jj2am44
Member
Dying? I don't think so. At least not in my basement.
Is reloading dying?
- Thread starter Trooperdan
- Start date
Is Reloading Dead?
Don't think so. I am 70 years old and have been reloading since 1966. Is It Time consuming? Depends on your time and how you allocate it. I tend to batch reload so, I can decide how many per session based on other commitments. Does it save money? No doubt about it. Why do it? If you are reloading, you have just taken a break from work, politics, family issues, work issues, etc. It becomes your time. No interruptions, peace. Even if it cost more to reload than to buy, I would reload just for the relaxation and repetitive actions and attention to detail that reloading requires. I reload for myself and my college roommate and enjoy every minute. I keep a stockpile of primers, powder, and bullets and buy when they are on sale. I would encourage anyone who loves to shoot to consider reloading. It is good for the health.
Don't think so. I am 70 years old and have been reloading since 1966. Is It Time consuming? Depends on your time and how you allocate it. I tend to batch reload so, I can decide how many per session based on other commitments. Does it save money? No doubt about it. Why do it? If you are reloading, you have just taken a break from work, politics, family issues, work issues, etc. It becomes your time. No interruptions, peace. Even if it cost more to reload than to buy, I would reload just for the relaxation and repetitive actions and attention to detail that reloading requires. I reload for myself and my college roommate and enjoy every minute. I keep a stockpile of primers, powder, and bullets and buy when they are on sale. I would encourage anyone who loves to shoot to consider reloading. It is good for the health.
Reloading and necessity
Arik commented that he has no interest in reloading.
Perfectly understood. Was my own previous conviction.
Have several guns for which no factory load exists. Have numerous others that function much better with a custom load.
Reloading is larger than ever. Similar to those who wish to craft their own furniture. Store-bought may be cheaper.
Arik commented that he has no interest in reloading.
Perfectly understood. Was my own previous conviction.
Have several guns for which no factory load exists. Have numerous others that function much better with a custom load.
Reloading is larger than ever. Similar to those who wish to craft their own furniture. Store-bought may be cheaper.
daniel lawecki
Member
If you were ever out to Camp Perry during National Matches I would say no. There are tons of powder and a million primers at least. No reloading is going strong and will for along time to come.
Tinhack
Member
I've got too many other hobbies that required a large up-front investment to add reloading. And as with any hobby, there's also a huge time investment to research, learn and do it right. Not to mention material stock. You can't go out and buy reloading equipment and start cranking out bullets any more than you can go out and buy a mill and/or lathe and start making your own guns. I also have sheet metal equipment and wouldn't expect someone to go out and buy the same tools and start making fenders or doors for old cars.
When I hear; "Oh, reloading is cheap and easy", it's usually coming from someone that's been doing it for 20+ years and already has all the tools to do it. I never heard that from the newbies. Unless they're unemployed and hit the lottery.
When I hear; "Oh, reloading is cheap and easy", it's usually coming from someone that's been doing it for 20+ years and already has all the tools to do it. I never heard that from the newbies. Unless they're unemployed and hit the lottery.
Ben_hutcherson
Member
I've got too many other hobbies that required a large up-front investment to add reloading. And as with any hobby, there's also a huge time investment to research, learn and do it right. Not to mention material stock. You can't go out and buy reloading equipment and start cranking out bullets any more than you can go out and buy a mill and/or lathe and start making your own guns. I also have sheet metal equipment and wouldn't expect someone to go out and buy the same tools and start making fenders or doors for old cars.
When I hear; "Oh, reloading is cheap and easy", it's usually coming from someone that's been doing it for 20+ years and already has all the tools to do it. I never heard that from the newbies. Unless they're unemployed and hit the lottery.
I planned on getting into reloading for a while before I actually went and did it.
To that end, I started saving my brass. Also, I knew some common powders so slowly started buying powder and primers before I started.
When I finally "bit the bullet" so to speak I bought a bottom of the barrel Lee hand press along with a set of set of 38 special/357 Mag dies. Over time, I've upgraded my equipment as money allowed and necessity presented itself. I loaded a lot of ammo on that hand press, and still have it for quick and dirty jobs. I still use my first set of dies all the time, although I've added to that set over time. I bought a handful of 38 bullet seating plugs from Lee and machined them myself to fit specific bullets. Of course, I've added dies for a bunch of other calibers along the way, too.
I now consider the ~$40 cost of another set of dies when buying a gun in a new caliber, and usually buy them at the same time I buy the gun.
Another thing to consider is that dies rarely wear out, and I've done well buying used dies. This is especially true of bottleneck dies where carbide doesn't offer much advantage(I only buy carbide dies for straight wall cartridges). I still don't own a gun in 38-40, but bought a set of used Redding dies(top quality) along with a bunch of brass for $35.
Last edited:
l reload because the ammo l shoot cant be bought...Virtually NO mid-range loads in 460SW or 44Mag
Rustypipes12
Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2016
- Messages
- 107
- Reaction score
- 67
Ok guys, I'm a little late to the party on this one and probably shouldn't tell cause they sell out fast enough as it is , but American Reloading sells without hazmat fees many times! The bad news is that you usually have to buy in bulk and they have limited selection. If you get on their mailing list you'll be surprised at price and what you can get though!!! The Bullet Works is another good one for cast lead.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
I used to reload, then got tired of dragging all the gear around during Air Force and FBI moves. The movers won't take powder or primers, and I finally just sold my press and gear and concentrated on calibers for which I was issued ammo - .38 Special, .357, 9mm, .40, 10mm, .45, .223, 12 gauge, and sometimes .308. Everything else I would just buy factory ammo.
Now I'm retired, and I'm taking up reloading again. I have no desire to devote my garage or basement or spare bedroom to setting up a reloading bench, so I've acquired some Lyman 310 dies and handles and will use that. I know its slow, but I don't care. My dog and I will just plug away with our dumb tong tools.
I don't think reloading is dying, but I do think it will become the purview of older guys like myself. I don't know anyone under the age of 50 who reloads.
Now I'm retired, and I'm taking up reloading again. I have no desire to devote my garage or basement or spare bedroom to setting up a reloading bench, so I've acquired some Lyman 310 dies and handles and will use that. I know its slow, but I don't care. My dog and I will just plug away with our dumb tong tools.
I don't think reloading is dying, but I do think it will become the purview of older guys like myself. I don't know anyone under the age of 50 who reloads.
Rustypipes12
Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2016
- Messages
- 107
- Reaction score
- 67
Ok, NOW I feel old! and your probably right Sig. the younger crowd today can't take time to be bothered with reloading and technology is starting to make bullets just as good unless your shooting over 600yd.s. Us old guys just enjoy it! It's kind of like hunting, families are smaller and kids have other interests these days. My son always says he looks forward to getting out with me but seems to have less free time every year.
