The question of whether reloading 9mm is worthwhile is a common one among firearm enthusiasts. The answer, as with many things, is "it depends." This comprehensive guide will delve into the factors to consider, helping you determine if reloading 9mm is the right choice for you.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is Reloading 9mm Cheaper?
This is the primary driver for most people considering reloading. While the initial investment can be significant, reloading 9mm can drastically reduce your ammunition costs over time. Let's break down the expenses:
Initial Investment:
- Reloading Press: Expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500+, depending on the type (single-stage, progressive) and brand. Single-stage presses are slower but easier to learn; progressive presses are faster but more complex.
- Dies: Specific to the caliber (9mm), dies are essential for sizing, expanding, and seating bullets. A set typically costs between $50 and $100.
- Bullet Feeder (for Progressive Presses): While not essential for single-stage presses, this significantly speeds up the process on progressive presses and costs around $50-$150.
- Powder Scale: Accurate powder measurement is crucial for safety and consistency. Expect to spend $50-$150 on a good digital scale.
- Case Prep Tools: Tools like case trimmers, de-cappers, and tumblers are necessary for preparing spent brass. These can range from $50 to $200+ depending on your needs.
- Other Supplies: This includes primers, bullets, powder, and various small tools. These costs vary widely depending on your choices and volume.
Ongoing Costs:
- Components: Primers, bullets, and powder are recurring expenses. Prices fluctuate, but you can often find significantly cheaper components than factory ammunition.
- Maintenance: Dies and other tools may require occasional maintenance or replacement.
Savings Calculation:
The savings will depend on your shooting volume and the price of factory ammo versus your component costs. With careful planning and sourcing, reloading 9mm can save you 30-50% or even more on your ammunition costs, especially if you're a high-volume shooter.
Beyond Cost Savings: Other Advantages of Reloading 9mm
While cost savings are a major incentive, other benefits exist:
- Customization: You can tailor your ammunition to your specific firearm and shooting preferences, experimenting with different bullet weights, powder types, and loads.
- Ammunition Availability: During periods of high demand or shortages, reloading can ensure you have a consistent supply.
- Learning and Skill Development: Reloading is a rewarding skill that allows you to understand the intricacies of ammunition manufacturing.
- Consistent Quality: Reloading allows for tighter quality control, ensuring consistent performance from round to round.
Is Reloading 9mm Right for You?
Consider these factors:
- Shooting Volume: If you shoot infrequently, the initial investment may not be worthwhile.
- Time Commitment: Reloading takes time and patience. Factor this into your decision.
- Safety: Reloading involves handling explosives. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are paramount. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.
- Space: You'll need dedicated space for your reloading setup.
- Mechanical Aptitude: While not overly complicated, reloading requires attention to detail and a degree of mechanical aptitude.
Conclusion:
Reloading 9mm can be a highly rewarding and cost-effective endeavor for dedicated shooters. However, it's crucial to weigh the initial investment, ongoing costs, time commitment, and safety considerations before jumping in. If you’re a high-volume shooter who values cost savings, customization, and the learning experience, reloading 9mm is likely worthwhile. For infrequent shooters, the cost savings may not justify the investment. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Thorough research and training are essential before starting any reloading project.
