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I know most of the folks here have experienced this, but if you're on the fence about starting to load your own, all I can say is go for it! I just recently started reloading, and I've really been enjoying it as it's turned the simple activity of shooting into a complete hobby. I've also really seen the difference with my hand loads in both .45 and .38 as far as accuracy goes also.
I've settled into making 20 rounds at each powder level when working up a load. 10 for the chrono and 10 for the target. My first batch of .45 was made with Hornady 185 gr JHPs and I really didn't notice much difference in accuracy with the higher quality bullets at the different loads. I settled on the load that did the best on target and felt the best recoil wise and called it good. Today I shot some Berry's plated 200 gr SWCs, and the third highest batch chrono'd within only 30 fps and just about blew the center out of the target at about 15 yds! Even my wife noticed how much better they shot compared to the other groups.
Then I grab her .357 and fire some WWB .38, some std power hand loads and some plus P hand loads, all JRN. The plus P home made loads were noticably better then the others, with the WWB ones doing the worst.
It's so cool seeing the results both on target and through the chronograph. The time spent in the garage setting up the press for the next batch, or prepping brass, or actually loading is doing wonders for my stress levels also. Now, every time I walk into the garage I want to start doing something with the press. Plus, being able to shoot accurately with a cheaper bullet is nice also...those Berry's will save me about 5 cents a round over the Hornady ones!
Additionally, it's something the wife and I can do all day now if we want to for just the cost of gas. Two boxes of ammo and range time usually cost us $90-$100 a trip for maybe an hour. Now we can hit the Orosco Ridge range in Cleveland National Forest and spend the entire day, we bring snacks and drinks, and maybe hit a few trails with the Jeep while we're out there. Jeeps and guns go together almost as good as titties and beer!
I've settled into making 20 rounds at each powder level when working up a load. 10 for the chrono and 10 for the target. My first batch of .45 was made with Hornady 185 gr JHPs and I really didn't notice much difference in accuracy with the higher quality bullets at the different loads. I settled on the load that did the best on target and felt the best recoil wise and called it good. Today I shot some Berry's plated 200 gr SWCs, and the third highest batch chrono'd within only 30 fps and just about blew the center out of the target at about 15 yds! Even my wife noticed how much better they shot compared to the other groups.
Then I grab her .357 and fire some WWB .38, some std power hand loads and some plus P hand loads, all JRN. The plus P home made loads were noticably better then the others, with the WWB ones doing the worst.
It's so cool seeing the results both on target and through the chronograph. The time spent in the garage setting up the press for the next batch, or prepping brass, or actually loading is doing wonders for my stress levels also. Now, every time I walk into the garage I want to start doing something with the press. Plus, being able to shoot accurately with a cheaper bullet is nice also...those Berry's will save me about 5 cents a round over the Hornady ones!
Additionally, it's something the wife and I can do all day now if we want to for just the cost of gas. Two boxes of ammo and range time usually cost us $90-$100 a trip for maybe an hour. Now we can hit the Orosco Ridge range in Cleveland National Forest and spend the entire day, we bring snacks and drinks, and maybe hit a few trails with the Jeep while we're out there. Jeeps and guns go together almost as good as titties and beer!
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