A few days ago I performed a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) on the handloading of a 7.62x54R cartridge, typically with a jacketed factory bullet, but also with cast bullets. The result was an eye opening result which may explain (partially) why we are seeing a decline in, or the ultimate demise of the handloading experience.
To purchase the needed components for a complete 7.62x54R assembled cartridge, and having those components shipped together to take advantage of one shipping charge and one Hazmat fee, the cost per round works out to an unbelievable $2.27 per cartridge. This includes new bullets, brass, primers, powder, shipping, Hazmat, and taxes. Products are shipped to my door.
Subsequent loadings using already sourced and fired brass, reduce the cost per cartridge to $1.27 each. Using a cast bullet in the already sourced and fired brass drops the cost to a "paltry" $0.90 per cartridge.
If you look online at factory cartridges in this caliber, one can purchase brand new ammunition for $1.35 per round with PPU 150gr SP cartridges. Of course shipping will add to the cost BUT one also gets to reuse the brass for reloading, decreasing the extended cost (unrealized) by one dollar.
So I can make the ammunition for $1.27 or I can purchase it for $1.35 per cartridge. That math reveals no significant savings to me especially if I factor in time (labor) and power (electricity).
The cheapest ammunition on the market is surplus, berdan primed, steel cased, corrosive ammunition at $0.90 per round in $500 cases. This is not an option for me unless stockpiling for WWIII or a zombie apocalypse.
Shooting the cartridge with a cast bullet is the most economical approach (not counting labor and power) to take but does limit one to lower velocities and projectile types. Were it not for me viewing my handloading as my hobby, and good use of available time (retired now), I would be very attracted to the $1.35 cost of the commercial ammunition at $27 per box of 20 cartridges. After all, most purchasers are only purchasing a box or two for periodic use of the rifle at the range to "wow" their friends and family. Some may hunt with this cartridge but I doubt those numbers are very high.
Years ago when I first started handloading, the CBA on reloaded ammunition was distinctly wider between handloads and factory ammunition. While trying to recall what the data presented by the industry suppliers 45 years ago was, it seems that quotes for 38 Special went for 10 cents per cartridge versus 25 cents per cartridge. The often showcased examples were typically very popular target shooting and competitive cartridges like the 38 Special, 45 ACP, 9mm, and a few others like the .30-06 and the .308 Win. The handgun calibers were taunted for the price difference and the rifle calibers for the increased accuracy one could glean from handloads.
The initial cost of reloading equipment was less expensive than it is today and frankly, today's cost is astronomical and cost-prohibiting to all but the well heeled professionals. Well heeled professionals aren't worried about the cost of ammunition and I routinely see them at the range in their commando outfits, with $3000.00 black rifles, throwing 1000 rounds into the berm as fast as then can do it. Ammunition cost, equipment cost (now suppressors are the rage), and range fees are irrelevant to their "fun."
These folks look at you like you are from Mars if you show them a handgun or rifle cartridge with a cast bullet or one with a paper jacket. They simply don't have the time for an explanation or any use for similar cartridges in their "combat" equipment. Holy cr*p, they even are wearing their "war belts" complete with helicopter signalling flares.
I know some of you are thinking "what about the xxx cartridge?" I understand. I load for some very weird calibers where factory ammunition is non-existent. Handloading is the ONLY option and so I continue to do so.
So in conclusion, I am continually surprised to see the cost of factory ammunition becoming lower than handloaded ammunition. If you shoot a 9mm pistol, you know what I mean. I hope our hobby, our craft, continues along but truthfully without young new blood becoming interested in what grandpa is doing in the shed, it is not long for the world. As we continue to see more "mass shootings" around the world, I fear for firearm ownership where it still exists.
Keep pulling the loading press arm, keep casting, and please make an effort to involve the yoots in the craft if the PC parents will allow it.
With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.
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