Reloading 9mm — cost per round breakdown

by Rick Dalton 2026-01-10 05:28 8 replies · 337 views

Just did the math on my 9mm loads: - Brass: free (range pickup) - Primer: $0.04 - Powder: $0.07 - Bullet: $0.12

Total: roughly $0.20/rd. Factory is $14.99/box.

Takes a while to recoup the press cost

8 Replies

Dave Kowalski 2025-12-16 07:02 5 points

Yeah the press payback takes a while but it's worth it for the flexibility alone. I load subsonic 147gr for suppressed shooting - can't buy that performance off the shelf. Plus during the ammo shortage I was still shooting while everyone else was paying $1+ per round... if they could find it.

Mike Harmon 2025-12-17 14:17 12 points

Good numbers there. I'm getting about $0.18/rd on 9mm with coated bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. Your brass will go 8-10 reloads easy if you're not running +P pressures. Pro tip - sort by headstamp and track your reloads, some brands hold up better than others. Federal and Winchester seem to last longest in my experience.

Stephanie Brown 2025-12-18 03:53 0 points

Nice breakdown! I reload mainly to get the exact performance I want for carry ammo rather than cost savings. But at $15+ per box now it definitely helps the wallet. My range brass gets reloaded for practice, factory new for EDC.

Greg Hoffman 2025-12-18 17:37 6 points

That's about what I'm getting too, maybe a penny or two higher since I'm still buying bullets retail. How many times you getting out of your brass before it splits? I'm paranoid about overpressure so I'm being pretty conservative with my loads.

Mike Harmon 2026-01-12 07:28 3 points

Agree 100%. Had the exact same experience with my setup.

Mike O'Brien 2026-01-14 03:28 2 points

My wife would kill me if I bought another one but this is tempting lol

Carlos Reyes 2026-01-14 21:28 2 points

+1 on this. My buddy had the same issue and switching to Vedder LightTuck fixed it for him.

Patty Sullivan 2026-01-16 15:28 3 points

This is the content I come here for. Thanks OP.