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Showing results for tags 'ammo'.
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*Found a formula error and fixed Reloading Cost-2020.xlsxSo, I first made this spreadsheet back in the mid 2000's when I started reloading. I've been on a layover for the past 4 days so I decided to update it and see what's changed in the decade and half plus since I first made it. I updated it a little when the great ammo/reloading supply shortage of the mid 2000's hit, but haven't touched it since. I figured I might as well share it with others as well. I've seen several threads along the lines of "Is reloading worth it", "what's reloading cost", etc, etc over the years, so I figured this would be a great tool for someone getting into it to figure out their upfront and long term costs. Or for that matter, anyone interested in how much they are saving...or not saving...by reloading. My quick take away is, with the increase in cost of components and the drastic drop in ammo prices, you have to reload A LOT to see any substantial savings. I love the process of reloading in general, but if I were getting into it today I'd have to think long and hard about it. I'd probably still do it, because for me it's not just the cost savings, but the freedom that it brings. Not to mention the ammo that's prefect for each and every firearm I own. And one of the biggest issues for me is you never know when the next "crunch" is gonna hit. I started reloading before the last Big Crunch hit, and one of the main reasons I did it was because I just had a feeling something was on the horizon and I wanted to make sure I had ammo when I wanted it. Not just when it was available. Anyway, I tried to updated to the spreadsheet to make it understandable to look it and figure out what the data was telling them, and to be able to change it to suite your specific needs. Obviously it's tailored to my calibers, bullets, primers, powders, etc, but you can change anything you want. It's not a perfect analysis, because there are just so many possible combinations it would take a 100 years and a 100 sheets to account everything. But I feel like it gives a good "rule of thumb" analysis of the cost of reloading. I use FMJ and JHP for almost all my pistol rounds. I found over the years that when you buy in bulk the fractions of a cent you save on lead coated, or plated just aren't worth it to me personally. I use middle of the road bullets for precision rifle work like Sierra or Nosler. And Bulk Horn 55gr FMJBT for AR stuff. I averaged out powder per round based on common charge weights for a given caliber. I think most things are self explanatory, but I also put a lot of notes to clarify what things I was using and what my line of though was. I'm sure I left some details out. If you have any questions, just ask. The first section is a cost per round break down for common combinations. Second section is cost per round break down of common equivalent factory loadings. Next section is the percentage savings (or lack there of) for reloading over factory ammo. Last section is a place for someone to put the cost of reloading equipment and then figure out how many rounds it will take to break even in terms of yers. I averaged the cost per round for this section based on just high/low average. Obviously the more expensive your factory ammo is, the more you are likely to save reloading. In this section you input the number of rounds you expect to shoot a month, and based on your overhead cost and cost per round it will tell you how long it will take to break even shooting that many rounds per month. Again, it's not perfect, so please I beg you don't remind me. But it will give you better than a rough estimate. I am working on a Mac so it was originally in Numbers, but I have exported it as a xls spreadsheet for the Windows users. There might be some "translation" issue between the two the formats. I have also loaded the Numbers version. If you have an issue, maybe try and open the Numbers version in Excel and let it do the translation to see if that helps. I appreciate all the help I have received over the years here, and I hope this helps someone else. Lastly my suggestion would be do download a copy and duplicate the downloaded copy to make changes too. That way if you mess something up you can always go back to the original and copy it again. 169592097_ReloadingCost-2020.numbers Reloading Cost-2020.xlsx
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I had a request for a single caliber version so here it is. You can just swap out the number in the 1 remaining field for whatever you want to find cost to reloading that single caliber. FYI, it was easy to edit the original, just delated all the fields for calibers I didn't want, and the only formula I had to fix was the Avg cost per round at the bottom. I went to just add this to the original post, but there didn't seem to be a way to edit the post any longer. Can you only edit a post for a defined period of time? ReloadingCost - Single Calber-2020.xlsxReloadingCost - Single Calber-2020.numbers -
Input on a couple of practice 9mm remanf sources
TroutBear posted a topic in Miscellaneous BEginners
No, I do not yet reload - research has pointed my to Redding as where I want to start but that's a 2019 goal. Secondly, the practice I am referencing is me working to gain basic personal skills with a HK P30 9mm; I've like to explore the competition beginers route one day, but not today. So that said, I've used mainly AE 124, with a bit of 124 Precision Delta at times - sorta local and the owner is a great Landcruiser guy. I'm interested in trying some ASYM 147 remanf and Wilson Combat 135 remanf - any user feedback on these? Very pleased to find this site. It's been a great info source in background to look into reloading equipment and seems far friendlier to newcomers than a couple of OEM specific focused forums. -
I have an AR-15 running the following setup: 12.5" Midlength gas Triarc TRACK barrel Silencerco Omega (dedicated suppressed) RCA low mass BCG SLR Sentry 7 adjustable gas block A5 buffer tube A5 buffer (reduced weight using KAK aluminum weights) Tubbs flatwire spring Function is consistent and 100% reliable with any one single type of ammunition, BUT I am having issues with ammo sensitivity when changing from different loads. In previous builds using similar components (but 16" mid and non-suppressed) I have had a wide band of reliabilty. Once gas is properly set the rifle runs to BHO with everything from weak steel cased 223 to full house 77gr 5.56 ammo. When gas is tuned for the 12.5" rifle listed above I get flawless performance (4 o'clock ejection and BHO) from roughly 50% of the different ammo types I shoot. The other 50% ejects at 2:00 to 2:30 and makes the gun vibrate harshly when shooting. Function is 100% consistent when running a single type of ammo. If I decrease gas by one click I lose BHO on the softer ammo, and the more violent cycling ammo will then cycle smoothly. To clarify, some low pressure 223 cycles violently and some cycles properly. (I.E.5.56 55gr XM193 cycles violently, but 5.56 77gr MK262 Mod1 cycles smooth.) What gives?! Any suggestions to remedy the problem? EDIT: OPTION #1 Would anyone recommend replacing the low mass BCG with the Bootleg adjustable BCG? https://www.weaponoutfitters.com/bootleg-adjustable-carrier.html PROS- On the fly fine tuning between gas settings. CONS- Added mass, possibly added maintenance, cost. OPTION #2 Should I skip all this head-scratching and just shoot ammo that functions properly in my rifle? Or is it wrong to run my rifle in such a narrow window of operation?
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Hey guys I’m new and I don’t reload pistols yet, anyways I was wondering where do y’all get ammo from? I’ve seen bite the bullet, Ventura, and freedom munitions but I was wondering what y’all guys prefer. MB
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I'm trying to find reloaded ammo for sale in .40. I'm looking for something that is tuned down to meed the requirements of powerfactor for that load. I would reload but due to the lack of time and knowledge of how to reload are the things that are holding me back. Does anyone know of any place to buy?
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Hey guys, I just built a new 3 gun rifle and have been testing different factory ammo to see what my barrel likes. Honestly, I've tried looking to see what my JP 18in 1/8 twist barrel likes and came up short. Compared to my armalite 3 gun which loved the 69gr hpbt from freedom (easily sub moa @ 100yards) this JP barrel doesn't group as tight with that load. I just wanted to see what everyone else with this barrel had luck with. I tested some ammo this past weekend at 50 yards since the 100 yard lanes were packed with the following ammo: 69gr HPBT from freedom (~.75 inch group), AE 55gr 223 bulk pack (~.7 inch group), and AE 55gr FMJBT (~.5 inch group). I was shooting from a lead sled with 1-6x razor. I will be trying out some Hornady 55gr vmax, hopefully some freedom 55gr vmax as well as some pmc this weekend. I just want to find something that is very accurate without going full blown match ammo that would empty my wallet week to week. Being a brand new build im just trying to save some money and see what everyone else has had luck with. Thank you guys in advance for your help. Really glad i found this forum!
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I am looking into purchasing the Seekins SP10 308 18" rifle for competition use. Looking to use it just a few times a year. Shot range will be from bay type shooting out to 800 yards. I currently reload all my own ammunition for other calibers but not set up for the 308 yet. I am looking to purchase about a 1000 rounds for break in, practice and competition. I do not know the twist rate of the match grade barrel at this time as they don't advertise it. So i need a few things from this group before I pick it up. 1. Ammo recommendations for brand and bullet weight for general accuracy, economy and able to hold 1-2 MOA groups. Longest shot known now is 650 yards. Note: I am not sponsored and I am not rich! 2. Knowledge and/or experience with the mentioned rifle 3. Best way to break in the barrel if needed or just heat it up the old fashion way? I appreciate the responses as this is on a short time window of opportunity.
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I started breaking in my new CK Arms Hardcore .40 S&W, using a variety of commercial ammo. I thought the reliability I observed with the ammunition might be useful to others, so I'm sharing these data below. One box per manufacturer was sampled. Interestingly, where FTFs were observed, the first instance experienced within the first three rounds fired from that box. From each box, I sampled the ammo OAL, expecting the longest to feed most reliably. The results didn't support that assumption. I sampled six rounds from each box of 50. MBX 140MM magazines were used. Brand: Average OAL, Median OAL, Std Dev OAL, Failure to Feed Experience: LAX New 180g: 1.1201, 1.1190, 0.0038, None PMC 180 fmg: 1.1244, 1.1235, 0.0027, Frequent Fiocchi 170g fmjtc: 1.1266, 1.1265, 0.036, Frequent Monarch brass case 180g tmj: 1.1201, 1.1185, 0.0034, None Aquila 180g fmj: 1.1088, 1.1090, 0.0010, Frequent Winchester Train 170g FMJ: 1.1244, 1.1238, 0.049, None Remington UMC 180g fmj: 1.1268, 1.1255, 0.0038, None Winchester White Box 180g: 1.1225, 1.1210, 0.0045, Constant Magtech: this was ammo borrowed at the range; it wasn't measured, but no FTFs were observed over 10 rounds. The good news is there are a variety of inexpensive sources which ran fine. I look forward to more testing as break-in progresses. Scott
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How long can your ammo be in a stock 2?
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I understand this topic has been brought up before but ive already eliminated most of the comments people have suggested, Loading 147 gr polymer heads with N320 3.3 gr which used to work flawlessly in an M&P Pro. I now am getting about 1/5 rounds tumbling in the Shadow 2. Crimp is not removing any polymer off the heads. Tried reducing the powder. can anyone help me with this as i am stuck. Note: i would like to stick to 147 gr heads
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First, thanks for all the great posts, this forum was one of the best sources of info that pointed me in the right direction - I have been shooting a 9mm XMD 5.25 since the fall and am really happy with it. Of course this means more shooting, a range membership and finding the money for all that ammo :-) I had an issue with Freedom Munitions taking a very long time to ship 'in stock' ammo and was hoping they would be a good source for what looks like quality, reloaded ammo. It is hard for me to go back to what was pretty bad customer service Any other suggestions for a source of inexpensive, quality ammo? I have been shooting 147 GR and am starting 3-gun (at least trying to start) and suspect reloading will make sense next winter when time and money are available for the investment. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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Looking for recipes. Purchased Winchester Super Handicap by mistake. Somebody said that it can be used for loading pistol ammo. Just trying to use what I have. Have different grains of bullets. Anything would help.
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Looking for minor load. Purchased Winchester Super Handicap by mistake. Now just trying to make use of it.
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I am a long time fan of the 1911. I make custom holsters, gun belts and do custom work. Currently working on a new Citadel CS45 and will need some help. Thank you Triggersmith
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What is this Win3Gun birdshot and what's it do?
thermobollocks posted a topic in Shotgun - Technical
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2900125383/winchester-win3gun-target-ammunition-12-gauge-2-3-4-1-oz-7-1-2-shot I couldn't tell by digging around. It doesn't appear particularly suited to the matches I've been -- 1-1/8 oz helps drop plates from longer distances, and it doesn't have to be going particularly fast. Did they just shove something in the wad and slap a SKU on it, or is there some analysis I'm missing? The slugs and handgun ammo at least seem to have some bells and whistles, but why should anyone buy this instead of the bulk pack du jour? I figured I'd at least give it a fair read before letting the cynical part of my brain jump to "they want my money." -
I am new to 3 gun and am looking for advice on shotgun ammunition. I have an SLP MK1 12 gauge. Any good brands, bad brands, shot size, anything that you have found will be helpful.
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I have a friend that has a 1948 Winchester Model 94. The caliber is 32 SW. Here's the question. With my early 1900's Colt 38 auto, I have to be very careful to not use modern (plus or super) ammo. The gun can't take the pressures. With this gun, are there ammo issues he needs to watch? Thanks
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Hey guys! New to forum. Wondering what ammo you guys like for .308 at 3 gun matches. (Heavy Optics) Not asking for BEST as we would get comments about situations and which one my gun likes best. But I need a starting point to figure out which one my gun DOES like best. 155gr? 168gr? 178gr? Hornady? Sierra? Nosler? Which and Why? Oh, not sure if it helps, but it's a 20 inch stainless barrel, (Heavy) 1:10 twist. Thanks for the advice in advance!
