I started reloading 35 years ago. Money was more of an issue back then, I had a 10mm obsession and ammo in that caliber was both scarce and expensive, and I enjoyed trying to squeeze the last little bit of accuracy out of bolt hunting rifles. So reloading ammo for 10mm and my bolt action rifles made a lot of sense. And at the time I enjoyed reloading. Since I have always bought ammo I shoot a lot of in bulk a single stage RCBS press made more sense than a progressive one.

But about 15 years ago reloading started to seem like a tedious chore so I quit and have been shooting nothing but factory. I have sold off or given away most of the components I had but still have the press and other basic equipment. I have been thinking about selling that too but have held off in case I change my mind and start reloading for certain low volume calibers like 44 which are expensive and sometimes hard to find loaded to the power levels I like. Or in case I decide to start trying to increase the accuracy of the one remaining centerfire bolt action rifle I own.

I've been reloading since 1968. I'm still hooked and I enjoy it as an end unto itself.

I sure get to do a lot more shooting with the hobby now that I'm retired. I also cast many of my bullets and only shoot jacketed bullets for hunting, long range match shooting or for self-defense.

Of course, I was lucky having spent two careers under arms and having the army and the PD supply me with more ammo than I could sometimes shoot.

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Keep your powder dry.

I started reloading soon after I started shooting. I was shooting 3X or more a week and ammo costs were starting to eat into my budget. At the time I was able to recoop the cost of equipment in a short 2 1/2 months. The rest was history.

I did slow down and stop over the past 3 years but only because of severe health problems. For the past 2 months I have been back with a vengeance lol.

I'm sure you will enjoy loading again, go for it...

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I buy factory ammo when I get a smoking deal (e.g.. $15/50 .38 Super, $10 .35 Whelen and .280). I used to wildcat but now stick to rounds for which commercial brass is available. During the most recent drought I decapped and flared (belled) 500 9mm cases but waited to prime them so as to use the primers where they were most needed. For now the SP primers are allocated to .38/.357 until the supply increases and the price eases. I pick up 9mm range ammo when what passes for a deal comes along.

I used to enjoy reloading more than I do now. Like yardwork, auto maintenance and painting. As my brother put it, I still enjoy it, but it hurts longer afterward.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I reload all metallic cartridges that I shoot except 22LR and WMR. I have been reloading probably forty years or so and like the ability to load mild loads that are easy in arthritic hands and wrists.

I started reloading about 1975 with my "World's Greatest" Herter's Model 3 reloading kit and still use it. Rarely do I shoot factory ammo outside of my carry ammo or .22s. Reload a couple of wildcat cartridges that cannot be bought commercially.

I started in 1972. For a Savage 340 in 222 Remington and an Italian Type 1938 Carbine in 6.5 Carcano. I still use the same load in most of my 222 rifles - 19.8 grains of IMR 4198 with a Sierra 52 grain BTHP. Shoots well in every rifle from 788 to singe shot Cooper.

I think I reload for about 90 cartridges, from 25 ACP to 416 Rigby. I've bought some guns just because I wanted to reload for it, or because someone gave me brass.

Reloading is an expensive way to save money.

I've been reloading since 1962, started in Lybia where there were no retail gunshops. I've got my original Rock Chucker. Been thru a star progressive, moved to Dillions. I have 3 Square Deals bought and sold a 550 and a 650. Reload rifle ammo on the Rock Chucker and pistol on the Square Deals. Only commercial I buy is .22, .22 mag and .17.
SWCA 892

Started in 1979, I am up to 117 cartridges. 32 to 50 AE in handgun. 22 Hornet to 450 3 1/4 Nitro Express in rifles. 410, 28, 20, & 12 in Shotguns.

Favorites include 22 Hornet, 22 BR, 6x284Win, and 338 Lapua.

Most common loaded, 45 Colt, 308, 223, & 45-70

Strangest, 8mm x 56R Hungarian & just starting 8mm (7.9)x 52mmR Siamese.

Ivan

I started reloading for shotshell in 1979 as I was too young to buy ammunition but my local shop would sell me components for the shot shell reloading

A few years later I got into varmint rifles and at that time it was rare to see premium ammunition. Reloading for varmint rifles was an easy way to increase the accuracy
Now I reload as I find it relaxing

I’m after better, not cheaper ammo. As I’ve stated many times love of less popular calibers is what finally gave me the nudge I needed to buy in.

I had a custom 98 Mauser chambered in .257 Roberts, soon a Ruger 77 RL followed. I also had a Blackhawk chambered in.41 Mag. It was followed up by a Model 57.

Accuracy was what I was chasing, but costs difference and availability was an obvious benefit of loading for these early firearms in my life.

I’ve had the ability to own weapons that I would have otherwise passed on. .45 Win Mag, 7X61 S&H, .358 and .375 Winchester, .32 Win Special, even the common .454 Casull. I can load a Casull for pennies more than other .45 calibers I shoot.

The latest rounds l loaded were 100 grain.257 Roberts using Accurate 4064. I have some 90 grain copper alloy Hornady on the way. After nearly 40 years, I’m still tinkering with the one that started it all.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Yes, been doing it since the 60’s. Started out with a Rockchucker, now still have it along with two Dillon progressive’s. Most common handgun/rifle calibers. A few that need to be reloaded. .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin.

The wife and I wouldn’t be able to shoot as much as we do (usually daily) if we didn’t reload. It’s been painful to pay for components the last couple of years, but it’s what we do

Regards, Rick Gibbs

I started in 74 with a Lee Loader for 38 Special. I moved on to a RCBS Jr and now have a Dillon 550. I think reloading is great therapy. I had a high stress job and it relaxed me.

I load 38 through 45 Colt. When 9mm was cheap, I shot a lot of Blazer aluminum and other factory rounds. Last Winter, I loaded a thousand rounds of it because I had the components. I have probably loaded more .45acp than any other. It is the only one I keep track of and I am now at just over 54,000.

Been reloading for over 40 years. Started with lee Champion, upgraded to a Rock Chucker, then added a Dillon 550 and a Progressive 12 ga. I loaded for all the WWII rifles both US and Foreign. These days I am slowing down, getting old! Only load for 38, 9mm and 45acp. Have about 4000 primers left, when they are gone I plan to sell my last press, a Hornady Lock N Load. When it is time, I will post it here in the classifieds.

NOT every cartridge is brass.........I load lotsa shotgun shells too.

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S&W Accumulator

My wife bought me a complete set of reloading equipment nearly 30 years ago...finally broke it out of the carton about 4 years ago...have reloaded several thousand rounds since...now I just need to shoot more

Robert
SWCA #2906

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

I actually started reloading in 1969, but took a 6 year layoff in mid '70s. I now reload for 12 calibers and cast a lot of bullets (I have 4 guns that have not seen a jacketed bullet as long as they have been in m possession, a couple 30 years). I have purchased factory ammo on three occasions in the last 18 years because I had no components/dies for a new cartridge. I won't own a gun I cannot reload for...

The only ammo I buy is 22 rimfire and shotshells. I used to load shotgun but shoot those so little these days it is not worth the trouble.
All the many other rounds I shoot are all loaded by me. I cast and lube bullets for handgun and 45 caliber rifles.

A LGS had changed hand 2 or 3 times over the years and every time a Tanfoglio 90 stayed with the new owner. I wasn't too keen on the gun but when the latest new owner bought the place I made a smart aleck remark about the gun no one would buy. "Make me an offer" is what he said and "$99.00" is what I said.

"It's a 41 AE" said another guy in the store "I bet you reload ...."

Got a Blackhawk 44 magnum back in '67. Everyone said I was crazy because we couldn't find magnum/special ammo anywhere. That started my lifelong obsession at age 18. I (And my children) now never have to buy another factory cartridge.
About 8 years ago I got a Savage 1899 REAL cheap. I thought that it was a 308 (I misread, it was a 303 savage). I thought that it was a wall hanger until I found Prvi Partisan made new, virgin cases. I now have a great medium range hunting/plinking rifle.
I load .22 cal Hornady 55gr. soft points in sabots for it at around 3800 FPS.
Yowsa!

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I'm with her

I started the summer after Newtown, so 9 years now. Single stage press and no plans to ever change that.

I wouldn’t advise people to start right now. Scrambling to find primers and when I do they’re $140 a brick. You’d have to be out of your mind to invest in the equipment when components are so hard to find right now and 3-4 times the price when you can. I hope things improve but I’m not optimistic.

I started reloading in 2007 and learned a lesson from Sandy Hook, stock up on critical components. At 67 years old I expect that my heirs will have to sort out what to do about my stock of handgun and rifle primers. Currently I have 3 AR-15's that I selected the components for and put together, two in 223 Wylde and one in 300 Blackout. Ammunition for the 223's has been hand made since day one and that isn't going to change. As for the 300 Blackout, I did once purchase a box of ammo in that caliber, it's buried somewhere in my spares, everything shot has been home brew.

In 2018 I started out shooting Trap and in 2021 took up shooting 4 Gun Skeet. Currently I have 6 shotshell reloading presses lined up on my shotshell bench. The extras are single stage 28 gauge and 410 presses sitting next to progressive presses for those two bores. BTW, I practice mainly with 410 because it's 2 dollars a box cheaper than 12 gauge to load. Another plus for 410 is it requires more precision and the recoil is so light that I have no damage concerns for my shoulder.

When I was a kid my older brother made a comment that all the serious shooters were reloaders. I took that to heart and started reloading as soon as I got out on my own. It has never been a matter of cost, to me.

Been reloading maybe 10 years or so , was playing cowboy a lot so started reloading to feed that habit
Now most of my favourite handguns shoot big and expensive bullets I shoot 100-200 rounds per week , I couldn’t afford to shoot without reloading
Used to cast bullets too but it became too much so now I buy my bullets for $95/500 (240gr .430) getting pricey !
I have been thinking about getting the magna casting system ,with the star sizer. friend had it .you could turn out a lot of lead with one of those

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the rules? there are no rules

When I started reloading I could make 38's for about 2.5 cents each. 45's maybe 3 cents. My 7 TCU Silhouette bullets cost me about a little over .20 each. I'd never have been able to shoot what I wanted without loading.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I was an active reloader for years-I had my M-57 for 10 years before I fired a factory round. Then I took up Civil War then RevWar reenacting, I was shooting a lot, but didn't have to worry about accuracy. In recent years shooting only 22RF-easier on the ears and budget, and I became a proficient handgun shooter when I practiced Bullseye with a 22. If and when the component shortages ease up I will start reloading again.

Reloading let’s me shoot more
Also let’s me shoot odd stuff like 22-454 and 25 rem

I bought a press almost 30 years ago intending to start reloading. Never did. Why I didn't is a long story.

I’m a novice compared to some of you guys. I got into it about five years ago and luckily that predated the crazy prices and rarity of components. I still have some of the primers I bought back in the beginning for $20 a brick, though I’m a little more circumspect in their application now. I find reloading to be a relaxing and satisfying endeavor. It has allowed me to introduce my kids to the shooting sports and still be able to pay for their educations.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

No vote. I reload for some 40 years and rarely buy factory ammo and then only for carry. Many hand load their own carry ammo also.

Even shooting / training a modest 150-200 rounds a week, factory ammo is not an option. This is especially the case since I only shoot .40, 10mm, .357 Sig, 9x25, .45 and .45 Colt. Not calibers found in the big box stores.

Every time the slide locks back.


I used to back when I was shooting IPSC and then IDPA. A friend and I split a Dillon 1050 and setup. We loaded massive amounts of 45acp back then.

I stopped when I got married and into LE for various reasons, but would like to restart soon.

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BT
EGO VOLUNTAS HAUD OBEDIO

Yes ... I reload and cast bullets .
It's my Hobby and I enjoy doing it .

I didn't see this option on the survey ... So I didn't take the survey .

What is with qption #1 ... Yes , unless factory is the only way to get some brass .
That doesn't make sense ... I only reload empty brass ... it doesn't matter if I buy loaded ammo and fire it , buy empty new or once fired brass ...
#1 should be Yes ... I just enjoy reloading !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Better Late Than Never !

It can be a fun and interesting hobby .

Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I have been reloading since I bought my first cartridge handgun in 1976. Before that I was shooting muzzle loaders (reload every shot LOL) and 22 rifles mainly with some shotgun use during hunting season (and I didn't reload shotgun shells until years later).

Reloading allowed me to shoot a lot more than I could spending the same amount on factory ammo to start with. As my interests expanded into collecting the old military guns I was fascinated by it often allowed me to be able to shoot even the odder ones which were hard to find ammo for.

I still buy factory stuff if the price is right, never hurts to have a reserve put back. I also buy any old military surplus I find that's a good price, even questionable stuff has provided me with good bullets for reloading when age or condition made them not shootable. I was really happy during the 80's and 90's when tons of surplus ammo poured into the country at bargain prices. Miss those days and the great bargains. Bought a lot of surplus ammo, still have a stash of some calibers. But if and when it runs out or even my supply simply gets too low I have die sets and reloadable brass so I can continue to shoot the old guns.

I do a quick analysis of whether the cost of factory ammo is negated by my gun time required to reload. If “ready rolled” ammo is a good enough buy, I shoot that… if not, I reload. Of course I have been known to buy factory ammo to ultimately get odd brass, but that’s pretty much the exception since I haven’t added a new caliber since the 327 FM arrived.

Froggie

My dad and I began reloading back in the 50s, when we spent a lot of time chuck hunting the local dairy farms. He was shooting his favorite, .257 Roberts, and I was shooting a .22 Hornet. That hornet was stolen and I replaced it with another BRNO hornet, not realizing at the time it had been re-chambered to K-Hornet. That turned out to be one of my better mistakes, and I love the K, which I reload for.
I went through phases, and collected many esoteric metric calibers, and English guns; all of which meant reloading.
My dad was an avid Parker shotgun collector, and that has long been my passion also. Many of my Parker's predate 2 3/4" chambers, and several are high grade Damascus barreled guns, so I load and reload lots (LOTS) of 2 1/2", low pressure loads in 12,16, 20 and 28ga. I really enjoy Sporting Clays, but mostly for the enjoyment of shooting vintage guns, and am not into the hi-tech stuff that score driven people shoot. I long ago learned there's no joy in shooting, or hunting, with an ugly gun.
My latest project caliber is 32-44 S&W target ammo, and am back to reforming cases. As many have said, I enjoy the quiet time at the loading bench.

I started reloading in 1980 with an RCBS JR. I was shooting a lot of .38/.357 and it saved money. After the first couple of years I settled on cast lead bullets. As my shooting picked up I got a Dillon RL 450. Then an RCBS Green Machine (that one was finicky). Then I converted the 450 to a 550 frame and sold the Green Machine. I still use the manual primer feed from the 450 though.

As the years went by I added a caliber here and there but not many. First was .45 ACP for a Model 25. Then .44 Special for a Model 24. Then eventually .380, 9mm, and .41 Magnum. I cast bullets for a while but the time required was too much for the benefit. But I kept most of my molds and eventually replaced the equipment as I ran into it, just in case I need it one day, or I have more time.

Doubt I would have bought the .41 if I didn't reload. The sources for mid-range .41 loads are few and far between. A lot of those guns have fallen by the wayside, sold off to help fund a growing family. But never all of them. As time went by the gun-count went back up but not as large as many of you as I am a shooter and not a collector. You can only shoot so many.

I dearly love the .38 Special and it's cousin the .357.

The greatest advantage for me in reloading is a consistent supply of ammo. Plus it even saves you a little money! I have been shooting the same .38 load for nigh on 40 years now. You can't do that with factory ammo. I have enough trouble being a consistent marksman without throwing in ammo variability.

I do try new things now and then. Especially when powder is in short supply. Turns out WST is a great powder for .38 also. As is 700X if you can deal with the metering problems.

I have been pretty lucky with most cartridges and found very accurate lead bullet loads with little effort. The exception to that is the 9mm. I'm still working on that one and have made progress. I think I know what to try next. I've been successful with jacketed bullets in 9mm, but cast lead is another thing.

I bought an O3A3 from a KMart store in about 1970. A local dealer sold WWII surplus ammo and I bought a box to try out. It was boxer primed USA. Then I bought a Lee Loader, a box of 100 primers and a can of powder.

A year later I bought a Security Six and the dealer threw in a box of 38 wadcutters. Bought another Lee Loader, a box of pistol primers and a can of Bullseye.

Four years later I got some printer's lead and started casting.

50 years later I now have 5 presses, BRICKS of primers and dies for 26 calibers and gauges. From humble beginnings and having found a new hobby, those 2 original boxes of loaded ammo were the only ones I ever bought.

Get a new gun? Order dies, brass and a bullet mold online and THAT will make the first fodder.

I've been handloading since 1965 and enjoy it at least as much as shooting. If it or bullet casting ever becomes a chore or I no longer look forward to extensive load development, I'll quit. I suppose you can save money by handloading, but there's so much more to it than that.

Those beautiful young ladys of "the Blue Press" certainly had me thinking about reloading, but I never did it.

I started shooting in the early 60's but it was almost exclusively rimfire. By the 70's and 80's, I was ripping through many bricks a week. Took about ten years off from shooting because, well, life just happened. The last 20 or so, I've gotten back into the hobby but have so many others too. And, of course, not enough time or money for all of the things that interest me these days.

My best friend was a big reloader and tried endlessly to get me hooked. He even wanted to give me a press and dies to get started but it never appealed to me. Almost 60 years later, rimfire is still the strongest attraction to shooting and collecting.

I applaud those that push the envelope, try new things, scope the data and roll their own. It just wasn't in the cards for me.

Whatever we send downrange, I hope we all keep enjoying the fun and camaraderie of the shooting sports. There are enough avenues for everyone to explore and have a lifetime of enjoyment.

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Best Regards,
Mark

None of the options fit me. I reload everything I shoot. Never had a problem finding components except during the 08 shortage and now this one. A span of about 10 years where there were no shortages.

Seems we have an huge increase in reloading threads during shortages. If you weren't already reloading before the shortage it won't be a short term solution. It might however become a long term solution for the next shortage if this one ever ends.

I see the rail workers are about to strike. Might prolong the shortages at the retailer awhile longer.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Do I ever reload!

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Started in the fall of 1988 with a MEC-650 for 20 gauge skeet. Started metallic in the spring or early summer 1989 with a Lee Challenger "2001" O-frame press and .38 Special.

By the fall of 1990 I was done shooting skeet and done loading shotshell. I continued to load metallic and still do now 33+ years in. Only one wildcat (.357-44 B&D) and the rest are all very mainstream but a couple dozen different. I load somewhere between 8,000-12,000 rounds annually.

You should have added a category for “Always”……..

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"Your other right........."

As a young police officer raising two kids and making mortgage payments with my skinny paychecks reloading was the only way I could afford to do any shooting. I soon started casting my own bullets for most of the calibers I was using.

50 years later I'm still at the game. When I add a firearm in a new caliber I always order dies and bullet molds. Marathon bullet casting sessions using two bottom-pour pots and 3 or 4 molds, turning out a couple thousand bullets in a few hours. Most pistol ammo is loaded in batches of 500 or 1000 rounds at a time, most rifle ammo at 100 rounds per session (and I load for over a dozen calibers).

I have come to view reloading as both essential as well as an enjoyable and interesting activity in itself. While others follow inane TV series or college sports regularly I spend my evenings and free time cranking out ammo.

Some signs indicate that we are coming out of the severe shortages of the past couple of years, but this is the third time some of us have been through the same thing. Between these crisis events I try to restock powders and primers when available at non-scalper prices.

None of us will ever be totally independent of the supply chain issues, but some of us will get through with sufficient supplies to meet our needs, and do so without busting the family budget.

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Life of the party until 8:00PM

I started reloading 20 years ago because I had a couple of dozen 5 gallon buckets full of once fired brass in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .38 Special. I still get quite a bit from the local PD range where they have the jail inmates police up the brass and put it in 55 gallon drums. Anyone who reloads can come get a 5 gallon bucket full and I go by there once a month or so.

Never having to buy brass certainly helps keep the per round costs down.

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Live long and prosper

I started reloading 50 years ago for the sheer knuckleheaded joy of another gearhead hobby, plus the cost savings. Now I reload because I occasionally want to shoot something besides 5.56 mm, 9 mm and .380 ACP the only calibers that manufacturers seem interested in today.

I shoot 357 magnum exclusively and it's almost a buck a round for target ammo... Worse yet, it is often low supply. I see that getting worse, not better sadly so I am absolutely looking to buy a Dillon soon after I finish learning from some books.

Wow! My experience is similar. I started in 1963. I had a Pacific C Press and then a Rock Chucker. I also had a Star progressive which I sold to buy a 550B. Now I have 3 Square Deal B's, the Rock Chucker, and the 550 B. All get used frequently.

I enjoy reloading just as much as I enjoy shooting. I've reloaded many calibers but my favorites are 357, 44 and 500; I shoot them almost exclusively now. It's also nice not having to go searching the ground for brass.