Does Reloading 9mm and 5.56 Really Save Money? The Honest Cost Analysis for 2025

The Reloading Myth: Why "Saving Money" Isn't What You Think

With factory ammunition prices fluctuating wildly since 2020, many new gun owners ask the same question: Will reloading 9mm and 5.56 actually save me money? The answer from experienced reloaders is surprisingly candid—you probably won't save a dime. In fact, you'll likely spend significantly more. But that doesn't mean it's not worth it.

Based on extensive community discussions and current market data, this analysis reveals the true economics of reloading America's two most popular calibers.

The Real Cost of Getting Started: Equipment Investment

Before you save a single penny, you'll invest $300 to $1,000+ in equipment. A basic single-stage press kit runs $300-$500, while a progressive setup for serious volume can exceed $1,000—plus dies, scales, tumblers, and safety gear . As one Redditor bluntly stated: "I've spent many thousands on tools, components and powder" but notes their "ammo stockpile is considerable."

Essential Startup Costs:

1. Single-stage press kit: $300-$500
2. Progressive press (Dillon XL750): $750+
3. Dies per caliber: $40-$100
4. Powder measure & scale: $50-$150
5. Case tumbler & accessories: $100-$200

This upfront cost is the critical factor most calculator tools ignore. As industry data shows, you need to reload 755+ rounds just to break even on a basic setup

.

9mm Cost Per Round: The "Savings" Reality Check

Here's where the math gets sobering. Current component prices make 9mm reloading nearly cost-neutral with factory ammo:

Factory 9mm Prices (Bulk): $0.25-$0.28/round

Reloaded 9mm Costs: $0.16-$0.24/round

Component Breakdown (per 1,000 rounds):

1. Bullets (115gr FMJ): $75-$85
2. Primers: $50-$80 (post-COVID prices)
3. Powder: $15-$20 (3.5gr Titegroup/CFE Pistol)
4. Brass: $0 (assuming you save range brass)

Total: $157-$190 per 1,000 rounds

The brutal truth? You're saving $40-$80 per 1,000 rounds—but factor in 3-4 hours of labor and the value proposition collapses. As one community member calculated: "I'm loading 9mm at 21 cents/round when I can buy it for 25 cents. When you factor in time, it's not cheaper."

The real kicker: "You just end up shooting more, so you spend more regardless." This sentiment dominates experienced reloaders' advice.

5.56 NATO/.223 Remington: Slightly Better Margins

The rifle cartridge offers marginally better economics, especially for match-grade ammo:

Factory 5.56 Prices: $0.30-$0.60/round

Reloaded 5.56 Costs: $0.17-$0.45/round

Component Breakdown (per 1,000 rounds):

1. Bullets (55gr FMJ): $80-$120
2. Primers: $50-$80
3. Powder (H335/IMR 4064): $25-$35
4. Brass: $0 (once-fired military brass)

Total: $155-$235 per 1,000 rounds

For basic FMJ plinking ammo, savings remain thin. However, for 77gr match rounds costing $1.00+ factory, reloading at $0.45/round creates real savings

. The economics only work when you're replicating premium ammunition—not budget bulk.

When Reloading Actually Saves Money: The Volume & Caliber Factor

The financial equation flips dramatically for:

1. High-volume shooters (1,000+ rounds/month)
2. Expensive/rare calibers (.44 Mag, .500 S&W, 6.5 Creedmoor)
3. Match-grade ammunition hunters

One reloader shooting 30,000 rounds/year of 9mm reports saving $3,600+ annually, paying off equipment in under one year

. Another saves $4 per round on .375 H&H Magnum

.

Caliber Comparison:

1. Common pistol/rifle: 10-30% savings (but you shoot more)
2. Magnum rifle: 50-75% savings
3. Obsolete calibers: 70-90% savings

Hidden Costs That Destroy Your "Savings"

1. Time Investment: 50-100 rounds/hour on single-stage; 400-600/hour on progressive
2. . Your time has value.
3. Equipment Wear: Dies, presses, and scales need replacement. "The equipment breaks and parts need replacement"
4. Hazmat Shipping: Powder and primer shipping adds $20-$50 per order
5. Experimentation: "I've spent far more by reloading and experimenting" chasing perfect loads
6. Opportunity Cost: Money tied up in components could earn interest elsewhere

The Real Benefits: Why Reloaders Keep Doing It

Despite minimal savings, reloaders cite these irreplaceable benefits:

Supply Chain Independence

"Reloading kept me shooting when friends were paying $1+/round during COVID." Stockpiling components makes you immune to market panics.

Performance Customization

"I load for performance. Hard stop." You can create sub-MOA accurate ammo tuned to your specific firearm, unavailable at any price.

Skill Development

"It's about the joy of gaining knowledge, making whatever you want." The hobby itself provides value.

Obscure Calibers

For .41 Action Express, .460 Rowland, or .50 Beowulf, "I'm saving $1.50 to $10 per round."

Best Practices for Actual Cost Savings

If you insist on reloading 9mm/5.56 economically:

1. Buy Components in Bulk: 8lb powder jugs and 5,000+ primer lots reduce per-unit cost
2. Scavenge Brass Aggressively: Never pay for 9mm or 5.56 brass—it's everywhere
3. Stick to One Load: Avoid expensive experimentation
4. Calculate Break-Even: Use spreadsheets to track every penny
5. Start with Expensive Ammo: Reload premium first to justify the investment

The Verdict: Reloading Math vs. Reloading Reality

Financial Truth: You will not save money reloading 9mm and 5.56 plinking ammo. The combination of equipment costs, time investment, and increased consumption makes it a break-even proposition at best.

Hobby Truth: Reloading is its own rewarding pursuit. As one veteran reloader says: "It's the most expensive way to save money you'll find." The value lies in self-sufficiency, performance, and the meditative process—not the balance sheet.

Final Recommendation: Start reloading if you:

1. Shoot 500+ rounds/month consistently
2. Want match-grade precision
3. Value supply chain independence
4. Enjoy technical hobbies
5. Load expensive or rare calibers

Otherwise, buy bulk ammo and spend range time honing your skills—not your reloading bench.