RELOADING COSTS - WITH NEWLY PURCHASED COMPONENTS

[ArchAngelCD]

The major benefit to reloading for me is I get what I want, not what they're selling.
Bullet weight, bullet type, powder flexibility and I can get the velocity I want from plinking to hot, and anything in between.
And range brass is my friend--tumble and inspect.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

That right there is well said and oh so true.
When others can't buy ammo we can still shoot!!!

 

[BE Mike]

Regarding handgun cartridges, I think there are many who don't realize that there are no advantages whatsoever in using a jacketed, plated, painted or coated bullet over a well fit cast bullet of the proper alloy for the load. Granted, it takes some doing (experimentation and shooting groups) to get there, but there's a sense of accomplishment as well as enjoyment in the process.

That probably is true for most shooters who shoot outdoors, but I switched to coated bullets from lead a while back as most of my shooting is indoors. The lessened smoke from coated bullets is significantly less than naked lead bullets with lube. Of course, there is also the issue of lead in the air to consider.

 

[cmj8591]

I don't want to derail this thread, but I thought it important to comment about reloading for the M1A. If this is new for you cmj8591, then please be aware loading for an M1A isn't like loading for a typical .308 rifle. There's plenty to read on the 'net so we don't need to discuss it here. Apologies if you already know this.

So far, so good. The biggest issue is to keep the primers seated under flush so you don't end up with a slam fire. I have found a good load with BL-C(2) so I can use the same powder with 308 and 223. It's a great rifle and it rings steel out as far as I can see.

 

[rockquarry]

That probably is true for most shooters who shoot outdoors, but I switched to coated bullets from lead a while back as most of my shooting is indoors. The lessened smoke from coated bullets is significantly less than naked lead bullets with lube. Of course, there is also the issue of lead in the air to consider.

Good point and one I didn't consider. I only shoot outdoors so don't give much thought to indoor lead hazards and smoke.

 

[venomballistics]

Regarding handgun cartridges, I think there are many who don't realize that there are no advantages whatsoever in using a jacketed, plated, painted or coated bullet over a well fit cast bullet of the proper alloy for the load. Granted, it takes some doing (experimentation and shooting groups) to get there, but there's a sense of accomplishment as well as enjoyment in the process.

there are plenty of advantages to be had.
A jacket reduces fragmentation ... that is, when it matters.
Coating offers an opportunity to color code your loads.
Either help control airborne lead exposure.
And quite frankly, not everyone can satisfy the "size and lube properly" commandment of the cast bullet religion, while even some guns cannot be satisfied without being sent to a gunsmith.
I've gone all in on powder coating and I've never looked back.