Should I consider reloading?

[hoardingthemanual]

I like the tedium of measuring cases, weighing powder and adjusting dies. Seeing my ammo stash increase is a bonus. Plus I always tell my wife each round I make is one I didn’t buy, and the 6.5 PRC can be $2/round so she thinks reloading is neat (just don’t tell her how much I’ve invested in it.)

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Things that are common can disappear over night. Ask the Black Powder guys who are scrounging percussion caps. It doesn't even take the government to do it (though they certainly can). It could be the ammo companies responding to market forces...like a sudden demand for war materiel.

This means that your firearms can be rendered useless over night. Do you want to give that kind of power to ammo companies or the government?

Might be good to have a buffer of supplies built up in the reloading room. Might also be good to have the equipment and know-how to 'roll-your-own' if it comes to that.

I can reload every cartridge I shoot (except 22RF). Can make bullets for most of them too...if I have to. Along the way some really good loads have been stumbled on; head and shoulders above commercial offerings when they can be found.

In short, I can't imagine NOT reloading. Besides all the positive aspects mentioned above, it's a great fallback plan for anyone with the smallest Prepper instinct.
Bob

 

[CQB45ACP]

I got into it for $200 (Hornady single stage kit) almost five years ago. I still have all my original equipment, and use most of the original stuff that came in the kit. I did have to buy dies and a shell holder.

The OP could find a Lee "O" press as part of a kit, or buy everything else separate and spend a bit more. Here's an example:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013011111?pid=423081

Add a set of dies and shell holder, and get your components and get started.

Of course, you're correct in stating that he could spend $1000 (or more) getting started, and find out it's not for him.

One never knows until they try.

chris

I’m different. I knew well in advance I wanted to reload & didn’t need other views.

And when I do something, I jump in headfirst—bought at least $500 of Lee & other stuff to start not including components.

Then as I warmed up I spent at least another $500 to swap out most of the original purchase.

Since then, I’m embarrassed to say how much I’ve spent mostly unnecessarily but at my age I don’t have time to mess around nor worry a great deal about expense.

 

[ballman6711]

I've also spent more on reloading after my initial investment. Extra powder measures, caliber specific aluminum funnels, and some more dies. I have more invested in dies right now than all my other equipment combined.

But, I treat it as a hobby, and even though I don't go crazy spending money on it I don't pinch pennies either.

Since then, I’m embarrassed to say how much I’ve spent mostly unnecessarily but at my age I don’t have time to mess around nor worry a great deal about expense.

At 56yo I'm thinking more like you. I most likely have less time ahead than behind, and if I want something and can afford it, then I buy it.

I wonder if the OP has made a decision yet.

chris

 

[CQB45ACP]

I've also spent more on reloading after my initial investment. Extra powder measures, caliber specific aluminum funnels, and some more dies. I have more invested in dies right now than all my other equipment combined.

But, I treat it as a hobby, and even though I don't go crazy spending money on it I don't pinch pennies either.



At 56yo I'm thinking more like you. I most likely have less time ahead than behind, and if I want something and can afford it, then I buy it.

I wonder if the OP has made a decision yet.

chris

Absolutely it’s a hobby for me that delivers great benefits since my only other big hobby is shooting.

I used to play golf—equally or more expensive delivering no added benefits.

 

[Necessary_Nutrient]

One piece of advice that I don’t think is always good is the idea of letting your friend become a mentor. Doing this puts your friend in the position of teacher, and they can guide your education and reloading in a number of different ways, many of which may not conform to the factory manuals, which are generally well laid out and clearly state procedures.

I started out with a rock chucker single stage kit and still use most of the items in that kit. Single stage only is tedious but fairly straightforward to learn and get started. I’ve never felt the need to upgrade and I can still produce decent quantities with acceptable time spent.

I’ve seen enough garbage reloads, questionable labeling, and dubious practices that my recommended approach would be to learn the basics by reading the manuals for the equipment you buy, and one or two of the basics tutorials like the western powders or Lyman books. Ask targeted questions in person or online and make sure to get a 2nd-or third or more- opinion.

Advice regarding cost/benefit seems very sound in the thread

 

[Bottom Gun]

Always make sure your reloading mentor still has both eyes and all his fingers. . . . . . . .

 

[Hikingman]

Shoot more, nah. That's like saying if there's ice cream in the freezer, I may be tempted.

Cost savings and accuracy is the goal, it's not about the prospect of having more ammo available.

It is or should be considered a separate hobby. If you're not detail oriented, and overly safety conscious and patient, you want to pass on this idea.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Cost savings and accuracy is the goal, it's not about the prospect of having more ammo available.

All true in my case……………EXCEPT……….
LOL…..I can’t claim cost savings per se, because I have invested WAY too much into equipment……..some( most) of it unnecessary….!!!!
But I don’t regret any of it…..

 

[AJC1]

A casual shooter today probably does not use the volume that would equate to real savings. I do this because my dad did it and it would have cost me nothing if I chose. I still spend money on it, because I found I really enjoy the control and the testing is fun for me. I can't imagine buying everything new at msrp and try to immage I'd save money. If your not already at the range almost every weekend and have even more time to spend at the bench it's probably a non starter. If you are wasting many hours of time in front of a TV and feel like your time could be better spent, maybe it's for you.

 

[twarr1]

Save money? Depends on what you’re reloading. I save a significant amount on my 5.7 and 7.62x38R because factory ammo is expensive. But 9mm and 5.56 is a wash. The advantage, as others have said, is tuning loads to your needs.

 

[NuclearMeltdown]

It's been mentioned that the cost savings only come in right now on less-common calibers. The only way you'd save on .223 right now would be if you load SP or HP bullets, but the 55 grain FMJs aren't worth your time/money to reload. Same for 9mm.

I save big with .375 H&H though! You can't buy that anywhere for $0.45/round. haha