Information Thinking about Reloading? Read This!

Reloading ammunition is more than just a cost-saving measure; it's a commitment to precision and customization in shooting and a hobby in itself.. Here’s a short guide on the reloading process, the financial benefits, and the practical considerations involved.

So you're thinking about reloading and want to know if its worth it. The answer really depends on how much you shoot. Based on the type of rounds and amount, that would influence the type of equipment you would need to purchase. A person that wants to load rifle rounds will differ from a person who shoots primarily competition. This article will focus mainly on the competition shooter but concepts can be applied to rifle as well. The process is nearly the same, but the volume and the details in prep will differ.

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Presses: Single vs Progressive vs Automated​

Depending on your budget, the type of press will influence your efficiency a bit. Generally speaking, if you plan on reloading on occasion and in low volume a single stage press will be enough. If you're reloading in the hundreds or thousands, a progressive press will not only save you time but should also be more consistent. This in itself can have an article written on it. If you shoot thousands of rounds, then automated will save your elbow and shoulder. It's really a personal choice. Each level up increases the level of difficulty of operation, cost, and maintenance so choose wisely.

Which ever press you purchase, there are several forums like ours where you can ask questions or watch videos on YouTube. Reloading is a timeless hobby that ensures a consistent supply of ammo to your own standard but there are some safety issues you'll have to consider.

Safety Considerations:​

If you are considering reloading, note there are some things you should be aware of. These should not be taken lightly and regular testing should be considered to make sure your environment and processes are safe for you and those around you.

• Exposure to lead
• Handling hazardous materials
• Ventilation

Overview:​

Now that we've covered some of the main things. The process of reloading can be broken down into one or two stages.

• Case Preparation
• Reloading

Detailed Case Preparation (Optional)​

Effective reloading starts with meticulous case preparation, a crucial step to ensure the smooth functioning of your reloading process. If you pick up brass from the range, case preparation will benefit the longevity and consistency of your equipment. Not everyone needs to do it, for automated presses, this step would be recommended to minimize interruptions. If you are pulling manually, there's less of an issue as you can stop whenever you run into an issue.

This includes:

• Sorting and Inspecting: Separating 9mm cases from other similar cases like 38SC or 9mm short that might have mixed in, and checking for any damage or excessive wear.
• Cleaning: Removing debris from cases which can otherwise lead to malfunctions or damage to the reloading dies, particularly the decapping die.
• Resizing and Swaging: These steps help in achieving more consistent bullet seating and cartridge dimensions, which in turn enhances the reliability and performance of your reloads.
• Rollsizing: Although rollsizing is not necessary, it has been found to help with cartridge gauging and overall consistency, especially for those experiencing issues with case sizing.

Economic Analysis of Reloading​

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with reloading 9mm cartridges:

• Primers: Typically cost about $0.08 each.
• Projectiles (Bullets): Generally run around $0.07 each.
• Powder: Costs approximately $0.03 per round.
• Brass: If you're not picking up spent cases at the range (free + cost of (time & cleaning equipment), once-fired brass can cost about $0.05 per case when bought in bulk.

Thus, the basic material cost per round can add up to about $0.18-$0.23. This compares favorably to the cost of factory-loaded ammunition, which ranges from $0.25 to $0.30 per round, depending on the brand and source. While the savings might seem minimal at first, they accumulate significantly over time, particularly for active shooters. If you pick up your brass the cost savings can be upwards of 40%.

Long-Term Financial Implications​

For someone shooting about 15,000 rounds a year, the difference of a few cents per round can lead to annual savings of around $1,050 to $1,800. This calculation assumes you are doing all the reloading work yourself and not factoring in the time spent, which is considerable but often seen as a rewarding part of the shooting hobby.

Reloading equipment, while initially a significant investment, often pays for itself within a few years for active shooters. Moreover, during ammo shortages, such as those experienced from 2020 to 2022, the ability to reload can be invaluable.

Equipment Investment and Resale Value​

Quality reloading setups like the Dillon XL 750 and Mark VII Apex 10 are durable and maintain a good portion of their value on the resale market. This residual value provides an exit strategy should you choose to stop reloading, with the potential to recoup a significant portion of your initial spend.

Conclusion​

For dedicated shooters, reloading 9mm ammunition is both a financially sound practice and a satisfying way to engage more deeply with the shooting sports. The process offers substantial long-term savings, greater self-sufficiency, especially during market shortages, and the pleasure of shooting ammunition tailored specifically to your preferences and needs. It's not cheaper to load as any additional funds saved would typically go to buy in bulk during sales to ensure a consistent supply.

Below is a video of preprocessing and also loading ammunition on an automated press.