Thinkin' about Reloading?

[JEBar]

At the risk of a small topic hi-jack, I'll just add my load for my Ruger No.1B 30-06:
180gr Hornady or Nosler Partition
A good amount of H-4350
Win cases
CCI LR primer
OAL: 3.245"
This load, when I use to hunt big game dropped mule deer and elk promptly.

just as an FYI, earlier today I received a notice that Shooter's Sport Shop where I purchase our Nosler bullets has their 30 caliber 180 gr Partitions on sale ... depending on how many you buy, they are priced as low as $19.05 for packs of 50 (link below) .... Cabela's prices theirs at $43.99 for 50 .... as a note, the ones sold by SPS are "Blems" .... they might have cosmetic faults (most I can't see) which have no impact on performance

http://www.shootersproshop.com/bulk-buy ... -50ct.html

[Rifletom]

Thank you JEBar! Ordering two boxes right after I type this. What a price. Thanks again!

[JEBar]

glad to be able to help .... for Nosler products SPS is hard to beat

[Mistered]

Man I remember going into Nosler when the 'shooters pro shop' was a metal rack with the available blems in plastic bags for $5 per 50!

[runnin n gunnin]

Very nice RR. Love the room ! Not only are you on the right course of action, but you have the atmosphere.

I started reloading in 1975, fell out of it due to workload, got back into it five years ago.

Here is what I like about being a hand loader:

1. Quality control. I take my time and know exactly what I am loading up. I have found that some of my hand loads perform better than factory.

2. Variety. There are so many powders on the market today, and so many bullet types it is fun to experiment to find that perfect load for that individual rifle/pistol. I have found that my firearms are like men, each of us has our own preference on which whisky we like best. That is why I posted what is your favorite loads for 45 Colt and 357 in the Henry, I want to see what other folks have done. (thanks for the reply by the way)

3. Escape. When I go through all the steps in the process from brass cleaning to crimping and everything that falls in between I am able to zone out. I will spend hours on the bench before my wife calls me to dinner and did not know where the time went. It gets my mind off of everything.

4. Legacy. This right now is probably the most important. My son is starting to reload, and I have started to introduce my grandson to the process. He is too young for much of it, but his interest is peaked and he helps me clean brass, decap and resize. I gave him his first Henry youth 22 this year, and he is starting his skill sets in basic rifle. He does not know it yet, but he is getting a Ruger Wrangler .22 for Christmas.

Cost savings, etc is way down the list for me. I just like knowing what I am shooting because I loaded it. You are moving in the right direction. Have a healthy respect for the process, and enjoy it !

[RanchRoper]

I did a couple hundred rounds yesterday, very relaxing.

[Mistered]

My problem is I am always behind in my loading so when I want to go shooting I have to charge cases and seat bullets - which is not so bad as as I have been working on keeping brass prepped ahead so charging and seating is all thats necessary but I need to work on keeping supplies of loaded ammo.

[Mags]

.
That's part of why I don't reload. Have plenty of things that require my immediate attention. Spur of the moment decision to go shooting and not have enough ammo prepped would take the enjoyment out of it for me.

My problem is I am always behind in my loading so when I want to go shooting I have to charge cases and seat bullets - which is not so bad as as I have been working on keeping brass prepped ahead so charging and seating is all thats necessary but I need to work on keeping supplies of loaded ammo.

[Mistered]

Spur of the moment decision to go shooting and not have enough ammo prepped would take the enjoyment out of it for me.

I didnt explain myself accuratly.
I usually know I am going shooting several days in advance so my reloading is not exactly spur of the moment.
If I already have cases prepped (the slowest part of reloading) its just a matter of charging with powder and seating bullets which is simple and goes very quickly.
Bottom line is I am not starting from 'scratch' with unprepared cases.
Case prep typically comprises the largest percentage of overall reloading time.

[RanchRoper]

We have a few new members in the last while, so just moving this thread up for anyone who is thinking about taking the plunge. If I can do it, you can! TONS of good info in the reloading topic, so don't be shy.

[Mags]

.
I don't think I'm any good at it. Just doesn't look right.

20200325_201249.jpg (55.3 KiB) Viewed 3986 times

[RanchRoper]

Might be a die problem.

[Mistered]

If I can do it, you can! TONS of good info in the reloading topic, so don't be shy.

Ditto this!

As a long time reloader I will offer guidance and/or questions answered to anyone about it - just don't expect to hear from me anything high speed/low drag or expensive when it comes to 'beginning' reloading as so many LOVE to espouse.

I am a realist, and will always recommend the most practical and cost effective methods to beginners.

Heck after 40+ years of reloading I am not doing it much different than how I started.

I may have added a few new items and practical accessories along the way but I am essentially reloading the same way as I started.

[RanchRoper]

And the good news is, you shoot more and maybe save some dough. Jury is out for many on the latter...

[BruniX]

Hello RR, excellent summary!

A little over a year ago, I had never touched a rifle, let alone reloaded an ammunition.
Thanks to the competence of the people on this forum and their advice, after the personal work, of course, necessary, I was able to pass the course and I now shoot at the stand of the muntions of 45-70 gvt, without fear!

Bravo to you, and thank you to all the guys on the forum, they know what they are talking about !

bravo.jpeg (7.18 KiB) Viewed 3961 times

[RanchRoper]

Yesterday I couldn't spell relaodar, and today I are one.

[Mistered]

Jury is out for many on the latter...

Considering the convenience of being able to produce your own ammo, not having to drive to get it - or chase around looking for it like some are now is a bonafide savings as well.

[BigAl52]

I have some of the older stuff I still use alot. But then again I have some of the newer high speed stuff. I have had for quite sometime. I use to shoot a little more than I get to now so the high speed stuff in that case was a welcome addition. Would I recommend it from the start no probably not. But I still would inform one of getting into reloading that its available if wanted. I still use the high speed stuff for certain calibers and Im glad I have it. Do I need it no. Me I think a guy or gal should learn with a single stage first and then go for the fancy stuff if they choose. Kinda like how I think about learnin to drive. Everyone ought to know how to drive a stick shift.

[Mags]

.
Wife found my reload attempt. She said I made a mess of it.

.
I don't think I'm any good at it. Just doesn't look right.


20200325_201249.jpg

[Travlin]

I just noticed this topic. There has been a lot of good information presented. I still have the Herters press that I started with in 1969. I even found the order form for it and the dies . All that I can add is to keep your mind on what you are doing, no computer or T.V. in the same room. Also I like to have all my brass cleaned, sized and expanded as soon as I come back from shooting it. When I load I prime , charge the powder, and seat and crimp the bullet so that one round is completed at a time. I don't like having a block full of charged cases waiting for a double or no powder charge.