[dnr1128]

Is .223 worth reloading? I was talking to a friend and he told me that he quit reloading it because its cheaper just to buy bulk milsurp. In handguns I shoot a glock 19, and I really don't want to shoot reloads in it, so thats ruled out. Would it be worth investing $100+ in a press and related equip for .223 if its cheaper just to buy bulk?

 

[Lt.Dan]

I reload the crap out of .223. If you dont want to get set up for reloading it I'll buy all your brass if you want to get rid of it.

 

[captain-03]

Buying your component is bulk, YES, it is worth it to me ... here are several calculators you can use ... Even buying .223 loaded in bulk you are talking between 35-40 cents per round -- excluding the steel cased stuff that many people do not like to shoot in their ARs ...

http://www.msgunowners.com/t1622-handloading-cost-calculator

 

[dnr1128]

using that calculator and prices off Midway, I'm looking at $0.42/shot. Thats pretty pricey for just basic FMJ rounds, considering I just bought 100 rounds of 55gr V-Max ballistic tips for $0.47/shot. What are ya'll doing to get the cost down?

 

[SubGunFan]

You also have to look at how much you are shooting. If you only shoot a few rounds a year, then reloading is not for you.

With current componet prices, reloading is not nearly the savings it use to be. Primers have come down quite a bit, but jacketed bullets are still high. Powder is only up a little......

.

 

[Caleb C]

I have not saved much money by reloading. It has enabled me to greatly expand my options and properly mate the right load to the rifle and it's intended use. This has been the case with 308 and 270. I imagine 223 would be about the same

 

[nonnieselman]

I can load 223 for bout 9 cents a round. I bought 6k pulled 55gr fmj and pulled wc844 powder, and still have a few cartons of primers from back when they were $17/1k. I shoot alot of 223 so it has let me shoot more for cheaper. Dunno if you wanna call it saving money, but its fun. Only way to be able to load it for cheaper is to spend a bunch o money at first to buy in bulk. Goin to bass pro and saying $30 for a pound of powder, $17 for 100 55gr fmj, $5 for 100 primers. That aint gonna cut it.

I still buy a good bit of steel case ammo so i can ride around and shoot. That way i dont have to always be lookin for my brass.

 

[M1GarandFan]

If you shop around, you can find some good deals and make it worth your while to reload the .223. I've stumbled across some good prices on the FMJ bullets and primers. Plus you can get in on a group buy and split the shipping and hazmat with several other people.

 

[dnr1128]

I can load 223 for bout 9 cents a round. I bought 6k pulled 55gr fmj and pulled wc844 powder, and still have a few cartons of primers from back when they were $17/1k. I shoot alot of 223 so it has let me shoot more for cheaper. Dunno if you wanna call it saving money, but its fun. Only way to be able to load it for cheaper is to spend a bunch o money at first to buy in bulk. Goin to bass pro and saying $30 for a pound of powder, $17 for 100 55gr fmj, $5 for 100 primers. That aint gonna cut it.

I still buy a good bit of steel case ammo so i can ride around and shoot. That way i dont have to always be lookin for my brass.

so basically in order to make it cheap I have to buy bulk? How many rounds does it take to start seeing savings?

 

[captain-03]

Here is what I can do:

55gr FMJ $60.00K
8lbs Varget $134.00
Wolf SR Primers $17.00K

14 cents a round provided you have the brass ...