When/how did YOU get into reloading?

[Exodus343]

I'll start
I got into reloading last year in dec, started it because I realize ammo was getting too expensive on my budget and good ammo was 2x in price

I did not start reloading with super OCD and consistency until the previous summer

To conclude, I started with a single stage press, learned everything online through multiple videos, and had another calgunner (you know who you are ) come over and made sure i was doing things right


Lets hear your guys stories!

[stilly]

I bought a Desert Eagle at Bright Spot Pawn (to replace my freshly sold Colt Kodiak revolver) for $850 + dros/tax- Like 907.xx I think out the door in November of 2010. Then a box of 50 rounds at Walmart for $38.00 - $42.xx after tax. At that point I said, DAMN there HAS to be a cheaper way. SO I sent my gun back east to get it dual toned Birdsong OD/Black-T and while it was being coated I started learning how to reload in an effort to cut the cost of shooting down.

Now I reload for $9.87 per 50 rounds of .44 mag and my 240gr H110 (24.8gr) loads SMOKE those fiochi rounds from wallyworld, not to mention they scare the **** out of the others at the range...

I only own a turret that I load on, but I have a single stage for odd things and a progressive that has not yet been plugged in. (Lee Loadmaster) Not to mention my nunchuckas Lee hand press for decapping.

[the86d]

2 years ago, after the UK blew-up with riots the lady finally said I was right and we should have some protection in case of scumbags trying to hurt us or the kids. Being a prior Cub Scout and then Boy Scout, they have a motto: "Be prepared".

I have not run out of ammo since I got my press ~2 years ago, and still have a few-ammo-can-stash of factory ammo that I never touch. If I run low on primers, projectiles, or powder, I wait until I find some more before loading so I ALWAYS have at least a LB in reserve... when most-everybody else is beachin' about Walmart and gun shops being dry. I actually didn't know that the shelves would dry-up, but it all worked out perfectly.

Doing the calculations on a spreadsheet I COULD have pressed ammo at about 33% of factory Walmart ammo prices, but at NATO velocities. Now that you can't get surplus-powder I am stuck at about retail prices for powder, but still save 25-50% (depending on caliber) over even Walmart ammo prices, and that is with current data. In QTY of ammo the press has equated to about 75% paid-off in this 2-year stretch, mainly because I am never out of ammo, and saving a bit too.

A Coworker convinced me that the Dillon was the way to go, and seeing the XL 650 in action via Youtube I couldn't be happier with that choice, especially after seeing how wobbly the lee shell-plates look on their progressives in videos.

[Seaweed02]

I'm so new to reloading that I haven't even reloaded a single round yet!!!! But I have a brand spanking new Redding Big Boss II reloading press under the Xmas Tree, and a good used RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme reloading kit that I bought from a Calguns member. The kit is actually down in SoCal at my son's house. I paid for it, and he picked it up and is holding it for me until we visit him or he visits us, which ever comes first. And I decided to start the reloading habit because I wanted a nice hobby to keep me busy in my garage. So I bought the used RCBS kit first, and then built the reloading bench, then bought the Big Boss II reloading press. And still haven't reloaded a single round yet.

[BigBronco]

Jeez it was back in 1980 I bought my first revolver. 6" Smith model 19 target. I was just too damn broke, frugal to afford factory ammo. A friend bought a press and I would go to his place. Then a year or so later a friend/mentor at work gave me all his reloading gear. A Rockchucker a 10-1- scale and the rest of the basics. Oh he also gave me a 4 cavity mold and the stuff to cast also. I was loading 158 gr .38 special for about $1.50 per box.

[epic1856]

About 2 yrs ago, but got serious about a year ago when I started shooting registered skeet events. Needed to find a way to reduce the expense of the ammunition as much as possible so I could shoot more. I reload 12g, 20g, 28g, and .410.

I have all MEC presses, learned by reading book, online material, and talking to folks who know what they are doing.

[FLIGHT762]

1970. Started off reloading 8MM Mauser and .223 Remington for AR-15's and expanded to about 20 other calibers.

[gemoose23]

Started Back in 2003 with a Hornady LNL AP. It was pure economics of it at the time, allowed me to shoot my 1911 more.

My fiancee was shooting with me, so it allowed us to shoot twice as much than not reloading. From there it just snowballed and has recently become a great downtime hobby. (I now reload after my toddler girls are asleep and the wife goes to bed. Quiet time for me.)

My presses have been mating and are multiplying like bunnies.

[Broccoli Killer]

I started reloading about two years ago before the panic struck. I needed a cheaper way to feed my Ar15 and my Springfield XD. My timing really couldn't have been better.

I'd have to say that my first introduction into reloading was in 2010 in the game Fallout: New Vegas.
In that game you could create handloads for your weapons and it really blew my mind that reloading was even possible.

Fast forward to mid 2011, I started buying reloading equipment piece by piece and building up my knowledge base here on the forum. I now load for at least six different calibers and can now enjoy some independence in case another shortage occurs.

[BajaJames83]

It was in 2005 my uncle asked me what caliber I shoot the most and out of the blue a box from midway sjowed up at my door with 100 peices of new brass, bullets a lee loader a loading block and the manual.
Fast foward to today I have a dillon 550, and. 1050 I load thousands of roumds a month.

[Full Clip]

I stated reloading when I realized how much money I could "save" on my weakly .45ACP habit. Then I started getting into C&R rifles and bought my first Enfield .303 Brit. That pushed me to ramp up production, and I now reload those plus .38 Special, .50 Beowulf, .223, 30-06, 7.62x39, 7.62x54r, .30 Carbine and 6.5 Rem Mag, all just using my RCBS turret press. Once you get over the hump for the press, tumbler, etc, adding a new caliber is just another set of dies and new components. Easy peasy.

[the86d]

Originally Posted by Broccoli Killer

...I'd have to say that my first introduction into reloading was in 2010 in the game Fallout: New Vegas.
In that game you could create handloads for your weapons and it really blew my mind that reloading was even possible...

SO, you got a Red Press?:


Come to think of it, just after the New Vegas release is when I got my press.

[SWalt]

40+ yrs ago. Learned from helping the old man reload while asking questions.

[nothing4u]

In the last 7 years the prices of copper plated bullets have gone up about 10% every year. I payed $68/k for rainier 165 rnfp now they're $115/k. Back then lead cast bullets were $40ish/k. What do you think the trend will be for the next 7 years?

[desertjosh]

Originally Posted by Broccoli Killer

I started reloading about two years ago before the panic struck. I needed a cheaper way to feed my Ar15 and my Springfield XD. My timing really couldn't have been better.

I'd have to say that my first introduction into reloading was in 2010 in the game Fallout: New Vegas.
In that game you could create handloads for your weapons and it really blew my mind that reloading was even possible.

Fast forward to mid 2011, I started buying reloading equipment piece by piece and building up my knowledge base here on the forum. I now load for at least six different calibers and some independence in case another shortage occurs.

Nice! I just started playing NV and didnt know you can reload in it. Awesome!

[Metal Fiend]

Bought some 2nd hand equipment this past Aug. from the FIL, took a couple of months to obtain the needed parts, pieces and components. Assembled my first bullet 2 nights ago- Yay!

[CK_32]

About 4 years ago when I realized I could make match 308 ammo for $.70 rather than $2.24 per.


Funny cause I'm still in debt as of paying the equipment off but f it it's a new hobby I enjoy. I now reload all my 5.56/308 soon to be 45 and 357/38.

[Chief-7700]

1967 Lee hammer Loader for my Browning Hi Power.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I was depriming brass at age 5 with my Dad.

[Javi]

When I bought my Swedish Mauser(6.5x55 Swede), I knew I HAD to buy a press. I thought about it & knew I wanted to in the future but that rifle expedited the process. I bought my single stage kit in July or August of last year but hadn't loaded a round until the first I.E. clinic. I've been sitting on 6.5 test loads for way too long(Haven't made it to an outdoor range) and on some test loads for 9mm & .38special for two months. Hopefully trying those out today. I have .44mag dies from an awesome cal-gunner ready to use whenever I get a revolver in that caliber

[Exodus343]

^ get out and SHOOT!

[Javi]

My new job in January should get me out to the range WAY more often

[Exodus343]

Originally Posted by Javi

My new job in January should get me out to the range WAY more often

[foesgth]

Originally Posted by Chief-7700

1967 Lee hammer Loader for my Browning Hi Power.

About the same time, but it was a Lee loader for 30-30. I used the rounds to hunt deer here in Orange County! None of that $5.00 a box ammo for me.

[KeithET]

I started reloading in 1982. Started reloading 308win. I started with an RCBS Rock Chucker. Over the years I have expanded my reloading operation and number of calibers. If I buy a new gun/caliber I start reloading for it pretty soon there after. Still have and use the Rock Chucker. Added a Dillon 550 and lots of accessories for both progressive and single stage reloading. Burned a lot of powder over the years. As long as I shoot I will be reloading I guess. Its one of my favorite things to do next to shooting.

KeithET

[diveRN]

Been around reloading since I can remember. My dad had a shotgun press that I started reloading shotshells for about the time I was 7 or 8.

I've only been reloading pistol/rifle rounds for a couple of years, I began about the same time I started my son into shooting. He's learning about it now, it gives us something to do together... kinda like what my dad and I did when I was a kid.

[Cowboy T]

The Great Ammo Rush of 2009, and the price of .45 Colt rounds, got me started. I learned from 2009 that ammo and certain components could get very scarce, very quickly, so I prepared. Today, I keep very little assembled rounds on hand; if I need a few boxes for range practice, I just sit down and crank out what I need.

Here's an example of the savings that can be had with standard, SAAMI-spec .45 Colt.

Factory ammo price: $35/box of 50.
How much I make that box for: $5.00/box of 50.
Savings per box: $30

And if we start talking about the "Ruger or T/C only" loads, like Buffalo Bore, it gets even better.

Factory ammo price; $82/box of 50.
How much I make that box for: $8/box of 50 (yes, that's eight dollars)
Savings per box: $74

That adds up really fast.

The savings per box are a bit less, but still very significant, for .38/357, too. I love it.

[Stockton]

Early 80s. Dad showed me how. MEK was a great degreaser. Rock chuck. Learned 41mag first. Been at it since.

[diveRN]

Originally Posted by Stockton

Early 80s. Dad showed me how. MEK was a great degreaser. Rock chuck. Learned 41mag first. Been at it since.

MEK was GREAT for a lot of things.

[Divernhunter]

I started when I was in grammer school in 1962. It was a 12ga lee hammer reloader. Then a Pacific 12ga press type.
In 1969 I got my first RCBS Rockchucker kit for 30-06 then 44mag and 45ACP. Killed my 1st pronghorn with a reload. Since I have added a RCBS Jr for seating, a Hornady dedicated for 50BMG, 2 Dillon 650's (1 for rifle and one for pistol), another RCBS Rockchucker (spare??) and too many to count extra/upgrades in reloading equipment.
I now reload for over 35 different cartridges.
I started for cost reasons so I could shoot more and I liked the idea of making my own. I am mechanically inclined and that tends to make me want to know more about things , how they work and enjoy building/ working on things. Especially as a kid.
Did I save money?--NO! But I have shot a whole bunch more, shot cartridges I would not own if I did not reload, killed animals with MY ammo/loads, custom made loads for different purposes, have ammo and have a great hobby. I also do not need to worry about shortages since I stocked up when prices were better and you could find supplies.

[balmo]

I just started reloading this summer. I had just discovered action pistol and I'm having a blast. By my 2nd uspsa match, I as was loading up my magazines, one competitor saw my factory ammo boxes and exclaimed: "your shooting factory ammo?!!" I told him yes and asked why he was surprised. Then he explained to me about reloading. I googled and searched and realized that even if I get the lowest price reman/reloaded/factory ammo out there, I would still be saving a whole lot if I reloaded my ammo.

Got myself a Lee Classic turret and started loading 9 and 45. After 2k or so reloads, so far everything has been great. I found out though that I do not have the endurance of most reloaders here and can only reload 100 rounds on a turret press before my concentration falls off. So I reload back to back nights for a match (~200 rounds).

[Altahick]

i got started last year, i had been wanting to get into it for along time. it all started years ago when i got my first bolt action a Savage .243. i always shot the cheap federal 100 grain soft points, back then they were $9.00 for a box of 20. i started to get more into precision shooting and wanted to try match ammo, but factory loaded match ammo was a little to expensive for my blood. then the ammo crisis hit and .243 ammo went up to $20.00 a box for the cheap stuff. i cant stand paying those high prices so i got a Lee classic single stage kit and never looked back. now i make really nice ammo for a fraction of the cost. ive never actually calculated the actual cost per round, but i know im saving some money. and my hand loads are equivalent to the higher end factory ammo.
the first time i had actually ever reloaded a round was about two years ago. i went to another Calguns members house to trade some 7.62x54 for some .40 cal reloads to shoot in my M&P. when i got to the guys house he showed me his reloading setup. the last few rounds of the .40 i was receiving were unloaded and he let me put together the last few. that definitely sparked my interest.

[OpenSightsOnly]

have been reloading for rifle only for almost 3 years. got started by signing up for a reloading class at ASR. life is good!

[krwada]

Originally Posted by Broccoli Killer

I started reloading about two years ago before the panic struck. I needed a cheaper way to feed my Ar15 and my Springfield XD. My timing really couldn't have been better.

I'd have to say that my first introduction into reloading was in 2010 in the game Fallout: New Vegas.
In that game you could create handloads for your weapons and it really blew my mind that reloading was even possible.

Fast forward to mid 2011, I started buying reloading equipment piece by piece and building up my knowledge base here on the forum. I now load for at least six different calibers and can no enjoy some independence in case another shortage occurs.

I started reloading with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit in around November 2010. I was a bit amused that Fallout New Vegas had reloading benches sprinkled liberally throughout the Mojave. I am also an avid video game player, and the Fallout-3 franchise just really rocks!!!

I have loaded several thousands of rounds, (rifle and pistol) since then.

I have never, and will never turn back.

I am thoroughly bitten by the bug.

Shoot to reload .... Reload to Shoot!

It is all good!

[Mr Blu]

I started earlier this year, in order to make a precision/hunting load.

I've been trying to find this middle ground so I can save money on components for when I find something that works nearly year 'round.

It's not working out too well because I may have a technically "bad" barrel, as in one that was made just a hair off spec. The result is consistent inconsistency.

Besides, reloading feeds my OCD very well. I just wish I had the income to fund it properly.

[Swagman00]

If it wasn't for my first gun (and the choice of it), I may not have started till later if at all.

My first firearm was the $99 Mosin 91/30 Big 5 special (when it was still around) that was just too cheap to pass up. Armed with my new rifle and three boxes of Wolf 150 gr. bimetal FMJ in steel, I went to the range.

Being that I didn't have a recoil buffer of any kind for the brass buttstock and feeling like a big honcho wearing nothing but a T-shirt, I was left with a large purple welt that grew over the next few days and my right arm working at a less then optimal level with pain every time I rotated it.

Looking into lower pressure loads (and a recoil buffer), I sought to "reduce" the power of the 7.62x54 round. Coming across a Lee kit and set of dies for under $150, my reloading experience started...and still continues today for over two dozen calibers.

[knucklehead0202]

having around a dozen calibers to load for over 20 weird, old military rifles, reloading was a necessity. luckily, I've been reloading or helping since I was about 11 so it didn't take much. that said, you never know everything and the moment you think so, you'll f**k up. I'm still developing loads for some of the weirder calibers, as they do not conform to "normal" standards. if you reload for 6.5 carcano or 8x56r austro/Hungarian, you might know what I'm talking about.

[mike.h]

I started a couple years ago with a Lee Classic Turret to reload .45ACP. This was done in an effort to save a little money....However there is no savings because you shoot more. (That the good part) Then more dies, etc to reload 9mm, still doing ok. Then I started reloading .223, ... more dies, more scales, more brass prep stuff.
With the 308....no saving whatsoever, because I now reload for (more) precision. Another press, more dies, more precision dies, electronic scales and powder dispensing devices, another set of calipers, headspace stuff, bullet comparators, match brass, match primers, lots of bullets, lots of powder, and more brass prep tools, more manuals, more, more, more....... doesn't stop. Reloading has became an integral part of the sport. I now enjoy tweaking loads almost as much as shooting. Almost.

[Mstnpete]

I started reloading in 1994, when I was set on going for competition shooting.
My first press was a Dillon 550. Had to load 400-600 rounds every week to shoot a Saturday and a Sunday Match.

[19K]

I bought a 30-40 krag in 2009 and was not going to pay $40 for 20 rounds.