There are undeniable benefits to reloading ammo vs buying ammo. If there weren’t, no one would bother doing it. Of course, reloading ammo requires specific equipment and a degree of know-how. It could also be an easy first step toward an occupation as a gunsmith if that’s your thing.
Reloading ammo is advantageous to those who spend a lot of time at the shooting range, whether you’re in a shooting club or just really like to hit the range. It’s also an enjoyable hobby, especially for those who only trust their craftsmanship. Buying ammo is just that–buying ammo.
To be fair, there are several good reasons to just go about and buy ammo, especially if it’s from a reliable brand you love, have researched, and trust. Buying ammo may be more expensive, but it’s easier for those who simply don’t know how to reload their own.
Reloading Ammo vs Buying Ammo
You can purchase the tools for reloading your ammunition, either new or used. If you buy it used, you need to be certain of the seller and have a good look at all the equipment before you decide to commit.
Advantages
The first and most observable advantage is that it saves you more money. Ammunition is getting more and more expensive in recent years and looks to be a continuing trend. Not to mention recent inflation numbers and ammo shortages. 
- Improved accuracy
- Saving money
- Its a fun and exciting hobby
- You can afford to hit the range more often
Shooting accuracy is a surprising advantage as well. It makes sense when you think about it. Most new ammunition has to conform to specific regulations, in terms of velocity and performance. You can seat the bullet a little more forward and increase the powder, so long as it remains within the fire
Disadvantages
- You should be mechanically inclined or willing to learn
- Reloading requires patience
- Large upfront cost
- Spare time is essential
Spare time and patience are the two advantages which turn most people off from reloading their ammo. Whether or not you’re mechanically inclined plays into that, as well, because learning requires both spare time and patience. The upfront cost for the equipment will send some running the other way, even though it’s not that extensive.
Is making your own ammo cost-effective
For the most part, yes. Of course, it also depends on what kind of ammo we’re talking about. In rare cases, it may cost more to reload your own. In some cases, it will probably equal out. Most of the time, you will save a good deal.
Take .44 magnum bullets, for example. In a 50-count box, you’re looking at $0.88 per round. Reloading those rounds will cost you $0.26 per bullet. That’s a pretty drastic difference between the two options.
If you don’t reload enough rounds, you may never recoup the costs of the necessary equipment, at least not for a long time.
- Brass Tumbler
- Reloading Press
- Pistol Die Set
- Powder Dispenser
- Analog or Digital Calipers
- Powder Scale
That’s all before you get into the few extra things you will need for rifle ammunition. Fortunately, some of the above equipment is useful with shotgun and rifle ammunition, which will save you some money.
Are reloading presses worth It
That depends on how fast you chew through your ammo. If you are a casual shooter who may go down to the range and empty a few magazines once every two or three months, you’re probably better off with a primer.
If you go through thousands of rounds per year, it’s more than worth it. The value of a reloading press really shines if you have access to everyone’s spent brass because that brass makes it even more cost-effective.
Why is Ammo so Expensive Right Now
You have to love supply and demand. Right now, demand is skyrocketing, especially with common and popular types of ammo. Unfortunately, supply chain issues continuing for the foreseeable future, coupled with record-breaking gun sales, are driving ammo prices through the roof.
It’s simply the law of supply and demand. Right now, demand is extremely high while supply has completely fallen off the map–at least it seems that way.
Bottom Line
Reloading ammo is a really good idea if you do some quality research into the rounds that you need. If you find that your ammo is much cheaper to reload than purchase, you’re on to something. You should probably consider picking up the necessary equipment.
If you’re not mechanically inclined but still want to reload your ammo, it’s really easy to learn. Repetition does the trick every time. There are more than enough video tutorials out there on reloading and how to use the various equipment.
With the rising price of ammo and no end in sight, it’s a good idea to at least look into reloading your ammo, especially if you spend a lot of time on the range or plan to soon.
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