Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 08:13:59 AM
Cost savings? Want to be able to make the rounds "just so"? Want it a specific way for hunting, precision rifle, benchrest?
As I'm going down this road toward reloading, primarily for rifle, I've found that even with my shooting buddies, there are fundamental differences in why some of them reload. One is all about hunting and lower cost, another is wanting more precision but not willing to invest a lot. Yet another is interested in more precision, but on the periphery of shooting (doesn't really shoot much).
All reason are good, but I've found that some folks can be so boxed in what they want or know, that they don't appreciate why others want to chase an aspect of reloading. I'm sort of in the middle of all of that as I am just getting started. But funny when say hunter is poopooing on the one chasing more precision for wondering about a 20" to longer barrel or when the bullet goes transonic. The "hell, I'll never shoot a [insert animal name] further than 200 yards, so you're just over thinking things" or "that gun is way to heavy to be humping around Maui". I just sit back and listen to their banter.
For pistol, I never even considered reloading for 9 mm. I'm getting into it now for economics and availability of ammo. Even when I shot USPSA, I wasn't into getting poof poof ammo. Even if I likely could have saved some money, I wasn't willing to jump into the reloading mix.
Post by: ren on December 09, 2020, 08:23:40 AM
Post by: aletheuo137 on December 09, 2020, 08:33:31 AM
Why do you reload?Same here for all the same reasons. I've looked at it in the past and I was considering it. The front cost was the biggest hurdle. But as of late, I'm reloading for rifle and pistol rounds. I was loading for black powder rifle and revolver, making loading tubes and paper cartridges. I wasn't to far behind in reloading. Now, I'm even considering loading 22lr. Crazy, but things have gotten crazy.
Cost savings? Want to be able to make the rounds "just so"? Want it a specific way for hunting, precision rifle, benchrest?
As I'm going down this road toward reloading, primarily for rifle, I've found that even with my shooting buddies, there are fundamental differences in why some of them reload. One is all about hunting and lower cost, another is wanting more precision but not willing to invest a lot. Yet another is interested in more precision, but on the periphery of shooting (doesn't really shoot much).
All reason are good, but I've found that some folks can be so boxed in what they want or know, that they don't appreciate why others want to chase an aspect of reloading. I'm sort of in the middle of all of that as I am just getting started. But funny when say hunter is poopooing on the one chasing more precision for wondering about a 20" to longer barrel or when the bullet goes transonic. The "hell, I'll never shoot a [insert animal name] further than 200 yards, so you're just over thinking things" or "that gun is way to heavy to be humping around Maui". I just sit back and listen to their banter.
For pistol, I never even considered reloading for 9 mm. I'm getting into it now for economics and availability of ammo. Even when I shot USPSA, I wasn't into getting poof poof ammo. Even if I likely could have saved some money, I wasn't willing to jump into the reloading mix.
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Post by: Inspector on December 09, 2020, 08:42:29 AM
Why do you reload?I reload for various reasons. Economy. Being able to get ammo not available like 9mm and 223/556. I don’t have to limit myself to 10 rounds per range session if I don’t want to. Even when 9mm and 223 was cheap I still reloaded for these cartridges. BTW I always keep a few boxes of commercial ammo lying around. Sometimes a firearm doesn’t respond well to your reloads. It is nice to have some commercial ammo to try so you can figure out if it is your reloads or the gun having an issue.
Cost savings? Want to be able to make the rounds "just so"? Want it a specific way for hunting, precision rifle, benchrest?
As I'm going down this road toward reloading, primarily for rifle, I've found that even with my shooting buddies, there are fundamental differences in why some of them reload. One is all about hunting and lower cost, another is wanting more precision but not willing to invest a lot. Yet another is interested in more precision, but on the periphery of shooting (doesn't really shoot much).
All reason are good, but I've found that some folks can be so boxed in what they want or know, that they don't appreciate why others want to chase an aspect of reloading. I'm sort of in the middle of all of that as I am just getting started. But funny when say hunter is poopooing on the one chasing more precision for wondering about a 20" to longer barrel or when the bullet goes transonic. The "hell, I'll never shoot a [insert animal name] further than 200 yards, so you're just over thinking things" or "that gun is way to heavy to be humping around Maui". I just sit back and listen to their banter.
For pistol, I never even considered reloading for 9 mm. I'm getting into it now for economics and availability of ammo. Even when I shot USPSA, I wasn't into getting poof poof ammo. Even if I likely could have saved some money, I wasn't willing to jump into the reloading mix.
But there are 2 big reasons for me. I like older firearms. And reloading gives me the opportunity to buy what I want even if ammo is obsolete and no longer available. I know lots of guys that bought old milsurp rifles thinking that ammo is available but it turned out they could not find it. Or it was priced at 2 bucks a shot or more. I own several rifles and pistols now that fire obsolete ammo no longer available. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I am keeping these old war horses working. Nothing I own just sits in my I safe. I couldn’t do that without reloading. And I can make the ammo economically as well. But the biggest reason I reload is the satisfaction of making something with my hands and firing it and reaping a sense of accomplishment. So it is more of a hobby for me due to the satisfaction aspect. One more aspect is consistency. If I use the same components every time I have ammo that shoots to POA everytime. Try that with your cheap range ammo of different weights and manufacture.
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 09:17:54 AM
Cost. Control over loads.Would match ammo fit your needs? Even close?
Post by: ren on December 09, 2020, 09:22:57 AM
Would match ammo fit your needs? Even close?
I think they charge too much and I am not familiar with how they label ammo "match". All I see is the type of bullet loaded and then the label "match". I don't see any specs on match ammo loads such as powder charge variance from lot to lot, cartridge dimensions etc. Those are all variables that a reloader can control.
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 09:23:15 AM
I reload for various reasons. Economy. Being able to get ammo not available like 9mm and 223/556. I don’t have to limit myself to 10 rounds per range session if I don’t want to. Even when 9mm and 223 was cheap I still reloaded for these cartridges. BTW I always keep a few boxes of commercial ammo lying around. Sometimes a firearm doesn’t respond well to your reloads. It is nice to have some commercial ammo to try so you can figure out if it is your reloads or the gun having an issue.For .308, economy and flexibility are what got me started. Got back into shooting my .308 at the wrong time, at least ammo price and availability wise. Good thing that I have a "decent" amount already, but not nearly where I would have liked it to be when I got back into shooting it more.
But there are 2 big reasons for me. I like older firearms. And reloading gives me the opportunity to buy what I want even if ammo is obsolete and no longer available. I know lots of guys that bought old milsurp rifles thinking that ammo is available but it turned out they could not find it. Or it was priced at 2 bucks a shot or more. I own several rifles and pistols now that fire obsolete ammo no longer available. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I am keeping these old war horses working. Nothing I own just sits in my I safe. I couldn’t do that without reloading. And I can make the ammo economically as well. But the biggest reason I reload is the satisfaction of making something with my hands and firing it and reaping a sense of accomplishment. So it is more of a hobby for me due to the satisfaction aspect. One more aspect is consistency. If I use the same components every time I have ammo that shoots to POA everytime. Try that with your cheap range ammo of different weights and manufacture.
The older firearms one is a good point as well. Or calibers with commercial market/production that aren't great. Like those wildcat calibers. I'm also thinking of .41 Mag, which was next to impossible to find ammo locally. I think if I got into reloading earlier, I'd have a wider variety of rifle calibers than 5.56/.223 and .308. Well, 7.62x39, but don't envision myself reloading for the AK :crazy:
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 09:28:36 AM
I think they charge too much and I am not familiar with how they label ammo "match". All I see is the type of bullet loaded and then the label "match". I don't see any specs on match ammo loads such as powder charge variance from lot to lot, cartridge dimensions etc. Those are all variables that a reloader can control.Ahh. Gotcha. Have been reading a lot about overuse of "match" in ammo, components, etc. I was wondering if ammo like FGMM or Hornady (whatever their higher performance as advertised ammo) is close to acceptable performance for you.
Do you notice variance in batch/lots of your reloading components? Particularly powder? I know some who will typically buy the 8# jugs. I'm no where near having a preference to be able to invest in the 8# jugs.
Post by: Inspector on December 09, 2020, 09:35:21 AM
For .308, economy and flexibility are what got me started. Got back into shooting my .308 at the wrong time, at least ammo price and availability wise. Good thing that I have a "decent" amount already, but not nearly where I would have liked it to be when I got back into shooting it more.I’m not a big fan of semi autos (except 22’s). But I don’t pick my brass when firing a 22. I do have a couple of AR’s. Not my favorites to shoot but I still get them out regularly and send rounds down range. I have a brass catcher for them. If I don’t have a brass catcher I have a grabber thing I use to pick up my semi auto brass at the range since my back is not great these days. Just an old fudd.....
The older firearms one is a good point as well. Or calibers with commercial market/production that aren't great. Like those wildcat calibers. I'm also thinking of .41 Mag, which was next to impossible to find ammo locally. I think if I got into reloading earlier, I'd have a wider variety of rifle calibers than 5.56/.223 and .308. Well, 7.62x39, but don't envision myself reloading for the AK :crazy:
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 09:41:51 AM
I’m not a big fan of semi autos (except 22’s). But I don’t pick my brass when firing a 22. I do have a couple of AR’s. Not my favorites to shoot but I still get them out regularly and send rounds down range. I have a brass catcher for them. If I don’t have a brass catcher I have a grabber thing I use to pick up my semi auto brass at the range since my back is not great these days. Just an old fudd.....You're a Black Powder guy at heart. ;D
While reloading for 5.56/.223 is possible for me, due to the volume of fire vs amount of effort required for training ammo doesn't make it make sense to me. Maybe as we get further down the road and ammo remains tight. I'm totally down for reloading 9, but as friends have told me, that's "duck soup".
I pick up brass when I'm at the rifle and pistol ranges. I sometimes collect my brass when shooting action bays, but mostly let others have it. At one time, I had like 3-5gal buckets of brass that I ended up giving away. I have a bunch of 9 brass accumulated now, so lots of work ahead to prep those.
Post by: ren on December 09, 2020, 09:45:38 AM
Ahh. Gotcha. Have been reading a lot about overuse of "match" in ammo, components, etc. I was wondering if ammo like FGMM or Hornady (whatever their higher performance as advertised ammo) is close to acceptable performance for you.
Do you notice variance in batch/lots of your reloading components? Particularly powder? I know some who will typically buy the 8# jugs. I'm no where near having a preference to be able to invest in the 8# jugs.
I don't recall shooting FGMM or Hornady factory loads. I did shoot the new Army "green" ammo M855A1 out of my service rifle and it was almost as good as my 77 gr load.
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 09:54:21 AM
I don't recall shooting FGMM or Hornady factory loads. I did shoot the new Army "green" ammo M855A1 out of my service rifle and it was almost as good as my 77 gr load.On my ARs (not expecting uber accuracy), I've had consistently better results with 193 than 855.
I've shot Hornady Superformance and another of their better factory loads. I don't recall being particularly impressed. I do recall Superformance showed signs of overpressure in my mid-length guns. It's supposed to be tailored rifle length gas guns.
I have FGMM 69 and 77 gr factory loads to test in my LPVO upper. I've had good results with 193 and the Hornady American Gunner (55 gr) with that gun so far. I had ok results with GD 64 gr. Interestingly, BH wasn't that great (I think it was 77 gr OTM). I have some other BH ammo to test as well. All of my barrels are 1:7, but I expected heavier loads to do well (69-77gr). Will see once I get back to the range with the LPVO upper.
ETA: If initial tests don't work well with the heavier ammo, you're welcome to sample.
Post by: macsak on December 09, 2020, 10:44:57 AM
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 10:47:45 AM
those guys with the poof poof loads need to man up and handle the recoil...Only if you can bench 225+
Post by: macsak on December 09, 2020, 10:54:48 AM
Only if you can bench 225+
heads
Post by: oldfart on December 09, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
2. Win prizes....because "a man's gotta have an edge"
-Chief Lone Watie-
Post by: macsak on December 09, 2020, 11:29:47 AM
Post by: justin1098 on December 09, 2020, 11:45:12 AM
i own no reloading components nor dies and presses...Not even the pointy parts...? I forget what they're called...
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 11:56:32 AM
Not even the pointy parts...? I forget what they're called...He boring. No pointy parts. No "dangly bits". Etc. . . :rofl:
Post by: macsak on December 09, 2020, 12:18:32 PM
He boring. No pointy parts. No "dangly bits". Etc. . . :rofl:
someone wants me to send him dick pics...
Post by: oldfart on December 09, 2020, 12:21:07 PM
Post by: aletheuo137 on December 09, 2020, 12:29:17 PM
What a bunch of pervs here :rofl:What ever happened to the saying keep it in your pants!
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Post by: ren on December 09, 2020, 12:40:41 PM
heads
Don't be OG Joe Biden dumb...don't do thumbs things again....
Post by: stangzilla on December 09, 2020, 01:23:42 PM
save money
recycle brass and save the planet
make huge fireballs with H110 >:D
Post by: drck1000 on December 09, 2020, 02:07:06 PM
get the perfect load for my specific firearm, accuracy and recoil controlBack on topic thanks to Stang!
save money
recycle brass and save the planet
make huge fireballs with H110 >:D
Recoil control? Are you referring to say fractions of typical commercial ammunition loading? I recall dogman does that quite often, but for hand cannons (500 S&W et al).
Fireballs are also :geekdanc:
Post by: Drakiir84 on December 09, 2020, 03:00:22 PM
Post by: stangzilla on December 09, 2020, 03:20:54 PM
Back on topic thanks to Stang!
Recoil control? Are you referring to say fractions of typical commercial ammunition loading? I recall dogman does that quite often, but for hand cannons (500 S&W et al).
yes, lower than a typical factory load
for my short barrel 44mag and snubnose 357's i like to tone it down just a little bit. i like to use Accurate #9 or #7 to tone down a bit or Trailboss to tone it down a lot
but for my 4" to 7.5" barrels , its H110 time!!! :geekdanc:
i like reloading for my magnum revolvers bc i can make it just how i want it for a specific revolver, barrel length, grip size, etc.
for my 308 bolt gun its more for accuracy
for 223 its more for reliability, cost, and accuracy. but my AR i'm not that concerned with accuracy so much. it needs to be fairly accurate but not dead nuts accurate bc i have a lot of factory seconds and just fmj heads so i don't expect dead nuts accurate, but i do expect reliability and less cost
Post by: wirecounter on December 10, 2020, 08:00:00 AM
My plinking 223 rounds cost me $0.22 per round, 9mm - $0.11, 38Spl - $0.13, 357 - $0.17, 308 "match" - $0.55.
But, I unfortunately lost all my firearms, ammo, and reloading equipment in a boating accident. Yesterday.
Post by: oldfart on December 10, 2020, 08:47:48 AM
Post by: aletheuo137 on December 10, 2020, 08:54:57 AM
We used to have a boat but it sank. ....lost a lot in that accident.Ocean floor must be lined with boats, guns, ammo, etc
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Post by: macsak on December 10, 2020, 09:08:07 AM
I reload for all of the reasons already stated - save $$ (not really cause can shoot more), tweaking different loads with different bullets & powder, and accuracy. And, more importantly, I always have ammo to go to the range & the rise and fall of factory ammo does not affect me. The only factory ammo I buy is 22LR, but sold at least a few bricks recently.
My plinking 223 rounds cost me $0.22 per round, 9mm - $0.11, 38Spl - $0.13, 357 - $0.17, 308 "match" - $0.55.
But, I unfortunately lost all my firearms, ammo, and reloading equipment in a boating accident. Yesterday.
at least you had some to lose in an accident...
Post by: ren on December 10, 2020, 02:25:12 PM
Post by: Inspector on December 10, 2020, 03:32:14 PM
do you reload with your masks on?How did you know? :rofl:
Post by: drck1000 on December 10, 2020, 03:47:59 PM
yes, lower than a typical factory loadNoted on the customization of the revolver loads. Don't have to worry about cycling like in semi-autos. I'll likely reload for revolvers in future. .357, .41, and .44. But I don't really shoot those that often now as it is.
for my short barrel 44mag and snubnose 357's i like to tone it down just a little bit. i like to use Accurate #9 or #7 to tone down a bit or Trailboss to tone it down a lot
but for my 4" to 7.5" barrels , its H110 time!!! :geekdanc:
i like reloading for my magnum revolvers bc i can make it just how i want it for a specific revolver, barrel length, grip size, etc.
for my 308 bolt gun its more for accuracy
for 223 its more for reliability, cost, and accuracy. but my AR i'm not that concerned with accuracy so much. it needs to be fairly accurate but not dead nuts accurate bc i have a lot of factory seconds and just fmj heads so i don't expect dead nuts accurate, but i do expect reliability and less cost
.223, for now, I'm thinking "not worth it". However, I have a few powders for .308 that can be used for .223. Beyond .308, I'm thinking 30-06. Though I've been reading that the Garand is tough on brass. :(
For .223, I want function first, with 193 level accuracy. Or even less. Maybe more for my LPVO, but not a priority.
Post by: macsak on December 10, 2020, 03:50:06 PM
do you reload with your masks on?
the range dust in the brass is worse than the 'rona
Post by: drck1000 on December 10, 2020, 03:50:31 PM
I reload for all of the reasons already stated - save $$ (not really cause can shoot more), tweaking different loads with different bullets & powder, and accuracy. And, more importantly, I always have ammo to go to the range & the rise and fall of factory ammo does not affect me. The only factory ammo I buy is 22LR, but sold at least a few bricks recently.Save $$$ on commercial ammo cost, to prioritize into components. :thumbsup:
My plinking 223 rounds cost me $0.22 per round, 9mm - $0.11, 38Spl - $0.13, 357 - $0.17, 308 "match" - $0.55.
But, I unfortunately lost all my firearms, ammo, and reloading equipment in a boating accident. Yesterday.
That .308 ammo cost is about what my buddy was telling me he was running before pandemic prices. Maybe a little less. I haven't sat down to calculate where I am at. But being FGMM is in the $40-50 (and more) per 20, anywhere 1.00 per round is still awesome to me.
Post by: Brystont1 on December 10, 2020, 08:05:23 PM
I actually love reloading, so zen like. I’ll listen to country music or watch old hickok45 videos and the hours just seem to fly by.
Post by: wirecounter on December 11, 2020, 09:26:21 AM
at least you had some to lose in an accident...
At least it wasn't a lot . . . a piece with different pipes for the boolits I mentioned and a coupla ammos
Post by: Inspector on December 11, 2020, 10:27:36 AM
I got into reloading because I thought it was fun. It is a valuable skill to have especially during a shtf scenario. I’m not really sure how much money I actually save, i think that’s a myth reloaders came up with to convince their wives to let them buy a Dillon press :rofl:I’m with you on the love of reloading. I listen to older classic rock and oldies from the 50’s when I reload. It is very relaxing for me. I just finished a batch of 800 9mm practice ammo. And tomorrow I’m planning on starting on a batch of 600 357 magnum target loads.
I actually love reloading, so zen like. I’ll listen to country music or watch old hickok45 videos and the hours just seem to fly by.
Post by: stangzilla on December 11, 2020, 10:43:17 AM
Post by: Inspector on December 11, 2020, 11:15:10 AM
reloading is like knitting...….for men ;)Well said! :rofl:
Post by: Rocky on December 11, 2020, 01:38:13 PM
Post by: ren on December 11, 2020, 01:46:18 PM
Post by: drck1000 on December 14, 2020, 08:26:33 AM
CUZ THE ONLY AMMO AVAILABLE ( IF YOU CAN FIND IT) IS A BUCK A ROUND ? :grrr: :grrr: :grrr: :grrr:Try multiplying by 2 or 3+ in some cases. :grrr:
Post by: drck1000 on December 14, 2020, 08:27:30 AM
reloading is like knitting...….for men ;)It was pretty zen, at least some aspects. Depriming the brass was pretty zen, at least for me. ;D
Post by: Rocky on December 14, 2020, 04:18:00 PM
CUZ THE ONLY AMMO AVAILABLE ( IF YOU CAN FIND IT) IS A BUCK A ROUND ? :grrr: :grrr: :grrr: :grrr:
Try multiplying by 2 or 3+ in some cases. :grrr:
I got's Ammo for sale :D
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Post by: wirecounter on December 14, 2020, 08:41:32 PM
:stopjack:
Post by: 808Hunta on December 25, 2020, 10:35:27 PM
Over the years we spec'd and built our own cartridges, made our own bullets etc at the end of the day reloading is just a hell of a lot of fun
Its a fun journey enjoy the ride :shaka:
Post by: drck1000 on January 04, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
For me its many of the same reasons as already mentioned. I guess one of the main reasons is you can't buy ammo for a bunch of what l shoot lol l build a lot of wildcats so reloading is a must!The wildcats and stuff like .300 Blk are calibers that having a loading setup make a lot more "accessible". I went with .308 Win for my Rem 700 because of the readily available commercial ammo. Now that I'm getting into reloading, that has opened up options for future rifles. Probably quite a bit out in the future though.
Over the years we spec'd and built our own cartridges, made our own bullets etc at the end of the day reloading is just a hell of a lot of fun
Its a fun journey enjoy the ride :shaka:
It is very fun. And now that I have my rifle back from having work done, I will finally get to start testing loads.
Thank you for the support in this fun hobby! :thumbsup: :shaka:
Post by: changemyoil66 on January 04, 2021, 11:37:28 AM
1) No Primers and other parts anyways
2) Bay's closed, so not shooting as much, really at all. Bench shooting is very boring to me.
3) Cost of 9mm even if parts available, isn't a huge savings. But really, refer to #1. And many older reloading vids about getting into it says you will usually shoot more, so not worth it for 9mm.
4) even if I did have the parts and place to rapid fire shoot, the cost will still be huge. Too pake.
Been watching a few vids on YT, like 101 kind. So if I were to jump down the rabbit hole, then:
1) I would buy a wet tumbler, because I live in a condo
2) Spend a little more to buy a progressive press, but really a single 1 is fine if that's all that's available.
3) Due to having only 500sq/ft, prob look at making a 3ftx3ft table to set up press on. Not a huge bench like most people have.
Post by: stangzilla on January 04, 2021, 12:27:43 PM
then I started reloading 308 to get better accuracy
saving money was just a side effect. fine tuning the load was my first priority
then I might as well start reloading 45acp bc I just have tons of brass to use
now with the shortage, I've started reloading 223 and 9mm. before the pandemic I thought no need bc these rounds are cheap enough to just buy them. now I thought I should reload these too in case the shortage lasts for a while
I can still find most components for reloading locally and online except the primers, but I already was stockpiling primers so I got enuff to last a while
Post by: drck1000 on January 05, 2021, 09:49:00 AM
This was something that I was going to look into getting into due to CV. But a few reasons why not to:Primer situation sucks if you're looking for the common stuff, like small pistol and rifle. Occasionally seeing large rifle primers, which is what I've been concentrating on recently, but will eventually need SPP. Regarding reloading for "huge savings", for 9 mm, you're SOL unless you bought your components a long time ago. For me, reloading isn't saving money over factory ammo, but for rifle, I'm doing it to refine the ammo for my gun. When I eventually get to rolling my own for 9 mm, it's more for just the ammo. I'm not into the poof poof stuff. At least not yet.
1) No Primers and other parts anyways
2) Bay's closed, so not shooting as much, really at all. Bench shooting is very boring to me.
3) Cost of 9mm even if parts available, isn't a huge savings. But really, refer to #1. And many older reloading vids about getting into it says you will usually shoot more, so not worth it for 9mm.
4) even if I did have the parts and place to rapid fire shoot, the cost will still be huge. Too pake.
Been watching a few vids on YT, like 101 kind. So if I were to jump down the rabbit hole, then:
1) I would buy a wet tumbler, because I live in a condo
2) Spend a little more to buy a progressive press, but really a single 1 is fine if that's all that's available.
3) Due to having only 500sq/ft, prob look at making a 3ftx3ft table to set up press on. Not a huge bench like most people have.
Understand what you're saying about living in a condo. That's one of the main reasons I didn't get started into reloading much earlier. I'm lucky to have a few friends who are into reloading and one who has enough space where I can eventually have my own setup. Not there yet, but working up to it.
started with reloading 44mag and 357mag so I could fine tune the load for a specific gun, mainly reloading lower power magnum loads for my short barrel 44 and 357That's my starting point. Eventually I plan on getting to reloading 9 mm next. Will see about .223 as the components are hard to find and the brass prep is a PITA since I shoot mostly Fed/LC. But like you said, depending on how long this ammo situation goes, I might go that route as well. Luckily I have enough components for .308 to keep me busy for a while. Just wish some components were easier to find.
then I started reloading 308 to get better accuracy
saving money was just a side effect. fine tuning the load was my first priority
then I might as well start reloading 45acp bc I just have tons of brass to use
now with the shortage, I've started reloading 223 and 9mm. before the pandemic I thought no need bc these rounds are cheap enough to just buy them. now I thought I should reload these too in case the shortage lasts for a while
I can still find most components for reloading locally and online except the primers, but I already was stockpiling primers so I got enuff to last a while
Post by: changemyoil66 on January 05, 2021, 10:30:20 AM
Understand what you're saying about living in a condo. That's one of the main reasons I didn't get started into reloading much earlier. I'm lucky to have a few friends who are into reloading and one who has enough space where I can eventually have my own setup. Not there yet, but working up to it.
That's 1 thing the vids said due to the dust and lead for a dry tumbler in a small enclosed space is not good.
For 223, is there an accuracy diff at 5-25yards? Or you talking about 100+ yrds?
Post by: drck1000 on January 05, 2021, 10:51:57 AM
That's 1 thing the vids said due to the dust and lead for a dry tumbler in a small enclosed space is not good.You should have plenty of PPE, so you good, right? ;D
For 223, is there an accuracy diff at 5-25yards? Or you talking about 100+ yrds?
I am not planning on reloading for .223. If/when I do, I would want same performance as cheaper .223 (PMC Bronze, Rem UMC, etc). I don't expect much for .223. Mostly looking for reliable functioning.
If I were to get into reloading for .223 for a bolt gun, my goal would likely be to match or get better than say FGMM .223. My LPVO upper seems to like FGMM .223 in 69 and 77 gr. It doesn't seem to like the Black Hills stuff in similar weight boolits.
Post by: Inspector on January 05, 2021, 01:32:10 PM
Primer situation sucks if you're looking for the common stuff, like small pistol and rifle. Occasionally seeing large rifle primers, which is what I've been concentrating on recently, but will eventually need SPP. Regarding reloading for "huge savings", for 9 mm, you're SOL unless you bought your components a long time ago. For me, reloading isn't saving money over factory ammo, but for rifle, I'm doing it to refine the ammo for my gun. When I eventually get to rolling my own for 9 mm, it's more for just the ammo. I'm not into the poof poof stuff. At least not yet.I have been loading 9mm for over 40 years (along with 38/357). I have been testing numerous heads. Currently I am testing powder coated 115gr from DG Bullets. Seeing very good results out of my Sig and my nephew’s Sig 365 and his 2 M&P’s. Even in my Glock 17 they shoot well. So I’ll start casting and powder coating my own after I use up all the plated and FMJ’s I have been hoarding. My problem is I am quickly running out of SPP. I have magnum primers I will start tapping into and if necessary maybe my stash of SRP.
Understand what you're saying about living in a condo. That's one of the main reasons I didn't get started into reloading much earlier. I'm lucky to have a few friends who are into reloading and one who has enough space where I can eventually have my own setup. Not there yet, but working up to it.
That's my starting point. Eventually I plan on getting to reloading 9 mm next. Will see about .223 as the components are hard to find and the brass prep is a PITA since I shoot mostly Fed/LC. But like you said, depending on how long this ammo situation goes, I might go that route as well. Luckily I have enough components for .308 to keep me busy for a while. Just wish some components were easier to find.
Post by: drck1000 on January 05, 2021, 10:09:21 PM
I have been loading 9mm for over 40 years (along with 38/357). I have been testing numerous heads. Currently I am testing powder coated 115gr from DG Bullets. Seeing very good results out of my Sig and my nephew’s Sig 365 and his 2 M&P’s. Even in my Glock 17 they shoot well. So I’ll start casting and powder coating my own after I use up all the plated and FMJ’s I have been hoarding. My problem is I am quickly running out of SPP. I have magnum primers I will start tapping into and if necessary maybe my stash of SRP.What is your standard or what are you looking for when you test handgun loads?
Since I've shot 115 gr and 124 gr factory loads for such a long time, I'd be looking to match or get as close as I can to that for competition use. I don't envision going toward the poof poof range. For training, similar for classes, but maybe more toward consistency across batches as opposed to matching factory ammo.
Post by: 808Hunta on January 05, 2021, 10:51:31 PM
The wildcats and stuff like .300 Blk are calibers that having a loading setup make a lot more "accessible". I went with .308 Win for my Rem 700 because of the readily available commercial ammo. Now that I'm getting into reloading, that has opened up options for future rifles. Probably quite a bit out in the future though.
It is very fun. And now that I have my rifle back from having work done, I will finally get to start testing loads.
Thank you for the support in this fun hobby! :thumbsup: :shaka:
I started reloading around 8 yrs old under close supervision of course lol. It was such an exciting experience to make ammo for the guns we were using. At the time it was all basic calibers like 243, 264 win mag, 270 win n wby, 30-06, 7mm Rem mag, etc. The wildcats came later many ackleys, jdj cartridges, our own cartridges, STW's, 30-378, 30-416 Rigby, 408 CT based wildcats etc etc it is a fun hobby that we enjoy alot. Its a funny thing to see things coming online and having good success recently when we have been doing it for close to 2 decades 🙂 bottoming for us is we really enjoy it like everyone else who's posted 🤙
No problem im glad to help out or support when and where l can, always!
Aloha!