starting from scratch, understanding that the more I reload, the less per round,
and that I have nothing to start with.
What will it cost per round to reload .308?
I don't have a lot of time, just busy as hell..
tnx
Aside from the reloading equipment - that really depends on what your are reloading, what components you use, and what price you pay for them.
You will have to buy:
Brass
Primers
Powder
Bullets
The brass is the biggest savings as it is reloadable and you can usually start with your existing cases.
Primers are usually $0.02 to $0.04 each.
Powder is generally $20 to $25/lb in my area. Remember when you are factoring in powder costs that there are 7,000 grains/lb of powder.
Bullets vary anywhere from $0.10 to several dollars each.
That being said, I can usually load a match bullet for about the same or slightly less that I can buy surplus for. However, my loads are more accurate than surplus and I enjoy reloading.
I buy and shoot a lot of surplus for practice (Boston sez - surplus ammo turns money into skill) and then turn this brass into match ammo.
If you don't have a lot of time, then you better stick to surplus. Just make sure to save your brass for when you do.
For folks who can't free up the time to reload .308, I suggest strongly that they instead save their .308 brass and re-sell it on forums such as M14 firing line forum, TFL, THR or here. 100 pieces of .308 once-fired brass can move easily for $10-$12. When you have 500, sell it for a flat rate of $60+shipping. That can knock 15-20% off the cost of your new ammunition.
Reloading is better though. You truly get more accurate ammo than factory once you learn the ropes. And it is even cheaper.
About 27 cents per round, if ya don't count your time or the original tool up costs.
Worth doing just to make sure you CAN do it.
SoM
If there are like minded people in your area you can go together and buy the equipment as a group and should get a discount if you buy enough projectiles, powder, and primers. Places like wideners help if you watch the web page for specials. One draw back is the haz-mat fee on primes and powder.
tnx for your replies...
I guess maybe I should find some kind reloading soul
to try to do some busness with down here...
regards