Reloads Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are reloads?
Reloads are ammunition manufactured using casings that have already been
fired. Of course, all other materials (primers, powder, and bullets) are new. The
casings are inspected, cleaned, and resized and the primers are removed before
being used to manufacture cartridges.
Are reloads safe and/or reliable?
When properly manufactured using casings that are in good condition, reloads
are as safe, reliable, and accurate as ammunition produced using new
casings.
What's the advantage to buying reloads rather than ammunition made using new
casings?
Simply put, they're cheaper. Other than that, there's no advantage. While
most people would rather use new, high quality ammunition for self defense
loads, most experienced shooters agree that using reloads for target practice
and competition shooting is a good way to save money.
Why are reloads cheaper?
The first and most obvious reason that reloads are cheaper than new loads is
due to the fact that spent casings are cheaper than new casings.
In addition, Federal law requires that ammunition manufacturers charge an 11%
excise tax on all ammunition (including reloads) UNLESS the customer supplies an
equal number of spent casings of the same caliber. Therefore, Sebastian Ammo is
required to charge the 11% tax for customers purchasing reloads that DO NOT
"trade-in" an equal number of spent casings. However, for customers that DO wish
trade-in spent casings (in good condition), the 11% excise tax is not required
and will not be charged.
How much cheaper are reloads?
Savings vary by caliber but, on average, our price for reloads (per 100 rounds) is approximately $6
cheaper than new ammunition. However, if you trade in brass in good condition,
the savings (per 100 rounds) can be as much as $12.