Why do you reload cartridges?

[Len Backus]

I thought this may be an interesting topic for discussion. In my rifle business I talk to a surprising number of guys who choose not to reload.

Why do you reload?

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

I reload for the fastest most accurate cartidge for that picticular rifle. First started for cost savings but that went out the window. Nowdays I like wildcat cartdiges and you have to reload. Just my thoughts.

 

[Korhil78]

+1 on what Wyoelk said

And I just like the satisfaction it brings when you take the animal down with the bullet and powder combo that I have chosen. I also really like the challenge that reloading brings to find that one really accurate load and that the challenge will be different for every gun.

 

[Sully2]

Unlike the 2 previous posters I dont strive for the FASTEST load(s)...I strive to get the BEST loads for my purposes.

In 44Mag for example...I have a hard time controlling full bore loads...but I can handload a round that the chrono checks out as "fast enough" that I CAN control perfectly.

COST is another factor as some loadings it seems dealers want "war prices" for. I was flat amazed at the difference in $$ between say a 243 Win round and a .260 Rem round..! Dont make a bit of sense to me.....and then toss in the 6mmBR that Im getting ready to start working on....and a guy is speechless!!!!

Then of course is the added fact of enjoyment....Creating something that is accurate and still goes "bang"...

 

[kcebcj]

When I was just a kid I realized I was a poor shot compared to my peers so I started practicing a lot. Back then all the rifles I had were junk and couldn't hit my butt with either hand. Then I bought a pre 64 model 70 and started to hit stuff but was always out of loads. So I bought a Herter's press and some 06 dies and went to work.

I have not bought a factory load in 40 years but the reloads I build today are a heck of a lot better than the ones I punched out on that old Herter press years ago.

The reason I reload today is I enjoy building stuff and when I build a load that finally performs it cool....and I like shooting it.

 

[Mikecr]

Accuracy only.

I don't really care about cost, because MY TIME is expensive too.
If I somehow observed factory ammo performing as well as mine, in one of my guns, I would buy enough for that barrel's life & stop reloading for it.
And I'd just toss the used brass in a bucket like most others at my range..

How liberating that would be!

 

[LRSickle]

For me, I like the technical side of it. I'm just an industrial mechanic not an engineer but I like measuring cases, bullets, primer pockets, trickling my powders, headspace, shoulder setback, comparing this-to-this and that-to-that. I'm not anal, I just enjoy seeing how much accuracy I can squeeze out of my guns. It's also an enjoyable passtime to reload and to shoot.
I'm fortunate that Lisa likes to watch me reload and loves to go shooting with me. We no longer have kids at home, (we're 50) so this is how we spend our time and money.
It does save money to reload....bwwwaaahhhaaaa...sorry I couldn't keep a straight face. I burn up WAY more money than I save. Plus, I'm always buying more and better reloading stuff. But I'm one hell of a lot better shot than if I didn't reload that's for sure!

 

[Browninglover1]

I love having an extra hobby, plus when you put a load that brings everything together perfectly it's really rewarding. It also saves me lots of money and at this point in my life it's the only way I can afford to shoot.

 

[Johnboy]

1) it's a way to save money

2) it allows me to shoot little ragged holes out to 100 yards with 5 shots

3) it allows me to shoot the best I can at longer ranges with that load for that rifel

4) it allows me to get out of the house from what ever it may be that makes me get out of the house.and yes my reloading room has a lock that I only have the key to.

5) most if not all factory ammo just want cut it for me.and I too hate to pay for the prices they ask for the same if not almost the same ammo I can make.

 

[theflyonthewall]

Because even though I look like the typical redneck, I'm a pocket-protector wearing, tape on the glasses, I can make anything better NERD at heart!

I just can't leave anything alone.....including cartridges.

 

[6mm Remington]

I want the most accurate and effective loading for my rifles that I can get. I find one optimum load and bullet weight for each that I feel is the sweet spot and I don't mess with it. Why mess with perfection?

I also enjoy doing my own loads. I can shut the door to my MAN CAVE, no radio, no interrruption, and load for hours. I do it slowly and methodically and I really enjoy turning out my own cartridges for hunting and other uses. To me it also adds something special to each and every hunt knowing that I very carefully crafted the rounds that I am shooting to harvest these animals with. It really means something which factory loads would never provide.

That's my two cents worth! :0)

 

[big mike 2121]

Johnboy +1 more or less, save money and satisfaction loading your own that will match..... or better factory loadings.

 

[teflonhunter]

I reload so I can have the most accurate loads for my rifle. I also shoot alot so it saves me big bucks. I enjoy the process of working up a load while reloading.

 

[cholla chomper]

I have several reasons, for the cost I reload and shoot my 22-250 alot and .33cents a round reload $1.10 around for cheep factory rounds, The ability to make loads that perform out of my rifles and pistols with speed and accuracy. and I like reloading its fun, I also load for alot of other calibers of rifle and several pistol calibers 10mm being one of them which is not a cheap round to buy factory loads.
Im a member of a sportsmans club with ranges close by and am able to test my loads right after I make them.