Quote Originally Posted by <MADDOG>
Savings can be from 20%-40% AFTER you invest in the equipment. Best thing about handloading is you can tailor the round for your need (prairie dog/coyote/loper/paper)and accuracy. With just quick math, I estimate loading 7RM at $.79 a round with a 140 Accubond, and that's with new brass. My .300 RUM goes for about $1.10 with new brass, again cheaper then the $2 I could pay for cheap factory.

Bottom line, unless you like shooting "minute of bucket" or have deep pockets, roll your own.

My experience is nickel-plated does not last as many long, the cases seem more prone to stretch/crack at the head. I think the plating process makes the case more brittle. Anyway, the premium/good "over the counter" brass; Lapua, Norma, Nosler, Winchester, etc, are not nickel plated. Might say something?

Word of warning too, the BT's are good up to 2900-3000 FPS max, faster than that, you have a varmint bullet. How far do you intend on shooting?
I am not sure how far I'll be shooting, mostly just prairie dogs/target shooting. So I guess 200-300 yards.

The Winchester factory ammo in 55gr and 95gr ballistic tips come in the nickel plated brass. Only the 100gr Super-X power points come in unplated brass. Is there a issue with reloading the unplated brass with the 55gr or the 95gr bullets?

I am unsure of any benefits/reason as to why they are using nickel plated brass in some applications and regular brass in others.

I have not done any rifle cartridge reloading in the past (just shotgun shells) so this is all new to me.

How much would a decent reloading set up cost?