Reloading
 

I dont know much at all about reloading, except that it is expensive to get started. I am going to get started with shotgun shells as that is waht I shoot the most.

My question is this: Is it worth it for me to buy all of the stuff to reload rifle bullets if I am getting the performance that I want out of factory loads?

I have all of my rifles really dialed in using factory ammo, is it worth the hundreds of dollars to get started reloading rifle rounds?

I dont shoot competitions, all I do is hunt. I go to the range to practice as much as possible, but that translates into once every couple of months.

Thanks for your help fellas.

RE: Reloading
 

It's worth it to me because it's another hobby i can do that fits right in with my love of firearms... Also it allows me to shoot at less cost...

It sounds to me like you are only thinkingof the cost saveings of it, and unless you shoot a LOT i doubt it would be worth your time...

I do reload shotshells, but when i walk into a place that's selling 12ga. loads for $3.57 per box i don't think it's worth it to load them at home!

DM

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RE: Reloading
 

Depends. If you shoot more than a few hundred rounds through your rifle per year, the cost savings would make it worthwhile. If you are only shooting a box or two of ammo per year, its not worth it.

RE: Reloading
 

The Lee Aniversary reloading kit when purchased from Midway USA usually sells for $70-$80. Just add a set of lee dies, some powder, primers and bullets and your ready to start loading. Total around $125.00. This way you have basic instructions, and load data comes with all their die sets. You will also need some case lube(cheep) and a way to trim cases to length, also Lee has the best product for this and it's also CHEEP! If you are like most of us who try reloading, you'll be hooked.

RE: Reloading
 

In all honesty, it probably is not worth it. I do reload for hunting. I have a 25-06 that did not like premium factory ammo, so I made my own. It is faster and in my opinion better, but I may be a little biased about the latter. It cost about 300 dollars for me to get started and turn out my first reloads. That includes the lee kit, dies, other “necessities”, bullets, powder, and primers. It is fun, aggravating, addicting, and expensive. I have become a better rifleman because of it. If I could have found factory loads that I was satisfied with, I probably would have never started reloading, but I am sure glad I did.

mello

RE: Reloading
 

Find a good, cheap, factory load that your gun likes and stick with it. The only time to reload would be for like the 45-70, when facotry ammo can't match the performance you can, or if you want to load some light lead loads and shoot steel plates.

RE: Reloading
 

45-70 you seem to miss the point, It's a hobbie all it's own and leads to more shooting, which is always a good thing. And mello, I don't know what accesories you added before your first round, but some could have been omitted at that stage of the game. I promise you I could take $130 and start from scratch with the equipment I suggested and have my first 100 rounds loaded and safely. I do have more than $2000 in reloading equipment, and I have no idea how much in components, but like I said it's one of my hobbies and I like it!:)

RE: Reloading
 

I don't necessarily miss the point, reloading just isn't for me, if a guy likes it then cool, he can load whatever he wants, but as for me I'm gonna stick to mainly factory.

RE: Reloading
 

I haven't seenmany factory ammo thatcan match a handload. Why most guys handload in the first place, plus the hobby and gratifaction you get from it.

I personally enjoy handloading, hobby aspect. The results in my case couldn't be matched by buying factory. You havea lot more choices in bullet styles, uses and cartridges that aren't available through factory ammo. It may cause you to shoot more as a result and find the hobby or sport of shooting besides just site in for hunting season. IMO it is worth the investment will it kill game better probably not but it is a great pass time with rewards that aren't known until you get involved.

RE: Reloading
 

I have been reloading for 30 years. I reload because I really enjoy it. I also enjoy teaching people how to reload. However I do not feel that I save very much money, and I even cast my own bullets(about 70% of what I shoot). If I only wanted to shoot, I would buy a 223 and lots of cheap ammo(which by the way I do). Do what you want to do, and the heck with everybody else. Tom.

RE: Reloading
 

"Is it worth it for me to buy all of the stuff to reload rifle bullets if I am getting the performance that I want out of factory loads? "

How much rifle shooting do you do? If your rifle shooting consists of merely zeroing in then shooting a round or five at game every fall, then use factory ammo. If you shoot a lot, and/or want the ability to develop special purpose or tailored ammo, then you need to be able to load your own....

RE: Reloading
 

What Eld said. Regards, Rick.

RE: Reloading
 

Thanks for the advice guys. I think Im just going to go ahead and get that Lee set from midway. I do want to save money, but if it causes me to spend a little more, then so be it...at least Ill be able to custom fit some ammo for my guns...and ill have a nice new hobby foolin around with something i really enjoy.

thanks for the advice and im sure ill be back looking for some good recipes!