Reloading and cost savings are not words I would use in the same sentence. ? I could have bought a bunch of ammo for what I've dropped on reloading. Although I enjoy reloading and feel like I can make better ammo than I can buy, I surely don't save any money.
So many gadgets, so little cash.
That stale old argument again? Sure, if you only shoot a little bit, your equipment probably cost more than your ammo savings. But let’s do a little simple math for those that shoot more than a little bit.
I can load match quality .260/6.5 Creedmoor for under $0.70/each. unless you know of a magic source of match grade ammo for under $1.20/shot, I’m saving over $0.50 per cartridge. Now, if I only shoot 1000 rounds per year, that’s $500/year savings. Since I shoot more like 4000-5000 rounds per year, I save more than $2000/year loading after costs of materials and amortized brass cost. Subtract the less than $1000 I’ve spent on loading equipment about five years ago and assume I spent it all again this year (which I did not) and I still saved $1000+ in a year.
Now, before all the factory shooters and those that have ammo supplied by sponsors jump in to argue about time value of money, I could give a shit how much you think your off work time is worth. Unless you are actually spending that time making money instead of other casual and home life pursuits it doesn’t mean shit in this argument. Now if you prefer to spend all of your available free time with your burgeoning family and not on the couch watching reruns of Lady Gaga concerts, then power to you and bless you. But then don’t use the not saving money excuse and accept your choice.
Just don’t tell me that loading your own doesn’t save money, because that’s self-justification bullshit.
There, I said it...phew. I’ve held that one in for a while here while all the holier than thou Richie riches tell me what a poor boy should do.
One more point. Shoot the 10,000 or more rounds per year necessary to be truly competitive in PRS while paying $24/box ($1.20/round) for factory ammo. Then tell me how my (less than) $1000 loading equipment investment didn’t save me money at about $0.50/round savings.
that is all