This definitely happens in my ammo vault also. If I am in the middle of my work day there’s a good chance I could not tell you what’s getting loaded next. But if the ammo bunker is open and I’m running eyeballs over it, that’s where plans and ideas form.
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Reload what you need or more?
- Thread starter g-dad
- Start date
Patrick L
Member
I definitely load way ahead. Same thing with my bullet casting. I typically am loading a big batch of ammo, using bullets I've sized a year or more ahead, and cast maybe 4 or 5 years ahead.
At my stage of the game, I don't do any load development or testing. It's all long proven recipes, I just need quantities to play...
At my stage of the game, I don't do any load development or testing. It's all long proven recipes, I just need quantities to play...
I put a lot of work up front into load development, including chronograph and where appropriate (self defense loads) gel testing in my specific firearms. Then when I identify the load I want, I load 2000 rounds for hand gun loads and normally 500 rounds for rifle rounds.
It gets fired in a reasonable period of time.
It gets fired in a reasonable period of time.
.38SuperMan
Member
Last count I load 11 calibers too. I used Dillon progressive press for my most common cartridges that I shoot most often and use a Rock Chucker for the ones I occasionally shoot like 32 S&W Long, 38 S&W, 357 mag, 44 mag and 44 Special. In each caliber I load at least 500-600 rounds which will hold me for some time. My Dillon I keep setup for 38 Special but when I start running low on other calibers like 45acp, 45 Colt, 38 Super, 380 and even 9mm I’ll switch back over and load 600-1000 rounds and switch back to 38 Special.
I load specific loads for rifle and different loads for my handguns. I have some that work best in certain guns so I’ll load for that gun. That’s the beauty of reloading your own. You can load for best performance in each gun.
I keep a pretty good inventory of components and when I get down to a few hundred bullets I reorder. And as far as primers, powder and brass I probably have many years in stock.
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kbm6893
SWCA Member
I see your point, but my kids don’t reload and I doubt they ever will. The way ammo is going up in price and the uncertain future of being able to buy any more, I’d rather leave them ammo to shoot than components to sell.
I load for lots of calibers . Long and short......Plus 12 ga/20 ga/410 bore. I pour my own 6's/7 1/2's/8's & 9's shot.......I cast multi caliber bullets. I keep LOTS of ammo loaded. I load in big batches. That way I don't have to load but a couple of times a year......I shoot skeet/sporting clays/lots range time on my personal range......This way I don't have to load in the hot summer.
After loading and shooting since 1972. I have my pet loads for all. I also have an Oehler 35P cronograph. So I do do much expirementing.
After loading and shooting since 1972. I have my pet loads for all. I also have an Oehler 35P cronograph. So I do do much expirementing.
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After I'm dead........Who cares..........i will always keep lots on hand.
Times and opinions change. For some, not so long ago what might have been considered "too much" is now thought to be "just about right". 
Erich
Member
Just remarking - this sure has turned into an interesting thread! Good job, g-dad!
So, something sevens said got me thinking: I think he's completely right about the Swiss rule . . . but the question is what does one define as something that "might be pressed into service"? Personally, I think the rule makes great sense for those guns that in the military category owned by those us who perceive a duty to maintain "well regulated" preparedness status under the 2A. I keep ammo around for them (I just don't load it myself). On the other hand, guns that are used for more casual defensive purposes - for instance, my .32 S&W Long Improved I-Frame gets some carry now and again, but it's not a "Minuteman" gun I'd grab - well, I don't see any reason to load a bunch for them.
Thanks to all who've posted on this thread: I think it's really turning into a fun discussion.
Good job, g-dad!So, something sevens said got me thinking: I think he's completely right about the Swiss rule . . . but the question is what does one define as something that "might be pressed into service"? Personally, I think the rule makes great sense for those guns that in the military category owned by those us who perceive a duty to maintain "well regulated" preparedness status under the 2A. I keep ammo around for them (I just don't load it myself). On the other hand, guns that are used for more casual defensive purposes - for instance, my .32 S&W Long Improved I-Frame gets some carry now and again, but it's not a "Minuteman" gun I'd grab - well, I don't see any reason to load a bunch for them.
Thanks to all who've posted on this thread: I think it's really turning into a fun discussion.
I do not hand load with the sole intent to save money. I hand load because I do enjoy the process, I find it very relaxing. I also get considerable satisfaction from tailoring specific combinations of components to the specific needs of my firearms and their roles
As I got older and more involved in the industry my free cash on hand increased and the number of good deals that I stumbled upon increased. So when these things coincided I always took advantage of them
Quantity of ammunition of course depends on the particular chambering, whether it's handgun or rifle, and whether it's target, hunting, or self-defensive ambition
In 357 Magnum and 41 Magnum I have loads that I established many decades ago for both target and jacketed hollow points. When preparing to load these cartridges I will load several thousand of each loading
For cartridges that are fired in my submachine guns I also load many thousands of rounds in a single session. Those chamberings include the 9MM the 357SIG and the 10MM Auto
Then there are the Battle rifle cartridges 5.56 and 7.62. In these two chamberings I shoot much more commercially and military produced ammunition than in products that I hand load. This also includes my G3K select fire rifle
Now we have the lever actions which include 357 Magnum, 45 Long Colt, 3O8 Winchester and 45-70 government. Ammunition for these firearms has typically loaded five hundred rounds at a time
And then there are multiple other cartridges that are kind of oddballs and their requirements are based on the firearms and how much I shoot them. These chamberings include the 22TCM, the 300 Blackout, the 356 TSW,357 SUPERMAG, 38 SUPER, 9X23 Winchester, 10MM Magnum,414 SUPERMAG, 45 SUPER, 45 Winchester Magnum, 475 Wildey Magnum, 500 S&W Magnum and my long range rifle cartridge, the 50BMG
Ammunition for the integrally suppressed surgical rifles is loaded no more than a few hundred rounds at a time. That is because those projectiles are not available in large bulk quantities like what I use in the other cartridges. I will only load projectiles of the same lot number in a single sitting
And there are half a dozen or so other cartridges that I also hand load both for myself and for friends but there are no hard and fast rules or categories that they fall into
Seven years ago when I moved from South Florida to Central Florida was actually my first opportunity to count projectiles as I was preparing them for shipment
This rack only contains handgun projectiles. 80+% of them are jacketed, this is because I often cast my lead projectiles on an as needed basis. There were over 96,000 projectiles sitting on this one rack and was is not my only rack
And I won't even get started on shot shells
As I got older and more involved in the industry my free cash on hand increased and the number of good deals that I stumbled upon increased. So when these things coincided I always took advantage of them
Quantity of ammunition of course depends on the particular chambering, whether it's handgun or rifle, and whether it's target, hunting, or self-defensive ambition
In 357 Magnum and 41 Magnum I have loads that I established many decades ago for both target and jacketed hollow points. When preparing to load these cartridges I will load several thousand of each loading
For cartridges that are fired in my submachine guns I also load many thousands of rounds in a single session. Those chamberings include the 9MM the 357SIG and the 10MM Auto
Then there are the Battle rifle cartridges 5.56 and 7.62. In these two chamberings I shoot much more commercially and military produced ammunition than in products that I hand load. This also includes my G3K select fire rifle
Now we have the lever actions which include 357 Magnum, 45 Long Colt, 3O8 Winchester and 45-70 government. Ammunition for these firearms has typically loaded five hundred rounds at a time
And then there are multiple other cartridges that are kind of oddballs and their requirements are based on the firearms and how much I shoot them. These chamberings include the 22TCM, the 300 Blackout, the 356 TSW,357 SUPERMAG, 38 SUPER, 9X23 Winchester, 10MM Magnum,414 SUPERMAG, 45 SUPER, 45 Winchester Magnum, 475 Wildey Magnum, 500 S&W Magnum and my long range rifle cartridge, the 50BMG
Ammunition for the integrally suppressed surgical rifles is loaded no more than a few hundred rounds at a time. That is because those projectiles are not available in large bulk quantities like what I use in the other cartridges. I will only load projectiles of the same lot number in a single sitting
And there are half a dozen or so other cartridges that I also hand load both for myself and for friends but there are no hard and fast rules or categories that they fall into
Seven years ago when I moved from South Florida to Central Florida was actually my first opportunity to count projectiles as I was preparing them for shipment
This rack only contains handgun projectiles. 80+% of them are jacketed, this is because I often cast my lead projectiles on an as needed basis. There were over 96,000 projectiles sitting on this one rack and was is not my only rack
And I won't even get started on shot shells
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I loaded a lot. I tried to have several thousand brass of calibers like 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 44 Special, 308, & 223. That ray loading of a cartridge was done all at once. With a Dillon 550B the tool heads make die changes a snap. but the shell holder and powder drop adjustments take the most time. I would load in shell holder groups, for example: 45 Colt, 44 Mag., 44-40, 44 Special & 44 Russian were loaded in that order for the least amount of SH change. The setting for my 45 Colt load of 6.7 gr WW231 was the same setting for my 44-40 load of 5.5 gr Clays. The powder funnel adjustment for 44-40 & 44 mag was the same. You get the idea.
When I find a load I like for long guns, I test to see if all the guns in that cartridge like it. I have 3 bolt and one AR in 223 that all shoot the same Ball Load well. I loaded 20,000 rounds of it in 1984 and still have 3000. The bolt guns also have specialized loads for hunting and distance requirements, I try to maintain 1000 of each. Primmer size change is the worst time consumer, especially if you have to make timing adjustments.
For my long range target guns, The amount of quality brass dictates how much of that load there can be. I only have a few hundred Lapua Brass for my 1000 yard loads in 308 and 338 Lapua and 200 for 500 yard 6mm by 284. When I shoot that up, I refill ASAP.
For my contenders: 221 Fireball has 200 cases and 22 Hornet has 250. I have hundreds of more rounds each but not of this .2 MOA ammo! So I can choose the known quality of ammo to use. .5 to 1 MOA for grandkids just learning trigger control and aiming.
Ivan
When I find a load I like for long guns, I test to see if all the guns in that cartridge like it. I have 3 bolt and one AR in 223 that all shoot the same Ball Load well. I loaded 20,000 rounds of it in 1984 and still have 3000. The bolt guns also have specialized loads for hunting and distance requirements, I try to maintain 1000 of each. Primmer size change is the worst time consumer, especially if you have to make timing adjustments.
For my long range target guns, The amount of quality brass dictates how much of that load there can be. I only have a few hundred Lapua Brass for my 1000 yard loads in 308 and 338 Lapua and 200 for 500 yard 6mm by 284. When I shoot that up, I refill ASAP.
For my contenders: 221 Fireball has 200 cases and 22 Hornet has 250. I have hundreds of more rounds each but not of this .2 MOA ammo! So I can choose the known quality of ammo to use. .5 to 1 MOA for grandkids just learning trigger control and aiming.
Ivan
Both...
Sometimes I reload enough to do me for a particular range trip or purpose, but if I have a session while I've got plenty of time, I'll load a hundred or two of whatever. I generally keep more than I need loaded, but I have been short after a lot of shooting one particular caliber. I shoot a LOT of 9mm in pistols and carbines, so I'm constantly replenishing that one. I don't shoot as many of the large cartridges for rifle and it's pretty easy to keep stock of what I'll need. I might shoot 25-50 rounds of .38/.357 in a range trip so they are pretty easy to keep stocked up.
Sometimes I reload enough to do me for a particular range trip or purpose, but if I have a session while I've got plenty of time, I'll load a hundred or two of whatever. I generally keep more than I need loaded, but I have been short after a lot of shooting one particular caliber. I shoot a LOT of 9mm in pistols and carbines, so I'm constantly replenishing that one. I don't shoot as many of the large cartridges for rifle and it's pretty easy to keep stock of what I'll need. I might shoot 25-50 rounds of .38/.357 in a range trip so they are pretty easy to keep stocked up.
imakmst
Member
I buy lead projectiles at a LGS in boxes of 500. Once I buy a box of whatever caliber, I load 'em, then shoot 'em til they are gone. Back to LGS, back to press, repeat. (4 handgun calibers)
(does not apply to .223, gots lots of them loaded and stored)
And like many have said, "I reload so I can shoot, I shoot so I can reload."
(does not apply to .223, gots lots of them loaded and stored)
And like many have said, "I reload so I can shoot, I shoot so I can reload."
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The answer to this is often related to how long you've been doing it and what equipment you're using. The old hands have developed some loads they like over time and often load them up. Newer reloaders are still looking for them and are more likely to be more restrained.
I tend to load up in .38 and .41. I buy bullets by the thousand and load them all. I have a Dilllon and it just doesn't take that long to load a thousand rounds. I'm still tinkering with the "nine-by's" (9x19, 9x18, 9x17) that I load as I go.
My shooting has slowed down to 100 rounds a week, I can now reload way faster than I can shoot.
I load up my fav's and then take my time tinkering with the ones I need to. I usually use a single stage when I'm working on something.
I tend to load up in .38 and .41. I buy bullets by the thousand and load them all. I have a Dilllon and it just doesn't take that long to load a thousand rounds. I'm still tinkering with the "nine-by's" (9x19, 9x18, 9x17) that I load as I go.
My shooting has slowed down to 100 rounds a week, I can now reload way faster than I can shoot.
I load up my fav's and then take my time tinkering with the ones I need to. I usually use a single stage when I'm working on something.
I look at shooting as making brass, brass I can reload.
I used to load up pistol rounds by the 1000's and stash them, never enough. I have a good stash that should last for a couple years. now my thought has changed to shoot up whats loaded before I reload again. I am getting older and no one to leave my guns or ammo to. I have plenty of primers brass and powder to replace whats reloaded but if I take the long dirt nap it will be easier for the family to sell the components than reloads.
I used to load up pistol rounds by the 1000's and stash them, never enough. I have a good stash that should last for a couple years. now my thought has changed to shoot up whats loaded before I reload again. I am getting older and no one to leave my guns or ammo to. I have plenty of primers brass and powder to replace whats reloaded but if I take the long dirt nap it will be easier for the family to sell the components than reloads.
For the most used calibers and firearms, load up to 1000 at a time. Specifically for rifles, this introduces more consistency in results. It keeps from having to adjust to variations in brass, powder, bullets and primers.
Have a set of standardized handloads for most my purposes, and not doing nearly as much experimenting.
Have a set of standardized handloads for most my purposes, and not doing nearly as much experimenting.
gwpercle
Member
I'm always trying different powders and bullets so I don't keep a large amount stocked up ... maybe 200 rounds of each cal. in case a quick range trip pops up you want to have enough ammo for a shooting session .
I'm a small batch reloader with single stage presses .
But I do keep a good supply of brass , primers , powders and bullets on hand ... When I do want to reload I want the supplies at my disposal .
I do keep several hundred cases sized , primed , belled and ready to load , all ready to simply drop powder and seat bullets ...that saves a lot of time .
Gary
I'm a small batch reloader with single stage presses .
But I do keep a good supply of brass , primers , powders and bullets on hand ... When I do want to reload I want the supplies at my disposal .
I do keep several hundred cases sized , primed , belled and ready to load , all ready to simply drop powder and seat bullets ...that saves a lot of time .
Gary
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I don't think I will be able to see what my ammo sells for at my estate sale.
I want a years supply and the amount is determined by caliber. 32-20, .38S&W not much but .357M and .45ACP is a different story. Larry
