This thread got me thinking, since I am just getting started, what if I added up what my first 1000 rounds of .45 Colt will have cost me including equipment. I plan to cast my own eventually but, since I don't yet, I'll need to buy some cast bullets.
Honestly, I thought I'd save some but, I was shocked at how the numbers stacked up.
ABC's of Reloading and assorted load books purchased used, $25.00
Lee Classic Turret Press $218.06
*
Ohaus M5 Scale $40.00
1lb Winchester W231 $20.00
1000 Winchester Large Pistol Primers $30.00
1000 Starline .45 Colt Brass $153.65
1000 45 Cal 255g RNFP .452 Dia Cast Bullets $78.00
* Includes: Deluxe 4-Die Set, Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Prime (large & small), Auto Disk Riser, Six MTM 50 round Plastic Ammo Boxes, and shipping.
So the total is $564.71, I think I've got everything I need. Divide that by 1000, it's $0.57 a round.
The closest apples to apples factory ammo comparison I could find.
Winchester Super-X Ammunition 45 Colt (Long Colt) 255 Grain Lead Round Nose $19.29 per box of 20 (that with a $0.50 a box dlr discount).
50 boxes would run $964.50 and shipping (for arguments sake only, it'll never happen.) $37.29, Totals $1001.79. That works out to $1.00 a round.
So in my case, even buying the equipment, the brass, and the bullets. I still save $437.08, so it's paid for itself and them some in the first 1000 rounds and I've got the equipment and brass to do it all over again.
So I go out and buy:
Thumler's Tumbler Model B Rotary Tumbler & 5lbs of Stainless Steel Media $263.98
1lb Winchester W231 $20.00
1000 Winchester Large Pistol Primers $30.00
1000 45 Cal 255g RNFP 452 Dia Cast Bullets $78.00
-Total $391.98
Savings on the second 1000 rounds $609.81 instead of placing another $1000.00 order for factory ammo.
Total savings in the first 2000 rounds is $1046.89 and I've got my press, dies, tumbler, media and etc.
All of a sudden I am down to $0.40 a round and I haven't even started casting yet. Now I can do it all over again after I cast some bullets but, I won't keep doing the math, it's pretty clear I think.
I'd say it's worth it alright, it also makes your point about buying everything you need to make ammo and still saving over buying more new ammo.
I am really glad I did this even though I knew it would save me money over time, I always hesitated a bit when clicking the "Buy" button or reaching for the wallet. Now that I see I'll be ahead right out of the gate.
From now I am going to just smile like this ->