Rifle or Reloading

[Furncliff]

Get the AR. Reloading is a PIA. After two years of fiddling with working up loads in .38/.357 on a Square Deal b I'm about to jump ship. My interest was in getting more accurate loads, not necessarily cheaper but better. I admit I have failed. I've been playing with the idea of switching brands to a Hornaday thinking that I might get more consistency out of their powder measuring system, but that may just be another exercise in self flagellation.

One thing to consider. After you get your loading set up and you begin to consider components you will find that the variables are mind numbing. Bullet type, round nose, flat nose, hollow nose, hollow base, wad cutter semi wad cutter, almost semi wad cutter, cookie cutter, cast, swaged,hard cast, soft, jacketed, plated,weight, maker and on and on. Which brass to use. Don't start me on powders, primers and lubes.

Reloading is connected to shooting by a narrow thread. Otherwise it is a completely separate hobby. Shoot Cas or Sass or the other gun sports. Definitely reload. If not and your not interested in expensive calibers or extreme accuracy, fugetaboutit.

< Rant off >

 

[benEzra]

I'd get the rifle first, personally, and then see how much you shoot the .223 and .45's and make your choice about reloading equipment accordingly. I don't personally reload; I can see the attraction of it, but the time I can devote to hobbies is limited and I'd personally rather spend that time shooting than reloading. If you shoot cheap practice ammunition, you don't save a whole lot by reloading (especially if you factor in equipment cost), unless you are shooting a firearm that you can use cast-lead bullets with.

 

[jhansman]

My reloading bench is, among other things, a refuge from the daily world when things get stressful. As much fun as shooting is, no gun can give me what I get from reloading. If you've not done it before, see if you can find someone experienced who will show you the ropes. I just helped my boss and his son get started, and they are having a ball.

 

[rskent]

If you have the time, reload. In fact if you don’t have the time, make the time. 45 ACP is one of the most forgiving rounds there is to reload. Just pick yourself up a set of calipers and a Lee single stage reloading kit (the one with the book) and get going. After you read the book, pick up some powder, primers, bullets and such. Be conservative and careful and you won’t have any problems. If you don’t shoot a lot you may not save a lot of money. But it’s pretty cheap to get started. And what else do you have to do on a Wednesday evening, set around watching TV?
Steve

 

[Smokey Joe]

To help you choose...

Seth's Daddy 25--There is a simple purchase you can make which will educate you about reloading and help you decide if it is right for you: A book by the title of The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publications www.krause.com

Get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, the I'net, or order direct from the publisher. It is the "standard textbook" of reloading, and will tell you all the how-to's and more importantly the why-and-why-not's of cartridge reloading. It covers all the basics of the subject, and goes 'way beyond that if you want it. Belongs on every reloader's bookshelf, well thumbed, IMHO.

Having read The ABC's, you will have a much better handle on whether you want to get into this area of activity. If yes, then you will also have the basics at your fingertips, and the answers to lots of the type of puzzling questions that usually plague the newbie. If no, then you will still be much better informed on what goes into the ammo that we shoot, and have a greater appreciation for the makers of that ammo. It's a no-lose proposition.

Wish this book had been available 'way back when I started reloading. But at least it's available now. You can tell that my bias is toward reloading, but the decision must be your own for you to be happy with it. Eventually you'll get the rifle anyway.

 

[ironhead7544]

You can get both. Used equipment is available. I recommend the Lee turret press to start. You can use it as a single stage to learn the operations first. Most upgrades just make the process faster. If you have the time and shop for components its worthwhile. First get a manual, the Lyman is best IMHO. Study it and decide if you want to do it or not. Ive been reloading since 1972. Its about the only way to shoot a centerfire rifle enough these days unless you are rich. Just my .02.

 

[Shooter31]

My reloading bench is, among other things, a refuge from the daily world when things get stressful. As much fun as shooting is, no gun can give me what I get from reloading. If you've not done it before, see if you can find someone experienced who will show you the ropes.

I gotta agree with this one, reloading is 2 out of 2 on my list of things to do to destress, plus, it's something that me and my other half can do together that is relaxing and there is no way we can get on each others nerves!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Lastly, it'd be best to start with a single stage press. One can load pistol
and rifle cartridges with the same press. Some will say to get a turret or
progressive press; I do not believe that those presses are the way to learn.

A turret press is a single stage press -- or rather several single stage presses. There is no downside to a turret press, other than cost.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I use to think that too...About one must start on a single stage press [which, by the way, isn't a bad way to start, but...]

If you can afford the extra few dollars more a turret (Lee comes to mind) do it...Just make sure it is the Lee with the cast iron base.