Is It Still Worth Reloading Your Own Ammo? 2025 Edition

Published on June 3, 2025
Duration: 29:26

This video analyzes the current cost-effectiveness of reloading ammunition in 2025. It breaks down component costs for powder, primers, and projectiles, comparing them to factory ammunition prices. The analysis highlights that while component costs have risen significantly, reloading, especially with cast bullets, can still offer substantial savings, though labor and time investment are key factors.

Quick Summary

Reloading ammunition in 2025 can still be cost-effective, especially when casting your own bullets from free lead sources. While component prices like powder and primers have increased significantly, reloading 9mm with cast bullets can cost around 14 cents per round, compared to 29 cents for factory ammunition, offering substantial savings.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction: The Reloading Question
  2. 00:37:00Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute
  3. 01:14:00Historical Component Prices vs. Now
  4. 01:44:00Powder Price Increases (Titegroup Example)
  5. 03:00:00Specialized Powders (Vitavorei N140)
  6. 04:36:00Primer Price Increases (CCI Magnum)
  7. 05:00:00The 'Buy Cheap, Stack Deep' Philosophy
  8. 05:50:00Component Availability & Ammo Prices
  9. 06:42:00Calculating Powder Cost Per Round (9mm Example)
  10. 08:12:00Extrapolating Savings with Powder Cost
  11. 09:14:00The Advantage of Casting Bullets
  12. 10:29:00The Role of Labor in Reloading Cost
  13. 11:46:00Detailed Cost Breakdown (Powder, Primer, Projectile)
  14. 13:14:00Primer Cost Impact
  15. 14:25:00Cost Analysis with New Projectiles (Berry's)
  16. 15:57:00Savings with New Projectiles vs. Factory Ammo
  17. 18:41:00Reloading Cost with Cast Bullets
  18. 19:26:00Cost Comparison: Cast vs. Factory 9mm
  19. 20:05:00Is Reloading Still Worth It? Core Calibers
  20. 21:00:00Specialized Loads & Competition
  21. 21:50:00Reloading Mil-Surp & Black Powder Cartridges
  22. 23:28:00Black Powder Front Stuffers & Musket Caps
  23. 24:05:00Black Powder Component Costs
  24. 24:48:00Largest Component Cost Increases
  25. 25:08:00New Projectile Designs & Availability
  26. 26:02:0030 Caliber Projectile Price Trends
  27. 27:09:00Final Answer: Is Reloading Worth It?
  28. 27:47:00The Fulfillment of Reloading
  29. 28:35:00Reloading as a Calming Activity
  30. 29:01:00Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the cost of reloading components like powder and primers increased significantly?

Yes, component costs have risen considerably. For example, an 8-pound keg of Hodgdon Titegroup powder, previously around $178, now costs over $312. Large rifle magnum primers have also seen substantial price increases, moving from historical prices of around $3.29 per hundred to potentially $10-$12.

Can reloading still save money compared to buying factory ammunition in 2025?

Yes, reloading can still save money, especially for common calibers like 9mm, particularly when casting your own bullets. While factory ammo for 9mm might cost around 29 cents per round, reloading with cast bullets can bring the cost down to about 14 cents per round, offering significant savings.

What are the most cost-effective ways to reload ammunition today?

The most cost-effective method involves casting your own lead projectiles from sources like wheel weights, as this significantly reduces the projectile cost to near zero. Combining this with bulk powder purchases and reusing brass can lead to substantial savings per round.

Are there specific calibers or types of ammunition where reloading remains particularly advantageous?

Reloading is especially advantageous for niche or historical calibers, particularly black powder cartridges, where factory ammunition is astronomically expensive. It also remains beneficial for specialized competition loads or when seeking exact performance characteristics not readily available in factory loads.

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