Reloading as a Hobby

[orionengnr]

I have seen several posters who say something to the effect of:

"I used to reload to shoot. Now I shoot to reload."

I'm not there yet, but I'm about halfway.

I definitely enjoy the reloading process, and considering the fact that it takes a lot longer to load 50 rounds than it does to empty them, that is a good thing.

 

[thecarfarmer]

I started reloading Makarov on a hand-me-down single stage press. Brass cased (which I have to use at indoor ranges here in Seattle) was running about $15-16 per box in 2010; I could reload for $9 without buying huge quantities.

At $6-7 saved per box, it didn't take long to offset the cost of dies.

The fact that I could load reduced recoil rounds for my little aluminum-framed FEG was icing on the cake!

Bill

 

[Curator]

Reloading is my most expensive money-saving hobby! I enjoy it almost as much as shooting. I particularly like to make ammo for obsolete and rare rifle calibers so I can shoot them. It can become an obsession: I once bought a rifle because I had reloading dies in that caliber.

 

[ZWCoffindaffer]

Ive just recently gotten into reloading. I actually got into it to produce more accurate rifle cartridges. I wanted to be able to make rounds that exceeded factory standards. I now enjoy reloading an array of calibers including a couple of handgun calibers. I'm never in a rush or try to see how many rounds I can make. It's just my peace and quiet. I think I enjoy as much, or more, than shooting.

 

[Traffer]

Thumbs Up

I wish there was a thumbs up option on THR. I find myself looking for one almost every time I read something on this thread.

 

[Dudedog]

I enjoy it and find it relaxing. I don't really save any money but I get to shoot about 3 times as much for the same cost.
I also get more accurate ammo.

Working on new loads is fun, kind of like cracker jacks a surprise in every box.

 

[Duvel]

Working on new loads is fun, kind of like cracker jacks a surprise in every box.

I sure got hooked on that aspect of it, working up about 260 loads for the 10 - in a three month period

I picked up a self-help pamphlet, and recovery is going well

 

[BullRunBear]

Even if I didn't want to reload (and I really enjoy it), there's another reason to do so. My wife insists we have the means to reload all center fire calibers we have, both tools and components. Her attitude is a combination of junior grade prepper, liking that I can make mild and accurate ammo (she's tiny and has trouble with heavy recoil), and a big dollop of indulging her old husband. She doesn't care if I use the most automatic machines or the Lee whack-a-mole kits.

Deciding to start reloading was smart but marrying her was smarter.

Jeff

 

[JohnMc]

I got started in the mid to late '70s with Lee Loaders, for 12 gauge, 9x19 and .222, because Dad wouldn't let us shoot factory ammo (except .22 LR) just for fun. I remember smacking those things with a mallet while watching Linda Carter, as Wonder Woman, bounce around on our TV... good times.
Then I stopped in the early 80's.
I only restarted about 6 or 7 years ago. With the Lee Loaders, safe, shoot-able ammo was the goal, but now, better than factory is the goal. And it has become a hobby onto itself, as others have said.
Hopefully, a Lock-N-Load AP is under the tree right now.