Reloading

Dale Gribble

Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
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I know reloading has its own subforum, but for the benefit of those forum members here who do not reload / do not visit the reloading section, I wanted to start a thread here in "News and Views".

With the current high demand for ammunition, short supply and increase in prices, I thought this would be a good time to post up why some of us reload and the perks of "rolling your own", whether it is performance, costs savings or both. I'm hoping this will encourage more folks to get into reloading; whether they've entertained the idea of doing it or maybe haven't given much thought to it at all, there are exponential positives in becoming your own ammunition supplier...for the shooter, it's the ultimate in self-sufficiency. Live-fire practice is necessary to maintain and improve skills. Being short on ammo cuts into that practice and in times like we're currently in, a lot of folks are choosing to conserve their on-hand supply of ammo and curtail their range time. Reloading provides you with a way to supply your own ammo, oftentimes cheaper than what you'd pay for factory ammunition and could give you the opportunity to continue working your skills at the range. The times we are in will pass...supply will catch up and demand will decrease (along with prices). I assure you; even when things do eventually level off, it will not be long before another spike in demand hits. In the interim, if you are able, it would be a great time to consider reloading.

Initially, you'll have the up-front costs of equipment (press, scale, dies, calipers, etc), but unless you decide to upgrade later, that's a one-time deal. You'll also have the cost of components (brass, bullets, powder, primers), but the brass is reusable and you'll get multiple loadings out of one case. There's a good selection of reasonably priced single-stage kits out there that'll have everything you need to get started except dies/components. It's worth noting that you can never have "too many" reloading manuals and many of these kits will come with one included. Additionally, the good folks here have proven time and time again their willingness to help other members here. Whether it's questions about reloading or assistance with getting things set up, I guarantee there's someone on here, likely close by, that'd help you out.

With the hope of motivating some of you into taking the plunge into reloading or at least consider it, I thought some of us on here who do reload could post why they reload and maybe even give examples of how reloading vs purchasing factory ammo has saved money and/or provided increased performance. I'll kick it off...

Speer .223 Gold Dot 75gr factory ammunition:

I'd pay anywhere from $0.60-$0.65 per round for this ammunition (if I can find it) which works out to around $600-$650 per 1000 rounds. The cartridge is factory loaded to .223 Remington pressures and will give a muzzle velocity of around 2050 FPS from my 10.3 barreled AR pistol.

Reloads:

I can reload this ammunition for around $0.32 per round, or $320 per 1000 rounds. That's a cost savings of $280-$330 per 1000/rounds. Additionally, I can load this round to 5.56 pressures vs the factory .223 pressures and have gotten average muzzle velocities between 2350-2400 FPS from my 10.3 bbl pistol. Better performance for 1/2 the price over factory ammunition.
 
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Additionally, the good folks here have proven time and time again their willingness to help other members here. Whether it's questions about reloading or assistance with getting things set up, I guarantee there's someone on here, likely close by, that'd help you out.
I would like to echo this part. I decided to get into reloading several years ago. I opted to go with a progressive press based on the assumption I’d want one eventually. I had one member volunteer to let me come over and load some with him using his equipment. I wanted to see it done instead of just watching videos...easier for me to ask questions as it was happening instead of posting them here afterwards.

I then had two different members over to my house to help me set up the press in a temp location and load a couple rounds. One visit for initial setup and another to setup for other calibers. Now, the reality is I’ve never loaded another round on my own. Most of that reason was I didn’t have anywhere to keep the press set up. That issue was fixed almost two years ago when I converted a closet to a reloading area. I have everything moved into there and ready to go, but am hesitant to load anything on my own at this time. I’ll find somebody to come walk me through it again at some point and at least try to stay current by loading up a little each month. I have no doubt that it’ll be fairly easy to find a volunteer thanks to the willingness of the membership of CFF.
 
I started reloading because I didn’t want to pay the 30%+ premium for 147gr plinking ammo but wanted something that would perform well suppressed and unsuppressed in all my guns.

Buy Speer Lawman 147gr 9mm $280/k
Load 147gr plated for FMJ $110/k

Even if that’s all I loaded, my initial investment in a Lee Classic Turret and all accessories would pay off after less than 2 cases.

Just like ammo, I make it a point to stock up when deals/rebates pop up and keep an eye on classifieds deals.
 
I shoot a lot of NRA/CMP highpower rifle and with factory "match" ammo costing $1.25 (and higher) per round, I could not continue to participate in the sport without reloading. I average around 2000 rounds a year in practice and matches, so the savings is significant.

My .223 77gr reloads cost me anywhere from .25-.32 center per round, if I buy all my components in bulk.
 
I bought a progressive in the 2nd half of 1999 (Y2K crisis, so my wife approved:)) for a great price. It sat for a couple years, I was afraid of blowing my face up. Started very carefully gathering data from multiple sources. My 1st loads were 7-08 and tightened the groups from 2.75" high quality factory ammo, to 0.355" 5 round hand loaded groups.
I now load, 9mm, 40S&W, 44mag, 223, 243, 7-08, 6.5 Grendel and 300BLK. I try to buy components when I find a great deal. It's fun to try different combinations (sonic and sub suppressed 300BKL). I don't have a concern about oddball calibers as long as it has a common parent brass case, of finding ammo. Thankfully the big screw ups have been a missing primer, or it went in upside down so there was a click instead of a boom. If you're in the area and have questions, let me know, after the Covid plague.
 
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I would like to echo this part. I decided to get into reloading several years ago. I opted to go with a progressive press based on the assumption I’d want one eventually. I had one member volunteer to let me come over and load some with him using his equipment. I wanted to see it done instead of just watching videos...easier for me to ask questions as it was happening instead of posting them here afterwards.

I then had two different members over to my house to help me set up the press in a temp location and load a couple rounds. One visit for initial setup and another to setup for other calibers. Now, the reality is I’ve never loaded another round on my own. Most of that reason was I didn’t have anywhere to keep the press set up. That issue was fixed almost two years ago when I converted a closet to a reloading area. I have everything moved into there and ready to go, but am hesitant to load anything on my own at this time. I’ll find somebody to come walk me through it again at some point and at least try to stay current by loading up a little each month. I have no doubt that it’ll be fairly easy to find a volunteer thanks to the willingness of the membership of CFF.

I will be doing the same. I recently got a reloading setup from my father in law (rock chucker, dies, scale, trimmer, etc.). He will show me the basics but I will be looking for some mentoring from fellow members that have way more experience and knowledge. The oldest boy just bought a house and I am commandeering his bedroom. :D I am going to set up a nice little reloading bench in there as well as another gun cabinet & ammo storage. Looking forward to this venture!
 
I’m not a reloader but if I were, how could I prevent range rats from stealing all my brass? I’d need to keep that to reuse, right?

Wait until the pirates are on all fours at your feet, trying to steal your brass...then, kick them squah in the arse just as hard as you can.

Only brass I pick up is mine. If someone is occupying a lane and has brass lying about, the only way I’ll even consider picking it up is after they’ve packed up/left.

The highest point of pissedification I’ve ever attained at the range was a few years back at Flintlock (before they closed/reopened). Was shooting an AR and a dude was sitting right at 4 o clock, nabbing my brass after it was cool enough to pick up...didn’t ask or anything...just sat there like a vulture, waiting for it.

When I finished my string, I waited until he got down and started taking my cases. I usually do not do magazine dumps, but I put in a full 30 round magazine, let the rifle eat as fast as it could and made it rain hot brass.
 
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I’m not a reloader but if I were, how could I prevent range rats from stealing all my brass? I’d need to keep that to reuse, right?

Caldwell brass catcher keeps the brass goblins at bay.

Or
 

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Every so often people start these threads and I'm certain it's with good intentions but it never works out in the long run. I've been teaching reloading (metallic and shot shell) for years and the biggest hurdle for most folks is devoting the time.
Everyone knows there's a cost savings as well as a performance gain but their not willing to devote the time to learn how to properly reload. It is time consuming and the millennial mindset demands immediate gratification. When I started reloading in the late 60's it quickly became a hobby unto itself and I spent hours per session developing loads for all of my rifles and handguns. I also got into loading shot shells due to my Trap habit that consumed roughly 2000 rounds per month and that was costly.
I gave up teaching the classes, I could see the boredom on most everyone's face and that made it laborious for me also. I even tried cutting the size of the classes so I could give better individual attention but no one wants to devote the time.......see a pattern??
 
Every so often people start these threads and I'm certain it's with good intentions but it never works out in the long run. I've been teaching reloading (metallic and shot shell) for years and the biggest hurdle for most folks is devoting the time.
Everyone knows there's a cost savings as well as a performance gain but their not willing to devote the time to learn how to properly reload. It is time consuming and the millennial mindset demands immediate gratification. When I started reloading in the late 60's it quickly became a hobby unto itself and I spent hours per session developing loads for all of my rifles and handguns. I also got into loading shot shells due to my Trap habit that consumed roughly 2000 rounds per month and that was costly.
I gave up teaching the classes, I could see the boredom on most everyone's face and that made it laborious for me also. I even tried cutting the size of the classes so I could give better individual attention but no one wants to devote the time.......see a pattern??
Some just want reloads, something close to factory ammo. That doesn't take much time.
Others get into it and want to develop custom handloads. That takes time and good documentation.
Both are satisfying. Handgun loads, 300BLK and 223 I'm happy with what works well. The 6.5 Grendel, 243 and 7-08 have seen many combinations of rounds, powders and cartridge overall length (COAL).
If they want cheap ammo, or if they're given too much info at once, we'll lose their attention quick.
 
At my range 9mm, 40S&W and 45acp are all over the ground. Lots of shooters just don't pick it up. However, hardly ever find 38sp. Never find 357, 44spor 44mag. 223/5.56 runs in spurts.
 
Some just want reloads, something close to factory ammo. That doesn't take much time.
Others get into it and want to develop custom handloads. That takes time and good documentation.
Both are satisfying. Handgun loads, 300BLK and 223 I'm happy with what works well. The 6.5 Grendel, 243 and 7-08 have seen many combinations of rounds, powders and cartridge overall length (COAL).
If they want cheap ammo, or if they're given too much info at once, we'll lose their attention quick.

Huge difference between cheap, quick ammo and safe ammo and if you don't understand the difference, God bless you....Carry on....
 
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It's fun to try different combinations (sonic and sub suppressed 300BKL).

This is definitely emphasizing. Even with 9x19 I can anywhere from 50 gr. to 165 gr. And velocities from kitten fart to warp speed (for 9, at least). Beats getting the same old 115 gr. crap all the time.
 
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My father was a reloader. He did it so he could shoot cheaper. I was 13 or 14 years old at the time. I watched and learned. When I got married my wife bought me a RCBS reloading package. I have added to the basic package but I never bought a progressive press.

I can reload for any thing I own except for .22lr. I also can cast bullets for every thing. 223, .308, .30-30, 30-06, .380, 9mm, 38 spcl, 44mag, 45 acp, 40 s&w. I have brass powder bullets and time.

When i was young I would bust caps but now I am looking for accuracy. With my health(eyes and heart) if I can keep under 1" I'm happy. Sometimes you just luck into something like this.
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I’m not a reloader but if I were, how could I prevent range rats from stealing all my brass? I’d need to keep that to reuse, right?
Brass catchers, my dude. I've got the Caldwell model that uses a picatinny mounting bracket, and a few extras of that bracket. I make sure all of my semiautos have one mounted before I begin firing, so not only is the brass not swept up by brass goblins, but it doesn't get stepped on by myself or others, either.
 
I'm quite thankful that I got into handloading shortly after getting into shooting as a serious primary hobby. I have (a large amount) of components for all primary calibers I use, to keep myself in business longer than many folks' fully-assembled stashes will last. I know what my rifles like, what performs well in them, and as long as I take the time to do the brass prep, having the materials on hand means I can both have greater precision with shot placement, and keep going even when ammo is scarce.

Plus, it's like having a teenager buy their first car with money they earned, rather than were given. You appreciate your ammo more. You pay more attention to it. You consider every shot. Every trigger pull represents the final touch-off for a rather considerable investment of time. It subconsciously drives you to take your time, take more certain aim, and consider the placement of each shot. That mindset helps improve precision and accuracy just as much as high-grade equipment does, and in my opinion makes you a better marksman.
 
Caldwell brass catcher keeps the brass goblins at bay.

Or
I was hoping somebody would post that image. XD Very good sir. Whenever I'm at a highly populated range, I'll only shoot steel case or 22lr. For one, I'm not going to get superb precision because I can't concentrate as well anyway because of all these people around me, and for two, I don't want to lose any brass that either is new and I want it because it's about to be once-fired, or I've already invested a fair bit of time in case prep. So, I 100% am with you there.
 
Brother in law has been reloading for some time and he is near me. He encourages me to come and load with him and I have. Still doesn’t make 100% sense to me and that has bothered me for a while.

As a shooter and DIY guy who has average (or hopefully above average) intelligence I see a real appeal both financially, mentally and practically.

It’s been somewhat of an obsession as I commute to my “essential” job and continue to earn a wage while watching society strain.

I’m a big fan of buy once and cry one within reason. Eyeballing a Dillon 750 real hard while trying to figure out how to explain to the wife while I take over a corner of our master bedroom. It’s that or the spare bedroom right?!! Makes sense to me.

I’m please to hear members expressing the merits of reloading. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to jump head first into the endeavor.
 
At an indoor range I’d pushed my brass into a little pile against the wall behind me, maybe 500 pieces. At one point I turn around and the whole thing is just gone, I was stunned. I’m more routinely irritated by the folks that apparently don’t get enough time sweeping at home, so while their partner is shooting they sweep everywhere but under your feet. They don’t reload, they just quickly push it across the firing line where you can’t get it back.

Even so, it’s not a huge issue for common brass and it’s pretty easy to collect from revolvers and bolt guns.
 
Still doesn’t make 100% sense to me and that has bothered me for a while.

The target I posted was shot with a AR15 that has a free floated stainless barrel. I would be hard pressed to find a commercial loading that has that type of accuracy. Handloading makes an ok rifle into a great one. I may never need to be that accurate. If I do, I know what rifle to grab and what ammo to take with it. You can bank on the fact I will always components to make more of the same load for the foreseeable future. It may not be match factory ammo, but it will shoot the lights out.

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I've been mulling the thought of reloading lately. Heading over to a buddies this weeked who has a 3 stage Lee just to put an eyeball on it.
 
Let me make a plea...some folks should never reload...EVER! If you have a terminally short attention span...or are extremely spastic and get easily distracted...Maybe think hard about getting into this hobby. Perhaps find a reloader, and work out a deal where you buy components and he/she makes the rounds that you share.

;)
 
+1 to the above.

While there are many benefits from reloading, being inattentive or carelessness can maim/kill. I'll refer back to a reloading incident I had back in Feb where a decapping pin assembly came out of a decapping die and ended up inside a loaded round of .223 ammo. Imagine the KABOOM! that would have resulted from pulling this trigger on this.

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Started reloading when I was in my teens. Picked it up again after I got married, almost 30 years ago. Have shot very little factory ammo since. I have at least two guns that I have never shot factory thru.
I cast 30 cal rifle, 38/357, 40, 44, 45 and have guns I have never shot anything but cast thru.
I have ammo in calibers I don't have guns for yet.
Started with a Lee Anniversary kit. Picked up another reloading setup from a pawn shop. Gifted the Lee press and a bench to a friend and kept the Rock Chucker.
CF
 
I started to reload because I got sick of not finding what I wanted in the stores. I bought a Hornady Single Stage load setup with the intention maybe one day upgrading to a progressive. I enjoy the single stage so much that I decided I would rather spend the money on guns. I built a load shed that has heat/AC and a small fridg. I reload 6 different calibers and I have been doing it long enough where it either saves me money or I break even. I, like @vaskeet load a lot of 45 acp and I save a heck of a lot of money. Also my 308 loads I have always saved money.

I should add that I have been shooting long enough that I have more brass then I will ever need except for 32. My 32 cal pistol does not like American brass so I have had to buy Fiochi and I keep all the spent cases and I have no clue how many times I have reloaded them. Just throw out the ones that look worn out and keep on going.

Now reloading is my relaxing and quite time.
 
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I started to reload because I got sick of not finding what I wanted in the stores. I bought a Hornady Single Stage load setup with the intention maybe one day upgrading to a progressive. I enjoy the single stage so much that I decided I would rather spend the money on guns. I built a load shed that has heat/AC and a small fridg. I reload 6 different calibers and I have been doing it long enough where it either saves me money or I break even. I, like @vaskeet load a lot of 45 acp and I save a heck of a lot of money. Also my 308 loads I have always saved money.

I should add that I have been shooting long enough that I have more brass then I will ever need except for 32. My 32 cal pistol does not like American brass so I have had to buy Fiochi and I keep all the spent cases and I have no clue how many times I have reloaded them. Just throw out the ones that look worn out and keep on going.

Now reloading is my relaxing and quite time.
yes Donny sure helps us with the price of Lead
 
I started reloading so I could afford to shoot my .41 Magnums. 175gr Win Silvertips at an advertised 1250fps at $35/20rds vs. 215gr LSWC at 1350fps for $6.75/50rds? That's a no brainer, 'n I wouldn't even be able to shoot my .357 Maximum at all without reloading.

I've only reloaded .41Mag, .357Max & .45ACP so far, but have dies & components on hand for 9mm, .357Mag, .30-30 & 6.8SPC. Do need to pick up .300BLK dies & supplies to start feeding my my suppressed 8" SBR.
 
A Dillon Square Deal B has been my best friend for over 30 years. Brass is free at the range and i purchase components in bulk when on sale. Also load for rifle and shotgun. I do not understand the term
" ammo shortage "
 
While I do not have the experience many of you do, I have been reloading for about 10 years. Started out with Lee products and have migrated up to a Dillon 650 now. I still load .223 on one of my Lee presses, I mostly load 9, 38, 357 and 45. And oh by the way I load for two of my friends as well. I looked awhile back at a big bag of primer boxes that were empty and was surprised that there were about 45,000 empty primer holes in the boxes! I don't shoot competitively but simply enjoy weekly shooting days with the guys. As we say, we shoot more s**t than bullets. Makes for a good day and good friendships. We don't save much money by reloading, but it gives me a chance to enjoy the finished product.
 
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