My heart and soul isn't in to reloading anymore

[ThomasT]

I have lost interest in my reloading activities, anyone else done this? I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older (64) or I just dont shoot as much as I once did or , I had a cancer tumor removed in Sept. 2018 esophageal they removed 3/4 of my stomach and esophagus,...but I still get out and bowhunt, well at least climb the tree and sit in my stand and watch the day go by....dont really even care if I shoot deer anymore......just checking to see if I'm in this boat by myself or if others have gone thru this......thanks and Happy New Year

Like the others said don't sell your stuff. I hadn't reloaded in a couple of years because I have so much ammo on hand now. But a couple of months ago I bought a new Ruger American in 243. I had loads already but they were sized for the Remington 243 I used to own. So I ended up oulling around 80 rounds, resizing the brass and then loading some of the spent brass I had on hand. And you know what? It was FUN! It was a lot of work but I enjoyed every minute of it. And my youngest son wants my reloading stuff when I croak. So fine, its his.

About 7 years ago I developed diabetes. Not a bad case, I can control it with pills so far but I have nuerapathy in my lower legs and the diabetes caused the bones in my right foot to collapse. Its hard for me to walk especially in the woods. I haven't hunted yet and may not even make it this year. No big deal really. I don't like where I am at physically but I will get by. I just got put on disability because of my feet. I can no longer climb ladders to do roof inspections and I am too unstable to be on a roof. I was an insurance adjuster. So now money is really tight. But I will make it work.

Some hobbies come and go. When I was young, I was really into electronic projects. I was also big into radio-controlled airplanes, and even won a national championship back in ‘93, but I haven’t touched the sticks in about 5 years now.

Me too. I have around 10 RC models hanging from the ceiling in my garage. I haven't flown but once in the last year and a half. I wish I could find someone to sell my planes to and get out of the hobby for good. This is my third time back in the hobby and the thrill is gone. Plus with my weak legs its hard for me to set the plane on the ground after the engine is started. I am worried about losing my balance and falling on the prop.

 

[kelbro]

Reading this makes it sound like we are all a bunch of old farts that are falling apart!

We really need to find a way to get more youngsters involved in this aspect of the shooting sports or it will eventually vanish.

I started hand loading and bullet casting back in 1970 because I had to. I had a 25-20 Marlin and ammo was too hard to find and too expensive for this boy. Not the case anymore. Kids want to shoot black rifles and the ammo is easy to find and reasonably cheap.

 

[Toprudder]

Me too. I have around 10 RC models hanging from the ceiling in my garage. I haven't flown but once in the last year and a half. I wish I could find someone to sell my planes to and get out of the hobby for good. This is my third time back in the hobby and the thrill is gone. Plus with my weak legs its hard for me to set the plane on the ground after the engine is started. I am worried about losing my balance and falling on the prop.

I got rid of all my glow-powered planes some years back, and went all electric except for the large gas planes.

One of my just-for-laughs projects:

 

[jdc1244]

I have lost interest in my reloading activities, anyone else done this? I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older (64) or I just dont shoot as much as I once did or , I had a cancer tumor removed in Sept. 2018 esophageal they removed 3/4 of my stomach and esophagus,...but I still get out and bowhunt, well at least climb the tree and sit in my stand and watch the day go by....dont really even care if I shoot deer anymore......just checking to see if I'm in this boat by myself or if others have gone thru this......thanks and Happy New Year

I reloaded for a few years – stopped when I no longer had a place to reload.

Had a good time and learned a lot.

 

[Shak3s1977]

Reading this makes it sound like we are all a bunch of old farts that are falling apart!

We really need to find a way to get more youngsters involved in this aspect of the shooting sports or it will eventually vanish.

I started hand loading and bullet casting back in 1970 because I had to. I had a 25-20 Marlin and ammo was too hard to find and too expensive for this boy. Not the case anymore. Kids want to shoot black rifles and the ammo is easy to find and reasonably cheap.

Here I am 42 years old and have been reloading for about 2 years. My dad got me started in this bottomless pit lol and I can't thank him enough. I think I may have been born a generation too late. I wish I would have started 20 years ago in this hobby.

To the op, maybe you'll find someone who will put the spark back in ya as far as the reloading hobbies go. I found my neighbor who doesn't reload, but has done casting for his cannons. He's helping me learn casting and I'm helping him reload. Hopefully your healing up and even if you don't get back into reloading, I wish you the best.

 

[brassbullets12]

I been reloading since 1988, yeah I have been thru cycles.i recently had a good friend, that wanted to start reloading. I have had back surgery last month, so I started prepping brass before surgery, and am now ready to go full speed. Between him and me I have started back again after a dry spell.

 

[Obturation]

I completely understand, life changes constantly. I am 35 and am very busy- full time job that is mentally & physically challenging, a wife that works evenings, a 2 1/2 year old and a 7 month old that are challenging to say the least, a large dog that is nearing the end of his life that needs special care, a house and yard that need quite a bit of upkeep, a bunch of older machines that always need something and on and on. My point is life gets funky on you, it will change your perspective constantly. Maybe with your recent health condition your priority has changed, things you valued through the years have shifted. I wouldn't say that's unusual, it sounds like you've had quite a challenge. I go a couple months at times without loading anything at all, not that i can't find time or have lost interest. I hope you're health is good now and you can focus on what really means the most, if you never load again it isn't the end of the world. This post reminds me of one i made a montg or 2 ago about feeling jaded and tired https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/i-think-im-ruined.858750/
I think it has a similar sentiment.
Best of luck, friend.

 

[alsaqr]

Sorry to learn of your medical issues. Wish you a speedy recovery.

Began re-loading in 1953 or 54, i forget which. This year i have re-loaded and fired about 2,500 rounds, mostly .223 and .308 calibers. At age 80 it would be really easy to sit around and croak, but ain't going there. Despite a slew of medical issues i shoot or hunt weekly.

IMO: A fitting end for me would be getting disemboweled by a huge critter at age 95.

 

[JFrank]

this little fella helped me through every single day.
Best companion I ever had.

 

[ThomasT]

One of my just-for-laughs projects:

I saw a video linked on Youtube about an electric weedblower mounted with wings and tail and I guess it flies. I never watched the video. Anyway that looks fun. You didn't get in to building S.P.A.D.s did you? I built a couple of them.

I watched the video. It flies.

 

[LaneP]

It's possible to go through phases. When my kids were born I thought I was done bullet casting and gave away a boat load of good linotype metal (a move I later regretted) and mothballed my reloading gear. When my kids became adults I got right back into it out of nowhere, and now I'm full tilt casting and reloading. As long as I have an interest in pulling the trigger and sending lead downrange I'll keep the reloading fire going.

 

[sparkyv]

I agree, intrests ebb and flow. However, if one's reloading intrest wanes significantly, i suggest that he please stop! Disinterest or lack of concentration can lead to disastrous results.

 

[JERRY]

for many folks, they'd rather lose the money buying ammo than the time reloading it. why? you can get more money, but when time is gone, its gone. of course if you don't have anyone in your life your time is all your own.

 

[Sniper66]

I have lost interest in my reloading activities, anyone else done this? I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older (64) or I just dont shoot as much as I once did or , I had a cancer tumor removed in Sept. 2018 esophageal they removed 3/4 of my stomach and esophagus,...but I still get out and bowhunt, well at least climb the tree and sit in my stand and watch the day go by....dont really even care if I shoot deer anymore......just checking to see if I'm in this boat by myself or if others have gone thru this......thanks and Happy New Year

Hey Chopper.......Recovery from major surgery can take many months, especially life-altering surgery like yours. Though you didn't say so, I'm betting you still have numerous after-affects, especially surgery on your innards. I'm also betting the surgery has altered more than your interest in reloading. Lots of interesting posts here with moving personal stories....thanks to all of you for sharing. My interest in reloading comes and goes. I've had several major surgeries, 3 foot and ankle reconstructions, one heart ablation, 3 surgeries on wrists and hands and one rotator cuff repair, which made reloading and shooting impossible. I'm fully recovered now and interest in reloading, hunting, and shooting in general has come roaring back. Doing everything you can to maximize your overall health will go a long way to increase and maintain healthy interest in and pursuit of fun activities like hunting, shooting, reloading, etc.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Reading this makes it sound like we are all a bunch of old farts that are falling apart!

We really need to find a way to get more youngsters involved in this aspect of the shooting sports or it will eventually vanish.

I started hand loading and bullet casting back in 1970 because I had to. I had a 25-20 Marlin and ammo was too hard to find and too expensive for this boy. Not the case anymore. Kids want to shoot black rifles and the ammo is easy to find and reasonably cheap.

Why?

WHY is it every thing has to revolve around kids and making things they don't want to do, IN TO something they want to do? Hunting, shooting, hiking, caving, what ever, you hear all day over and over how we/I need a bunch of whiny kids who don't even want to do it whine now about how every thing I like to do should be changed all around to make it something "the kids like to do"?

You want to do something I like to do, great. I'd love to share it with you.

You DON'T want to, I don't care. So what, those kids can sit in front of the TV the rest of their flipping life with a joy stick in their butt and twiddle their thumbs. I'm not lifting a finger to change anything I like in to ANYTHING they may ever even remotely like.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Why?

WHY is it every thing has to revolve around kids and making things they don't want to do, IN TO something they want to do? Hunting, shooting, hiking, caving, what ever, you hear all day over and over how we/I need a bunch of whiny kids who don't even want to do it whine now about how every thing I like to do should be changed all around to make it something "the kids like to do"?

You want to do something I like to do, great. I'd love to share it with you.

You DON'T want to, I don't care. So what, those kids can sit in front of the TV the rest of their flipping life with a joy stick in their butt and twiddle their thumbs. I'm not lifting a finger to change anything I like in to ANYTHING they may ever even remotely like.

When I was a kid, I don't remember EVER being asked what I wanted. There were 6 of us kids, and we were told, not asked.

We're going here, doing this. You are coming too.
This is what's for supper. Eat or don't, whichever. There is no other choice.
We are moving.
You are going to this school.
Here are your clothes for school.
You cannot stay out past this time.

It worked. Out of 6 kids, 5 have University degrees, 4 of those are advanced, 2 Phd's. No jailbirds, all productive members of society.
Children are just that, children. They need to be led, with a firm hand, and a heavy "do not pass" line.

 

[ms6852]

Reading this makes it sound like we are all a bunch of old farts that are falling apart!

We are old farts, but we ain't no sissies! At least I know which bathroom to go to when I can make it in time!

 

[choppertime]

Love that reply ms6852! Great responses on this subject,can't be a pussy getting old, some have better health than others , I guess that's just life in general and man life is short......oh well live it to the fullest! Some say dont sell your stuff I really didn't plan on that quite yet 2 dillon 550's 1 small primer 1 large, redding big boss 2, dillon swagger tool , dillon trimmer motor ,bells and whistles for most of this stuff I never could be satisfied with minimum had to go all out.....I do have 1 real pain in the ass hornady lnl ap 2008 model year and I have all the bells and whistles for it..case feeder,bullet feeders.....I'm getting ready to either make it a dedicated 5.56 brass only prep center or box it up....1 d ay it works the next day gremlins got in it over night and messed with it cause I have to tinker to get it to go, shouldn't have to do that after all these years......anyway I'm still not into it maybe if I get to feeling better my heart and soul will get back into it......got till Feb 2nd for bow season with a little muzzle loader in there I dont gun hunt except spring gobbler..... to many lunatics with guns out there even if I am on private land trespassers dont care...and I own plenty of all kinds of firearms.....ok enough of this typing crap finger and eyes getting a workout....lol...I learned that I have to go on the internet to see what abbreviations are these days and I worked at gm car dealerships since in the 70's and now everything is abbreviations ok everyone take care and good luck with all you do!

 

[CraigC]

My heart and soul were never in handloading, only shooting and hunting. I've never handloaded for the satisfaction of handloading, it's always been just another chore. I handload for the satisfaction of shooting. I envy the guys who love handloading but it is not a requirement.

 

[CraigC]

Me too. I have around 10 RC models hanging from the ceiling in my garage. I haven't flown but once in the last year and a half. I wish I could find someone to sell my planes to and get out of the hobby for good. This is my third time back in the hobby and the thrill is gone. Plus with my weak legs its hard for me to set the plane on the ground after the engine is started. I am worried about losing my balance and falling on the prop.

I was into RC trucks for several years. Still have a bunch of trucks gathering dust in a storage unit. The thrill is just gone. I wish it wasn't but it is. Just because we do something once doesn't mean we have to do it our entire lives. Some things come and go. Sometimes we have to just let them. I'm going to take all mine to give to my friend's three boys this spring. It'll be Christmas all over again for them.

 

[lightman]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. But you are correct, attitude matters. I think that its pretty common to take a break from your hobbies. You get tired of hunting, fishing, golfing, tying flies or whatever you do for a hobby. Even reloading.

Hoping you get on top of your health problems.

 

[GaryL]

I have lost interest in my reloading activities, anyone else done this? I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older (64) or I just dont shoot as much as I once did or , I had a cancer tumor removed in Sept. 2018 esophageal they removed 3/4 of my stomach and esophagus,...but I still get out and bowhunt, well at least climb the tree and sit in my stand and watch the day go by....dont really even care if I shoot deer anymore......just checking to see if I'm in this boat by myself or if others have gone thru this......thanks and Happy New Year

Sorry to hear about your illness.

It looks like most people's interests change over time - they come and they go. Same thing for me. My problem is I haven't done enough unloading over the last couple years.

 

[ms6852]

Love that reply ms6852! Great responses on this subject,can't be a pussy getting old, some have better health than others , I guess that's just life in general and man life is short......oh well live it to the fullest! Some say dont sell your stuff I really didn't plan on that quite yet 2 dillon 550's 1 small primer 1 large, redding big boss 2, dillon swagger tool , dillon trimmer motor ,bells and whistles for most of this stuff I never could be satisfied with minimum had to go all out.....I do have 1 real pain in the ass hornady lnl ap 2008 model year and I have all the bells and whistles for it..case feeder,bullet feeders.....I'm getting ready to either make it a dedicated 5.56 brass only prep center or box it up....1 d ay it works the next day gremlins got in it over night and messed with it cause I have to tinker to get it to go, shouldn't have to do that after all these years......anyway I'm still not into it maybe if I get to feeling better my heart and soul will get back into it......got till Feb 2nd for bow season with a little muzzle loader in there I dont gun hunt except spring gobbler..... to many lunatics with guns out there even if I am on private land trespassers dont care...and I own plenty of all kinds of firearms.....ok enough of this typing crap finger and eyes getting a workout....lol...I learned that I have to go on the internet to see what abbreviations are these days and I worked at gm car dealerships since in the 70's and now everything is abbreviations ok everyone take care and good luck with all you do!

One thing my grandfather and father taught me at a young age is that we have no control at what life throws at us, only how we react to it. Times like this there is nothing wrong in being disinterested. It takes a long while for the body to heal from the traumatic effects of surgery to include chemo or radiation therapy. I've never had chemo but had a bunch of my intestines removed and than the incision would not close for 6 months. Took me more than 18 months to recover and I felt tired all the time. So I took an interest in watching tv and catching up on movies I always wanted to see but couldn't. I'm drinking coffee all day long and watching tv. Man that was great because I could be in pajamas all day long and when the dog wouldn't get near me I new I had to take a shower, and this animal eats poop. I had to buy an additional safe to store all the ammo I have even though I had all the ingredients to reload. No you are fine, dwell on what is good now and not what was as the past is gone and the future you still have to write it, so why not make a damn good one every day.

 

[BWS]

If you're into shooting bows,look for some 3D shoots. I shoot trad equipment so it's a little more challenging but in anycase,it gets me outside with my sons. They all shoot bows and guns,and now their kids are shooting.We go to a lot of big 3D,traditional rendezvous,camping and enjoying the outdoors.

Found a pic. I was in bad shape here,having just shot 2 back to back courses in Fredericksburg Va, in 90* and 90% humidity. Shot with my youngest son and Coco,will never forget the experience it was that much fun.

 

[Steve S.]

I was diagnosed with terminal cancer (one year or less) in 2013; since I am still typing, the terminal was not so terminal. It slowed me down quite a bit for many years and the treatments took a big toll but I still hunt, shoot, reload, fish, etc. - I never lost my zest for life,
You will cycle back to your interests - chronic disease is like a bad drunk, you will get really sick but you will feel better after you throw up and then your mind tells you that wasn’t so bad - your lull is perfectly normal.