Cost to reload? - The Firearms Forum

pixelperfect · 10-15-2009, 04:04 PM

What is the cost to reload .45 acp if I have my own brass already?

312shooter · 10-15-2009, 04:41 PM

Anywhere from $300-$1200 in startup equipment. Then the primers, powder and primer. About 20 cents a round after your all set up.

Insulation Tim · 10-15-2009, 05:07 PM

Look at the LEE Reloading Equipment. I use the LEE Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit. Search the Internet and you can probably find one for $ 130. You need to make sure that you also purchase a set of LEE 45ACP dies. The 3 set Carbide set is all that you need. The dies will probably run you $ 25.
Get a vibratory tumbler and some polishing media, I prefer the crushed corncob, all for about $ 80.

After that :

Large Pistol Primers: $ 0.035 each
Powder: $ 0.03 PER bULLET.

BULLETS: $ 0.07 TO THE UPPER LIMIT.

Theoretically you are making a finished .45 ACP round for around 14 cents each.

312shooter · 10-15-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insulation Tim

Look at the LEE Reloading Equipment. I use the LEE Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit. Search the Internet and you can probably find one for $ 130. You need to make sure that you also purchase a set of LEE 45ACP dies. The 3 set Carbide set is all that you need. The dies will probably run you $ 25.
Get a vibratory tumbler and some polishing media, I prefer the crushed corncob, all for about $ 80.

After that :

Large Pistol Primers: $ 0.035 each
Powder: $ 0.03 PER bULLET.

BULLETS: $ 0.07 TO THE UPPER LIMIT.

Theoretically you are making a finished .45 ACP round for around 14 cents each.

Is .07 a bullet cast? I cant seem to find FMJ's or even plated bullets for 9mm that cheap, and 45's are more than 9mm.....?

pixelperfect · 10-15-2009, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the information. I want to shoot 500 to 700 rounds a week. Now I need to find the best reloading for the price.

jdon72 · 10-15-2009, 07:53 PM

where do you get bullets that cheap? that is $70 for 1000...I am spending anywhere from 125 on up for 1000 and they are 185 gr hp. I have seen 230 gr fmj for about the same.

312shooter · 10-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelperfect

Thanks for the information. I want to shoot 500 to 700 rounds a week. Now I need to find the best reloading for the price.

Wow! In that case I would highly recommend a progressive press. I can load 500 rounds during my week with a semi progressive but that takes a few hours. Look to the progressive style press such as the Hornady Lock n Load or a Dillon 550 or 650. You will be looking at the $450 range one of these but you will quickly recover your money shooting such vlolumes as 500 per week. Good luck!

RustyFN · 10-15-2009, 08:48 PM

If you buy components in bulk you should be able to load for around half of what factory ammo cost. Lead bullets will get you a little cheaper.

Insulation Tim · 10-16-2009, 08:34 AM

I purchase 185 gr. LSWC for less than $ 0.07 each HERE

I get plated Berry's SWC 185 gr HERE for a dime.

I don't shoot hollow points as I'm just punching "holes in paper".

Both companies offer great service (Converas pays the freight). Dardas' lead cast bullets are the best I'v tried.

jdon72 · 10-16-2009, 07:59 PM

Thanks Tim...however I do not shoot lead that is not jacketed through my firearms. But always appreciate the links.

J

Insulation Tim · 10-17-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdon72

Thanks Tim...however I do not shoot lead that is not jacketed through my firearms. But always appreciate the links.

J

Take a look at the Berry's Plated that I refer to above. They are fully jacketed as I believe that they are electroplated in copper that covers the entire bullet. It doesn't show it in the picture very well, but the bullet is copper in color

jdon72 · 10-17-2009, 08:32 AM

Tim,

When you load the electroplated bullet, do you load it like a lead bullet or like a jacketed one. I heard it would be like the lead.

J

Insulation Tim · 10-17-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdon72

Tim,

When you load the electroplated bullet, do you load it like a lead bullet or like a jacketed one. I heard it would be like the lead.

J

I load it like lead.

Lotsdragon · 10-17-2009, 10:22 AM

Cabela's has a Lee prgressive press with dies for like 169. then you need a good scale and tumbler, dont forget your caliper for oal. Oh and get some loading blocks believe me they are worth the cost.Will get you on your way.

jdon72 · 10-17-2009, 01:27 PM

I have the progressive press (10mm) by lee and use a bowl for the bullets to drop out into. You really do not need blocks. I like the lee but it requires constant adjustment. When it works, it puts them out pretty quickly. Knowing what I know now and doing research, I would get something different, but the lee is good and cheap for the beginner.

J

Tim,

Thanks for the info.

J

RustyFN · 10-17-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdon72

Tim,

When you load the electroplated bullet, do you load it like a lead bullet or like a jacketed one. I heard it would be like the lead.

J

I load them with the same load as jacketed. If you use plated make sure the crimp is light so it doesn't cut through the plating.

medalguy · 10-17-2009, 08:47 PM

I use a lead load, and make sure to keep the velocity under about 1100 fps or the jacket can separate from the bullet. Berry's is great for target loads. Generally no crimp is needed at all.

JLA · 10-18-2009, 04:11 PM

heres a link for calculating the cost based on the price of components...

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

Paste it to your favorites, it has been an invaluable tool for helping me budget reloading costs

Insulation Tim · 10-18-2009, 04:27 PM

Good calculator, JLA.

JLA · 10-18-2009, 04:41 PM

thanks tim, But i cannot take full credit for it since I pasted it to my own favorites right off this forum some time ago

i believe it was one of the most useful links sir LD bennett posts from time to time.

10-15-2009, 04:04 PM	#1
pixelperfect Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Cost to reload? What is the cost to reload .45 acp if I have my own brass already? -->

10-15-2009, 04:41 PM	#2
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,148	Re: Cost to reload? Anywhere from $300-$1200 in startup equipment. Then the primers, powder and primer. About 20 cents a round after your all set up. __________________ "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

10-15-2009, 05:07 PM	#3
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,294	Re: Cost to reload? Look at the LEE Reloading Equipment. I use the LEE Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit. Search the Internet and you can probably find one for $ 130. You need to make sure that you also purchase a set of LEE 45ACP dies. The 3 set Carbide set is all that you need. The dies will probably run you $ 25. Get a vibratory tumbler and some polishing media, I prefer the crushed corncob, all for about $ 80. After that : Large Pistol Primers: $ 0.035 each Powder: $ 0.03 PER bULLET. BULLETS: $ 0.07 TO THE UPPER LIMIT. Theoretically you are making a finished .45 ACP round for around 14 cents each. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"* Last edited by Insulation Tim; 10-15-2009 at 05:10 PM..

10-15-2009, 07:02 PM	#5
pixelperfect Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: Cost to reload? Thanks for the information. I want to shoot 500 to 700 rounds a week. Now I need to find the best reloading for the price.

10-15-2009, 07:53 PM	#6
jdon72 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 340	Re: Cost to reload? where do you get bullets that cheap? that is $70 for 1000...I am spending anywhere from 125 on up for 1000 and they are 185 gr hp. I have seen 230 gr fmj for about the same.

10-15-2009, 08:48 PM	#8
RustyFN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 592	Re: Cost to reload? If you buy components in bulk you should be able to load for around half of what factory ammo cost. Lead bullets will get you a little cheaper.

10-16-2009, 08:34 AM	#9
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,294	Re: Cost to reload? I purchase 185 gr. LSWC for less than $ 0.07 each HERE I get plated Berry's SWC 185 gr HERE for a dime. I don't shoot hollow points as I'm just punching "holes in paper". Both companies offer great service (Converas pays the freight). Dardas' lead cast bullets are the best I'v tried. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"* Last edited by Insulation Tim; 10-16-2009 at 08:35 AM..

10-16-2009, 07:59 PM	#10
jdon72 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 340	Re: Cost to reload? Thanks Tim...however I do not shoot lead that is not jacketed through my firearms. But always appreciate the links. J

10-17-2009, 08:32 AM	#12
jdon72 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 340	Re: Cost to reload? Tim, When you load the electroplated bullet, do you load it like a lead bullet or like a jacketed one. I heard it would be like the lead. J

10-17-2009, 10:22 AM	#14
Lotsdragon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Potosi, Mo Posts: 813	Re: Cost to reload? Cabela's has a Lee prgressive press with dies for like 169. then you need a good scale and tumbler, dont forget your caliper for oal. Oh and get some loading blocks believe me they are worth the cost.Will get you on your way. __________________ "First comes smiles,then lies.Last is gunfire" Roland Deschain

10-17-2009, 01:27 PM	#15
jdon72 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 340	Re: Cost to reload? I have the progressive press (10mm) by lee and use a bowl for the bullets to drop out into. You really do not need blocks. I like the lee but it requires constant adjustment. When it works, it puts them out pretty quickly. Knowing what I know now and doing research, I would get something different, but the lee is good and cheap for the beginner. J Tim, Thanks for the info. J

10-17-2009, 08:47 PM	#17
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 585	Re: Cost to reload? I use a lead load, and make sure to keep the velocity under about 1100 fps or the jacket can separate from the bullet. Berry's is great for target loads. Generally no crimp is needed at all.

10-18-2009, 04:11 PM	#18
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,300	Re: Cost to reload? heres a link for calculating the cost based on the price of components... http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp Paste it to your favorites, it has been an invaluable tool for helping me budget reloading costs __________________ 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!

10-18-2009, 04:27 PM	#19
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,294	Re: Cost to reload? Good calculator, JLA. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"*

10-18-2009, 04:41 PM	#20
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,300	Re: Cost to reload? thanks tim, But i cannot take full credit for it since I pasted it to my own favorites right off this forum some time ago i believe it was one of the most useful links sir LD bennett posts from time to time. __________________ 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!