See I don't get where 223/5.56 is such a PITA? I can make waaaay more accurate ammo than factory, for cheaper and it doesn't take any longer than any other rifle caliber. Yes, its cheap but you get what you pay for. I load 9mm because its cheaper by a couple bucks and my time spent reloading instead of in front of the TV equals a couple bucks.
Any calibers you *won't* reload?
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Toprudder
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I reload plenty of 9mm and 223. I can load reduced recoil 9mm loads for my wife, and accuracy loads for my 9mm AR. I can load accuracy rounds for my 223 that is just a little more than the bulk factory ammo. No brainer for me.
I have a Nagant revolver that I hardly ever shoot, and have enough factory ammo for it to last years, so I don’t plan on loading for it. I am saving my brass, though. I don’t shoot enough x54R to justify buying the dies for. I do load x39, but only because I have a finicky Ruger Mini 30.
I have a Nagant revolver that I hardly ever shoot, and have enough factory ammo for it to last years, so I don’t plan on loading for it. I am saving my brass, though. I don’t shoot enough x54R to justify buying the dies for. I do load x39, but only because I have a finicky Ruger Mini 30.
cougar1717
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There's very few calibers I would not reload, like the 5.7x28 where it has a greater than average potential to put the reloader at risk. That's about it.
However, it appears that the vast majority of "NO's" are that:
1) the process is tedious (like bottleneck handgun cartridges, swaging/trimming 223 brass, etc.)
2) the user does not require high quality ammo (9mm, 223)
3) the user does not use the volume of ammo that reloading can provide (deer season hunting)
For most people, it's not that a person won't reload a certain caliber, but that reloading does not suit their ammo needs for that caliber. Either the time spent isn't worth it; the additional quality isn't needed; the return on investment is too long; or the volume of ammo used is too small. Those are all good reasons for not reloading.
However, it appears that the vast majority of "NO's" are that:
1) the process is tedious (like bottleneck handgun cartridges, swaging/trimming 223 brass, etc.)
2) the user does not require high quality ammo (9mm, 223)
3) the user does not use the volume of ammo that reloading can provide (deer season hunting)
For most people, it's not that a person won't reload a certain caliber, but that reloading does not suit their ammo needs for that caliber. Either the time spent isn't worth it; the additional quality isn't needed; the return on investment is too long; or the volume of ammo used is too small. Those are all good reasons for not reloading.
lightman
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I don't think its the PITA thing. More about having so much 223 ammo available for cheap. Now, to me, a 25 ACP or a 32 Auto falls into the PITA class! I guess I would include the 5.7FN in that group.
I saw a post saying it’s too much of a pain because they have to lube the case. I agree it’s cheap and plentiful but even good factory stuff doesn’t have the accuracy of my handloads. If I had an AR I’d shoot factory.
ArchAngelCD
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I load .223 ammo on a single stage press for my bolt action .223 rifle. I use cases kept separate for that rifle and high end bullets. For use in my AD platform I load the .223 ammo in my turret press instead.
I also load for everything I shoot including the 9mm and 32 ACP.
I also load for everything I shoot including the 9mm and 32 ACP.
Lennyjoe
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Same here, with the exception of .22 LR
Charlie98
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Time being finite... I choose to spend the very limited time I have for reloading on cartridges that make sense to reload... .41, .348WCF and .45-70, cast bullets in the .30's, .30-06 (Garand) and 7.62mm (M1a,) and my high volume pistol (.45ACP.)
I haven't loaded 9mm or 5.56mm in any appreciable quantity in 25 years... the cost of components and my time just don't offset the negligible savings I would see vs generic factory ammo available in bulk. 7.62mm is about the same thing, although I do reload for it. Maybe 50/50 factory to reloads for generic FMJ stuff. The fact that I absolutely HATE reloading 9mm and 5.56mm might have something to do with it.
I haven't loaded 9mm or 5.56mm in any appreciable quantity in 25 years... the cost of components and my time just don't offset the negligible savings I would see vs generic factory ammo available in bulk. 7.62mm is about the same thing, although I do reload for it. Maybe 50/50 factory to reloads for generic FMJ stuff. The fact that I absolutely HATE reloading 9mm and 5.56mm might have something to do with it.
berettaprofessor
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As others, if its centerfire and I shoot it, then I reload it. With the high volume stuff like 223, I'll reload the "specialty" rounds developed for more precision shooting rifles and might shoot a box or two of commercial when I'm just plinking with an AR and not really trying for group. Heck, I even reload 40S&W and don't have a gun chambered in it (load it for my son).
I actually like the 25ACP and 32ACP reloading. Practices my dexterity!
I'll go so far as to agree with half that statement.
I actually like the 25ACP and 32ACP reloading. Practices my dexterity!
Reloading is much more satisfying (and less risky) than stealing hubcaps and chasing dirty women........
I'll go so far as to agree with half that statement.
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I like reloading 9mm just because it's my favorite caliber and I have many vintage firearms in that caliber. I like trying different recipes with different old guns. I like reloading 380 and 32acp for similar reasons. I have so many vintage firearms in that caliber. The additional bonus is I'm saving money when I reload those calibers. Yes, 32 is a pain to measure powder precisely. But, I'm retired and have OCD so I take the time to get it accurately. I don't have the cajonnes to reload my 25acp rounds. I do save my brass just in case I decide to live dangerously and try to reload 25acp. LOL
Arkansas Paul
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I certainly get this for 12 and 20 gauge stuff. I have a MEC Jr and a Lee Load All for 12 gauge, and a MEC Jr for 20 gauge and they're not even mounted to the bench right now.
doubleh
Member
It's six of one and half a dozen of the other for me. I haven't purchased any factory ammo in years except for some cheap 223 I picked up back in the winter for just playing around with my one lonely AR. Pistol or rifle, I reload it.
Zaydok Allen
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I almost only shoot pistols or pistol caliber carbines. So I don't really have any interest in rifle cartridges.
I would like to pick up a Ruger Precision rifle though, or an equivalent. At that point, I'm not going to try and shoot long range without loading my own.
I would like to pick up a Ruger Precision rifle though, or an equivalent. At that point, I'm not going to try and shoot long range without loading my own.
Bwana John
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I will reload 223 with good bullets, but fmj is just not worth it.
The tiny little bullets and case mouths have also become more of an issue with "advancing" age.
I'd much rather load 30-06. 22 Hornet can be especially fiddly, I can't even imagine .17 cal.
I reload all the centerfire calibers that I shoot. I don't much care for .380 so I don't shoot it much, so I don't reload it much. I have been reloading 5.7x28 and don't intend to stop, but it IS quite picky and very time consuming. Fortunately I am retired and have the time. Still it's a tricky little bugger.
I truly enjoy the reloading part of the firearms hobby.
I truly enjoy the reloading part of the firearms hobby.
PWC
Member
Won't reload for any firearm/caliber I don't have. I'll assist/ show how to....on my equipment, for anyone with their own dies and components.
I still don't mind reloading FMJ in 223, but have gravitated more toward Hornady or Nosler lately.
D.B. Cooper
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I find a tremendous amount of sage wisdom in the words of these two men. Sage wisdom.
D.B. Cooper
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I started a similar thread to this a month or so back, and came to the foregone conclusion that, for me, economics drives this decision. I'm not got to spend time reloading ammo that can be cheaply bought; I will, however, maximize my reloading time by only reloading ammo that is expensive to buy. So for me, currently, I'm not loading 9mm. I am loading 44 and 30-06 due to both unit cost and my high volume of consumption. I am loading 243 Win. due to both unit cost and my drive for a more accurate cartridge in my gun compared to what can be purchased.
1MoreFord
Member
.380 or smaller. My fingers are just too big.
I have equipment to reload any center fire cartridge that I own a firearm for except 16 gauge (I have my grandfather's 16 gauge SxS but have no desire to shoot it). You never know when supplies will dry up.
I enjoy reloading so the time spent is recreational and costs me nothing. I'd waste the time doing something, playing with the dogs, tinkering in my shop, working with the horses, etc., so why not reloading as well.
I do buy some factory ammunition, primarily to get cases or hulls but I picking about the case or hull manufacturer so I generally shop price.
I have equipment to load something north of 30 different cartridges.
I enjoy reloading so the time spent is recreational and costs me nothing. I'd waste the time doing something, playing with the dogs, tinkering in my shop, working with the horses, etc., so why not reloading as well.
I do buy some factory ammunition, primarily to get cases or hulls but I picking about the case or hull manufacturer so I generally shop price.
I have equipment to load something north of 30 different cartridges.
Hard to argue with that. But 7.62x39, and 7.62x25 might never see a press here. Don't shoot it much anymore, and still have a couple unopened tins of each. At one time it didn't seem possible to keep enough on hand.I won't ever say "never".
One just never knows...
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