Why I began reloading (and why you should, too)

[killshot44]

I took the plunge and, following Randall's sticky for making match ammo, I ordered my gear and components (the Good Stuff). I read, read, read until I had a solid understanding of what's going on and why. I highly recommend the newest Lyman Manual. And spend some time on Google, too.

Last night I put together 75 rounds of .223 with three "steps"(23/23.5/24gr) of Varget behind 55gr Sierra Blitz Kings.
Today I put 'em downrange from my 20" 1/9 purpose-built target AR. To say I was pleased is an understatement.

This is what I'd been shooting, usually around 1.25" with some under 1". Using some Black Hills Ammo, okay but I knew I could do better.


Today EVERY Group was under an inch. Here's my best, under 1/2 MOA. The worst 5 shot group was .944.


I got some vertical stringing on a couple of groups, due to my not letting the barrel cool between shots. I was just so pleased I couldn't put the damn thing down. I didn't have a lot of time available today but I drove home smiling a big smile.

I am really looking forward to continuing to learn and refine my methods, test some different bullet makers and powder types and grain weights. I'll soon add some .40cal dies to reload for handgun blasting ammo and am looking forward to my Club's next High Power Match.

If you've been on the fence about getting into reloading, I say get off your butt and do it.
Especially if you're buying match-grade factory ammo; you can make fantastic-performing stuff for less than .25 cents a round!

Plus, it's fun as hell.

A great big "Thanks!" to AR15barrels, Ivanimal and Another8 for responding to my PM'd questions.

[Fjold]

Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated.


It only gets more addicting from here.

[killshot44]

Yeah, I spent over twenty years away from guns/shooting. I've got it bad.....

[socal-shooter]

i would load myself, buying ammo seems expensive enough

it seems buying the equipment alone to reload would cost a fortune

[Someguy925]

Everyone has their different reasons to get into the hobby. For me, I got into it because I wanted to shoot clean ammo from my C&R rifles (8mm, 30-06, 303 British, and recently 7.5x54 French). In addition, cheaply load up some 223, 9mm, 7.62x25, and 40sw.

mmmm....

[killshot44]

i would load myself, buying ammo seems expensive enough. it seems buying the equipment alone to reload would cost a fortune

I got everything on Randall's list except the press. Around $800 total. Yes, it's a big up-front hit but most parts will last longer than you will and you'll be happier for it.
What's that worth? To me, a lot.

And Welcome to Calguns, FNG!

[socal-shooter]

thanks brother.

but if i had 800 to blow, id get a couple of thousand rounds of cheapo m193 or pmc

the wifey just caught on to my funneling of family funds into gun money lol

i do shoot a lot of new brass, so maybe i'll start saving them

[wooger]

Reloading is worth the one hole groups it produces, but it does raise your expectations!

[Low-Pressure]

You do not have to spend that much to get started. My total investment on my equipment is below the $300 mark.

thanks brother.

but if i had 800 to blow, id get a couple of thousand rounds of cheapo m193 or pmc

the wifey just caught on to my funneling of family funds into gun money lol

i do shoot a lot of new brass, so maybe i'll start saving them

[Fjold]

i would load myself, buying ammo seems expensive enough

it seems buying the equipment alone to reload would cost a fortune

Ammunition cost is no reason to reload, you won't save any money reloading. By the time you take into account the cost of the equipment, the components and the fact that you will shoot a lot more, you lose money.

The best reason to reload is exactly what the OP is doing, building ammunition that gets the best accuracy out of his guns.

[RaymondMillbrae]

That's not a bad group...for a 25-yard shot.

Glad to see another reloader join our camps.

In Christ: Raymond

[Cowboy T]

Ammunition cost is no reason to reload, you won't save any money reloading. By the time you take into account the cost of the equipment, the components and the fact that you will shoot a lot more, you lose money.

I have to disagree here. My press set up for .45 Colt paid for itself in two weeks...and I got more accurate and comfortable ammo to shoot out of the deal. .45 Colt ammunition is sufficiently expensive that even though I shoot the gun 5 times as much as I did before, I still save a whole lot of money.

The best reason to reload is exactly what the OP is doing, building ammunition that gets the best accuracy out of his guns.

I will agree with this, but it also can save money, the amount of which depends on the price of factory rounds.

[SixPointEight]

You do not have to spend that much to get started. My total investment on my equipment is below the $300 mark.

I spent less than 150! It doesn't cost that much. Now...I can load HUGE volume. But...it gets the job done.

Reloading is worth the one hole groups it produces, but it does raise your expectations!

Now I MUST be using the wrong powder or something. I've only been able to get .5-1MOA. at .5MOA it was pretty close to being 1 hole, but still not quite. Could be the M4 profile carbine too..or my lack of a rest and shooting talent

[Gio]

Well I like loading regardless of being able to shoot twice the ammo I could of just bought at WM or some shop online. I am not a precision shooter but being able to sight in my eotech using my .223 reloads at 25 yards and then hitting the target within the 8 ring with my reloads made me pretty happy. I was using a 8" Shoot n C traget btw If you shoot a lot it is worth it, it is also another fun part and or hobby that goes with shooting.

[Timberwolf]

Reloading is an obessession, like a very powerful drug, it will soon control you to the point that if you run out of components when you're short on dough you will scrounge the house for something to sell to get you next bullet and powder fix.

That said I 've got some old engine parts for sale . . .