Hunting Forum

I have a 270 Weatherby mag that I would like to shoot more except for the cost of the rounds.  I've been thinking about buying dies to reload and save the cost of new.  Anyone know about what the cost savings will be per box?  I don't have to buy the brass, I have saved all my spent rounds.  

I started reloading my 308 win about 4 years ago. I found that reloading my own rounds save me about 65% of what a box of factory ammo was costing me

Welcome to the boards Gargoylehntr and dculver1.
For the most part, not including the cost of equipment, you can normally reload for about 1/2 the cost of what new ammunition runs. That is dependent on what you want to reload. A few years ago, about 10, I was buying 9mm ammo for less than $4/box, I couldn't reload it for less than that.

Primer~ $0.04 per round ($40 per brick of 1000)
Powder ~ $0.34 per round (80 gr at $30/lb)
Bullet ~ $0.30 per round (Sierra game kings)
Premium Bullet $0.70 per round

For a box of 20 that is $13.60 for 130 gr sierra's or $21.60 for premium bullets.

Cabelas regular is about $40 per box
Premium stuff from Cabelas is ~$76+ per box.

Looks like loading your own assuming you already have the equipment and brass is about 35% of what it costs to by loaded ammo and 28% of the cost of premium ammo.

jack

Having been a reloader since the mid 70s I have come to realize that not only is ammo 40 to 70% cheaper than factory ammo but I can experiment with different projectiles different amounts of powder and even different powders all within the limits of reloading manuals. I can also customize a load to my particular rifle by using the previously mentioned actions but also by whether to neck size or full length resize and even more by the seating depth of the bullet, none of which can be done with factory ammo. I have boiled down my reasons for reloading to just 4. Cost, Accuracy, satisfaction and necessity. The last reason is explained as shooting an obsolete or wildcat caliber. I have several that if I did not reload I could not shoot such as 219 Donaldson Wasp and 25 Souper.

And, reloading your own is just plain fun to do.

Ok, thanks for the info everyone.  I already have a press, and have reloaded only pistol rounds up until this point.  So I'm looking forward to reloading for the 270 weatherby and the 30-06.

Lots of folks look at the cost of equipment but the stuff lasts forever. I have (and use) equipment I bought in 1979 for just over $100. What's that work out to $3-$4 per year? And my kids will be able to use it. On standard ammo like the 270 Win, I figure half the cost. Although I do shoot more since it's cheaper so I'm not sure there is any true cost savings.

Something else to consider, reloading takes time and concentration, it's for everyone.

Dale

I agree it is fun to do and put that in the satisfaction section. Most everyone gets into reloading to save money but over the years I have found little savings but get to shoot at least twice as much for the same money.  Besides I get so much satisfaction from getting game with a load that I put together myself.

OOPS!  My last sentence above should end "It's not for everyone". 

Dale

If you want to pratice shooting a Weatherby caliber alot, you need to handload. Good luck.

I agree with PA RIDGE RUNNER's first post except for the order of reasons. I put accuracy first, satisfaction second, and after that I agree totally. There is no other way to get a load that is tailored to your individual rifle. If you put in the time to develope a load for your rifle using your personal favorite bullet you will probably find as I did that you are a better shot than you ever thought. Accuracy leads to satisfaction and that leads to success in the field because if you are more confident in the rifle you are shooting you will perform at a higher level.

My opinion, for what it is worth.