How Much Does it Cost to Reload Your Own Ammo?
Reloading your own ammunition can be a cost-effective and enjoyable hobby for shooters. Not only can you customize your ammunition to your specific needs, but you can also save money in the long run. However, many people are hesitant to try reloading because they’re unsure of the costs involved.
Initial Investment
The initial investment in reloading equipment can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and brand of the components. Here are some basic components you’ll need to get started:
- Reloading press: $200-$1,000
- Dies: $50-$100
- Shell holder: $10-$50
- Powder measure: $20-$100
- Scale: $20-$100
- Reloading manuals: $10-$50
- Other tools (calipers, wrenches, etc.): $20-$100
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for a basic reloading setup:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Reloading press | $300-$500 |
| Dies | $100-$200 |
| Shell holder | $20-$30 |
| Powder measure | $30-$60 |
| Scale | $30-$50 |
| Reloading manuals | $20-$30 |
| Other tools | $40-$70 |
| Total estimated cost | $640-$1,210 |
Cost Per Round
Once you have the initial investment out of the way, the cost per round of ammunition depends on the components you choose and the quantity you produce. Here are some estimates:
- Powder: 1 pound of powder can cost anywhere from $10-$30, depending on the brand and quality. A 1/4 grain of powder per round is a common estimate, so the cost per round would be $0.01-$0.03.
- Bullets: Lead bullets can cost $0.10-$0.50 per bullet, while copper or brass bullets can cost $0.20-$1.00 per bullet. A standard 55-grain 9mm bullet, for example, might cost $0.20-$0.50 per bullet.
- Brass cases: New brass cases can cost $0.10-$0.30 per case, while reloaded brass cases can cost $0.05-$0.10 per case.
- Primers: Small pistol primers can cost $0.02-$0.05 per primer, while large rifle primers can cost $0.05-$0.10 per primer.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs per round for a 9mm Luger cartridge:
| Component | Estimated Cost Per Round |
|---|---|
| Powder | $0.01-$0.03 |
| Bullet | $0.20-$0.50 |
| Brass case | $0.05-$0.10 |
| Primer | $0.02-$0.05 |
| Total estimated cost per round | $0.38-$0.78 |
Savings and Break-Even Point
The break-even point for reloading depends on how much you use your equipment. If you reload 500 rounds per month, your estimated break-even point could be:
- 3-6 months if you spend $640-$1,210 on your initial equipment and $0.38-$0.78 per round
- 1-2 months if you spend $1,000-$2,000 on your initial equipment and $0.38-$0.78 per round
Once you’ve broken even, you can enjoy the savings of reloading your own ammunition. Here’s a rough estimate of the savings per year:
- 500 rounds per month: $1,800-$3,600 per year
- 1000 rounds per month: $3,600-$7,200 per year
- 2000 rounds per month: $7,200-$14,400 per year
Conclusion
Reloading your own ammunition can be a cost-effective and enjoyable hobby, but it’s essential to understand the initial investment and cost per round. With an estimated $640-$1,210 for the initial equipment and $0.38-$0.78 per round, you can calculate your break-even point and start enjoying the savings of reloading. Whether you’re a serious shooter or a casual plinker, reloading can help you save money and customize your ammunition to your specific needs.
