It’s no secret that ammo is expensive, and it’s something we’ve written about before. So we’re back with a longer checklist of how to save money on shooting sports, with a few new tips in here.
So, on top of buying 9mm bulk ammo, here are some things you can do.
- Shoot with purpose
Ammo is expensive, right? So if the only reason you’re at the range is to sight in a rifle, don’t waste more ammo than you need to. Get sighted in and save the rest for the field. Another thing you can do here is use a laser boresight to get you on paper faster.
- Waste less live ammo when drilling
There are drills you can do that take very little ammo, like tap, rack, bang drills and failure to stop drills. Some drills, like malfunction drills and certain reload drills, don’t even require you to pull the trigger on a live range. You can also practice dry-fire training (at the range) with snap caps, to help with some issues, like flinching.
- Shoot a more affordable caliber
Do you have more than one gun? Well, if so, save the .338 Lapua for long-range big game hunting and don’t burn brass at the range. Consider shooting your .22LR pistol instead of your 9mm or your .45. That’ll save you money in the long run, or at least till ammo prices normalize.
- Buy budget brands
Maybe you love shooting Federal or Remington or Winchester. Who doesn’t, they’re premium brands. But they’re also expensive. Give something like TulAmmo a go. Don’t worry, steel-cased ammo won’t ruin your gun.
- Make your own targets
You can buy paper targets, or you can make your own with paper plates, printer paper, or some cardboard and a marker and a compass. There are lots of ways to make them from scraps and as long as the range permits it, it can definitely save you some money.
- Collect your unbroken clays
Shooting trap, skeet, or sporting clays? Well, rifle shooters are allowed to move downrange to tend their targets during a ceasefire; the same sometimes applies to shotgun ranges. If you are permitted to go downrange at any point, collect your unbroken clays; ammo isn’t the only thing that costs money.
Note: Do not go downrange under any circumstances unless you get permission from the Range Safety Officer.
- Start reloading
Now would be a good time to start saving your brass. If you get bullets, powder and primer in bulk, you can cut down the cost of ammo by loading your own. It can also help you beat some of the shortages. Word to the wise, get a brass catcher so you don’t have to waste time scurrying around picking up your own.
Another note: range policies differ, but some ranges may sell you brass fairly cheaply or even let you take other shooters’ brass if it’s been left discarded. Just make sure you get permission before picking up any brass because some ranges have policies against it.
- Buy bulk ammo (and know how to store it)
Looking for 9mm bulk ammo? We have that and a ton of other calibers, too. Buying in bulk can help you save on per-unit costs. Just make sure you know how and where to store your ammo. Keep it cool and dry; don’t store it in the basement, attic, crawl space, shed, or in the trunk. Hot temperatures and high humidity can destroy good ammo.
- Shop police trade-in deals and specials
Like a deal on 9mm bulk ammo, a police trade-in special can save you a little on your ammo purchases. Just do your homework and crunch the costs before buying, and strike while the iron is hot. Unlike conventional bulk sales, when police trade-in specials are gone, they’re gone for good.
- Shoot at free ranges
Does your state operate ranges for the purpose of giving hunters a place to train? If so, get a hunting license and shoot there. This can basically eliminate any range fees you’d otherwise have to pay, all for the price of an annual hunting license.
- Cut back on disposable stuff
For instance, if you use disposable ear plugs at the range, forget that. Get a good set of headphones. They’ll cost more - one time - and last forever. If you still buy targets, get patches for those targets and save them after the first session.
- Repurpose instead of buying new
Range bags and ammo cans are great, but they cost a lot for the sake of it. There are lots of ways to repurpose what you already have for range use.
- Get a speed loader
For those of you that shoot at ranges that charge by the hour, get a speed loader and arrive with mags already loaded. That way you can spend less time at the range loading and more time shooting.
Here for 9mm Bulk Ammo?
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