Should I Start Reloading?

[ExtremeX]

I think id be a little scared of anyone who owns a gun but isn't intelligent or careful enough to reload their own ammo.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

A part of me agrees with you... but...

I know plenty of people who are good shooters but are not very "technical" when it comes to this type of stuff. It also comes easier to some than others...

They either just don't care to learn it, or don't understand the nuances around the details... For example how seating depth and case capacity can change pressure curves. The big one I see even amongst people who actually reload is a lack of understanding of cartridge headspace in bottle neck cartridges. I see it all the time right here on this forum... people setup FL sizing dies based on the die box instructions with zero understanding of why. Most either end up with oversized brass or stuck cases.

Anyone can be taught to make safe ammo, once its setup and a load is establish, its just a matter of being repetitively consistent... The skill comes from being able to trouble shoot die setups, or whatever else requires attentional to detail or a deeper understanding of WHY you would actually do something.

You really have to be technical and understand the process to really thrive at making better ammo. Plus some people just don't function very well in a "lab type environment" and just become lazy and careless overtime or forget steps and end up becoming a liability to themselves or others.

Again, I think everyone should learn to reload, and gain a better appreciation for what goes into their firearms, but its not for everyone. That said, the OP should absolute learn to do it if it is of interest to him/her.

[RR.44]

I wouldn't bother reloading now, components are going to skyrocket in price very soon, you can already see ridiculous prices in the Private reloading Sales Forum, of course they can charge whatever they want to charge, but, I'm not paying full price for something I can still get in the retail store for the same price and maybe cheaper.

I know some here will disagree with me and my bleak outlook, and if that's you OH Well, I call it the way I see it.

That being said, it can be a rewarding experience, if you can master it, I've been at it for over 27 years now. You will save money after your initial equipment purchase can be considered paid off, how quick that happens depends on how much you reload, but it can take years to recoup that money.

Rich

[avcrew]

Reloading every caliber one shoots is like saying everyone should be able to fix and maintain every car that they own.

Reloading is not for everyone.

Just like working on one's own car, reloading requires all the following:

1. Proper tools
2. Proper parts
3. Knowledge and understanding
4. Physical and technical skill
5. Time
6. Space

Take one of these requirements away and one can forget about reloading.

[cudakidd]

I wouldn't bother reloading now, components are going to skyrocket in price very soon, you can already see ridiculous prices in the Private reloading Sales Forum, of course they can charge whatever they want to charge, but, I'm not paying full price for something I can still get in the retail store for the same price and maybe cheaper.

I know some here will disagree with me and my bleak outlook, and if that's you OH Well, I call it the way I see it.

That being said, it can be a rewarding experience, if you can master it, I've been at it for over 27 years now. You will save money after your initial equipment purchase can be considered paid off, how quick that happens depends on how much you reload, but it can take years to recoup that money.

Rich

Not really true, Online availability and prices are stable right now. Buy in Quantity (40 pounds at a time) 8 pound kegs and split orders with friends. Cast your practice bullets, range brass is free as are shotgun hulls.

Try the Ammo Cost calculator at trapshooter.com for shotgun ammo. I save at least 50% off, more for 410 and 28 gauge loads.

Plus you can get loads you just can't buy. Try finding Cowboy action shooting black powder pistol loads for example. Or light shotgun loads for your wife.

[EndoDef]

Reloading is a commitment. Usually not something you decide you wanna do because a law has passed. If you haven't considered it by now it's likely not going to be in your benefit to start.... Or you could try it out and commit a few grand upfront for setup and see

[d33pt]

I have a friend that does all the heavy lifting. He makes load ladders, chronos his loads to see which ones work best, even sends me dope sheets with his handy app. Then I just copy his loads and make a bunch of it. It's pretty awesome. You guys need to find a friend like that.

[EndoDef]

I have a friend that does all the heavy lifting. He makes load ladders, chronos his loads to see which ones work best, even sends me dope sheets with his handy app. Then I just copy his loads and make a bunch of it. It's pretty awesome. You guys need to find a friend like that.

Isn't that how it's supposed to be? It's always been that way at least with precision rifle stuff

[Beelzy]

Handholding ammunition is a manly art... so get after it!

[BucDan]

Here's to hoping that reloading doesn't get so common that the peeps in Sacramento begin creating laws affecting "ammo parts". Especially when considering how "ghost gun" became thing because a group of idiots ruined it for everyone and took away the build parties.

[Germz]

even when the new law goes into effect, I'd love to see how they are going to enforce it.

what are they going to make us do...register lot numbers????