I started reloading whilst having an extended wait for my first rifle because the gun store stuffed up the paperwork and ordered the wrong model. It became a hobby for me in its own right. I find it very relaxing and rewarding but with the challenge of finding that 'perfect' load. Down the rabbit hole we go!
What Got Everbody Started Reloading ?
- Thread starter Savage 12BVSS
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every year before rifle season i would go to sight in my rifle, and i would have to buy a different brand or weight ammo. I had always wanted to get into it as well, just was a little intimidated. I have been obsessed with it for 3 years now, i have bought rifles just to reload for. it is my "me time" reloading and shooting. gives me something to focus on, instead of work and problems. its is a real stress release.
Down the rabbit hole has been my exact words to several of my buddies who are looking into reloading. At times it has consumed me to find the perfect load for a rifle. I don't know if there is an end to how far you can go with it. I have a friend with about $15000 tied up into reloading for about 5 rifles. My new philosophy is to handload for accuracy with the least amount of steps as possible and economical as possible.
I don't remember the model but I believe it was an Oehler......that's a long time ago for this old, worn out brain to remember!
My thoughts as well, reloading helps me focus on something else besides work related issues.
I started over 40 years ago, when I was about 15 or 16 for my .222 varmint rifle, Rem 788 shot dime sized groups out of the box with my reloads. I was lucky to have a good mentor and a good small town gun store to help a kid get started. Added shotgun when my father-in-law and I did a lot of duck and goose hunting. Expanded into pistols when my son got interested in pistols. Now I mostly do it to get better accuracy or better quality than I can buy. And the bonus is saving a few $. The really fun thing is there are so many smart people sharing their knowledge in books (thanks Ackley and McPherson) and media (too many to name), I think learning new things I can use is limited only by my time.I guess money savings or accuracy must be the primary reasons, or maybe having the control and ability to produce what you want when you want it. I got into it for the accuracy edge, factory ammo wasn't so carefully produced and premium bullet's weren't offered back in the day, so rolling your own was the way to go. Started with some simple equipment and it just slowly took on a life of it's own, one thing would lead to another. I'm still not there but its closer now than when I startedI remember the first game that fell to my handloads, those first targets that I could see what I was accomplishing in load and rifle tuning. There's a lot of members on here that can still teach me a lot, this is one of my favorite stops when I log on...so much to learn so little time....Dave
mpayne
Well-Known Member
seeing my dad reload his old 30-06 with surplus powder out of a 5 gallon square tin with a round lid back in the mid 60's. I ended up with all my dads reloading stuff and still have that tin with powder in it that I've used.
WYO300RUM
Well-Known Member
My son is now 28 . I can relate with you on that. He was never interested in reloading , just shooting .... When he was very young he did like to play in the tumbler when running... A mess. He eventually learned how to empty the media out of the cases and clean out primer pockets and flasholes.My Dad got me started at around 11.Then I slowly took over,which included sighting in his rifle too.Ive tried to teach my son,who is now 25,but Ive had I think? A too well stocked ammo area, he shoots til he runs out then is like.I have 4 bullets to hunt with.He has done the process a few times though..After him being in the Marines,he is not a low volume shooter,think he does follow up shots automatically
WYO300RUM
Well-Known Member
I know you all do the same but I get s chuckle every time I see the price tag on an old can of powder or bullets. I just think ahh the good old days and try to remember how long I've had them. I think I still have my old Lee Loader for 22-250 somewhere. An antique .
WYO300RUM
Well-Known Member
Is that a ,66-67 Cuda in your avatar ? Very nice !
MNbogboy
Well-Known Member
I too had a 67 fast back cuda in 72...."slant six".
WYO300RUM
Well-Known Member
We're gonna yet yelled at but my fave was my 70 340 Duster. 69 Road Runner. 70 Charger 440 RT to name a few Mopars. I know. Back to reloading !
MNbogboy
Well-Known Member
My buddy had a 69 Bee with a 440 six pack...it made me dirty my trousers on more than one occassion....
I got married started raising kids so fast cars including other brands went by the wayside. I've settled for more durable brands like Chevs because I don't like to fixem' any longer. Rather buy bullets & powder than car parts!
WYO300RUM
Well-Known Member
I know what you mean. Friend had a Duster with 340 six pack. I still could beat him everytime . I've had Ford trucks every since. 4 since 1980. Can't believe we haven't got yelled at yet...
