338 ammo cost

[mdmp5]

Has anyone wondered why a round of loaded 338LM cost about $6, when I can press it with new raw components for about $3??? And that is if I use the brass once and then trash it. If I load the brass 10x, that cost drops to under a buck. Just seems odd, as there isn't really anything super special about the cartridge; just a big magnum case, and most of the cost is in the brass, but that is only about $2. I just started loading for the 338 and this baffled me when I thought about it.

Sorry if someone discussed this before, but I haven't seen any posts.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: 338 ammo cost

Same goes for .50BMG and .408CT - precision loads - they are expensive not just because the materials are expensive, but because the market is niche.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: 338 ammo cost

Well, for 50BMG, a good projectile costs what, about $2? And a good piece of brass is about $1.75. Add the powder and primer, and you are over $4, but a loaded round of match ammo is about $5 or so. So it is marginally more expensive, but no where near double. And 408 lathe turned projectiles are crazy expensive, so the cost is close there too.

 

[desertHK]

Re: 338 ammo cost

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Same goes for .50BMG and .408CT - precision loads - they are expensive not just because the materials are expensive, but because the market is niche. </div></div>

1+. Because the cartridge is so "hot" that everyone wants one. The demand goes up so does the cost.

 

[insectguy]

Re: 338 ammo cost

I work for a .gov, and I can get 338lm for about $2.75/round from a reputable company.

But for my own use, I pay the same as everyone else (which is why I am getting into reloading....).

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: 338 ammo cost

Actually if you check around on ammo prices, it's about the same percentage for other calibers as well. Handloading with all new components will cut the price to about 2:1, money wise. The more you use the brass the lower your costs become.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: 338 ammo cost

I plan on getting at least 10 firings out of my brass, which would bring the cost down to less than a buck a round. God willing, 20x will get that cost to about 70 cents.