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Reloading .223, 5.56

themanpcl

themanpcl

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Aug 28, 2012
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Location
Lebanon, TN
All. I have been saving my brass from my AR to eventually start reloading. If I am only shooting standard load (55 gr BT), is it worth it to reload vs look for bulk ammo deals?I'm paying < .30/rd...What is cost per round for reload? Any help appreciated. Thanks
 
By all accounts, reloading isn't actually a cost effective hobby. But, you will likely have an enjoyable experience that is stress relieving. On top of that, you'll be able to load your own should factory ammo become scarce, and you'll be able to manipulate your loads tailored to suit your rifle (s). Accuracy that is.
 
It's only cost effective when you reload exotic rounds. Lighter, heavier, quieter, etc, otherwise plinking ammo will be cheaper. 5.56,(223) and 9mm, heck even Warsaw pact ammo is abundant so the cost is low, which makes it non cost effective to reload, but it's the only way to get better ammo.
 
If you already have the brass and equipment, then cost per load for .223/5.56 should be close to the following:
Bullet- $.10 (Hornady bulk)
Powder- $.13 (23gr per round)
Primer- $.05

Total - $.28/round, and brass should last around 6 loading s in an AR, but you will tend to lose a bit due to the semi-auto slinging it in the weeds or out of the pile.

If you don't have the equipment then startup can range from $250 and up
 
Factoring your time with the standard plinking ammo you ain't gonna save any money, and most likely you'll be losing money, based on your time. I'll agree if you want something specific, or exotic, or outside of the regular run of the mill stuff it can be cost effective. Some like the therapeutic side of it. Some like to tinker. Some want to get the very most out of our ammo and equipment. But to invest in the materials to make plinking ammo will not save you money and you'd be better off just buying that much loaded stuff.


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If you love it, it doesn't matter how much it cost and if you hate it, it doesn't matter how much you save.
 
28 to 30 cents a round is about as cheap you are going to be able to load .223 for. I can and do reload quite a lot but for someone who doesnt have much time or desire to reload and is content with factory offerings there is no need to reload. I have seen fairly high quality .223 ammo for sale on here for as cheap and in several cases MUCH cheaper than I can reload it for.
 
Its a hobby wherein you can achieve better accuracy with something you made than what comes in a shrinkwrapped box.

You also are no longer subject to the whims of the marketplace or political machinations.

You may recall the empty shelves following the 2012 school murders. My shelves did not run dry although I did have to use some lower tier primers.

My cost is less than 30 cents a round in part because of bulk purchasing.
 

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