[JimGA]

Greetings folks. I've been buying cheap S&B .45 ammo in bulk for about $8 per box of 50, or $160 for a case (1000). I've also been buying S&B 9mm ammo in bulk for about $5 per box, and $100 per case.

I've since shot about a case of the 9mm through my Sig 226, but noticed getting some primer strikes that didn't ignite the cartridge on the first strike, but did so on the second. I'm a bit weary on using this stuff for competition, if the primers aren't going to ignite 100% of the time.

Thus, I'd like to ask you guys who have been reloading - Is there a significant difference in reloaded ammo vs. cheap ammo purchased in bulk? Is one necessarily cleaner or more accurate than the other, and does reloaded ammo suffer from primers not igniting?

I am a completely newbie when it comes to reloading, and thus I know nothing about the investment involved in getting started and reloading. If I were to get started, what would I have to purchase? Recommendations?

Your comments are appreciated here.

-Jim

 

[shootingbuff]

I like reloading and can beat those prices.

I guess what matters is how much time you have and what your time is worth to you.

sb

 

[FortyFive]

I can only offer my experience from reloading .45 ACP. I estimate it costs me $100 per thousand to reload .45 200gr LSWC. I have very few problems with primer strikes, recently there were two. I most likely failed to pay attention and did not provide proper seating pressure. Those two were the only ones I can recall in over a few years. They did fire on the second attempt. Each reload is checked with a .45 gage I purchased from Dillon. This is where the quality control comes in to weed out any apparent mistakes and to insure the round will pass muster. If you don't shoot much don't reload, it is not cheap! If you do reload use good material and take your time.
Hope this helps you!

 

[Dave Severns]

Hi, Jim:
I guess this depends upon how much time you have available, and if you feel you'd like to spend time at the reloading bench. For me, it's nice to get a little quiet time at the press. A major advantage once you get a little experienced is that you can custom-tailor loads for individual situations, i.e., bullseye loads, run&gun loads, self-defense stuff (I know, I know...) and perhaps some soft stuff to use to introduce new/small shooters to the sport.

Cost is another rationale for reloading. Assuming you have the brass lying around, lets see what you can assemble 1000 rounds for:
1000 bullets (200gr. LSWC, from Western Nevada Bullet): $36.50
1000 primers (WIN., gun show price): $12.50
1 LB Bullseye powder: $16 (gun show price)
Lets see, that totals: $65.00 so far. Let's assume another $10 for tax and/or shipping, and we're at $75/1000rds. Less than one-half what you're now paying. Keep in mind that buying in bulk will lower this price.

Equipment-wise, you'll need the following (example equipment, read from my Dillon catalog, which happens to be in front of me):
A press: ex. Dillon RB-550B progressive goes for $325, including one caliber conversion.
A set of dies (ex. Dillon 3-die carbide set): $50
Scale (non-electronic): $50
Tumbler package, including case separator, 10# media, polish: $123
Primer flip tray (RCBS): $8
Midway bullet pullet $15
Posters of scantily clad women for the bench area: "Priceless" :grin:
Did I miss anything guys? Let's see, this adds up to $571 for equipment, which should keep you going for awhile. Keep in mind that better prices are available. One gentlemen on this forum has offered discounts on Dillon equipment, for example, and used equipment and gun show deals can also be found. Try it, You'll like it! HTH.