.45 reloading cost - The Firearms Forum

Squeak · 10-10-2011, 09:02 AM

With the winter coming up soon, I'd like to get involved in reloading some .45 ACP. I want to use original 230 grain jacketed or copper plated bullets (not lead) RN.
Problem is - - - I can't assemble all the components as cheap as I can buy factory ammo.
Anybody know a source for cheap jacketed or plated bullets for less than 16 cents a round? Surplus somewhere maybe?

We got a local Wal-mart that sells Winchester for $35.00 / 100 and a Farm & Fleet that sells Remington for $33.00 / 100. Is my thinking correct that other than the love of doing it, I can't compete with that.
I'm not talking about super duper match grade reloads, just target & plinking grade.

RandyP · 10-10-2011, 09:10 AM

I think you need to recalculate your component costs based on purchasing more than 100 at a time. Store bought ammo is $0.33-$0.35 per round? - a whole lot of folks are reloading .45ACP for half that $$$.

hunter29180 · 10-10-2011, 10:07 AM

Umm let me see, i load 45lc, basicly simuler, for 500 250 grn bullets cost 39.00 thats 7.8 cents per bullet, primers cost 38.00 for 1000, thats 3.8 cents per primer. powder cost ( i use trailboss powder) 13.00 for 9 oz, thats using ave 5 gr per bullet getting aprox 1400 rounds per pound so say 787 per container so cost works out to 1,7 cents per shot. brass (if i bought it) starline costs 96.00 per 500 so thats .19 cents per shell. (I got lucky and ran across a deal at a gun show and got 50 rounds cowboy 45lc for $25 a box..got 6 boxes so my brass is really free right now!)

so added together (7.8 +3.8 +1.7 + .19) = .322 cents per shot

my current cost, since i dont have to buy brass is as you can see is very low! at 13.2 cents per shot!

45 acp is cheaper than my costs!! so please refigure your costs! save that brass! if you need some I'm sure someone would spot you a few hundred. just ask!

312shooter · 10-10-2011, 10:16 AM

I agree with RandyP, my 45 loads run .16 a round. Thats half of the price you list?? I use precision delta 230gr. These are fmj bullets and are less cost than any plated I've come across at 119 per k shipped. So a .02 primer, .01 powder charge of titegroup or bullseye. Maybe not saving much it seems, but for every 100 you buy of the shelf, you can reload twice as many at the same cost, thats well worth it to me.

RandyP · 10-10-2011, 10:19 AM

It is important for newcomers to note that just about the most expensive component can be the brass case....but you can reload that same case over and over. In a low pressure round like .45ACP, that could mean 50 times or even more. So since you can also range scrounge once fired brass for free? Most reloaders do not factor in the brass cost for their loads.

todd51 · 10-10-2011, 10:29 AM

Squeak, I also agree you need to shop around for component prices and recalculate. Powder runs around $20.00 for a pound, primers can be found for around $30.00 per thousand and bullets plated or full metal jacket should run you $75-100.00 for 500. I am loading my fired brass so I don't figure the price of a hull into my reloading costs. Like Randy and Hunter said you should be able to reload for about half the cost of new factory ammo. Buy your components in bulk to save even more. They don't go bad and can sit on the shelf till you need them.

carver · 10-10-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunter29180

Umm let me see, i load 45lc, basicly simuler, for 500 250 grn bullets cost 39.00 thats 7.8 cents per bullet, primers cost 38.00 for 1000, thats 3.8 cents per primer. powder cost ( i use trailboss powder) 13.00 for 9 oz, thats using ave 5 gr per bullet getting aprox 1400 rounds per pound so say 787 per container so cost works out to 1,7 cents per shot. brass (if i bought it) starline costs 96.00 per 500 so thats .19 cents per shell. (I got lucky and ran across a deal at a gun show and got 50 rounds cowboy 45lc for $25 a box..got 6 boxes so my brass is really free right now!)

so added together (7.8 +3.8 +1.7 + .19) = .322 cents per shot

my current cost, since i dont have to buy brass is as you can see is very low! at 13.2 cents per shot!

45 acp is cheaper than my costs!! so please refigure your costs! save that brass! if you need some I'm sure someone would spot you a few hundred. just ask!

That comes out to about $16 per box of 50, if you count the price of the brass. Like the others here I don't count the price of brass, I reload what I shoot, and I get all the free brass I want by just picking it up. Not counting the price of the brass, that comes in around $6.50 per box of 50.

hunter29180 · 10-10-2011, 11:47 AM

i forgot to mention the brass i priced in my calculations was for new unfired brass. the cost drops if you can find once fired for sale. or as some have mentioned, range brass is usually free, if you dont mind picking it up!

Dirtypacman · 10-10-2011, 12:24 PM

I also started on the 45 round for reloading. I will admit the cost of components has gone up from when i first started but I am still able to load my own for about 60-70% of what brand new ammo would cost me. Keep in mind also that I am in MA where I have to jump through hoops to get my supplies and that keeps cost higher for me.

American Leader · 10-10-2011, 01:34 PM

I agree with most everything everybody said, there is some spread on components from suppliers and wether you can purchase wholesale or retail, but brass is usable many times, just make sure to watch for deterioation of sidewalls and primer pocket. The costs listed is a pretty good range and wholessale is about 30%-40% less if you can get it. Reloading is fun and relaxing, but make sure to follow your loading manuals, apply common sense, and concentrate on loading when loading. It is serious business even though it's fun too! Also, considering you live in Illinois, I would make sure you can load and store components in your particular community as Illinois is a little touchy!

Clipper · 10-10-2011, 04:47 PM

http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

use this to calculate your costs for reloading...just plug in your component costs.

American Leader · 10-10-2011, 05:58 PM

Thanks Clipper, this works real well!

JLA · 10-10-2011, 08:01 PM

heres a handy reloading cost calculator.

http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

Brisk44 · 10-10-2011, 08:06 PM

I don't use a calculater, I do it in my head.

CampingJosh · 10-10-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brisk44

I don't use a calculater, I do it in my head.

If I could type stuff into it and get an answer, I'd use your head too!

Squeak · 10-11-2011, 09:42 AM

Give me some ideas on where to order jacketed or plated bullets for the kind of money you guys are talking about. I can't find em for less than .16 unless I buy a rail car of them. I'd like to start out with 250 or at most 500.
I got the brass.
Thanks.

CampingJosh · 10-11-2011, 09:54 AM

You're not going to get the best pricing on small quantities. That may be a large part of your problem.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14..._185gr_FP.aspx
If you order two of the 250 boxes, you get free shipping. That makes it 13.7¢ per bullet.

CampingJosh · 10-11-2011, 09:55 AM

If you will buy 1000, this site has 230 grain FMJ for 11.9¢ per bullet including shipping.

Kevin Rohrer · 10-11-2011, 12:39 PM

I am shooting 230gr lead reloads for $10.80 a hundred.

Dirtypacman · 10-11-2011, 12:50 PM

Nice cost calculator - based on remembering my costs off the top of my head ...

I am shooting 230 RN Plated reloads @ $12.84 per 100

Squeak · 10-11-2011, 04:25 PM

CampingJosh: OK, now - - - thanks to you & this forum - - - things are starting to make sence. I didn't know about this site & I thank ya for it.
I've used "Berrys" plated bullets for loading .38 special (my wife's gun) and have been happy with them, but all she ever shoots is paper targets & once in a while she'll even hit the paper at 50 feet. We use BIG paper targets!
She does better than me.
I don't mind buying 1000 bullets as opposed to the 250 or 500 I originally had in mind, but I just couldn't justify .16 cents plus shipping.
Thanks!

American Leader · 10-11-2011, 04:52 PM

Squeaky, for lead cast try http://twoalphabullets.com, prices are per thousand and shipping is reasonable as well. I usually order 10-15M at a time and mix calibers & weights to fit my needs. If you don't try to work him too hard for a quantity price he usually gives a generous discount above and beyond the listed prices. I think my last order averaged out to around $60-$65.00 per 1000.

Clipper · 10-11-2011, 05:56 PM

Wow! I feel honored that I can buy 230 gr lead bullets for $54 per thousand, used to be able to get them at $50, but things went up. That is local, and the company that casts the bullets is right here in town. I can't order from him, but from a really neat place near town that sells only components.

Kenley · 10-12-2011, 11:02 AM

Let me put in my 2 cents. For punching paper and beer cans, lead bullets work just fine at around 800 fps.I cast with Lee TUMBLE LUBE bullets. They don't need re-sizing and super easy to lube. I cast wheel weights. I use bullseye powder. With a 4gr charge, a pound will load boo coos.(that is an exact number in Marine Corps terminology)
Four gallons of picked up brass is cleaned and ready @ no cost.
So, for all practical purposes, my only real cost is the primers which have doubled in a year. THANK YOU obama. Around .04 cents..up from .018 a couple of years ago.

PanhandlePop · 10-12-2011, 12:02 PM

Convincing comments above. In addition, I find reloading really contributes to the overall shooting experience. If you want to load cheaply, though you have to buy in bulk. Precision Delta offers about the best price for FMJ and you can often find deals on powder and primers at Grafs, Wideners, and Powder Valley.

10-10-2011, 09:02 AM	#1
Squeak V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois (near Chigago) Posts: 121	.45 reloading cost With the winter coming up soon, I'd like to get involved in reloading some .45 ACP. I want to use original 230 grain jacketed or copper plated bullets (not lead) RN. Problem is - - - I can't assemble all the components as cheap as I can buy factory ammo. Anybody know a source for cheap jacketed or plated bullets for less than 16 cents a round? Surplus somewhere maybe? We got a local Wal-mart that sells Winchester for $35.00 / 100 and a Farm & Fleet that sells Remington for $33.00 / 100. Is my thinking correct that other than the love of doing it, I can't compete with that. I'm not talking about super duper match grade reloads, just target & plinking grade. -->

10-10-2011, 09:10 AM	#2
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: .45 reloading cost I think you need to recalculate your component costs based on purchasing more than 100 at a time. Store bought ammo is $0.33-$0.35 per round? - a whole lot of folks are reloading .45ACP for half that $$$. __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP

10-10-2011, 10:07 AM	#3
hunter29180 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: in a motorhome where ever we park! Contributor Posts: 1,627	Re: .45 reloading cost Umm let me see, i load 45lc, basicly simuler, for 500 250 grn bullets cost 39.00 thats 7.8 cents per bullet, primers cost 38.00 for 1000, thats 3.8 cents per primer. powder cost ( i use trailboss powder) 13.00 for 9 oz, thats using ave 5 gr per bullet getting aprox 1400 rounds per pound so say 787 per container so cost works out to 1,7 cents per shot. brass (if i bought it) starline costs 96.00 per 500 so thats .19 cents per shell. (I got lucky and ran across a deal at a gun show and got 50 rounds cowboy 45lc for $25 a box..got 6 boxes so my brass is really free right now!) so added together (7.8 +3.8 +1.7 + .19) = .322 cents per shot my current cost, since i dont have to buy brass is as you can see is very low! at 13.2 cents per shot! 45 acp is cheaper than my costs!! so please refigure your costs! save that brass! if you need some I'm sure someone would spot you a few hundred. just ask!

10-10-2011, 10:16 AM	#4
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,148	Re: .45 reloading cost I agree with RandyP, my 45 loads run .16 a round. Thats half of the price you list?? I use precision delta 230gr. These are fmj bullets and are less cost than any plated I've come across at 119 per k shipped. So a .02 primer, .01 powder charge of titegroup or bullseye. Maybe not saving much it seems, but for every 100 you buy of the shelf, you can reload twice as many at the same cost, thats well worth it to me. __________________ "Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin

10-10-2011, 10:19 AM	#5
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: .45 reloading cost It is important for newcomers to note that just about the most expensive component can be the brass case....but you can reload that same case over and over. In a low pressure round like .45ACP, that could mean 50 times or even more. So since you can also range scrounge once fired brass for free? Most reloaders do not factor in the brass cost for their loads. __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP

10-10-2011, 10:29 AM	#6
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,572	Re: .45 reloading cost Squeak, I also agree you need to shop around for component prices and recalculate. Powder runs around $20.00 for a pound, primers can be found for around $30.00 per thousand and bullets plated or full metal jacket should run you $75-100.00 for 500. I am loading my fired brass so I don't figure the price of a hull into my reloading costs. Like Randy and Hunter said you should be able to reload for about half the cost of new factory ammo. Buy your components in bulk to save even more. They don't go bad and can sit on the shelf till you need them. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

10-10-2011, 11:47 AM	#8
hunter29180 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: in a motorhome where ever we park! Contributor Posts: 1,627	Re: .45 reloading cost i forgot to mention the brass i priced in my calculations was for new unfired brass. the cost drops if you can find once fired for sale. or as some have mentioned, range brass is usually free, if you dont mind picking it up!

10-10-2011, 12:24 PM	#9
Dirtypacman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Merrimac Valley, MA Posts: 908	Re: .45 reloading cost I also started on the 45 round for reloading. I will admit the cost of components has gone up from when i first started but I am still able to load my own for about 60-70% of what brand new ammo would cost me. Keep in mind also that I am in MA where I have to jump through hoops to get my supplies and that keeps cost higher for me. __________________ Member HHRG and HSC, NRA Life Member, GOAL Member LTC-A

10-10-2011, 01:34 PM	#10
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: .45 reloading cost I agree with most everything everybody said, there is some spread on components from suppliers and wether you can purchase wholesale or retail, but brass is usable many times, just make sure to watch for deterioation of sidewalls and primer pocket. The costs listed is a pretty good range and wholessale is about 30%-40% less if you can get it. Reloading is fun and relaxing, but make sure to follow your loading manuals, apply common sense, and concentrate on loading when loading. It is serious business even though it's fun too! Also, considering you live in Illinois, I would make sure you can load and store components in your particular community as Illinois is a little touchy!

10-10-2011, 04:47 PM	#11
Clipper V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 381	Re: .45 reloading cost http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp use this to calculate your costs for reloading...just plug in your component costs.

10-10-2011, 05:58 PM	#12
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: .45 reloading cost Thanks Clipper, this works real well!

10-10-2011, 08:01 PM	#13
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,315	Re: .45 reloading cost heres a handy reloading cost calculator. http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-10-2011, 08:06 PM	#14
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: .45 reloading cost I don't use a calculater, I do it in my head.

10-11-2011, 09:42 AM	#16
Squeak V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois (near Chigago) Posts: 121	Re: .45 reloading cost Give me some ideas on where to order jacketed or plated bullets for the kind of money you guys are talking about. I can't find em for less than .16 unless I buy a rail car of them. I'd like to start out with 250 or at most 500. I got the brass. Thanks.

10-11-2011, 09:54 AM	#17
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: .45 reloading cost You're not going to get the best pricing on small quantities. That may be a large part of your problem. http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14..._185gr_FP.aspx If you order two of the 250 boxes, you get free shipping. That makes it 13.7¢ per bullet. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

10-11-2011, 09:55 AM	#18
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: .45 reloading cost If you will buy 1000, this site has 230 grain FMJ for 11.9¢ per bullet including shipping. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

10-11-2011, 12:39 PM	#19
Kevin Rohrer V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 278	Re: .45 reloading cost I am shooting 230gr lead reloads for $10.80 a hundred. __________________ An armed society is a polite society--Robert Heinlein via Jeff Cooper Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, Varmint Hunters Assn, American Legion, ARCTA, & South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assn.

10-11-2011, 12:50 PM	#20
Dirtypacman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Merrimac Valley, MA Posts: 908	Re: .45 reloading cost Nice cost calculator - based on remembering my costs off the top of my head ... I am shooting 230 RN Plated reloads @ $12.84 per 100 __________________ Member HHRG and HSC, NRA Life Member, GOAL Member LTC-A

10-11-2011, 04:25 PM	#21
Squeak V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois (near Chigago) Posts: 121	Re: .45 reloading cost CampingJosh: OK, now - - - thanks to you & this forum - - - things are starting to make sence. I didn't know about this site & I thank ya for it. I've used "Berrys" plated bullets for loading .38 special (my wife's gun) and have been happy with them, but all she ever shoots is paper targets & once in a while she'll even hit the paper at 50 feet. We use BIG paper targets! She does better than me. I don't mind buying 1000 bullets as opposed to the 250 or 500 I originally had in mind, but I just couldn't justify .16 cents plus shipping. Thanks!

10-11-2011, 04:52 PM	#22
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: .45 reloading cost Squeaky, for lead cast try http://twoalphabullets.com, prices are per thousand and shipping is reasonable as well. I usually order 10-15M at a time and mix calibers & weights to fit my needs. If you don't try to work him too hard for a quantity price he usually gives a generous discount above and beyond the listed prices. I think my last order averaged out to around $60-$65.00 per 1000.

10-11-2011, 05:56 PM	#23
Clipper V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 381	Re: .45 reloading cost Wow! I feel honored that I can buy 230 gr lead bullets for $54 per thousand, used to be able to get them at $50, but things went up. That is local, and the company that casts the bullets is right here in town. I can't order from him, but from a really neat place near town that sells only components.

10-12-2011, 11:02 AM	#24
Kenley Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 8	Re: .45 reloading cost Let me put in my 2 cents. For punching paper and beer cans, lead bullets work just fine at around 800 fps.I cast with Lee TUMBLE LUBE bullets. They don't need re-sizing and super easy to lube. I cast wheel weights. I use bullseye powder. With a 4gr charge, a pound will load boo coos.(that is an exact number in Marine Corps terminology) Four gallons of picked up brass is cleaned and ready @ no cost. So, for all practical purposes, my only real cost is the primers which have doubled in a year. THANK YOU obama. Around .04 cents..up from .018 a couple of years ago.

10-12-2011, 12:02 PM	#25
PanhandlePop V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 252	Re: .45 reloading cost Convincing comments above. In addition, I find reloading really contributes to the overall shooting experience. If you want to load cheaply, though you have to buy in bulk. Precision Delta offers about the best price for FMJ and you can often find deals on powder and primers at Grafs, Wideners, and Powder Valley.