Cost of reloading

[clemens]

After the purchase of brass and the first reloading. Should one leave cost of brass into the equation of cost? Ex- the cost of of new brass and components put cost at $3.70pr. after that you have brass for say next 10 reloads does cost stay the same or can it change due to only using bullet, powder. And primer? Making it cheaper till new brass is needed?

 

[Tiny Tim]

To get an accurate cost, you should average the cost of the brass over number of firings you can get out of it. Of course, that gets skewed bit when you lose brass while hunting.

 

[Muddyboots]

You cannot get premium performance with less than premium components (most of the time, there are exceptions though) for longer range shots. Bite the bullet once for the right tools and they last a lifetime. Look at it as an amortization like you do a house and $250 die set over 30 years is nothing. Better brass lasts longer, better tools extends brass life, right tools allow you to maximize performance.

I looked at the cost of reloading long time ago and came to the conclusion the cost of reloading is like cost of hunting. If you enjoy it, ignore it! I actually enjoy the tediousness of reloading like I do for fly tying or even doing my own arrow work. The resulting end performance is the enjoyment.

 

[clemens]

I agree. Was just curious if one could remove cost of brass out of the equation for however long brass would last. If one got lucky with good brass prep and get say 12 15 reloads. On say ADG or peterson. Lapua brass. I guess if one got only 5 out of rem or hornady qestion still remains. Using reloading cost calculator (not 100% accurate I'm sure, just goofing around with numbers avg cost was 3.70 for 338 edge rum Lapua (not lapua brass) after putting in all info, and using 100 cases with no cost cause already have brass. It dropped to 1.35 per round. I know that's not real concept. That's why I asked the question. I do agree 100% quality in quality out. Buy once cry once and enjoy

 

[manitou]

Yup. Just divide the cost of your brass by the number of firings and add that in to the equation.
I never considered reloading as a money saving strategy. Although it does save money in the long run, I got into it to wring the best performance possible out of my pea shooters. I found that I enjoy it too.

 

[AZShooter]

$3.70 per round seems high

Lets say the brass costs $100 for 100 pcs and you can load it 5 times. The cost is .20 a piece for the brass. Then add the amount of powder. Grains used divided by 7000 grains times cost per pound. Then add cost of each bullet.

I just did a 257 weatherby.
5 firings of norma brass at $100 per 100 pcs= .20
72 gr powder / 7000 = .010 x $35 per pound = .35
berger rounded off to $50 .50 per bullet
primer $50/1000 = .05
total cost per round = $1.10

Even if I did full cost for one firing of brass the cost is only $1.90 per round.
I suppose some brass can cost $2.00 it would still cost less than your figure.

How did you arrive at $3.70?

 

[cohunt]

Over analyzing the cost of reloading supplies is like over analyzing the cost of tires on a race car.

 

[AZShooter]

To be honest I have never actually figured out cost per round until today and I have been reloading since 1983.

 

[clemens]

I sit behind wheel of truck bored out of my mind. Just questio of curiosity. Yes 3.70 is bit high. I just looked up cost bullets primers and what I been paying for powder. Definitely not scientific. Just throwing it out there.

 

[clemens]

Over analyzing the cost of reloading supplies is like over analyzing the cost of tires on a race car.

Yes it is

 

[milo-2]

I sit behind wheel of truck bored out of my mind. Just questio of curiosity. Yes 3.70 is bit high. I just looked up cost bullets primers and what I been paying for powder. Definitely not scientific. Just throwing it out there.

It has really never been that bad of an idea to know just where your money is going, lol
There are a couple simple programs for your computer that are easy to use, that does it all for you. Add a firing to your brass, click, costs drop.
I am relatively sure I have enough components to load 223 ammo with 75gr bullets at .27 per rd. Look at me, but if do and shoot it all up, replacement costs are scary right now.

As most have said though, reloading is a hobby, treat it as such and enjoy. Looking back, I have never had a cheap hobby.

 

[jdyoung]

When you buy brass, make note of the cost per cartridge. Then every time you shoot, multiple the cost of each cartridge by shots fired and throw that $$$ in a jar.

 

[J E Custom]

I have been reloading since 1970 and loaded probably at least 100 thousand rounds, 25,000 were 308's for match shooting. Prices were cheaper when I started and I probably saved 75 % of the cost and and now it is probably less than 50% on most cartridges the first time. So if I could add how much I would have spent, I couldn't have afforded it and would have more used up more rifles using poor factory ammo only driving the cost up even more.

As many have said, cost is not that important compared to Better choices and freedom to load special ammo. It will always be cheaper and better if you load it yourself because it is your time spent loading instead of someone else that has to charge for labor.

So load and be happy even if you only save a few dollars.

J E CUSTOM

 

[clemens]

I have been reloading since 1970 and loaded probably at least 100 thousand rounds, 25,000 were 308's for match shooting. Prices were cheaper when I started and I probably saved 75 % of the cost and and now it is probably less than 50% on most cartridges the first time. So if I could add how much I would have spent, I couldn't have afforded it and would have wore used up more rifles using poor factory ammo only driving the cost up even more.

As many have said, cost is not that important compared to Better choices and freedom to load special ammo. It will always be cheaper and better if you load it yourself because it is your time spent loading instead of someone else that has to charge for labor.

So load and be happy even if you only save a few dollars.

J E CUSTOM

I agree 100% reloading and cheap or cheaper are not words that go together. I am not concerned about costs I have opportunity to by a 90% turn key 338lm or build a rifle. I was just curious on idea if you will on the brass in or out of equation for short or long period of time. I figured it was in the equation. I knew my math was off when I posted but used it as example. I donate plasma once twice week for my mad money. So more plasma I give more I get to play. Job permitting that is. It's all good do appreciate comments from everyone definitely better to have more input or nothing at all.