Crazy - Factory Ammo vs. Handload Costs

[skipper907]

This will be a first for me. I picked up a new 6.5PRC barrel so I was looking at components and getting started. I want to shoot the 140 Berger EH bullet and use Lapua brass.

Well hey, Berger uses lapua brass, I wonder what the cost difference would be if I just buy their stuff to get 100 pieces of brass to get going?

I can find 20rd boxes of the factory Berger loads for $55. 100rds is $280. We will leave shipping out of it although it would skew the numbers to the factory ammo being even cheaper.

Here's my breakdown on the handloads
100ct Lapua Brass - $180
100ct Berger 140 Elite Hunters - $60
Primers - 10cents each - $10
Powder - We'll say $50/lb or roughly 40 cents per load - $40
Total - $290

Thought this was an interesting math problem and this doesn't factor in my time to reload either which seems to be more precious as the days go by.

Anyway, I figured some of yall would find some entertainment in this. I could use some Peterson and save $40 but I'd happily pay that $40 (or much more) for my time.

what about your cost of reloading equipment and the price of your time to do the reloading ? also the cost of trips to the range to test reloads ?

I am definitely not against reloading, I reload around a 2k rounds a year of rifle ammo for PRS shooting. However if your shooting a modern cartage it is going to be hard to beat factory and the accuracy you get.

My personal 6.5 Creedmoor hunting ammo is factory it consistency shoots under an inch. Its not worth my time load it myself and the gains so marginal.

Reloading for hunting is not very cost effective UNLESS the ammo you shoot is NON factory and you are shooting less than a few hundred rounds a year.
Your time would be better spent shooting a 22lr or a 223 and just shooting more at a lower cost