What? You Don't Reload?!

[StrikeEagle]

Reloading makes so much sense, I'm not sure why more of us don't do it. Here are a few of the reasons as I see it:

1) It's cheaper. With some calibers like .45 Colt or .44 Spl it's a LOT cheaper. And with a few rounds, like .500 S&W you stand to go broke if you DON'T reload.

2) Don't ya feel funny throwing away shiny-new once-fired brass? HALF the cost of a round is the brass. Wouldn't it be nice to reuse it?

3) Factory Selections are pretty limited, really... certainly in what's readily available. Handloader can load ANY available bullet to ANY power level (within reason, of course). Casters have even more options.

4) Every gun has a 'personality' and it's own taste. Feed it what it likes best and it'll reward you.

5) Reloading is just plain FUN! I can't get to the range as often as I want, but I can enjoy my shooting hobby at the reloading bench any time. Feels really good to load up coffeecan of my favorite caliber. Makes me feel like a rich man. Simple pleasures...

6) Greater independence, for those of us who value that.

Where to start? This is a good place...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=820810

Add a set of Lee Dies and you're still under $100.

You have a buddy who reloads? Ask that person about it... reloaders are most always glad to share what they know. No such buddy? Ask here in the forums. Folks here thrive on helping new reloaders get a good start.

If it's your custom to give/receive gifts during the coming holidays, a Reloading Kit might figure into it nicely.

StrikeEagle

 

[MachIVshooter]

I fully agree. Being one who shoots a lot of less-common cartridges (10mm, .50 AE, .17 rem., .375 Ultra, etc.) handloading opens many doors. Most of the less-popular cartridges that are loaded only by one or two companies tend to be heavily sedated (very much the case for 10mm until BB and DT). The money I saved on .50 AE alone payed for the equipment in less than a year. I also was able to bring it up to the 1,700 ft/lb arena. The .375 RUM is capable of nearly 6,000 ft/lbs and I save $1.20-$170 PER ROUND, depending on bullet type. FOr my .17 Rem., there is only one factory load, and it's wimpy too. I don't handload much for .40 and .45, almost never for 9mm. Handloading allows one to exploit the true potential of a cartridge and taylor it to a specific need, saving money and having fun all the while.

 

[Sunray]

1. It's not necessarily, but it's not about saving money anyway. Mind you, you're absolutely right for some calibres. I'd have an odd shaped paperweight in my .41AE High Power barrel if I hadn't bought 500 cases when I bought the barrel.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Hunters and shooters were the first conservationists. And still put more money into it than any other group.
3. Yes and no. There are lots of good factory loads readily available. Isn't the same though.
4. You wouldn't buy a suit off the rack either and no factory load will be as good as ammo tailored to your firearm.
5. There's no argument that can beat that. No discussion required.
6. No endless search for the best price for ammo either.
"...Where to start?..." Here and 'The ABC's of Reloading." Your local gun shop for about $15 to $20.
"...a Reloading Kit might figure..." An RCBS Beginner's Kit for the FNG.

 

[mattdus]

first let me say that I reload. I can see why some people dont do it however. I only own a total of 5 guns, 2 of which I havent shot in a year and one I shot a few months ago but average only twice a year and less than 50 rounds each time. although I shoot alot with the other 2 I can see if someone shoots a hundred rounds or so a month reloading may not be truly cost efective.

 

[Trebor]

Anything I save on ammo I'd wind up spending on medical bills and replacements for blown up firearms.

(Ok, that's a little extreme, but you get the idea. I can count the number of gun blow ups I know about caused by factory ammo on one hand. I can't even begin to count the number of guns blown up by poorly reloaded ammo that I know about. Of course, that only ever happens to "the other guy," because "I'm a careful reloader," uh, huh)

More power to you if you reload, but there are equally valid reasons not to.

 

[MNgoldenbear]

I can count the number of gun blow ups I know about caused by factory ammo on one hand. I can't even begin to count the number of guns blown up by poorly reloaded ammo that I know about.

Does that mean a factory blow up will leave you with one hand, but a handloaded blowup will take off both? Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[SJshooter]

I don't reload. Here's why:

-Don't want to buy more equipment.
-Don't have the time it takes to reload
-Find the reloading process insanely boring
-Spend enough time at range and cleaning, don't need more time on this hobby
-Hate collecting brass
-Am not convinced that when you factor in materials AND TIME that it's really cheaper
-Factory ammo isn't that expensive if you buy in bulk and shop around.
-If you all didn't have us factory shooters, just what do you think you'd be reloading?

 

[only1asterisk]

Trebor,

I think that's a bit over done. I'm sure the there are plenty of us here that have loaded hundereds of thousands of rounds without damaging anything or causing any injury.

David

 

[jlh26oo]

how much cheaper than $3.86/50 can I load 9mm? (before factoring in my time)

 

[only1asterisk]

There are valid reasons not to reload. If you don't like it, don't have time, etc.

But depending on what you shoot it can save money, allow you to shoot more or both. If I pay myself $100 an hour I still break even on my 45 ACP match loads.

If all you want is 9mm blasting ammo then you are better off buying it. For the price of a case of WWB I can buy bullets, powder and primer for 1000 rounds of quality JHP's. It takes a couple of hours of my time, but the ammo I make is better all around.

The big boys are where you can see real profit. 41 Mag and up. I could never by a box of 480 Ruger or .454 (not that I would even need .454). $1 per shot? If I pay myself $100/hr it cost me half that.

Did someone mention tailoring a load to your needs? Want to help a new shooter fire their first shots when the only handgun you have is a 41 magnum? You can load it down to nothing. Want the same gun to shoot lengthwise through a boar? You don't have to buy Garrett or Buffalo Bore, just lay hands on some hard cast LBT style slugs and load your own for a third of the cost.

Handloading isn't for everybody. If you are impatient, inattentive or unwilling to proceed with caution then please forgo handloading.


David

 

[Tomcat1066]

I have ADHD

Me+reloading=BOOM!!!

Better to just let it go... Besides, 9mm is so blasted cheap, why bother?

Tom

 

[Majic]

If you all didn't have us factory shooters, just what do you think you'd be reloading?

Long, long before there were factories making ammo there were reloaders. Also quite a few of the factory cartridges bought today are the results of reloaders.

Reloading is a part of firearm's world. Not everyone wants to explore that part of firearm's world for various reasons. For those folks there are the factory loads or willing reloaders.

 

[MaterDei]

how much cheaper than $3.86/50 can I load 9mm? (before factoring in my time)

If you're ONLY looking for cheaper and you ONLY shoot 9mm then move along. There's nothing here for you to see.

 

[jlh26oo]

So I'm not allowed to ask?

 

[R.W.Dale]

I'm an over the top reloader. Sometimes I catch myself buying guns just so I can get a chance to load for something diffrent.

 

[armoredman]

I don't worry about my time cost, due to my placing reloading in the "fun hobby" catagory. Do you charge yourself to play golf? Is your time a factor in watching a favorite movie, or do you turn it off before it becomes too "expensive" to continue?
If all you are interested in is saving money, buy milsurp rifles and surplus ammo.
I reload because I enjoy it - the funny thing is the calibers I reload are the cheapest on the market - 9mm, 7.62x39mm, and 7.62x54R. Oddly enough, I had to shoot mostly reloads in the Yugo SKS last range trip, as no surplus/Wolf ammo was available....
I enjoy reloading. I may save a buck or two, but mostly I'm having productive fun.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Anything I save on ammo I'd wind up spending on medical bills and replacements for blown up firearms.

(Ok, that's a little extreme, but you get the idea. I can count the number of gun blow ups I know about caused by factory ammo on one hand. I can't even begin to count the number of guns blown up by poorly reloaded ammo that I know about. Of course, that only ever happens to "the other guy," because "I'm a careful reloader," uh, huh)

More power to you if you reload, but there are equally valid reasons not to.[/QUOTE
Well you are entitled to your opinion. Gun blow ups are still less common than accidental discharges. Last time I checked, getting shot trumps getting injured. This is not to say that ignorance is relative so much as to say that to choose to remain so is the greater threat. Many shooters I know take gun ownership seriously, meaning they take the time to know how to safely conduct themselves and how to properly use their firearm. Personally I see reloading to be a similar responisibility. I'd rather people know what side of the fence they're on before climbing it!

 

[wingman]

I've reloaded over 40 years now, I have always improved accuracy with
handloads although I admit it does take time to find that perfect load
but to me that is part of the fun. Actually i feel more comfortable shooting
my loads then commerical. Having said all that I have met shooters who
should not reload.

 

[eastwood44mag]

I only reload for guns I can recover brass/hulls from. Anything semi-auto = Wolf or CCI Blazer.

 

[chris in va]

9mm and 45 here. I really don't see shooting the 45 enough to justify reloading and 9mm is not cost effective.

But it sounds like fun and if I had a *really* expensive caliber I would certainly consider it. But I agree about the kaboom potential from what I've heard. Just doesn't sound safe.

 

[Trebor]

Trebor,

I think that's a bit over done. I'm sure the there are plenty of us here that have loaded hundereds of thousands of rounds without damaging anything or causing any injury.

David

Yeah, I overstated my case. I get a little tired of the attitude that anyone who DOESN'T reload is an idiot "because of all the great advantages of reloading," etc. I'm sure there are plenty of people who reload safely, but I have met a few who shouldn't be allowed within 10 miles of a Dillon.

No offense intended, David, or StrikeEagle. Just a touchy subject with me.

 

[Standing Wolf]

After three decades of loading my own ammunition, I can truthfully tell you 99% of it isn't very intellectually stimulating. I personally find it good for the soul to do some routine handsy stuff now and then—but you couldn't pay me to load ammunition for a living.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've been reloading since 1960 for everything I shoot.
Over the years I couldn't have shot nearly as much as I have without reloading much of my ammo.

Today with the cheap cost of some ammo there isn't a dollar savings reloading it but I still reload about 50% of what I shoot just to shoot a better or tailored load.

Last week I bought a FN 5.7 with the intention of loading for it. Now that will be a dollar savings with store bought ammo at $20-$30 a box.

 

[Rob1035]

I only shoot 9mm and .22LR, live in a small apartment with limited "work" space, hence, not a reloader. When I get a house, and expand my collection some, I'll get into it. My dad reloads his .45, and .38 and enjoys it as 'vacation from mom' time

 

[P0832177]

Reloading is not for every one! Reloading is a hobby! Noting more nothing less! I have a long history of being involed in the shooting sports. I can honestly say I know of no one person that I know has blown up a gun with reloads! I used to see at one gun shop on plaque a Colt Python that well must have gotten a double charge of something!

If you do not have time or the inclination then do not mess with it! But to pooh pooh it well that is the same as saying people do not need semi autos with standard capacity magazines! Or as bias as the moron withe DU sticker on his Chevy Suburban with a Repeal Conceal and Carry bumper sticker!