Thread: Is it worth it?

Hey guys, i am considering moving into the reloading world, early next year i will be in a position to get all the gear as have nothing atm. But is it worth it? Or is it more of a hobby than to save money these days? I shoot a tikka 300 wsm. I use factory ammo that costs $125 a box that i shoot under an inch, and seems to be available when i need it..(so far), its the nosler 165gr BTs. max range is 500 yards on an animals, 800 on steel when i can.
Is it any cheaper, after i am all set up? Been considering it for years but always use the excuse i cant afford to buy all the gear. I also know i can get more out of my wsm by reloading but do i really need to. Any info and opinions appreciated. Cheers

Def not cheaper because you will shoot ten times the amount of ammo.
Beware its a bit of a rabbit hole.
Just do it.

Originally Posted by nevereadyfreddy

Def not cheaper because you will shoot ten times the amount of ammo.
Beware its a bit of a rabbit hole.
Just do it.

Sorry, don't agree. Only applies if you increase your shooting at paper. The reality is per round its cheaper and usually more accurate ammo. It's easy to calculate the costs. But there is obviously some up front costs.

You need

Reloading Manual (read it)
Powder load data. (On line)
Press
Dies (Lee RGB)
Shell holder(s)
Case lube (many options)
Beam balance/Scale
Powder funnel
Priming tool (often on press)
Vernier caliper.

Later you will add to this list over time.

Generally ammo will be half cost.

Do what your happy with,enjoy.

To add to my post above.
Personally I find it an interesting and satisfying extension to the shooting sports/hobby.

You can spend bloody heaps on reloading gear or produce great ammo with repetitively little expense.

IMO, buying used gear is the best option, but you need to be patient.

Lol. KISS

https://youtu.be/UeEl9wZyabc?si=JNgJiXA0xhME1ILG

I reload, i used to shoot a lot. now i only really shoot when its at an animal. when i used to shoot a lot (few 1000 rounds a year, sometimes only 500 or so, and stuff was cheaper it was worth it), now i dont think it is anymore as i can buy factory ammo for my 308 that will kill a deer just as dead at 600 yards as my handloads with less effort. but i still reload for all my rifles

If you dont plan on shooting heaps more, or owning calibers thats hard to find then i wont bother. if you have a modern rifle you cab probably find decent enough ammo to kill as far as you can shoot, not like the old factory ammo that was average at best.

Hi its a interesting wabbit hole to go down ,but you will learn a lot along the way
read this some where " do you load to shoot or shoot to reload " be safe and have fun

For what you intend to do, monetarily it's a no. If the subject or hobby of reloading is of interest it's a yes.
People kind of under value the mental engagement you can get from it.

Johnd is right if you are only firing a few the ammo is likely the cheapest cost in hunting - petrol is the expensive bit - reloading is a great pastime if you have the finance to indulge but it must be done properly - all reloaders I do not doubt can tell story's of when it has not gone well - but this forum will give you are wealth of advice if you go down that hole - your pocket will hurt though but a lot of it will be one off purchases - good luck - if I was younger I would be into it like a shot

Its a good extension of the hobby if you want to get that far into it. It can be quite rewarding but equally quite frustrating as well....

Ideal find someone close by with the gear. Buy your own dies, powder, projectiles, and primers. Use their gear and get shown how to use it. Best of both worlds, cheaper than factory, learn something new, make a new friend. If after time you decide to go ahead with your own set up. You'll know exactly what you'll need , what it's worth when second hand stuff comes up. You can also slowly build up what you need and save compared to buying new. I reload fir a friend. I charge him the component cost only. He can now afford to shoot goats with his 243. Depending on component costs at the time, it is about 1/2 to 2/3 price to factory ammo for him of memory.

Sent from my SM-A145F using Tapatalk

Your paying over $6 a round.
Did the maths, you will load them, if you have kept your cases for $2 or less.

But as mentioned in the scheme of things ammo cost is not a big cost compared to fuel etc.
Set up cost for equipment is probably abt $350-$400

300wsm ammo $125
30-06 ammo $60