1958 shotshells on a Mec 250.. 1959 swaging bullets on a Rock Chuck Bullet Swage press..loaded 'en on an old Pacific. by 1962 we had a business shooting pigeons. I was the designated reloader In 1966 Bought a Ponsness Warren 800BGot so tired of loading over the next 8 yrs. 80,000 rounds a year for that time. We closed the business down in1975. Quit shooting for 6 yrs other than hunting. Seems like all I did was shoot and reload from age 11 to 25. It got very old reloading.
Ever get tired of reloading?
- Thread starter johngalt
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No. I've been reloading since 1966 and, except for Trap loads, I'm not
a high volume shooter so I usually load in small batches. I load on a
single station Rockchucker and sometimes it can seem a little tedious
but I am always anxious to see the results of my efforts. Any time I
try a different handload I'm aiming for a specific velocity so the payoff
for me is to run right outside in my back yard to chronograph the new
load to see how close my prediction was. Despite the shortages and
high prices these really are good times for handloaders. Knowledge
increases constantly, in part due to excellent gunwriters, and the
number of powders available today provides an endless variety of
possible load combinations. There's plenty to keep handloading
interesting and rewarding these days.
a high volume shooter so I usually load in small batches. I load on a
single station Rockchucker and sometimes it can seem a little tedious
but I am always anxious to see the results of my efforts. Any time I
try a different handload I'm aiming for a specific velocity so the payoff
for me is to run right outside in my back yard to chronograph the new
load to see how close my prediction was. Despite the shortages and
high prices these really are good times for handloaders. Knowledge
increases constantly, in part due to excellent gunwriters, and the
number of powders available today provides an endless variety of
possible load combinations. There's plenty to keep handloading
interesting and rewarding these days.
fredj338
Member
Yes & no. I've been at it for 40yrs now. I reload for more than 25cal, let some others drop by the wayside. I don't love it anymore, it's a means to an end. I think once I passed the 200k mark, it just became another task related to my shooting, like cleaning guns, also not a love.
So I use progressive equip to reduce the time involved. I still enjoy tinkering with loads, but I shoot 600-800rds a month, time still matters. I do enjoy bullet casting & even swage my own 223 for fun, but I wouldn't have the time for that if I was grinding out 200rds a week on a ss of even turret.
So I use progressive equip to reduce the time involved. I still enjoy tinkering with loads, but I shoot 600-800rds a month, time still matters. I do enjoy bullet casting & even swage my own 223 for fun, but I wouldn't have the time for that if I was grinding out 200rds a week on a ss of even turret.
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Reloading is my LEAST FAVORITE part of the sport but a necessary evil for me to shoot as often as I do.
For 30 years I had a Dillon Square Deal B for pistol and a Rock Chucker for rifle cartridges and I managed to suffer through it but would do marathons just to load up enough so I could walk away from the press for a year or so. About 2 years ago I sold my SD-B and bought a Dillon 650 with an automatic case feeder. This thing is so fast, so effortless, and so easy to use I actually kind of enjoy it.
Still not my favorite part but now in less than a day I can load enough rounds to last me a year or so in a specific caliber. A few days and I am set for a while
For 30 years I had a Dillon Square Deal B for pistol and a Rock Chucker for rifle cartridges and I managed to suffer through it but would do marathons just to load up enough so I could walk away from the press for a year or so. About 2 years ago I sold my SD-B and bought a Dillon 650 with an automatic case feeder. This thing is so fast, so effortless, and so easy to use I actually kind of enjoy it.
Still not my favorite part but now in less than a day I can load enough rounds to last me a year or so in a specific caliber. A few days and I am set for a while
Gee, we have a lot of ole timers on this forum. I too have been reloading since 1965 starting with a lyman 310 tool for 30-06. I upgraded in 1970 to a rock chucker. Then in 2013 I upgraded again to the Hornady LNL AP. Funny, After retirement, I find that I reload for pleasure instead of cost savings. I have spent more money on this since 2013 than I have spent al the years prior to 2013. I too have to be in the mood, but I find that I have time and now with these forums, there is soooo much to learn that I now can try new things and gadgets that i never had before. I find it relaxing.
When I had some "minor" internal surgery I found it Therapeutic to load rifle 223 and 308 on a single stage. I could not go out and play with the other kids so it passed the time listening to music.
I load a lot of different calibers(handgun) but do not need mass quantities, so that keeps it a little interesting on a turret press, but to be honest, if I had big money I would just buy cases of ammo, as I would rather just SHOOT
These darn semi autos just eat up ammo!
I load a lot of different calibers(handgun) but do not need mass quantities, so that keeps it a little interesting on a turret press, but to be honest, if I had big money I would just buy cases of ammo, as I would rather just SHOOT
These darn semi autos just eat up ammo!
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Getting really tired
Loading ammo is not too bad -- even when it is 5,300 rounds of 45 ACP over a long, rainy Thanksgiving weekend.
What really got tiring was melting down 400#
of mined bullet scrap from the range backstop, and then casting all those 200 gr SWC bullets. 
EDIT: I've been reloading since January 1975 and casting bullets since mid-1977. I expect to start saving money sometime.
Loading ammo is not too bad -- even when it is 5,300 rounds of 45 ACP over a long, rainy Thanksgiving weekend.
What really got tiring was melting down 400#
of mined bullet scrap from the range backstop, and then casting all those 200 gr SWC bullets. EDIT: I've been reloading since January 1975 and casting bullets since mid-1977. I expect to start saving money sometime.
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No!
I find loading my own ammo relaxing and enjoyable. I only wish that I had more time...for loading and most other things, too.
In my first year and a half, I loaded 22,000 rounds on a single stage press.
To do that, you have got to like it.
Not as much time now, but the progressive press kinda makes up for that. Kinda!
I find loading my own ammo relaxing and enjoyable. I only wish that I had more time...for loading and most other things, too.
In my first year and a half, I loaded 22,000 rounds on a single stage press.
To do that, you have got to like it.
Not as much time now, but the progressive press kinda makes up for that. Kinda!
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GB
Member
I too have been reloading since the mid-60s. I have loaded pistol, and rifle for fun, hunting and competition. Cast bullets for pistol and some rifle and have a basement full of equipment and stuff. After retirement I hit it pretty hard and loaded or cast for several months almost every day. I reload in batches and sometimes go for several months without touching the equipment. But I do enjoy almost all facets of reloading except case trimming. ( I trim rifle cases but have never trimmed pistol cases as I see them splitting long before they get to long.) I find reloading/casting to be rather mind settling and as my mind isn't as settled as it should be, I should probably spend more time in the manroom. Hunting season is coming, I need more 41 mag and need to develop a load for my 264 win mag. (who can afford factory ammo for either of those calibers, even if I could find it !)
Wow, I'm a newbie at reloading, I've only been at it for a little over 30 years!
I reload to shoot. I'm not much of an experimenter so I find a load that meets my needs and stick with it. The only commercial ammo I buy is for self defense. I load all of my hunting and target shooting rounds and several of my guns have never seen a round of "store bought" ammo.
I also like not being dependent on the supply chain. I maintain a good stock of powder and primers so I can shoot instead of wishing during panic buying times. With a few hundred pounds of lead stockpiled, I'm not likely to run out of bullets.
I reload to shoot. I'm not much of an experimenter so I find a load that meets my needs and stick with it. The only commercial ammo I buy is for self defense. I load all of my hunting and target shooting rounds and several of my guns have never seen a round of "store bought" ammo.
I also like not being dependent on the supply chain. I maintain a good stock of powder and primers so I can shoot instead of wishing during panic buying times. With a few hundred pounds of lead stockpiled, I'm not likely to run out of bullets.
carpriver
US Veteran
I have only been reloading about 10 years. I enjoy the process. It helps me relax and focus on other things (on one thing). I load for 380, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 ACP, 38spl, 357 mag, 44spl, 44 mag, 45 colt, M1 Carbine, 5.56 and 308win. It has been a learning experience, The trimming of rifle brass and rimming the primer pockets is just a important as the right powder and the right bullet. I shoot to reload. The last 4-5 years has been interesting finding primers and powders; I have found new to me powders; and I have gotten to visit a lot of gun stores in different states in my quest for powders. I live in a sort of remote area and don't have a local gun store so I travel.
Now a days, when you think about heading out to the pasture
and passing on all your reloading stuff to the family..........
98% of the youngsters only shoot ....
the bull on their hand sets.
They don't have time to look down a pistol or rifle.....
that takes too much time from important things.
Makes one wonder if the rifle range and a hunting license will be
a thing of the past, the way things are going.
and passing on all your reloading stuff to the family..........
98% of the youngsters only shoot ....
the bull on their hand sets.
They don't have time to look down a pistol or rifle.....
that takes too much time from important things.
Makes one wonder if the rifle range and a hunting license will be
a thing of the past, the way things are going.
Vortec MAX
Member
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I think they have an "APP" for that. No need to do it for real.
You might be right about it becoming a "thing of the past," but I sure hope not.
My kids love to shoot. Hopefully they pass that on to their kids. They will certainly inherit a few excellent guns (and reloading equipment) from me to use.
Mike
Magload
US Veteran
I am working on collecting a lot of nice guns for my son to have and pass on to my grand kids. I am well ahead of my quota for the Gun of the Month club. Seams like I buy one and then see another one I know won't be there next month.
Growing up in NW Iowa all we had to do was walk outside of town to shoot. We hunted before school during duck and goose season and after school during the whole hunting season. My friend and I kept our guns in the shop instructors office so they didn't get left out in the car. he was our last period class so we just grabbed our guns when the bell rang and headed out hunting. I made gun stocks in his class and had the rifle there in the shop with me. Different days different kids. Don
Growing up in NW Iowa all we had to do was walk outside of town to shoot. We hunted before school during duck and goose season and after school during the whole hunting season. My friend and I kept our guns in the shop instructors office so they didn't get left out in the car. he was our last period class so we just grabbed our guns when the bell rang and headed out hunting. I made gun stocks in his class and had the rifle there in the shop with me. Different days different kids. Don
Since my kids are lazy Mama's boys I training my grandkids to load. Once day it will pay off.
Ga.BuckBuster
Member
You didn't happen to mention if you use a single stage press or a progressive press like a Dillon 550B. I started out using a RCBS single stage press back in the early 80s, still have it by the way. It wore me out if I wanted to get a bunch of ammo made for a match or just practice. I use it from time to time on rifle ammo runs for my .30/06 where I don't need as much ammo as say, my pistols.
I've had my latest Dillon 550B for about 5 yrs now. I can turn out 150-200 rounds in about hour or less. I know, I'm slow, I take my time and watch what I'm doing. I can understand you're getting tired, but I try to think about the ammo I'm stockpiling and how whenever I want to get some practice and skill development done, I'm ready to hit the range.
Maybe try to do reloading on a Sat. morning after a long work week. I am usually pretty tired during the week myself since I work a day and night job, hope this may help in some way.
Remember, the ammo you load today, may be the ammo that stops a bad guy, drops a trophy animal or hits a bullseye tomorrow.
I've had my latest Dillon 550B for about 5 yrs now. I can turn out 150-200 rounds in about hour or less. I know, I'm slow, I take my time and watch what I'm doing. I can understand you're getting tired, but I try to think about the ammo I'm stockpiling and how whenever I want to get some practice and skill development done, I'm ready to hit the range.
Maybe try to do reloading on a Sat. morning after a long work week. I am usually pretty tired during the week myself since I work a day and night job, hope this may help in some way.
Remember, the ammo you load today, may be the ammo that stops a bad guy, drops a trophy animal or hits a bullseye tomorrow.
I actually enjoy reloading. The ability to create ammo specifically for a given firearm that yields the best accuracy. Working up loads for a new caliber is interesting, researching the best bullet for a particular purpose, and tailoring the load to wring the best accuracy from your gun. Even cranking out practice ammo by the hundreds is no problem. Even before I retired I enjoyed it. Have you ever purchased a new gun in a different caliber because you didn't load that caliber? Just going down to my loading room and cranking out a few boxes of trap loads is a nice break in the course of a day. While cost savings is a factor, creating the best ammo is primary.
Nope. I find it therapeutic.
Reloads and factory
You know...I've been loading for a long time. A very long time. Main type in the beginning was shotshell and I had a few rifles. If not for the significant savings I really wouldn't load. Reloading to me is mind numbing...and my mind is already numb enough. Factory ammo these days is about as high quality as factory ammo can get. Are our reloads better?? in some cases yes. My 223 loaded on a Super 1050 may be better. My handgun practice ammo is good. Better than factory?? Cheaper for certain...but I haven't bought factory for that purpose in so long I can't make an honest comparison. Bet there are lots of others that can't either. Rifle ammo is more accurate. Back in the 60's....significantly so. These days not anywhere near as much. The factories have gotten better. I found a Hornady Superformance load that shoots under a half inch out of my Kimber...not a 22-250 or other varmint caliber. It is a Classic Select in 30-06. On a good calm day...a little over an inch at 300 yds. And using the same components....I can just about duplicate them. I think what I am trying to say is that if it weren't for the large cost savings and some personal satisfaction equaling or bettering SOME factory offerings...most of us would buy our ammo...especially with the time constraints we put on ourselves these days
You know...I've been loading for a long time. A very long time. Main type in the beginning was shotshell and I had a few rifles. If not for the significant savings I really wouldn't load. Reloading to me is mind numbing...and my mind is already numb enough. Factory ammo these days is about as high quality as factory ammo can get. Are our reloads better?? in some cases yes. My 223 loaded on a Super 1050 may be better. My handgun practice ammo is good. Better than factory?? Cheaper for certain...but I haven't bought factory for that purpose in so long I can't make an honest comparison. Bet there are lots of others that can't either. Rifle ammo is more accurate. Back in the 60's....significantly so. These days not anywhere near as much. The factories have gotten better. I found a Hornady Superformance load that shoots under a half inch out of my Kimber...not a 22-250 or other varmint caliber. It is a Classic Select in 30-06. On a good calm day...a little over an inch at 300 yds. And using the same components....I can just about duplicate them. I think what I am trying to say is that if it weren't for the large cost savings and some personal satisfaction equaling or bettering SOME factory offerings...most of us would buy our ammo...especially with the time constraints we put on ourselves these days
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