First ever deer with handloads

[Arkansas Paul]

This is not really a question and will probably bore a lot of you, but I'm proud. I killed my first deer with my handloads today. It was a smaller doe but it's the last week of modern gun season and I was looking to put another one in the freezer. I had problems with my handloads not chambering early in the season and since got the problem fixed. I was using 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips because I was hunting a stand where a long shot might be necessary. Wouldn't you know, she stepped out 20 yards from me. Not really what a ballistic tip was designed for, but it worked. It made a heck of a mess. Anyway, you guys helped me a lot when I started handloading and I wanted to share that with you. I look forward to many more. I don't see myself killing another with factory ammo.

 

[Grassman]

I know the feeling, makes you feel like you accomplished something. Always good to learn to do things for yourself.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I sort of know the feeling. I just started reloading in the last year and am still using the factory ammo I have for my deer rifle (7mm Rem Mag). I did work up a load with 160 grain accubonds for my niece who took a very nice moose on a hunt with her father. I felt pretty proud of her and the reloading.

This summer I'll finish off those factory loads and roll my own for deer.

 

[qajaq59]

You ever forget that first one with your own ammo. Get some photos of it too. And yup, I seriously doubt you'll go back to commercial ammo. No need to now!!

 

[LeonCarr]

I shot my first deer with handloads in 1991, and I also used a 150 Ballistic Tip. 120 yards, DRT.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[shaggy430]

I got my first muley using my own handloads this year. 7mm Rem Mag 150 grain Nosler Partition 290 yards.

 

[MCgunner]

Well, I never had the mile stone since every deer I've ever shot was with a handload starting with my first at age 11. I grew up handloading with grandpa and uncle. I did, however, feel sort of a feeling of accomplishment when I took my first with my own hand cast bullet, a gas checked 158 SWC in .357. I've yet to do it with a bow, that's a goal. I'll be all cocky when I do that. LOL!

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Thumbs up, bro-heem!

 

[RDA 226sig]

Just a bit more satisfaction in taking deer with ammunition you worked up. Good job!!

 

[JimKirk]

Of all the deer I've killed, which is many, I have never shot even one with a factory load. When I buy a gun, I buy dies, brass and bullets very soon after. I have shot factory loads to get brass though.

Jimmy K

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I'll tell you, I've been shooting since I was big enough to keep both ends of the gun off the ground. I don't know why I waited so long to get into handloading. I'll not be looking back. I see no need to buy centerfire ammo again.

 

[csd4682]

I just got everything I need to start reloading. I am going to use the off season to learn and hopefully nail down the perfect load for my 270 wsm. I am sure I will be asking you guys a lot of questions while learning. I cant wait to start!

 

[MCgunner]

Some of my guns have never even FIRED a factory load. That includes handguns. I did quit handloading for my 12 gauges 20 years ago, just couldn't justify it since I don't shoot traps and factory ammo is cheap. But, recently got into 10 gauge and have an MEC press for it, been cranking out the 10 gauge rounds at a significant savings. As well, I can load things for it that I can't buy. Factory ammo selection is rather limited for that shotgun if you want to shoot anything, but goose or turkey loads. I did get some buckshot for it, had to order it.