I see reloading as an extension to my shooting hobby so don't count the time it takes me to reload my ammo, I do a little bit over a few nights so it doesn't feel like I'm spending hours reloading.
Reloading is definitely cheaper for me. I brought 20 rounds of Sako ammo for £24 (150gn), my home loads work out at 51p per cartridge, broken down below. Brass becomes negligible when based on £30 for 100 once fired cases and approx. 10 loads per cases (approx. 3p)
Sierra 150gn head = £24 per 100 = 0.24p per load
45gn of Viht N140 = £73.72 per kg = 0.21p per load (approx. 340 loads per tub of powder on 45gn loads)
Large CCI primer = £3.43 per 100 = 0.03p per load
Brass = 3p
If you want the odd range day, and intend to shoot 100 rounds over the day then reloading is a no brainer, if you're only ever going to stalk then use factory ammo, you'll only gain some slight accuracy increases from reloading your own in this situation.
I used a Lee Loader to begin with and love it, such a simple bit of kit and makes great ammo. I have bitten the bullet and got a cheap press and full setup but only because I want to load more ammo for multiple calibres.
One quick hint is look at the VihtaVuori Powders, one they come in bigger pots (1kg not 1lb) so you don't need to source it that often, made in Europe so not associated with the yanks and the current supply issues. Du to the bigger pot they work out cheaper than the other powders.
IMR4895 = £43.09 per lb
Varget = £43.09 per lb
Viht N140 = £73.72 per kg =£33.50 per lb
If you live near Dauntsey Guns or can pass it occasionally then they do there own Viht N140 repackaged for £65.00 per kg = £29.55 per lb. IIRC they buy it in 25kg tubs and split it down in 1kg's.
Have fun,
Tim
Reloading is definitely cheaper for me. I brought 20 rounds of Sako ammo for £24 (150gn), my home loads work out at 51p per cartridge, broken down below. Brass becomes negligible when based on £30 for 100 once fired cases and approx. 10 loads per cases (approx. 3p)
Sierra 150gn head = £24 per 100 = 0.24p per load
45gn of Viht N140 = £73.72 per kg = 0.21p per load (approx. 340 loads per tub of powder on 45gn loads)
Large CCI primer = £3.43 per 100 = 0.03p per load
Brass = 3p
If you want the odd range day, and intend to shoot 100 rounds over the day then reloading is a no brainer, if you're only ever going to stalk then use factory ammo, you'll only gain some slight accuracy increases from reloading your own in this situation.
I used a Lee Loader to begin with and love it, such a simple bit of kit and makes great ammo. I have bitten the bullet and got a cheap press and full setup but only because I want to load more ammo for multiple calibres.
One quick hint is look at the VihtaVuori Powders, one they come in bigger pots (1kg not 1lb) so you don't need to source it that often, made in Europe so not associated with the yanks and the current supply issues. Du to the bigger pot they work out cheaper than the other powders.
IMR4895 = £43.09 per lb
Varget = £43.09 per lb
Viht N140 = £73.72 per kg =£33.50 per lb
If you live near Dauntsey Guns or can pass it occasionally then they do there own Viht N140 repackaged for £65.00 per kg = £29.55 per lb. IIRC they buy it in 25kg tubs and split it down in 1kg's.
Have fun,
Tim
