Dumb, Newbie question

[lee1000]

I started off with the Richard Lee book (Lee Precision) and like it. Lots of loads and info. Most of the loads are from the Hodgdon website though.

 

[bhorton1121]

Is it actually cheaper to reload your own ammo as apposed to just buying it?

 

[dennishoddy]

Is it actually cheaper to reload your own ammo as apposed to just buying it?

If you can get your brass at the range for free, its much cheaper to reload.

 

[bhorton1121]

If you can get your brass at the range for free, its much cheaper to reload.

Ok cool thank you, and ive also heard you can use the same brass about 3 times...I dont know if thats a myth or not, but maybe theres some truth to it from the "wear and tear"... Ide like to start.

 

[aviator41]

Ok cool thank you, and ive also heard you can use the same brass about 3 times...I dont know if thats a myth or not, but maybe theres some truth to it from the "wear and tear"... Ide like to start.

A lot of that depends on how hot your loads are. I have 38 special cowboy brass that's been reloaded upwards of 15 times now without showing signs of failure. Very light loads thought. my 300WM brass gets about 7 reloads before it it so brittle I won't trust it any more.

45 ACP, I go until is dies. Some have been as high as 30 reloads. some crater after 2.

 

[dennishoddy]

Ok cool thank you, and ive also heard you can use the same brass about 3 times...I dont know if thats a myth or not, but maybe theres some truth to it from the "wear and tear"... Ide like to start.

I've got some .40 S&W that has been reloaded so many times, I've quit counting.
Every so often, a final inspection will show a cracked case, so it goes into the recycle bucket.
As has been said, bottle shaped centerfire brass typically has a shorter life span than straight wall brass.
You can anneal the rifle brass in the neck area to extend its life span.