Who reloads.....and why?

[CTDolan]

No doubt each of the below has already been mentioned, more than once, but here are the reasons I reload, in order of importance:

1. It adds a whole new level of enjoyment to shooting (if you're into shooting and firearms, and you do not reload, in my opinion you're missing out on half of the fun!).
2. Cost (some cartridges are scary expensive for the non-reloader).
3. Tailored loads (which, in my case, means bullet selection as I shoot strictly open sights).

Factory loads really are quite good. Most perform better than 99% of the shooters who buy factory fodder. And, there's quite a selection of premium projectiles available (in the more popular calibers...some of what I shoot is definitely not common therefore the need to reload, to get the projectile I want). But, factory ammo is expensive. Most of all, though, reloading is an enjoyable pastime. For me, that's the compelling motivation.

 

[CTDolan]

Reloading can be a rewarding activity if you pay attention to detail it can be deadly if you don't. During the reloading process I will entertain company until the time of setting up to throw powder then unless I'm teaching someone I want to be alone.

Bingo - pay attention!

Once upon a time I had a squib load. What was it? A load with a primer but no powder. The bullet didn't even make it out the barrel. That was my day at the range, done. How did it happen? Well, I took a call while loading the evening before, and continued to load while talking on the phone. Doubtless, that was when I topped an empty case with a fresh 220-grain Partition. Never again. Nowadays, when I am reloading I am doing that and nothing else!

 

[CTDolan]

On another note, I know I guy who loads his 22-250 to well beyond maximum. He likes the velocity. He likes the way it groups in his rifle. What he doesn't like is having to use a rod to tap every third or fourth case from the chamber!

 

[Opposite Pole]

I’m about to start reloading – am in the process of getting the gear and supplies. Two reasons – cost and availability. The absurdity of price of 470 N.E. is rivalled only by its lack of availability over here. While I was waiting for my rifle to be built I decided to ask around. I’ve sent a number of emails out and have not received a single response. So I asked personally in some of the stores I typically buy from. In the first one the guy was in a state of shock and disbelief as if I have just asked him to marry me. In the second one the guy looked at me like I was from another planet, in the third one they said they can order it for me no worries but I’d have to order a minimum of 1000rds (at 15-20 USD each). The dealer I got my rifle through is far more helpful but he’s a few hundred kilometres away and it would be in any case a special order. Now I don’t blame them for not keeping a stock of it but the absolute lack of willingness to make a pre paid order to be delivered along with their regular supply I cannot understand, if I displayed that level of commitment towards my clients I’d be homeless and hungry. Things are a lot better with 375 H&H but availability is still somewhat limited and cost is also a factor. My other cartridges – 308, 223 and 9.3x74R are all popular here and ammo is widely available but one is still is limited to what the stores happen to have in stock. Since it’s easier and cheaper to stock up on projectiles than ready ammo and I’m getting the reloading gear anyway I’ve decided to get the dies for all of my rifles. I’m still undecided about handgun reloading. 9x19 is inexpensive here and it would only make sense if I collected my fired brass – a major pain at a public range, my 357/.38 wheel gun on the other hand I really don’t shoot enough to bother.

 

[Hogpatrol]

 

[Sand Rat]

The last two bolts guns I purchased were a CZ 550 in 7X57 and a Ruger tang safety UL in 257 Roberts. Reloading is the only way to reach the potential of the 7X57 and the only factory 257 ammo the Ruger likes is 110 gr Nosler Accubonds @ 40-50 dollars a box. Started using 156 gr Norma Oryx bullets in the 7X57 last week and the accuracy is most impressive. Can't wait to try those out on whitetail this fall.

 

[Michael Dean]

I reload because I enjoy the work and also enjoy the research that goes into it. You can spend hours researching bullets, deciding what the optimum velocity for the bullet is and what powder combination is going to achieve that while giving you the very best accuracy. In short, there's a lot of pride and satisfaction to be derived in reloading. It also improves your sense of confidence when you get ready to pull the trigger. It's just one added element you can add to your preparation for the hunt of your life.

 

[tarbe]

I handload so after a long day at work, I can step into my loading room and gaze at the 100,000 primers in my primer cabinet - therapy.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Depends on where you live................

You may have heard about the Southern California man who was put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned 100 guns and allegedly had 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in his home. The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.


By Southern California standards, someone owning 100,000 rounds is considered "mentally unstable."

In Minnesota & Wisconsin, he'd be called "ALMOST ready for deer season."

In Arizona, he'd be called "An avid gun collector."

In Arkansas, he'd be called "A novice gun collector."

In Utah, he'd be called "Moderately well prepared," but they'd probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.
(Mormon, 'ya know)
In Kansas, he'd be "A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend."

In Wyoming and Montana, he'd be called "The neighborhood 'go-to' guy."

In Alabama, he'd be called "A likely gubernatorial candidate."

In Georgia, he'd be called "An eligible bachelor."

In North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina and Florida, he would be called "A deer hunting Buddy."
In Alaska, he'd be called "Joe Average."

And in Texas, he'd just be "Bubba, who's a little short on ammo."

 

[Ryan]

I reload because I wanted Barnes bullets in my 375 Ruger when only Hornady factory ammo existed. Then Barnes 30-06 changed (or maybe my rifle, who knows) and their VorTx ammo shot poorly out of my Encore so I stepped up and got a good -06 round going. For the new Savage and Ruger it just works well now.

 

[HWL]

I reload because I can.....

 

[DBateman]

I reload because I can.....

View attachment 189915

That's a lot of green.

How many calibers are you loading for ?

 

[Michael Dean]

After a lot of research I've decided to go with Swift A Frames in my hunting rifles and I prefer a heavier bullet. In short, the ammo I want doesn't exist plus, my loads are hot, well above SAAMI guidelines especially with my 7x57 Mauser. The only way you can use ammo that its velocity and powder type are chosen to work with a bullet that's specifically chosen for optimum performance in your rifle is to reload. You won't find 7x57 Mauser ammo loaded with 160 grain A Frames that travel at close to 2,800 fps at your local gun store. When you load for 9-10 different calibers the savings add up quickly.

 

[lwaters]

Wow thats pretty high for 160. I get that with 140. 7x57 is fun to load. You have alot of room to play with on seating bullets

 

[Michael Dean]

Wow thats pretty high for 160. I get that with 140. 7x57 is fun to load. You have alot of room to play with on seating bullets

SAAMI specifications are very conservative with the 7x57 Mauser; their afraid of people blowing up the old 98 actions so they keep pressures at 40,000-45,000. Modern actions like the Ruger No. 1 can and will take a lot more pressure; a falling block action is one of the strongest in the market. Just watch out for pressure signs like flattened primers and sticky brass when you unload.

 

[HWL]

That's a lot of green.

How many calibers are you loading for ?

No idea, but you can count boxes easily. Most calibers habe a second box for a trim and a neck die. I like it to reload for old rifles, that have not seen ammunition for decades.

 

[Ray B]

A slight modification to my old friend Rene'

I Reload, Therefore I Am.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

I reload so I can get what I can't buy. For example, I just made up a dozen 404 dummy rounds so I can run some drills before my upcoming hunt. Or, I want to shoot the Barnes flat-nosed solids the rifle was built to use. Not going to find much factory ammo with that bullet. It isn't even listed on the Barnes website, but I talked to them and I can still get them. Or, I want to use a 350g Woodleigh for cats. Again, no factory ammo. Or, I want to have some inexpensive, easy-shooting practice rounds. A 300g 44 magnum handgun bullet run through a reducing die, a modest powder charge, and there it is. Or my wife wants something with a little less kick in her 30-06 that she can still kill a deer with. 30-30 bullets are designed to work at modest velocity and will certainly do the job. A little reloading and her 30-06 is a powder-puff that will still flatten a deer.

 

[Paul Edwards]

Just curious. Which of AH's members reload, and why do you reload?

I mean....you probably don't shoot that many .375 Ruger, 416 Remington, .300 weatherby, etc. to make it fiscally viable (or maybe you do?).....at least, not in today's climate.

When I first started reloading, back in the late 70's, I did it to "save money".....or so I convinced myself. I started with the LEE "whack-a-mole" kit in .30/30 Winchester and a MEC 600 jr in 12 gauge. I thought I was saving money, but the fact is.....I was just shooting more. Which isn't a bad thing.

When I started loading for the .30-06 a few years later, it was because I couldn't get factory ammo that was loaded with 165 grain bullets; now EVERYBODY makes 165 grain loads for the 06, but I'm still reloading them.

I started reloading nontoxic and 16 gauge shells because the steel shells I was using were ineffective, and the only 16 gauge shells that I could find were the cheap "promo" loads......using 1 oz of hard or copper plated shot dropped pheasants a lot more efficiently!

But I guess nowadays the main reason I reload is that it's just a relaxing hobby, and gives me something to do while I'm 'on call' for the hospitals and can't get out hunting/shooting/or fishing.......it's sorta the "next best thing". I also cast bullets for some of my cartridges (mostly handgun, but a few rifle).

Things are certainly better today, in some respects. You can order bullets/powder on line, so you don't have to "settle" for what your local gun store has in stock (a big problem when I first started handloading). However, my biggest gripe is that you spend countless amounts of money, time, and effort into working up a good, accurate handload for your rifle, and then the bullet company or powder maker decides to D/C the product you need because they've come out with something "better".

So.......whose reloading?

I handload for target shooting and friendly competition, as I have found it to be the best way to ensure the best and most consistent results...but when it comes to DG hunting calibers, I do not bother reloading, I only use factory loaded Hornady ammo.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I handload for target shooting and friendly competition, as I have found it to be the best way to ensure the best and most consistent results...but when it comes to DG hunting calibers, I do not bother reloading, I only use factory loaded Hornady ammo.

Interesting reasoning and not taking anything away from, different strokes so to speak, but I think just the opposite. For DG, I'd trust myself before Hornady and a machine loaded production round.