RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

As a SHOOTER, I find handloading of ammunition to be a real relaxing, interesting, challenging, rewarding use of time. I can see how aperson who is primarily a hunter could think that it is better to spend your time scouting, building stands, etc., etc. But a guy like this's needs can be met by a Walmart rifle and factory ammo, too!

I don't just refill fired cases - I actually buy brass NEW, cast or buy special bullets, and use exotic powders -just tobuildcustom ammo to suit my requirements, as crazy as that sounds! I even shoot a couple of calibers for which ammo has to be made, 'cause it just ain't available any other way.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

I should say why I think reloading for other people is a chore.

Most people that do not reload just do not understand. They think you just put a new primer in the case, dump powder in the case & put a new bullet into the case & you are read to hunt with "super accurate" custom ammo.

I have beat my head against the wall telling people that this just aint so. My next project is to find myself a handload thatmy 25-06 & I both like. After that I might, (???) take up the chore of finding a handload for my father's 270-winchester?

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

For many years, I lived to reload. However I sort of got burned out on it while competition shooting. My son and I both shot and I would end up reloadind a couple thousand loads of 45 Auto and 40 S&W every week plus casting bullets. It really got old and now I don't load much any more. I will work up a good load for each new or different gun but then often as not, if I find a good factory load like the Federal Fusions, I am apt to shoot factory stuff.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

I can see how one might get burned out with handloading if one had been "operating an ammo factory" with his reloading outfit! I have really never gotten into volume production, and rarely load over 100 rounds of a given load, usually a lot less than that. Most of my loading effort is involved with trying new things - different bullets, new powders, different cartridges, etc.

For example, I recently began developingcast-bullet loads for a recently-acquired .416 Rigby. In addition,I just got a barely-fired Mannlicher-Schoenauer 7x57mm carbine. I am now trying to decide what bullet and powder charge to use in it as its' "standard" load. I am thinking perhaps the 150-grain Nosler Partition bullet with IMR 4350. Can I findan accurate load that will give me in the vicinity of 2700 FPS from that 20" tube using 4350? Or will I have to drop to 140 grain bullets or use 160 grainers?? We'll have to see! I still enjoy trying to find answers to such questions........

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

James B, well there is nothing with wrong factory ammoif that is what you prefer. Plus you can just sell me all you reloading equupment for real cheap!:D

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

I do the same, I will only hunt will new brass out of my .300 RUM. The only factory loads that fired down the barrel was the first 20 shots because a friend gave me a box as a gift when I bought the rifle. I will practice and also work up loads with used brass but for hunting I prefer new brass. I have quite a bit of once fired brass and oneof these days I am going to find out if it is more accurate. But I will have to reduce my load a bit because I am at max and the once fired brass will stick a bit but new brass is no problems. As it is right now I have a 180 grain nosler accobond moving at 3400 f/s, and my groups are in between a 1" and 1.5" depending on the day. Of course that will not win any accurachycontest but for hunting its just fine. My rifle is factory 26" tube but once I go to gunsmithing school that will all change.

You got that right, a lot of people don't.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

:D:D:D:D:DIdaho, I have a Lyman Turret Press that I bought new and it's been discontinued almost 20yrs. I got like James and haven't loaded for the last 10yrs.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

I still use my reloading stuff. Just not like I used too. I had two progressive presses set up so I didn't need to do much changing of parts. I could easy enough load 600 ronds after supper unless I had to trim brass. With the Lee factory crimp die and TC bullets, I could keep trimming down to a minimum. We would run out to the range for a practice session and shoot 500 rounds or so. I really didn't like casting bullets but could not afford not to as I got the lead for free. All the work trasformed a hobby into a second job. I am really limited to room now as well as we live in an apartment until My wife retires and we can move back to the farm.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

Back when I lived in reasonable proximity to a good 200 yard range I reloaded like crazy. My set paid for itself many times over. However, now the 100 yard range that I have access to is a "pay per view" range so I just go now and then to verify a 100 yard set. So I am doing factory ammo or reman. these days. Room has a bunch to do with it. You really need space for a good bench and supplies, and with 4 kids.. I just squirreled away the stuff and hid it from them. If I lived in Montana, probably would be different.

RE: Does anyone here find that reloading is a chore?
 

I usually enjoy reloading and find it relaxing. I can guarantee you that when you are halfway through trimming 3000 pieces of 223 brass for the upcoming prairie dog hunt, its definately a chore.