I got introduced to reloading by a co-worker back in the late 1970's. We used to ride dirt bikes together, and often took our guns along to shoot. He always shot ammo he built, and I shot new ammo. I asked him about reloading, and he showed me his setup. He bought all his bullets, and didn't cast, but still quoted me extremely big savings over even 1970's new ammo prices!
I began to collect all the tools needed to do basic reloading, and loved it. Then as I got deeper into loading I took the step to buying a furnace and molds, and began casting also. I had access in my job to huge amounts of sheet lead for free, so it made sense to also cast for some guns. I've been doing both for over 40 years, and reloading for over 45 years now. When I look back at how much money I've saved it's mind boggling. But the biggest benefit is being able to make ammo for my old 1800's single shot rifles in obsolete cartridges so I can shoot them regularly! I would just have a bunch of safe queens had I not taken up reloading, and casting.
I began to collect all the tools needed to do basic reloading, and loved it. Then as I got deeper into loading I took the step to buying a furnace and molds, and began casting also. I had access in my job to huge amounts of sheet lead for free, so it made sense to also cast for some guns. I've been doing both for over 40 years, and reloading for over 45 years now. When I look back at how much money I've saved it's mind boggling. But the biggest benefit is being able to make ammo for my old 1800's single shot rifles in obsolete cartridges so I can shoot them regularly! I would just have a bunch of safe queens had I not taken up reloading, and casting.