[Sven]

Curious what got y'all into reloading. Economics? Self-reliance?

Thanks,

-sven

[TrapperReady]

Trap league on Tuesdays and sporting clays and/or hunting on the weekends. When my wife shoots with me, we go through several hundred shells per week.

I just got a used MEC 9000G and can reload a case in about the amount of time it would take me to drive to the sporting goods store, buy one and bring it home. Also, it cuts down on the likelyhood that I'll see some new gun that I've "GOT to have".

Since I'm just starting to get into highpower shooting, I've not yet begun reloading rifle cartridges, but that may very well be next. If so, that will probably be for accuracy more than anything.

[Shweboner]

One thing got me into reloading, Several reason keep me into it.

First, I started reloading 9x18 rounds. Because I was only 18 at the time and couldn't buy handgun ammo... but reloading supplies are OK at 18. So I just made my own:D


Why I still do it? Accuracy, economics, For the makarov I can make cleaner stuff than whats on the market ( ie that russian crap ) And mostly just to expand my hobby, to better understand adn appreciate my firearms. So when its sunny I shoot, when it rains, I handload:)


~brian

[Scout.308]

Cheapness.

Thought I'd save money shooting IPSC. Wound up shooting waaay more. Lost money. Good trade.

What really got me going was the purchase of a .44Mag. I've developed loads from 180WC@600fps (Newbie Special:) ) to 240JHP@I'd-rather-not-admit (Blast Master:D ). WW231-fueled 240SWC@1000fps has accompanied me to a lot of shooting ranges, with great success.

[dakotasin]

i started loading so that my cost per shot would be less, and i was disappointed w/ the accuracy of my rifles w/ factory loads and hoped that hand loading would fix that.

i was right on both counts, plus i also get more velocity than a comparable factory load, and i can shoot whatever weight bullet i want - no longer am i restricted to just one or two weights for a given caliber.

now, i only shoot my own hand loads. i'm done shooting factory stuff. since i started loading my own, every deer that has fallen to one of my rifles, my brother's rifles, or in-law's rifles has fallen to a tuned handload for that rifle...

[Hkmp5sd]

I'm one of those people that can't stop tinkering with something. Gotta see what happens if I change this or that little component. What's the velocity change it I add a little bit more powder? How about a lighter bullet? Maybe a different brand of powder?


To quote the bankrobber at the start of Dirty Harry, "I gots'ta know."

[44and45]

All of the above, plus, its a lot of fun for me.

44and45 :)

[cobb]

Years ago I could not find what I wanted or needed for a deer round out of a .44 mag revolver, so I started rolling my own and I kind of got carried away with handloading ever since. :evil:

[HSMITH]

I wanted to shoot more, and shooting more would cost more money than I could spend. I needed to cut costs, and ammo was a major expenditure. I crunched numbers for a couple weeks, and found out if I did not make the wife and 1 kid at the time move out I would need to start reloading. I bought a press, preserved matrimonial harmony and the family unit, and all is peachy since. 2 more kids, and 4 or 5 more presses of various types, and I load everything I shoot now while keeping the family unit intact. Reloading has never saved me a damn dime, I just shoot more, but at least that was my intention.

[Trsnrtr]

I started reloading because I needed something to do with my time between trips to the range. :) Seriously, I reload to be one step closer to the "system" of firearms, provide myself with quality ammo, and give myself a rewarding hobby that's related to my hobby of firearm shooting and ownership.

Also, anybody can go to WallyWorld and buy ammo for plinking and that's fine if that suits their purpose. But, I shoot gun games and WalMart doesn't stock a lot of .38 Super in light IDPA ESP loads or 200g .45 plated SWC for USPSA.

The main reason I reload, however, is because I enjoy it. It's a hobby. Everybody asks over and over "How much money do you save?" Nobody ever asks "How less stressful is your life since you spend your evenings working with a hobby you enjoy?" :D

[larryw]

I started out because shooting 2K rounds of factory 45 per month is economically unsustainable. Then I discovered I can tune a load for a specific purpose. Want a light target load? No problem. Hand and mind numbing 44Mag? Ditto.

Shortly after that I came across the stunning revelation that I can get my stock hunting rifles to outshoot some real expensive customs just by taking the time to tailor the load to the gun. An ultra light 30-06 that never put three rounds into less than a 3" group suddenly became a MOA tack driver, and box stock 223 bolt guns started putting ten rounds into a 1/2 MOA hole. Now, THAT'S fun!!

So, economics are a big part of it for me, but my greatest source of pleasure from reloading is the flexibility and accuracy that comes with properly worked up loads.

[cheygriz]

CO$T!!!

Same thing got me into casting!

[Arub]

I started out as a way to get some quiet time and reduce stress. My wife is afraid of gun powder sooooo, I just go back into the back den and reload when I want some peace and quiet. She stays up in the front of the house.

As a stress reducer, reloading is great. I concentrate so much on the reloading, I tune out and forget about everything else. Great therapy.

On the plus side, although it doesn't save me any money, I shoot a whole lot more for the same money. Great economy.

Last, I'm addicted. I think I enjoy the reloading as much, or more, than the shooting.

[Sisco]

Started for reasons of economy but then soon discovered I enjoy sitting down at the bench almost as much as I enjoy shooting.

[sctman800]

Cost per round, I don't really save money in the long run but I get to shoot a lot more, .41mag is pricey. I also like the way I can load to the level of bang I want, around here about all anyone stocks is 210gr Remington soft points so reloading gives me a lot bigger choice. Jim.

[Standing Wolf]

I told myself I was going to save money. I'm not sure I've ever saved a shiny Truman dime, since reloading gadgetry and manuals and components aren't free, but early on, I was bitten by the accuracy bug, and soon dropped the thought of saving money.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. When I first got into shooting, I couldn't afford to shoot much factory ammo at all. I kind of liked it, too. There was no Winchester USA ball or other generic factory ammo then.

Best.

[Gary H]

Control

Reloading presented challenges that I want in a hobby:

1. Requires basic understanding of subject matter.
2. End product is good measure of application of #1.
3. Products produced may not be available pre-fabricated.
4. Always learning .. until something goes kaboom..
5. Provides me with a 12' x 12' room that my wife allows me to keep messy.

It will take me many years to recover from my four presses and a great deal of supporting equipment and supplies.

[Neal Bloom]

Got into it to save money. Yeah Right! Started buying more guns to load in different calibers, more equipment to load for different calibers, different powders, different bullet weights, ... etc. Really bad habit but it keeps me out of trouble.

I like reloading almost as much as shooting. To me it sort of completes a cycle. Something very Zen about reloading.

[braindead0]

My dad got me into it..for the longest time I didn't know you could buy ammo! He has several guns that are difficult to find ammo for, old damascus barrel shotgun that used brass cartridges (shorter than standard 12qa, and of course had to load blackpowder)...original Peacemaker...stuff like that.

I think he did it for economy as well, also cast all of our bullets.. don't think he ever purchased any

[dongun]

Accuracy got me into it. I used the cost angle to persuade the wife, but after I spent $300 for a Rock Chucker start up kit, $20 each for several dies, $15 a pound for several different powders, and $15 a box for a variety of bullets, she missed the point.

The first time I used a handload to take a whitetail, I was as proud as a new papa. Now I reload just because I like it. There is just something satisfying (may be self reliance) about doing it yourself. I like to tinker with loads, even ones that shoot well.

[Desert Dog]

I got into reloading because the factories did not offer the choice of heavy bullets and stiff loadings for .45 Colt, and the specialty shops (Garrett, Corbon, etc...) wanted an arm and a leg for them...

It wasn't until I started reloading that I realized how relaxing it is.

The other reason I noticed after the fact is the amount of rounds you can load for the same money a box of 50 commercial would cost (over twice).

The impressive accuracy is another...

YMMV,

Mike

[Poohgyrr]

At one time I was single and shot twice weekly. After a while, I worked out the cost, just for the ammo alone. Then I figured out the cost for handloads. At 15 to 20 cents apiece (factory) vs 6 cents maximum (handloads), I soon bought reloading equipment for my .357's. Been smiling all the way to the range ever since.

[Poodleshooter]

My grandfather did it, and my dad taught me to do it. I continue to do it for reasons of economy.

[Gunner45]

I started because my little brother bought me a Dillon Square Deal B for christmas. I shoot IDPA stuff twice a month and .45s were getting kind of pricey.

So far I have really enjoyed reloading.

Gunner45

[Thirties]

What got me into reloading (which I will actually start when I get my work area built) can be said just in two words:

Paco Kelly


Check out this link:

http://www.sixgunner.com/paco/Default.htm


At the site go to the "Obsolete" link:

http://www.sixgunner.com/paco/38special.htm


There you will see what got me into reloading, or so far what got me to buy some reloading gear and embark upon a building project in my basement.

I think you'll enjoy his writings . . .

[Loach]

I bought a rifle in .260 remington while I lived in Minnesota within relatively easy driving distance of a Cabela's which carried 5 or 6 different loads in that caliber. When I moved to South Carolina, I found the nearest store that carried any kind of ammo in .260 rem was in Charlotte 90+ miles north, I decided to give reloading a try.

Now, I've found I can handload ammo much more accurate than any factory load, with one exception. Hornady Custom 165gr 30-06 just about matches the best handloads I can muster in my 700ADL.

loach

[vulcan]

I started reloading because of forums like this:) Had to see what the other half of shooting was about. I found it to be relaxing & gives me the chance to try different loads. I find most of the savings in the .357 & .44 special caliber, The 9mms were mostly to experiment. I even enjoy using a tong tool or lee loaders for variety:D

[coonan357]

I am a packrat and had to something with all that brass I picked up along the way ... no actually it was to save money I was shooting a case of shells a week at $200+ a case (1000rds) , I have gotten it down to $80 a case of better stuff (higher power and more accurate ) when I use the better bullets the cost goes up but being able to adjust the power levels are more of my liking , and to be able to make show off rounds ( 2400 or bluedot flamethrower reloads ) :rolleyes: but I also like knowing that I can actually do something that alot of people are afraid to do . and its my out from the stress of the world

[hubel458]

And to have lighter spitzer bullets for target and deer hunting.
Wanting more power and notoriety I developed my wildcat
458 Hubel Express, that I reload, two of which are shown in
the picture flanking a 458 Win...Ed

http://www.gunownerstv.com/feb04-01.jpg

[Grampa]

I really don't remember what got me started. My wife bought me my first press, a Rockchucker, as either a birthday or Christmas present. My Dad quickly pitched in, wanting me to load 8MM Mauser, 303 British, .401 Herters PowerMag and 30-40 Krag ammo for him. He kept me well supplied with tools, dies and supplies. My first rifle was a 30-06, and I have brass I will never get around to reloading for it. First handgun was a .357, and had lots of brass for it, too.

That's it! Back in high school I was involved in a law enforcement career organization, and we reloaded thousands of rounds of 38 Special for pistol training. I remember enjoying it, and decided to get back into it when I graduated from college. My wife took the idea from there.

Can't say which motivates me more, now. I suppose I save some money, but mostly shoot more. Like others have said, I like to escape out to the reloading bench and tinker away for an hour or two. It's relaxing, and pays off with more ammo to shoot!

[Calanctus]

How else am I supposed to feed a rifle that shoots .219 Ackley Improved Zipper? :D

[swifter]

Right to start, economics. Then I found my loads were better than anything I could buy...:D Now, I have rifles that don't digest stuff I can buy...
Tom

[41mag M&P]

I started reloading to shoot the .41 magnum. My choices were limited at the local gun stores (usually just silvertips). It was either mail order ammo or reload if I wanted to shoot it much.

[John Galt]

I shoot 45ACP with 200grn Lead SWC.
- It costs 1/3 as much or better to reload.
- I can't buy a reduced power LSWC for target practice.

I'm about to start shooting .223 bolt action. I'll reload mostly for accuracy, but also to save $$$. You'd be very lucky to just happen to find a rifle round that is the right velocity, etc for your exact rifle. I've read that you can often cut your groups to 1/3 by raising or lowering your velocity 100fps.

[Bruce H]

Creativity mostly. With so many different manufactures of bullets, brass, powder, primers, ect it all needs tried. If something doesn't work out we all know someone else we can trade with for something we havent tried. It is also real hard to find factory ammo that changes a tenth of a grain. Probably spend more than using factory but the knowledge gained is a cheap education.

[uglymofo]

All these guys with all these reasons.

Me, I'm cheap- "A cut-rate person in a coupon land".

[achadwick]

Started off reloading many years ago to save money. Used a Lee Loader for my .30-30. Shortly moved up to the RCBS Rock Chucker press and recently to the Pro2000 progressive press. Still have the Lee Loader but haven't used it for over 20 years.

[admiral]

i wanted bruises on my shoulder that factory 45-70 ammo wouldn't provide.

[atek3]

I started shooting High-Power. and at 50-75 cents around there was no way in hell I could afford match grade ammo. So I started rolling my own, 69 gr. moly SMK over 23.4 Gr. Varget in a mass-sorted LC 01 brass.

atek3