UltimateReloader.com Reloading Cost Calculator
How much can you save reloading your own ammo? Well that depends on the cost of components and how much you have invested in your reloading gear. UltimateReloader.com has created a handy online Reloading Costs Calculator that lets you quickly compare the cost of reloaded ammo vs. factory ammo. Just enter the costs of powder, primers, bullets, and brass, and the Calculator will tell you the cost per round, per 20-rd box, per 50-rd box, and cost per thousand. Note — when setting the price of the brass you need to divide the initial cost by the number of predicted reloads. For example if you have 500 pieces of brass that cost $40/100 to buy ($200 total), but you get 8 reloads per case, then you put $25.00 in the Calculator ($200 total brass cost divided by 8).
True Reloading Cost Should Include Amortized Tool Expenses
Ah… but there is a catch. To understand the true cost of reloading, you also need to consider the costs of your tools and accessories, amortized over the tools’ loading lifespan. Let’s say you have $1000.00 invested in presses, dies, tumblers, measuring tools and other accessories, with a residual value of $500.00 (upon resale). If you load 5,000 rounds with those tools over their lifespan, you need to add $0.10 per round for tooling costs (your investment minus residual value, divided by the number of rounds loaded). The UltimateReloader.com Calculator does not include amortized tooling costs, but that’s something you can easily figure out on your own.
Excellent Resource for Reloading Videos
After you’ve tried out the Reloading Costs Calculator, check out the other content on UltimateReloader.com. This site features some of the best gun-related “how-to” videos on the internet. With sharp video and clear audio, the production quality is very high. If you use a progressive press (Dillon, Hornady, RCBS), you should definitely watch UltimateReloader.com’s videos — you’ll probably learn a new trick or two. In the sample video below, you can see how Hornady’s new Bullet Feeder works with its Lock-N-Load Progressive press.
Similar Posts:
- Choosing and Using a Progressive Press — 6.5 Guys Video
- Ten Tips for Reloading Ammo with Progressive Presses
- TEN Key Tips for Reloading with Progressive Presses
- Reloading with Progressive Presses — 10 Tips for Good Results
- Hornady Progressive with Automated Case Feed and Bullet Feed
Tags: Calculator, Component Costs, Reloading, UltimateReloader.com
Thanks for turning me onto this website. The concept it great but could be better in execution. I think 6mmBR should do a more comprehensive version that includes equipment cost and brass costs per reload. This combined with a barrel life calculator would give an pretty good idea of the total cost involved before matches/travel is calculated.
if you have to ask….
Interesting concept amortizing reloading cost. How do you amortize a Dillon Reloader with a lifetime warranty.
I have other reloading components that are over 40 years old also.
Nat
I’ve kept a more comprehensive version in Excel that takes into account the value of dies and brass diluted over its useful life. It helps most when starting out working up a load, its much easier on the wallet to start low and work up to premium components.
Sometimes it’s better not to know.
I dare say the majority of the people who visit this site and shoot competively reload to optimize the results of their shooting and the cost of reloads is of secondary importance. Sure, I comparison shop for components but in the end its for what works.
Tom Alves
Ah, I dont want to known and after recent events you can add a zero to all those figures as shooter hoarding runs rapid. .
I buy in bulk just to cut down on cost, can get as low as 40% below single packs (powder, primers, brass and bullets).
The old saying still applies: you need money to make money.