Reloading Economics - The dollars, cents, and time commitment to making your own pistol ammo

Published on May 22, 2020
Duration: 9:02

This video breaks down the economics of reloading pistol ammunition, focusing on cost savings and time investment. It details component costs for 9mm Luger, compares them to current market prices for factory ammunition, and calculates potential savings per round and per 1000 rounds. The presenter also analyzes the time commitment involved in brass preparation, loading, and quality control, and discusses the initial equipment investment required, including different press options and essential tools.

Quick Summary

Reloading pistol ammunition offers significant cost savings, with potential savings of 15-20 cents per round on 9mm Luger target loads compared to current factory prices. The time investment for reloading 3600 rounds can range from 4-8 hours, and the initial equipment cost of around $915 can be recouped in as little as 6100 rounds at current market prices.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Reloading Economics
  2. 00:24Ammo Cost Comparison
  3. 01:20Component Costs Breakdown
  4. 03:36Time Commitment Analysis
  5. 04:53Equipment Investment
  6. 05:02Press Options
  7. 06:37Essential Tools
  8. 07:10Optional Equipment
  9. 07:15Break-Even Point Calculation
  10. 07:31Higher-End Press Analysis
  11. 08:07Top-Tier Press Discussion
  12. 08:23Time vs. Money Argument
  13. 08:48Conclusion and Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you save by reloading pistol ammunition?

Reloading pistol ammunition can save you significantly, especially with current market prices. For 9mm Luger target loads, you can expect to save approximately 15-20 cents per round compared to buying factory ammunition, which translates to substantial savings per case of 1000 rounds.

What is the time commitment involved in reloading ammunition?

The time commitment for reloading 3600 rounds can range from about 8 hours for a basic progressive press to 4 hours for a high-end press. This includes brass cleaning, primer loading, and the actual pressing process, not including optional quality control steps.

What is the initial equipment cost for reloading?

The minimum recommended equipment for reloading pistol ammunition, including a basic progressive press, tumblers, calipers, and scales, can cost around $915. Higher-end presses and additional accessories will increase this initial investment.

How long does it take to break even on reloading equipment?

With current high ammunition prices, the break-even point for a $915 reloading setup can be as low as 6100 rounds. This means you'll recoup your initial investment relatively quickly by producing your own ammunition.

Is reloading ammunition worth the time investment?

While reloading requires a time commitment, it can be a worthwhile endeavor for cost savings and the ability to produce custom ammunition. The time spent can be viewed as a trade-off for entertainment time, yielding usable ammo in return.

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