MikeS.
Member
Cost of ammo got to high and availability of it crashed last year.
Why did you start reloading your own ammunition?
- Thread starter Birdhunter1
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closetgunnut
Member
I got into reloading when my Dad got a Garand a couple years ago and we had a hard time finding M2 Ball (I didn't know about CMP then) to feed it. When I saw the end of the cheap, surplus -06 on the horizon I figured reloading would be the only way to go.
I now load for 2 Garands, 2 M1 Carbines, a 1903-A3 and a Savage 22-250.
Oh, and it's very relaxing after a day at the Mill.
Closet
I now load for 2 Garands, 2 M1 Carbines, a 1903-A3 and a Savage 22-250.
Oh, and it's very relaxing after a day at the Mill.
Closet
KSCCHTrainer
Member
I started reloading in the late 70's while stationed in Germany, mainly because it was inexpensive and fun.
Now, I reload because I've learned that not every rifle or handgun gives it's best accuracy with factory ammunition and factory ammo is much more expensive as well.
I also teach formal reloading classes here in the Wichita, Kansas area.
Main reasons for reloading (right from the NRA Basic Metallic Reloading Course guide to reloading.)
1: Usually less expensive than buying factory loads.
2: Cartridge and load can be custom tailored to the gun, the target and the distance at which the shooting is to be done.
3: It actually can help the environment. Cartridges & shotgun hulls can be recycled many times. Reloaders help prevent litter by collecting their empty cases after each shooting session and taking them home to reuse.
4: It's just plain fun and like closetgunnut said in the previous post, it's a good way to relax after a hard day at the office. (For safety's sake, please take care not to get distracted!)
Now, I reload because I've learned that not every rifle or handgun gives it's best accuracy with factory ammunition and factory ammo is much more expensive as well.
I also teach formal reloading classes here in the Wichita, Kansas area.
Main reasons for reloading (right from the NRA Basic Metallic Reloading Course guide to reloading.)
1: Usually less expensive than buying factory loads.
2: Cartridge and load can be custom tailored to the gun, the target and the distance at which the shooting is to be done.
3: It actually can help the environment. Cartridges & shotgun hulls can be recycled many times. Reloaders help prevent litter by collecting their empty cases after each shooting session and taking them home to reuse.
4: It's just plain fun and like closetgunnut said in the previous post, it's a good way to relax after a hard day at the office. (For safety's sake, please take care not to get distracted!)
ny32182
Member
For rifle: customization and accuracy, and the cost savings is real nice too, but I would probably still load for rifle even if I didn't save money on similar type ammo.
For pistol: Cost savings is my only motivation; if WWB 9mm was still under $15 per hundred, I would likely not be loading pistol. Once it hit $21 I was 95% of the way over the edge to doing it anyway; once the availability went away, that is when I tried to start. It took me six months+ to get everything I needed to load 9mm, but my bullet order was for 2000, which is enough to last me years.
For pistol: Cost savings is my only motivation; if WWB 9mm was still under $15 per hundred, I would likely not be loading pistol. Once it hit $21 I was 95% of the way over the edge to doing it anyway; once the availability went away, that is when I tried to start. It took me six months+ to get everything I needed to load 9mm, but my bullet order was for 2000, which is enough to last me years.
For quality control and in light of the absolute junk the factories are cranking out now it's more important than when I started. Ever seen a new box of ammo with primers inserted upside down or sideways? I have. Ever seen a case with no flash hole? I have. Ever seen cartridges that you can push the bullet back into the case with only hand pressure? I see posts almost daily of people complaining about bullet setback on almost every gun forum on the net. And the responses are generally "ammo just does that". You never used to hear stuff like that 10 years ago. If you want dependable ammo you must make it yourself.
ny32182
Member
I've seen one inverted primer on a factory round of ammo, and it wasn't even mine. The rest of those issues, I have never seen in ten years of shooting frequently.
for me it's the instant availability of ammo in the calibers I shoot (assuming I keep my component inventory stocked). The reduced cost per round is an added plus.
I also admit to succumbing to the fear of what becoming Obaminated could do to our 2nd Amendment rights. Ammo grabbing is a line of attack of all gun grabbers.
I also admit to succumbing to the fear of what becoming Obaminated could do to our 2nd Amendment rights. Ammo grabbing is a line of attack of all gun grabbers.
twice barrel
Member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2009
- Messages
- 226
As a teenager I was simply fascinated with the process and seeing how everything worked. Once I started to actually purchase my own firearms and ammo (at 15) I learned to shoot less for a bit and save up for a press!
This thread really belongs in here (or verse visa) http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507514
TB
This thread really belongs in here (or verse visa) http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507514
TB
swiftak
Member
Because I like to be as self sufficient as possible. I like to rely on myself for as much as I can. Recently, I've started casting my own pistol bullets. It brings me alot of satisfaction to be as self reliant as I can. I have a lifetime supply of brass, a ton of primers, and alot of powder. Now I'm collecting as much lead as I can find.
I'd like to say it was to save money, or that it was to produce better quality ammo. But truthfully, it seemed like a another good way to geek out with my guns.
Previously, I got my enjoyment from working on/disassembling/reassembling/repairing/customizing guns, and from building a gun book library and reading anything/everything about guns.
Now I get my jollies mostly from reloading, which I started just a few years ago.
However, I DO appreciate the fact that my old Walther P.38 shoots my reloaded 9mm in nice tight groups. It never shot factory ammo that well, so I always considered it a relatively inaccurate pistol. Reloading proved me wrong on that gun.
Previously, I got my enjoyment from working on/disassembling/reassembling/repairing/customizing guns, and from building a gun book library and reading anything/everything about guns.
Now I get my jollies mostly from reloading, which I started just a few years ago.
However, I DO appreciate the fact that my old Walther P.38 shoots my reloaded 9mm in nice tight groups. It never shot factory ammo that well, so I always considered it a relatively inaccurate pistol. Reloading proved me wrong on that gun.
Motownfire
Member
I started loaded because I got tired of going to Academy and Walmart and either not finding ammo or leaving aggravated due to the cost of it. It didn't take me long to break even on my initial investment and now I shoot a lot more often and spend less money doing it. Loading has become a good hobby for me in my spare time. I enjoy the fact that I spend time saving money making my own ammo instead of going out to the bar and pouring my money down the urinal LOL........
dwhite
Member
Because I'm part Scottish
I'm a cheapskate. I bake all the bread the family eats. I work on my own cars. I do my own home repairs.
It is the most relaxing thing I do. I started in 1979 with a hammer actuated Lee Loader in .30-06. Then moved on to a Rockchucker and 38/357. I like the precision and technical side of it also.
All the Best,
D. White
I'm a cheapskate. I bake all the bread the family eats. I work on my own cars. I do my own home repairs.
It is the most relaxing thing I do. I started in 1979 with a hammer actuated Lee Loader in .30-06. Then moved on to a Rockchucker and 38/357. I like the precision and technical side of it also.
All the Best,
D. White
ol' scratch
Member
I couldn't find any .45 ACP, but there were plenty of primers, bullets and powder. Ah the good ol' days-15 months ago
It was pure money for me. I started loading .357 and to this day it is my favorite round to shoot. The ammo is so expensive you save quite a bit of money loading for it. I also started to reload .44 magnum not long after I got my Partner press. The price of .44 ammo around here is about 32.00 per 50. I get 200 rounds for the same money with lead bullets and 3+ with jacketed bullets. I go through 2-3 boxes at a sitting. Shooting the .357 at todays prices it would cost me about 70.00 dollars for 3 boxes of ammo. My most used load costs me 5.00 bucks with lead bullets or a bit more with jacketed. If it cost me 70 bucks to go shooting for one day I wouldn't be able to afford it even if I weren't laid off. It would cost me 250.00 a month and take the fun out of it.
I haven't worried about component costs for years. I usually buy enough to last quite a while like a couple of years at a time. Although I started because I wouldn't have been able to afford it if I bought retail ammo these days I enjoy it because it is relaxing to me. I enjoy it so much I can hardly wait to build up enough brass to make it worth loading it up. Working up loads is fun and interesting. Maybe I should just buy more brass!
I haven't worried about component costs for years. I usually buy enough to last quite a while like a couple of years at a time. Although I started because I wouldn't have been able to afford it if I bought retail ammo these days I enjoy it because it is relaxing to me. I enjoy it so much I can hardly wait to build up enough brass to make it worth loading it up. Working up loads is fun and interesting. Maybe I should just buy more brass!
jcwit
member
Been so many decades ago I honestly don't remember. It might have been a way to extend my hobby of firearms, but then again, who knows?
kostner
Member
Was a big fan of the late Skeeter Skelton read all his books and Shooting Times where he was the handgun editor and yes he reloaded. This was in the seventies and ammo was affordable. But reloading was a kick and have been enjoying it most of my life. Still have five presses set up for 38/357 9mm 45acp 30/30 3006 and 12ga. Have just started casting and like it but still very respectful of melted lead.
Bush Pilot
Member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,400
I started reloading to save money a hundred years ago. I reload now because it's faster than going on the internet and pissing and moaning that Wal-Mart is always out of ammo.
ohioshooter
Member
So I could have a reason to shoot more.
rfwobbly
Member
The girl in the Dillon calendar told me to.
1SOW
Member
All the above, especially rfwobbly's.
The two best reasons for me: Able to shoot more. Can tailor my loads for comp & SD.
The two best reasons for me: Able to shoot more. Can tailor my loads for comp & SD.
Ignition Override
Member
Cost only. Don't want to use up much of the 3,000 surplus .303 rounds, as there will be almost none to be found (and no shipping from small gun shops, if found).
Kind of awkward having no workshop or even a bench, and there is no cooling/heating in the garage or dim attic.
Hold the Lee Ann. press in my lap. So far, 200 rds and two sore ribs.
Luckily the bricks and grapefruits at the river don't care what bullet shatters them, or about the muzzle velocity.
If any of you guys don't have a workbench, what sort of small wooden table works well for your press?
Kind of awkward having no workshop or even a bench, and there is no cooling/heating in the garage or dim attic.
Hold the Lee Ann. press in my lap. So far, 200 rds and two sore ribs.
Luckily the bricks and grapefruits at the river don't care what bullet shatters them, or about the muzzle velocity.
If any of you guys don't have a workbench, what sort of small wooden table works well for your press?
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Peter M. Eick
Member
Costs and to allow me to try different power levels. That was about 35 years ago give or take. It has been a great hobby ever since.
243winxb
Member
Cost, started 1963, Lee "Hammer" Loader. Lee got old real fast. Then RCBS & Mec , Dillon RL-450. Then bullet casting. M16 eats to much ammo not to reload.
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