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These are some of my thoughts on reloading. If you have been regularly loading they, by definition, you have all the equipment that you need. When you get into any hobby you have a tendency to want to get more and more toys. Things "that are nice to have" rather than things "that you really need."

It sounds like you have already passed into the "nice to have" stage. IMO you don't need a chronograph, a media separator, case tumbler or digital scale. If you have the money and the desire to spend it on reloading gadgets do it. But if you ever think you are going to justify the expenses on the basis of "how much money you save" it's not going to happen.

I also noticed that a couple of you have bought into the fallacy that your expenses for reloading equipment are an "investment." Your reloading enterprise is not going to make you any money, so it's not an investment - It's just a fun hobby.

I would suggest putting your calculators down and have some fun! Shoot, reload, and shoot some more.

Sorry, can't put my calculator down, it is permanently attached. But you're right, reloading 9mm, IMHO, isn't about cost savings, it is about enjoyment.

But I did take a look the numbers, on what you would save it you collected all your brass from your trips to the range. Here are the numbers:

February 2008 Reloading Cost Analysis - without New Brass

Interesting, your ROI number drops from 30K rounds to 13K, and that even includes the additional costs for the tumbler/media separator. Hmmm, maybe it is time for me to start picking up brass from the range.

Ryan

AggieMM wrote:Hmmm, maybe it is time for me to start picking up brass from the range. Ryan

Bet you can't just pick up one!

If you really want to see some savings, reload for rifle calibers. Brass cased .223 factory ammo is $330.00 per 1,000 and up. Using Winchester powder and primers, Hornady FMJBT 55gr bullets, and buying once fired brass, you can reload for under $200.00 per 1,000 (not figuring in the reloading equipment). Pick up your brass and the cost drops to under $150.00. If you shoot alot of .223, you can recoup the cost of a new machine fairly quickly.

Although a Chronograph might not be "needed" if you are going to stay at the bottom of the desired load range, I believe that they are a necessity if you are going to be loading for maximum round performance (but that's just me ).

Sorry, I meant to say 9mm FMJ bullet, not the whole ammo.

Stupid wrote:Sorry, I meant to say 9mm FMJ bullet, not the whole ammo.

No worries. But that is still a good deal, I get $168/2000 for Precision Delta. What brand are you using?

Ryan

I believe they are pulled military bullets. In handgun, unless you shoot some precision match, it does not really matter what kind of bullets you use.

I'll get my first batch next week. If it looks good, I am happy to make it available to everybody here.

If you buy milspec >223 55 grn bullets from wideners supply they ship 5000 for 345.00 they also sell 62 grn I reload 223 for about 15 cents a round