May 28th, 2008

Rising Component Costs Influence Caliber Choices

Because of increased raw material and fuel costs, prices of bullets and brass have gone up dramatically in recent months. We are hearing from active shooters that cost considerations are influencing their decisions about what calibers and chamberings to shoot. There is a definite trend to smaller cartridges and lighter bullets.

One prominent match shooter told us: “I’ve been debating between a 6.5×47 Lapua and a 6-6.5×47. After comparing the cost of 6.5mm vs. 6mm bullets, I decided on the 6mm. If I save $7 bucks a box, and shoot 4000 rounds a year (40 boxes of bullets), that’s $280.00 in savings–enough to buy a new barrel.”

Here are some comparative bullet prices for 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and 30-caliber bullets at Midsouth Shooters Supply. Prices are for a 100-count box. Note that the 6.5mm match bullets cost 25% more than the 6mms. For active shooters, the price difference adds up quickly.

Lapua Brass

Brand 6mm 6.5mm 7mm .308
Berger 105gr VLD
$27.57
140gr VLD
$34.25
168gr VLD
$39.15
190gr VLD
$41.53
Sierra 107gr MK
$24.61
142gr MK
$30.53
175gr MK
$29.16
200gr MK
$31.64

Lapua Brass

Here are brass costs for Lapua brass from Grafs.com. Prices are for 100-count boxes. Generally speaking, the bigger the case, the higher the price (except for the .308 Win).

.223 Rem 6mmBR 6.5×47 Lapua .308 Win 6.5-284 .338 Lapua Mag
$44.79 $62.39 $82.79 $54.99 $92.99 $211.99

Consider Barrel Life Also
Certainly, moving to a smaller caliber can often reduce what you have to pay for brass and bullets. On the other hand, you need to consider barrel life. Hot-loaded 6mms, such as a .243 Ackley, can burn up a barrel much more quickly than a .308 Winchester. In comparing the “operating costs” of various cartridges, you need to factor in barrel replacement costs as well as component prices.

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