Saving Money at the Range: Helpful Tips
For many reasons, range time has gotten more expensive over the last few years. Partially, it’s that more people are getting into the shooting sports, partially, it’s that the prices of guns are going up, and partially, it’s that we’re in the midst of an ammo shortage - although there are also other reasons.
Be that as it may, there are still ways to save money at the range, if you’re smart about it. From buying bulk ammo to being savvy about where you shoot, here are some top tips to keep prices down at the range.
Shoot Cheaper Ammo
There are lots of ways to save money on ammo, and one is just to shoot cheaper loads. Whether it’s experimenting with a different brand, shooting FMJ instead of synthetic jacket, or just switching to steel-cased or military surplus ammo, look for something cheaper - it’s out there. Unless you’re competing, using cheap ammo shouldn’t matter much.
Buy Bulk Ammo
Another creative way to save money on ammo is to buy bulk ammo. Aside from sales, buying bulk ammo is the single best way to drive down your per-round cost. Just make sure once you put good money into a whole case of the stuff, you store it appropriately (somewhere cool and dry, not the shed, basement or garage) so that the stuff goes bang when you pull the trigger.
Shoot with a Purpose
If you’re there to sight in the rifle or pattern the shotgun, get it done and go home. In this era of inflated ammo prices, range therapy is just cost-prohibitive. Use only as many rounds as you need to accomplish your objective and then move on.
Get into Reloading
This might not be for everyone, but you can save your brass and shells and get into reloading. You need to buy primer, powder and bullets (or shot) in bulk if you want to make the process cost-effective.
Make Your Own Targets
If there’s one thing you don’t really need to spend money on, it’s targets. You’re literally going to destroy them by shooting them full of holes; you might as well save a buck here.
Naturally, if you’re competing or need high-quality targets for scoring purposes, you can’t skimp. But if all you’re doing is burning brass, there’s no need to also burn money on targets.
You can repurpose boxes or even make your own targets from printer paper and a compass (to make a circle on it). There are also tons of free target templates you can download from the internet and then print at home.
One way or the other, you can save on targets. Just make sure that the range allows you to use whatever you plan on shooting as some ranges have specific rules about types of targets and how you place them.
Shoot Smart
Your choice of shooting range can impact your overall costs, too. On Saturdays, our range is open to nonmembers for a nominal range fee.
If Shooting at a Range That Charges Per Hour, Get a Speedloader
If you shoot at a range that charges by the hour, get a speedloader and make sure you bring it with you. You’ll spend less time handling single rounds cumbersomely and more time shooting.
Load Your Mags Ahead of Time
The same notes apply here. Don’t roll up to the range with 10 empty mags and waste your range time at the bench loading them. Get that done at home so you can spend your range time shooting, not loading.
Put These Tips into Practice Today
The best thing about the advice contained herein is that you can combine them to save even more. Make your own targets, buy bulk ammo, and shoot at free ranges and you’ll save on three accounts. Put some of these tips in practice going forward and put more money back in your budget to enjoy the shooting sports.