how long have you been reloading
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Smith357
US Veteran
I am fairly new to reloading, I have only been doing it for about 25 years. So much to learn so little time.
Beaver
Member
Started w/ shotgun shells in 1980. Centerfire rifle (300 WBY) in 1986. The rest is history. I reload more now than ever. My favorite new cartridge to reload is the 32SWL. I just love that little fella. It's very interesting to note that I still feel like I'm in Jr. High about reloading, so much info, and every motion is critical.
Paul5388
US Veteran
There are some really old geezers on this forum. 
My dad bought me a new M600 Rem in 6mm when I got out of the Navy in 1965. I could only find .244 ammunition, so I began reloading shortly after on the "community" C-H press. I really wanted some 100 gr bullets to shoot, not 90 gr!
I moved too far away from the "community" press and bought a Rock Chucker, Redding #3 and an Ohaus 505 in 1972 (I was making about $6.30/hour along about then Skip).
A couple of years ago, I bought a Lee Cast Iron Turret and this year I bought a Hornady L-N-L AP. I still use all three presses, depending on what I'm trying to load.
The MEC 600 Jr got pulled out of storage recently and we replaced the worn out parts on it to load some steel shot loads. I don't do ducks & geese, so I still use lead shot.
My dad bought me a new M600 Rem in 6mm when I got out of the Navy in 1965. I could only find .244 ammunition, so I began reloading shortly after on the "community" C-H press. I really wanted some 100 gr bullets to shoot, not 90 gr!
I moved too far away from the "community" press and bought a Rock Chucker, Redding #3 and an Ohaus 505 in 1972 (I was making about $6.30/hour along about then Skip
).A couple of years ago, I bought a Lee Cast Iron Turret and this year I bought a Hornady L-N-L AP. I still use all three presses, depending on what I'm trying to load.
The MEC 600 Jr got pulled out of storage recently and we replaced the worn out parts on it to load some steel shot loads. I don't do ducks & geese, so I still use lead shot.
Sgt Preston
Member
How long have you been reloading?
Sgt Preston here. Just since 2002. I started shooting a lot in 2002 = about 15,000-20,000 rounds per year. It got too expensive to pay retail for ammo. Besides I learned how to make better ammo than I can buy.
I read everything I could about reloading & reloading presses & started off with a Dillon 550 progressive. These days I reload about 5,000 each of 9mm, 38 Special & 45ACP per year. I do all my reloading for the year between Thanksgiving & Easter. And life is very very good! Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA
Sgt Preston here. Just since 2002. I started shooting a lot in 2002 = about 15,000-20,000 rounds per year. It got too expensive to pay retail for ammo. Besides I learned how to make better ammo than I can buy.
I read everything I could about reloading & reloading presses & started off with a Dillon 550 progressive. These days I reload about 5,000 each of 9mm, 38 Special & 45ACP per year. I do all my reloading for the year between Thanksgiving & Easter. And life is very very good! Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Hey Sarge! Glad to see you home again!
I loaded for shotguns in high school because I was on a trap team. I took a 35 year vacation from it, and have just began reloading for handguns 2 years ago. So I'm a rookie. I cheated a bit because my stepfather was a reloader, but passed away several years ago.
FrankD45
Absent Comrade
I started loading .22-250 with a Lee hand loader in 1960. I upgraded to an Eagle single stage press in 1966 and added dies for .30-06 and 8X57 Mauser. Finally in 1986 I got a Dillon 550. Over the years I have added .38/.357 Mag., 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .44 Mag. and 5.56/.223.
I started mainly to improve performance. Lately it has been to support my habit.
Frank
I started mainly to improve performance. Lately it has been to support my habit.
Frank
swinggrind
Member
- Joined
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1984 a friend at work got me started. Started with handgun loads and then shotgun. I find it relaxing after a stressful day.
I started in the late 70s. So I have been at it for slightly over three decades.
Shotshell since 1976
Metallic since 1985
Scott
Metallic since 1985
Scott
roger460xvr
Member
Started in the 90's wish i started a lot early i load for the 460xvr- 7mm magnum -44magnum -6.8spc.........
My brother bought me a Lee hand tool 30-06 for Christmas 1974 just after I got out of the air force. Mid-1975, I had a Rockchucker, Lyman 450 sizer, Lee pot & mold for 150 gr bullet. I'm now addicted.
I bought a Dillon 450 in 1983, $185, and it just got worse by adding Lyman 4-cavity molds and an RCBS melting pot after wearing out 4 Lee pots.
In 2009 I got really lucky ! Bought a used Rock Chucker and Uniflow powder measure for $30 and 2 weeks later bought a complete, ready to go Dillion 550 in 45 ACP for $200. It was sweet leaving Charleston, SC even if I was unemployed.
I stocked up on primers and powder in November 2008 (10 years worth) just before the shooting public woke up to the new CIC. There ain't no shortage -- I got mine!
I bought a Dillon 450 in 1983, $185, and it just got worse by adding Lyman 4-cavity molds and an RCBS melting pot after wearing out 4 Lee pots.
In 2009 I got really lucky ! Bought a used Rock Chucker and Uniflow powder measure for $30 and 2 weeks later bought a complete, ready to go Dillion 550 in 45 ACP for $200. It was sweet leaving Charleston, SC even if I was unemployed.
I stocked up on primers and powder in November 2008 (10 years worth) just before the shooting public woke up to the new CIC. There ain't no shortage -- I got mine!
I'm a greenhorn...
I started in 2002...like Sgt. Preston...I had a press for a year or so prior, but finally got off the dime in 02.
My first press was/is a Dillon 650. I use it a lot...coming up in 50k pulls.
I also have a Hornady LNL single-stage for bottle-neck ammo...most of my re-loading has been straight-wall handgun ammunition.
Bob
I started in 2002...like Sgt. Preston...I had a press for a year or so prior, but finally got off the dime in 02.
My first press was/is a Dillon 650. I use it a lot...coming up in 50k pulls.
I also have a Hornady LNL single-stage for bottle-neck ammo...most of my re-loading has been straight-wall handgun ammunition.
Bob
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I started reloading about '78 or '79, started casting my own bullets a few years later. Despite that I'm not qualified to give more than basic advice to anyone. All of my loading is simple and to the point. I find one load that works and stick with it. The objective of of my loading is to shoot more for less money while hitting the target and getting meat. Once I have a load that meets my accuracy standard and velocity goals I rarely ever change any component. I only load for six calibers (.38, .40, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .308, and .30-06).
smith627
Member
Since 1974 starting with a RCBS Master Reloading kit which includes the Rockchuck single stage press. When I made the Dean's list for the first time my 3rd year in college, my dad rewarded me with this kit, which is what I asked for. I used this up until last year when I bought a Hornady progressive LNL. It's been an enjoyable hobby.
Groo01
Member
Groo here
Loaded for my dad when I was 10 , 1965 that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Loaded for my dad when I was 10 , 1965 that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yugolovr
Member
I started out by helping my dad out. I was probably around the age of five. He would sit me down with a RCBS hand priming tool, and I would prime the .45acp shells while he did the rest. This would go on until I got bored and wanted to shoot my .22 rifle.
A friend and I invested about $42 in a kit from an outfit called R.F. Wells in MN in 1962. Believe he designed all the Herter's reloading equipment and then went on his own. That $42 bought a massive C press, a scale, powder measure, and two sets of dies (.30-06 and .45 ACP).
Still have that big old press, along with a Rock Chucker; 310 tools, a couple of Lee Loaders, a Lee Hand Press and small Lee C press. A few years ago I was given a Dillon 550RL but it's still in the box--quantity is not my aim.
Started casting around 1964; now have a collection of H&G and Lyman 4 cavity molds and some others. Still like to do it.
Currently loading .30-06, 7.62, 5.56, .30-30, .45-70, .38/.357, .44 Spl/Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt.
It's a great hobby.
Still have that big old press, along with a Rock Chucker; 310 tools, a couple of Lee Loaders, a Lee Hand Press and small Lee C press. A few years ago I was given a Dillon 550RL but it's still in the box--quantity is not my aim.
Started casting around 1964; now have a collection of H&G and Lyman 4 cavity molds and some others. Still like to do it.
Currently loading .30-06, 7.62, 5.56, .30-30, .45-70, .38/.357, .44 Spl/Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt.
It's a great hobby.
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