullets. Through the previous administrations things became scarce which forced me into casting. But I also have the ability to custom tailor a load for any of the rifles, pistols or shotguns. If you want to chase the accuracy bug you can easily spend a fortune in comparators, case trimmers, dies and components. If you want bulk to blast away depending on how much or little you value your time it may or may not be worth it. I have a range nearby which gives me buckets of brass to process for range fodder. Hunting and long range I'm almost always using fireformed or virgin brass.

If you buy bulk bullets there can be significant savings that's what I did with 223 and 300BO. After my first year in SD for prairie dogs I almost went broke shooting 22-250 so I switched to 223 much cheaper and more economical. Hardest part to negate is powder, primers and the inherent Hazmat fee. Occasionally online retailers will waive the fee during promotional periods or over a certain amount. All the shops that stock it still seem to be on pandemic pricing. I assume this is because they bought whatever they could during the panic and are stuck with it and don't want to take a loss.

Also with geopolitical tensions heating up and more resources being pushed into the military procurement I think overall it would be a good idea. Considering Winchester Ammunition is the sole company selected to produce small arms ammunition for the US Government at the Lake City plant. Previously it was Remington until around 1985, then it transferred to Olin Corporation, then to Alliant Techsystems and through a number of mergers eventually Northrop Grumman. The thing to remember here is that Winchester Ammo is a division of Olin. So ultimately one of the largest producers of domestic ammunition is owned by a defense contractor. The commercial market has seen it before where companies will put contracts before their commercial consumers. To me reloading is like the stock market it has its ups and downs.
 
Late to this thread, but….if you do get into it, the rule of “buy once, cry once” applies. This especially applies to measuring tools. Spending more for quality the first time will save money and frustration. As I have been working toward more precision in my rifle loads, I have been upgrading my tools. I would’ve saved money buying the better quality first.
 
Late to this thread, but….if you do get into it, the rule of “buy once, cry once” applies. This especially applies to measuring tools. Spending more for quality the first time will save money and frustration. As I have been working toward more precision in my rifle loads, I have been upgrading my tools. I would’ve saved money buying the better quality first.
Well you probably didn't know at that time
 
TGIF ODT crew!
Looking to tap into your reloading experience.
My son just got back from college, and with a little push from my wife (“you need hobbies”), I’m planning to try some USPSA and maybe PRS matches.

When we hit the range, we usually run:
  • 200–400 rounds of 9mm
  • 100–150 rounds of 300 BLK or 5.56
  • Some 6.5 Creedmoor for precision rifle
Given the round count and ammo costs, I’m seriously considering getting into reloading—both for the enjoyment and the potential cost savings.

I’ve had my eye on the Dillon XL750, especially the package deals that cover the calibers we shoot. I like the idea of a progressive press, but I’ve hesitated due to upfront costs.

For those of you who’ve been reloading a while:
  • With today’s component prices, do you still find it cost-effective?
  • Any setup tips or things you wish you’d known starting out?
Appreciate any guidance you’re willing to share. Thanks in advance!
TGIF ODT crew!
Looking to tap into your reloading experience.
My son just got back from college, and with a little push from my wife (“you need hobbies”), I’m planning to try some USPSA and maybe PRS matches.

When we hit the range, we usually run:
  • 200–400 rounds of 9mm
  • 100–150 rounds of 300 BLK or 5.56
  • Some 6.5 Creedmoor for precision rifle
Given the round count and ammo costs, I’m seriously considering getting into reloading—both for the enjoyment and the potential cost savings.

I’ve had my eye on the Dillon XL750, especially the package deals that cover the calibers we shoot. I like the idea of a progressive press, but I’ve hesitated due to upfront costs.

For those of you who’ve been reloading a while:
  • With today’s component prices, do you still find it cost-effective?
  • Any setup tips or things you wish you’d known starting out?
Appreciate any guidance you’re willing to share. Thanks in advance!
The only caliber you mentioned that I would load for would be the creedmoor, and in my opinion if you don’t have a half a dozen or more guns in various calibers to load. Then I would not bother. I load because I shoot long range, several of the calibers I use the brass is really expensive, so it makes sense for me.
 
The only caliber you mentioned that I would load for would be the creedmoor, and in my opinion if you don’t have a half a dozen or more guns in various calibers to load. Then I would not bother. I load because I shoot long range, several of the calibers I use the brass is really expensive, so it makes sense for me.
If you shoot USPSA at the higher level you might benefit from loading the lowest power factor that will cycle the slide reliably (less felt recoil). I used to load 10mm and 5.56 a little light to match my accuracy sweet spot. When people asked me if I saved any money I would reply I get exactly the ballistics and boolit (Barnes TSX) I want for about the same price as factory range ammo. As the other poster commented, I still can't leave 10mm brass on the range floor because it's so expensive....
 
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