Reloading your own .308 Winchester ammunition can be a rewarding and cost-effective hobby, but understanding the upfront and ongoing expenses is crucial. This guide breaks down the costs, offering insights to help you determine if reloading .308 is the right choice for you.
Initial Investment: Setting Up Your Reloading Bench
Before you start saving money, you'll need to invest in the necessary equipment. This initial investment can seem significant, but the cost is amortized over time as you reload more ammunition. Expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1000 or more, depending on the quality and features of your chosen equipment. This includes:
Essential Reloading Equipment:
- Reloading Press: A crucial component; single-stage presses are budget-friendly for beginners, while progressive presses are faster for high-volume reloaders. Prices range from $100 to $500+.
- Dies: Specific to the .308 Winchester cartridge, these shape and size the brass casings. Expect to pay around $50-$100 per set.
- Case Trimmer: Ensures uniform case length for consistent performance. Costs range from $30 to $100+.
- Powder Scale: Precisely measures gunpowder charges; digital scales are recommended for accuracy ($50-$150).
- Powder Measure: A device for dispensing gunpowder consistently ($30-$100).
- Bullet Seating Die: Sets the bullet to the correct depth in the casing ($20-$50).
- Primer Seating Tool: Places primers in the casing; can be part of a press or a separate tool ($20-$50).
- Case Lubricant: Reduces friction during resizing ($10-$20).
- Cleaning Supplies: For cleaning and prepping brass casings.
- Miscellaneous Tools: These can include things like a case gauge, calipers, and a bullet puller.
Ongoing Costs: Consumables and Materials
Once your reloading bench is set up, ongoing costs are primarily for consumables. These include:
- Brass Casings: These are reusable but will eventually wear out, requiring replacements. Prices vary greatly depending on new or once-fired brass and the supplier. Expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 to $1.50+ per casing.
- Bullets: Prices vary widely by type, weight, and manufacturer. Expect to pay from $0.25 to $1+ per bullet.
- Gunpowder: A significant cost. Prices fluctuate, but expect to pay $20-$40 or more per pound, depending on the type and availability.
- Primers: These are essential for igniting the gunpowder. Prices vary, but expect to pay $20-$40 or more per 100.
Calculating the Cost Per Round
The actual cost per round varies significantly based on your choices of components and the quality of those components. For example, using once-fired brass instead of new will considerably lower the cost per round.
To estimate your cost per round, add up the cost of all components (brass, bullet, powder, primer) and divide by the number of rounds you can produce from that batch. A reasonable estimate might range from $0.50 to $1.50 per round, or even more depending on your choices.
Is Reloading .308 Worth It?
The break-even point for reloading depends on your shooting volume and the prices of factory ammunition. If you shoot a significant amount of .308, the savings from reloading can be substantial. However, it's essential to factor in the initial investment and the time commitment involved. Reloading is a rewarding skill, but it does require time, patience, and careful attention to detail.
Conclusion
Reloading .308 Winchester ammunition offers a potential for significant cost savings, particularly for high-volume shooters. However, the initial investment and ongoing expenses need to be carefully considered. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the costs involved; research specific prices in your area to get a more precise estimate tailored to your needs. Accurate reloading is paramount for safety and consistent performance; always prioritize safety and adherence to proper reloading techniques.
