Reloading ammo, why?
One of my favorite authors, Richard Mann, just published an article at FieldandStream.com, titled “Does It Really Make Sense to Handload Ammunition Anymore?” asking the question if reloading your own ammunition can save you money? I loved the article, but Mr. Mann missed one important point.
Years ago my aviation doctor asked me an important question. What hobbies do I do when I’m not flying? It’s actually an important question that I think many of us should ask ourselves. If we sit in front of a computer screen all day, sell things for a living, or even fly airplanes for pay. Every one of us needs to see something tangible created for our efforts. Many professions don’t ever see the fruits of their labors.
Gardening, woodworking in a shop, or making crafts are just a few examples of things that are all far better than taking drugs to deal with life’s stresses. Much like a day of fishing or sitting in a deer blind, we all need time to decompress and see the fruits of our labors right now, to hold those things in our hands, and take pride in what we have accomplished.
For me, I’ll keep reloading my own ammunition.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
-Dave Funk – IFC President
This was my response to the F&S article posted on Facebook:
A better analysis of preloading costs and current ammo availability would lead to a more appropriate title for the article:
“Why Handloading Ammunition Makes More Sense than Ever”
Even if saving money is the primary goal, as it was for me when I started reloading in 1982, it is a great reason. Today the savings can be even greater than when I started.
Compared to the cheapest brass cased ammunition available, such as 9mm Luger and .223/5.56, a reloader can save 50% of the cost compared to factory offerings. Premium hunting ammo with Nosler AccuBonds, Federal Terminal Ascent, Barnes TTSX, Swift Scirocco II and so forth can be built for less than the cost of standard cup-and-core factory ammo.
Savings of $30, $40, $50 or more per box of 20 rounds is not just possible, it is common. I can build 45-70 plinking ammo for about $6 a box of 20 – That is $42 cheaper than the cheapest at Midwayusa. Buffalo Bore sells a 350g 45-70 load running 2150fps for $86.20. My cost to build the same ammo (same bullet, 2147fps) is $17.51. That is a savings of $68.69 per box.
Although I started reloading to save money – and have saved a lot as a result – it is a relaxing hobby that I enjoy. While I started out with one cartridge’s, 40 years later I load for 28. Do I shoot more than if I relied on factory ammo? For some cartridges, yes, others, no. But I still save money both ways.