The popularity of 9mm ammunition makes reloading a tempting option for cost savings and ensuring a consistent supply. But is it truly cheaper? This in-depth guide breaks down the cost of reloading 9mm, exploring all the factors influencing the final price per round. We'll analyze the initial investment, ongoing expenses, and compare it to the cost of buying factory ammunition. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of whether reloading 9mm is the right financial decision for you.
Initial Investment: Setting Up Your Reloading Bench
Before you start saving money, you'll need to make a significant upfront investment. The total cost varies depending on the equipment you choose, but expect to spend a minimum of $500-$1000. This includes:
- Reloading Press: A crucial piece of equipment. Single-stage presses are cheaper but slower, while progressive presses are faster but more expensive (around $200-$500). Consider your anticipated volume when making this choice.
- Dies: Specific dies are needed for each caliber. A 9mm reloading die set typically costs between $50-$100 and includes sizing, powder drop, and bullet seating dies.
- Powder Measure: Accurately measuring powder is essential for safety and consistency. Powder measures range from $50-$150.
- Scale: A digital powder scale is crucial for precise measurements. Invest in a quality scale for safety; prices typically range from $100-$200.
- Case Preparation Tools: You'll need tools for depriming, resizing, and cleaning spent brass. Expect to spend around $50-$100.
- Bullet Seating Die: This die ensures bullets are seated correctly, impacting accuracy and safety. Costs typically range from $30-$50.
- Other Essentials: This includes things like case lube, cleaning supplies, a bullet puller, and potentially a tumbler for cleaning brass. Budget at least $50-$100 for these items.
Table 1: Estimated Initial Investment
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Reloading Press | $200-$500 |
| Dies | $50-$100 |
| Powder Measure | $50-$150 |
| Digital Powder Scale | $100-$200 |
| Case Prep Tools | $50-$100 |
| Bullet Seating Die | $30-$50 |
| Other Essentials | $50-$100 |
| Total | $580-$1050 |
Ongoing Costs: The Price Per Round
Once your reloading bench is set up, the ongoing costs primarily involve:
- Brass: Spent cases need to be collected, cleaned, and inspected. While you can reuse brass indefinitely, you'll lose some through damage or loss. Expect to buy new brass occasionally, costing around $0.10-$0.20 per case.
- Bullets: 9mm bullets are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $0.10-$0.25 each, depending on weight and type.
- Gunpowder: Powder is a significant expense. Prices vary widely based on the type and quantity, but you should budget around $0.10-$0.20 per round.
- Primers: Primers are small, but they add up. Expect to pay around $0.05-$0.10 per round.
Table 2: Cost Breakdown Per Round (Estimates)
| Component | Cost Range per Round |
|---|---|
| Brass | $0.10-$0.20 |
| Bullets | $0.10-$0.25 |
| Gunpowder | $0.10-$0.20 |
| Primers | $0.05-$0.10 |
| Total | $0.35-$0.75 |
Comparing Reloading Costs to Factory Ammo
The cost of factory 9mm ammunition fluctuates wildly depending on supply and demand. Currently, prices range from $0.30 to $1.00 per round or more. If you can consistently reload for less than $0.50 per round, you'll likely be saving money compared to buying factory ammo.
Case Study: Let's say your reloading cost is $0.40 per round, and you buy factory ammo for $0.70. You save $0.30 per round. For 1000 rounds, that's a savings of $300.
Factors Affecting Your Reloading Costs
Several factors influence the overall cost:
- Volume: The more you reload, the lower the per-round cost. The fixed costs of equipment are spread across a greater number of rounds.
- Bulk Purchasing: Buying components in bulk (bullets, powder, primers) significantly reduces the per-unit cost.
- Brass Management: Efficiently collecting, cleaning, and sorting brass minimizes waste and the need to buy new cases.
- Equipment Choices: Higher-end equipment may be more expensive initially but could potentially offer better accuracy and speed, ultimately affecting efficiency.
- Component Prices: Prices for bullets, powder, and primers fluctuate based on market conditions.
Conclusion: Is Reloading 9mm Worth It?
Reloading 9mm can offer substantial cost savings, especially for high-volume shooters. However, the initial investment is significant, and ongoing costs need careful consideration. If you shoot frequently, the long-term savings can be significant. However, if you only shoot occasionally, the cost savings might not outweigh the initial investment and effort. Carefully weigh the upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and your shooting frequency to determine if reloading 9mm is the right choice for you. The key is to accurately estimate your costs and compare them to current factory ammunition prices in your area.