so.. i quit reloading.
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JohnhenrySTL
Member
From a guy who started off making pistol rounds to avoid 3 hour shopping frenzies every time I shot, I think pistols are way simpler and require less annoying functions like trimming and scaling every round, not to mention dealing with head stamps. Just barely crimp a 9mm or not at all. Trust me.
I too get busy or bored with shooting and reloading. I hated returning to it not sure where I left off. And finding my equipment was unorganized and not stored properly. I knew from the first time I shot my first .38 special and I didn't get hurt I would continue off and on throughout my life as my father had. Trust me don't sell it. Put it up, organize it and wait until you are motivated. Having a organized area, lots of live ammo, and not being consumed by some reloading project is one my favorite things about it. If you sell it, you will eventually be stuck into buying more expensive equipment. I at times need to back away from all my hobbies, getting older I have learned the hidden responsibilities of it.
I too get busy or bored with shooting and reloading. I hated returning to it not sure where I left off. And finding my equipment was unorganized and not stored properly. I knew from the first time I shot my first .38 special and I didn't get hurt I would continue off and on throughout my life as my father had. Trust me don't sell it. Put it up, organize it and wait until you are motivated. Having a organized area, lots of live ammo, and not being consumed by some reloading project is one my favorite things about it. If you sell it, you will eventually be stuck into buying more expensive equipment. I at times need to back away from all my hobbies, getting older I have learned the hidden responsibilities of it.
RPegram
Member
I'll go 4-5 months and never touch my press. Then, I'll see a bullet or powder I haven't tried and the bug hits again. I got to develop a load for that one. I have hundreds of pages of notes on different recipes. Almost all my shooting takes place during cooler weather. My job won't allow me much free time when it is warm and I really don't enjoy shooting with sweat dripping off my glasses.
My reloading bench is in an area of the house not too many frequent, so many times I'll go there to "escape reality". I'll slip off, get a manual and look through it slowly. My wife may come in and ask, "what you doing, nothing?", I'll just answer, yep. She'll smile and walk away. At times I might grab my iPad and just browse to see who has powders, primers or bullets in stock and the cheapest, or I might visit online gun stores, you know, the ones where it is easier to buy a gun than a book, and dream about what it would be like to load and shoot that particular one.
When I do get to visit the range, I'm the type that the itch hasn't been scratched until several hundred empty pieces of brass are needing refilling. Then I'll head home knowing that some "my place" time awaits me. I have come to the conclusion, I shoot so I can reload.
Reloading is not for everyone, but it is definitely my relaxation. I enjoy every step from the cleaning and prepping of rifle brass to the plop of a completed round falling into the tray.
My reloading bench is in an area of the house not too many frequent, so many times I'll go there to "escape reality". I'll slip off, get a manual and look through it slowly. My wife may come in and ask, "what you doing, nothing?", I'll just answer, yep. She'll smile and walk away. At times I might grab my iPad and just browse to see who has powders, primers or bullets in stock and the cheapest, or I might visit online gun stores, you know, the ones where it is easier to buy a gun than a book, and dream about what it would be like to load and shoot that particular one.
When I do get to visit the range, I'm the type that the itch hasn't been scratched until several hundred empty pieces of brass are needing refilling. Then I'll head home knowing that some "my place" time awaits me. I have come to the conclusion, I shoot so I can reload.
Reloading is not for everyone, but it is definitely my relaxation. I enjoy every step from the cleaning and prepping of rifle brass to the plop of a completed round falling into the tray.
FROGO207
Member
I will begin with the thought that we all are different. I have a former girlfriend who has a daughter that has had 12 jobs in 14 years, after 8 years of college. Everything from School teacher, musician, Butcher, Heavy equipment operator, waitress, short order cook, to peace officer with a lot of others in between. She became the best at whatever that job entailed and then quickly became bored and predictably moved on to a completely radically different occupation. She is still searching for something and still is not happy.
With reloading I can get to the point that doing the same ole same ole is not as much fun. And I have been doing it since around 1968. But reloading for a often used firearm is part of what makes the firearms related hobby an interesting one for me. When I really get to the point of putting things away for a couple months I soon find myself purchasing a firearm in a different caliber to start working up a reload for. Then I am off to the races again.
You have found that hand loading is doable but not needed at the present time so give it a breather. With the political arena as of late I would hold my options in hand instead of sell out, especially if you can afford to set on things for the time being. That may be a wise move in future years IMHO. Good luck on your decision.
With reloading I can get to the point that doing the same ole same ole is not as much fun. And I have been doing it since around 1968. But reloading for a often used firearm is part of what makes the firearms related hobby an interesting one for me. When I really get to the point of putting things away for a couple months I soon find myself purchasing a firearm in a different caliber to start working up a reload for. Then I am off to the races again.
You have found that hand loading is doable but not needed at the present time so give it a breather. With the political arena as of late I would hold my options in hand instead of sell out, especially if you can afford to set on things for the time being. That may be a wise move in future years IMHO. Good luck on your decision.
maxxhavoc
Member
Don't feel bad. I went almost 3 years without reloading once. At one point, I got on an OCD mission to fill up every 45ACP and 9mm case I have...I ended up with at least 20,000 rounds. I ended up with a LOT of loaded ammo, and it kind of burned me out a bit.
Well, I kept shooting those three years, almost every weekend, and I started to get to the bottom of the bucket. So I figured I would reload some even though it didn't sound fun. I loaded up just a few (1,000 or so) and remembered how fun it was again. After that, I tried to keep loaded rounds to <1000 per caliber so I don't get burned out and I don't fill up my ammo storage area.
My advice to you is what you know already. Document your loads. If you (like almost everyone else) have trouble writing down "the load" after you find it, do what I started to do. When you have worked out the ones you want to try, write them down before you test them. Put "testing" beside the load data so you know what it is.
If you don't have a filing system, write 'em in the margins of your reloading manual. When you go back after a long break, those margin notes are like an old friend coming to visit. Just put them on the page of the appropriate cartridge.
Well, I kept shooting those three years, almost every weekend, and I started to get to the bottom of the bucket. So I figured I would reload some even though it didn't sound fun. I loaded up just a few (1,000 or so) and remembered how fun it was again. After that, I tried to keep loaded rounds to <1000 per caliber so I don't get burned out and I don't fill up my ammo storage area.
My advice to you is what you know already. Document your loads. If you (like almost everyone else) have trouble writing down "the load" after you find it, do what I started to do. When you have worked out the ones you want to try, write them down before you test them. Put "testing" beside the load data so you know what it is.
If you don't have a filing system, write 'em in the margins of your reloading manual. When you go back after a long break, those margin notes are like an old friend coming to visit. Just put them on the page of the appropriate cartridge.
sugarmaker
Member
My interest runs in cycles. Shooting / reloading Hits hard every 3 years or so and lasts 8 months give or take then passes. Once I figure something out its on to the next mystery. Maybe keep your stuff long enough to know the interest is gone for good and not merely gone dormant?
I have went through dry spells of like 2 or 3 years at a stretch, but I always go back. Many of those times I'm just dealing with other issues and can't get my mindset right. And summertime, which lasts at least 6-8 months here in the tropical paradise of Louisiana, it's too miserable to get out to the range and test any of it.
kerreckt
Member
I load to be self sufficient as possible. I keep enough components for about five years of shooting. I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. I cannot predict the future but I know what I would like to have in the future and reloading is a small insurance policy. My $0.02
mstreddy
Member
OP, another vote for hanging on to your equipment.
I've written this on other posts here before, but here is my story.
I started reloading back in the late 80's. Loaded for 9MM on a RockChucker. Got dies for 40S&W, and a couple of other calibers, but didn't get around to loading for them.
Some friends and I were shooting 1 or 2 times a week.
Hurricane Andrew hit SoFla in 92. Packed up my bench and equipment/supplies when we moved to another house. Not enough room inside for loading, tried to set up in an outdoor shed. Not fun location, kept everything in the boxes.
Had a new job at this time and wasn't really going shooting much.
In 2005, was shooting more often now and decided to set up the reloading gear again. Got everything out, cleaned up, ordered components. Then I had to deploy with Uncle Sam. So, everything was once again put away.
Set up everything again, then in 2008 got married, moved again. Set up the bench in the new place. 2009 -- another fun filled travel excursion courtesy of Uncle Sam.
Got back and got back to loading again.
In 2011/2012 after seeing the first banic and worrying about another, I got deeper into the reloading. I picked up a used LNL AP via THR.
And I haven't looked back.
Since October 2012 I have mostly only shot rounds that I have loaded. It helped me through the big banic and has helped me feed some old warhorses that would be otherwise impossible or very expensive to shoot. I am equipped to load for all centerfire calibers that I own. Around 28 of them.
I don't load every day, and as most here, I may be away from the bench for weeks at a time. I may load a couple hundred rounds of 9MM, and later some 38s, or 357, or etc...
So, that's my long story to help you as you think your options through.
Oh, and as many have told you -- you gotta keep the records. I started with a spiral notebook, and have since moved to an excel spreadsheet.
I've written this on other posts here before, but here is my story.
I started reloading back in the late 80's. Loaded for 9MM on a RockChucker. Got dies for 40S&W, and a couple of other calibers, but didn't get around to loading for them.
Some friends and I were shooting 1 or 2 times a week.
Hurricane Andrew hit SoFla in 92. Packed up my bench and equipment/supplies when we moved to another house. Not enough room inside for loading, tried to set up in an outdoor shed. Not fun location, kept everything in the boxes.
Had a new job at this time and wasn't really going shooting much.
In 2005, was shooting more often now and decided to set up the reloading gear again. Got everything out, cleaned up, ordered components. Then I had to deploy with Uncle Sam. So, everything was once again put away.
Set up everything again, then in 2008 got married, moved again. Set up the bench in the new place. 2009 -- another fun filled travel excursion courtesy of Uncle Sam.
Got back and got back to loading again.
In 2011/2012 after seeing the first banic and worrying about another, I got deeper into the reloading. I picked up a used LNL AP via THR.
And I haven't looked back.
Since October 2012 I have mostly only shot rounds that I have loaded. It helped me through the big banic and has helped me feed some old warhorses that would be otherwise impossible or very expensive to shoot. I am equipped to load for all centerfire calibers that I own. Around 28 of them.
I don't load every day, and as most here, I may be away from the bench for weeks at a time. I may load a couple hundred rounds of 9MM, and later some 38s, or 357, or etc...
So, that's my long story to help you as you think your options through.
Oh, and as many have told you -- you gotta keep the records. I started with a spiral notebook, and have since moved to an excel spreadsheet.
I enjoy it too much to quit!
Its the challenge of the chase, the chase to get the best load for my firearms.
I enjoy taking a Ruger American to the range and shoot sub MOA right next to a guy that spent three times what I did on his rifle than I did on mine, and hang right with him.
I enjoy blasting off 300 rounds of .223 out of the Mini and realize, all that fun, didn't cost me much!
Then there is the realization that someday when/if things get bad in our country, I can continue to load my own ammo to defend my family and soil. Guns will be everywhere, "behind every blade of grass", I doubt ammo will be as plentiful.
Its the challenge of the chase, the chase to get the best load for my firearms.
I enjoy taking a Ruger American to the range and shoot sub MOA right next to a guy that spent three times what I did on his rifle than I did on mine, and hang right with him.
I enjoy blasting off 300 rounds of .223 out of the Mini and realize, all that fun, didn't cost me much!
Then there is the realization that someday when/if things get bad in our country, I can continue to load my own ammo to defend my family and soil. Guns will be everywhere, "behind every blade of grass", I doubt ammo will be as plentiful.
Bristol Mt.Man
Member
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I started reloading 38 years ago with a Lee-Loader in 38spl/.357. Used to pound that thing with a plastic mallet on my kitchen table in my apartment. I could produce about 50 rounds per hour. Today I have a reloading room in my basement. In it you will find a single stage press, a progressive press, an assortment of rifle dies, pistol dies, enough brass to last several lifetimes, bullet casting equipment, lead ingots, primers, tumblers, gages, tools, you name it, I have at least two of everything. Have I ever taken a break from reloading? Sure, sometimes for years. But there is a certain satisfaction in producing something yourself. When I get bored, or just need some down time, I find myself alone, in my room, listening to the radio, reloading away. Ahh, life is good! Never stop reloading.
Well, it is important to enjoy, or survive (as the situation warrants), the seasons of life. Hobbies wax and wane over the years. I vote for keeping the press. You never know when the bug will bite again, and if it doesn't, you can always turn your equipment into cash a few years down the road.
BTW, if you have any of those excellent rounds left, break down one of each and record what you can. If you don't know the powder type, you will have the charge weight, and only need to test a limited number of powders to get the recipe figured out. Should be the same for the bullets.
ohihunter2014 said:
BTW, if you have any of those excellent rounds left, break down one of each and record what you can. If you don't know the powder type, you will have the charge weight, and only need to test a limited number of powders to get the recipe figured out. Should be the same for the bullets.
splattergun
Member
A wise man could learn several valuable lessons from that.
If you have any of your "sweet" loads left over you can disassemble a few rounds and weigh the powder. You a least remember which powder and bullet you used, right?
No?
Well, you have the opportunity to start over and enjoy the excitement of discovery again.
Or let the ADD rule your life.
Elkins45
Member
I am what you would call an avid reloader, but there was a point in my life where I probably went a couple of years without loading a single round. I'm not sure I even remember why.
You never know when circumstances will force you back to the reloading bench.
You never know when circumstances will force you back to the reloading bench.
Zendude
Member
If I didn't have a progressive loading press, I would probably find loading pistol ammo to be too tedious. The Lee 1000 is not expensive and only has three stations that you have to monitor. Also, since it's auto indexing, it makes double charging a case far less likely.
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WestKentucky
Member
As much as I love reloading, I seldom spend time at the bench. I have some good loads developed for my go-to rifles and I don't really load handgun for any purpose other than just general plinking (except for 7-30 waters). When I do spend time at the bench, it comes in waves. I will be away for months, then spend a lot of time on the bench for a few weeks, load up a bunch of everything, then the bench sits again for months. In those months where it sits idle, it does grow components though.
GBExpat
Member
It is not unusual for me to not reload ammunition for, sometimes, months at a time. Other parts of my life absorb my time/focus.
Quite frankly, on more than one occasion while perusing one of your myriad reloading-related posts it has occurred to me that reloading may not be a comfortable "fit" for you ... but that was always followed with the hope that either I was wrong or that you would grow into it.
That said, please do not allow yourself to be put off by the temporary disappearance of your reloading Muse.
Muses can be mercurial mistresses ...
Just curious why you felt that way? not trying to argue just want to know so then maybe it can shed some light on it.It is not unusual for me to not reload ammunition for, sometimes, months at a time. Other parts of my life absorb my time/focus.
Quite frankly, on more than one occasion while perusing one of your myriad reloading-related posts it has occurred to me that reloading may not be a comfortable "fit" for you ... but that was always followed with the hope that either I was wrong or that you would grow into it.
That said, please do not allow yourself to be put off by the temporary disappearance of your reloading Muse.
Muses can be mercurial mistresses ...
mmorris
Member
ohihunter,
I have to agree with GBExpat about thinking "reloading may not be a comfortable "fit" for you ...," because I have felt the same way myself when reading your posts. I don't know you, but you seem interested in our opinions, you don't seem thin-skinned, and I believe you know the difference between constructive criticism and insults.
That said, I have read a good number of your posts (with interest), and many seem to be about reloading to save money on ammunition. You torment yourself over deciding which components to buy in large quantity for savings, without the journey unique to your situation. You describe the process of reloading with reservations instead of interested anticipation. You talk of loading like it's a chore to get through and then be done with.
First thing: Nothing I said above is in any way meant to be negative.
At all.
It's just what I think I hear you say.
Maybe you just haven't made the personal connection with the processes of reloading, and the reloading drudgery is too tedious for you
Second thing: We all have different interests and talents, and sometimes a trial run is the only way to know how much you like or dislike something.
Third thing: I want to meet the person who has saved money reloading.:banghead:
Last thing: Keep Your Gear.
Good luck.
I have to agree with GBExpat about thinking "reloading may not be a comfortable "fit" for you ...," because I have felt the same way myself when reading your posts. I don't know you, but you seem interested in our opinions, you don't seem thin-skinned, and I believe you know the difference between constructive criticism and insults.
That said, I have read a good number of your posts (with interest), and many seem to be about reloading to save money on ammunition. You torment yourself over deciding which components to buy in large quantity for savings, without the journey unique to your situation. You describe the process of reloading with reservations instead of interested anticipation. You talk of loading like it's a chore to get through and then be done with.
First thing: Nothing I said above is in any way meant to be negative.
At all.
It's just what I think I hear you say.
Maybe you just haven't made the personal connection with the processes of reloading, and the reloading drudgery is too tedious for you
Second thing: We all have different interests and talents, and sometimes a trial run is the only way to know how much you like or dislike something.
Third thing: I want to meet the person who has saved money reloading.:banghead:
Last thing: Keep Your Gear.
Good luck.
your correct about the saving money. I enjoy reloading to a point. the thing I dislike the most is the cheaper gear but I went that way to save money incase I didn't stick with it and well I don't make a heck of a lot of money so had to cheap out.ohihunter,
I have to agree with GBExpat about thinking "reloading may not be a comfortable "fit" for you ...," because I have felt the same way myself when reading your posts. I don't know you, but you seem interested in our opinions, you don't seem thin-skinned, and I believe you know the difference between constructive criticism and insults.
That said, I have read a good number of your posts (with interest), and many seem to be about reloading to save money on ammunition. You torment yourself over deciding which components to buy in large quantity for savings, without the journey unique to your situation. You describe the process of reloading with reservations instead of interested anticipation. You talk of loading like it's a chore to get through and then be done with.
First thing: Nothing I said above is in any way meant to be negative.
At all.
It's just what I think I hear you say.
Maybe you just haven't made the personal connection with the processes of reloading, and the reloading drudgery is too tedious for you
Second thing: We all have different interests and talents, and sometimes a trial run is the only way to know how much you like or dislike something.
Third thing: I want to meet the person who has saved money reloading.:banghead:
Last thing: Keep Your Gear.
Good luck.
once all the brass prep is done like trimming and chamfer, etc I do by hand I don't mind it. I get my time outweighs the costs of reloading but my times free IMO so i just look at what I'm saving in components. I came from a penny pinching childhood so its kinda stuck with me on everything else. i see now that i pounded you guys with a lot of questions but i was really trying to get into it so wanted to learn as much as possible. getting all the help i was able to overcome a lot of things i almost said screw it and quit but then i figured it out and found good loads for 223 and 44mag but i haven't touched the stuff for so long i forgot what the load was and what the issue was.
ironworkerwill
Member
I avoid reloading in 85°+ weather. My operations got moved to my out building by order of my interior decorators. This has halted all hot weather work until I find a decent window AC unit for my building.
tcoz
Member
Don't torment yourself over it. A hobby is something that we do because we enjoy it. Life is full of things that we have to do and don't enjoy doing. Don't make a hobby one of those things. I did the same thing with woodworking about twenty years ago. Bought a bunch of tools and made some nice things but then realized I didn't really like doing it so I put everything aside in case the bug bit me again. After a while I started selling everything off and I've never looked back. No regrets either.
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