AusVarmint

question for those that reload, what is it costing you to make your own, per bullet in the above calibre. thinking of a new bunny gun.

Mate with my 22-250 I use 55gn Nosler SHOTS SP, theyre cheap and effective, WLR primers, 36.2gn 2208;

Projectiles; 9c each.
Primers; 4c each.
Powder; 16c per charge.

So Im loading each case for 30c if you round it up. This does not include brass obviously nor does it include case lube, tumbler media etc etc.
So once you have all your brass it can be pretty cost effective, untill you get into the fancy projectiles, fancy brass, and so on. As for a bunny gun I wouldnt mind trying the .204

I think I worked out that for my .204 its about 50c per round.

204 Ruger

39grn BK $0.32
Primer $0.06
Powder $0.15

Thats the cost of consumables anyway.

So flyer is on the money !

Considering I was buying 20 rounds for $27 Winchester 34grns, making 20 rounds for $10 makes a difference.

I am using a progressive press so I can churn them out at about 200 per hour, significantly reducing my press time.

However the rule of thumb is you don't save any money, you just shoot more.

I load my 222 up for about $0.20-$0.30 per cartridge. 22-250 maybe $0.30-$0.40 both using Nosler SHOTS!

kjd wrote:I load my 222 up for about $0.20-$0.30 per cartridge. 22-250 maybe $0.30-$0.40 both using Nosler SHOTS!

Cant beat the SHOTS for money mate, they shoot well, kill well, every thing you need for a nice gun such as a 22-250!!!!!!

MODEL70 wrote:

kjd wrote:I load my 222 up for about $0.20-$0.30 per cartridge. 22-250 maybe $0.30-$0.40 both using Nosler SHOTS!

Cant beat the SHOTS for money mate, they shoot well, kill well, every thing you need for a nice gun such as a 22-250!!!!!!

My thoughts exactly!!

upgrade the reloading kit, $440, extra tools like bullet comparitor, $50 ish custom brass, $1 a case, competition bushing neck die sets $174 US converting factory varminters to semi customs........ fark i sure didnt start loading to save money!

trevort wrote:upgrade the reloading kit, $440, extra tools like bullet comparitor, $50 ish custom brass, $1 a case, competition bushing neck die sets $174 US converting factory varminters to semi customs........ fark i sure didnt start loading to save money!

LOL. I agree entirely.

Im using pretty much the same load as MODEL70 so the cost would be similar. Depending on how much shooting your going to be doing, you could also factor in the cost of replacing tubes etc. The 223 will be alot cheaper to run in the long term.

Those 55gr Nosler shots kill well. I shot everything with them from bunnies to pigs and even small fallow (yes, shot placement is important ). Just goes to show that occasionally cheap stuff works!

204 Ruger = $0.53 per load

Sierra 39gr BK = $0.34
26.6grs 2206H = $0.13
CCI BR4 primer = $0.06


223 Rem = $0.54 per load

Nosler 40gr BT = $0.36
27.3grs BM2 = $0.14
WSR primer = $0.04


22-250 Rem = $0.60 per load

Nosler 50gr BT = $0.37
37.0grs AR2208 = $0.18
CCI 200 primer = $0.05

G'Day all,
I'd like to point out that initially, cost is the driving factor when you start reloading, but is soon forgotton when you see the vast improvement inaccuracy and the satifaction in firing your first hand made round. You'll never forget the joy of it firing (and not blowing up the rifle!) and just how well they group. Basically you're hooked for life!
Cheerio Ned

What cost are we talking for a basic .233 reloading setup (rifle will just be for hunting so i wont need to be as fussy as those BR )

Minivinne wrote:What cost are we talking for a basic .233 reloading setup (rifle will just be for hunting so i wont need to be as fussy as those BR )

I think lee loaders are still about $40

If you are only planning on loading the .223 a lee C press is about the same as a loader and then a set of dies for anything from $30 to $300

One things you will never loose out from spending good $ on is a quality scale and a powder trickler. The scale will help garrantee you have the right weight of powder that helps you keep safe.
a trickler will enable you to use a cut down case as a powder scoop and finish off the weight to correct amount in the scale pan with the trickler.

and a few incidentals like case tray etc which if you are handy you can make yourself from scrap timber.

later
P

Revised for my new load;

55gn V Max - 27c
36.6gn 2208 - 18c
WLR primers - 5c

Which works out at 50c per load.