Is reloading really worth it??

Wow. I don't know what to say. I took 3 different 223 deer loads (70gr TSX) to the range to try out and all 3 shot 3/4"-1" off a bipod with no rear rest. TAC, Varget, and Benchmark all worked.

If you have any questions or problems, we are here to help.....
 
I should add that these are not spectacular groups, but I really wasn't trying that hard and I'm sure they could do better. Either way, I'm sure some factory ammo (Hornady TAP) shoots just as well, but I don't want to know how much 105 cartridges loaded with 70gr TSX's would cost me to buy in the store........
 
Being kinda new on the reloading scene, I'd like to say that besides my readings, there are many issues of accuracy that people on this blog have opened my eyes too. K22 just wrote about something he did to improve the accuracy of his rifle. Many comments made by some very knoweldgable folks on this blog also have addressed several topics many shooters take for granted. People walk into retail stores or even take up reloading expecting their first loads to shoot like 10x each and everytime. One of the most basic things I have now realized (and which I never before gave much thought too) is something as simple as barrel twist versus the weight of bullets we (or the manufacturers) put in their loads. It is because of what these experts up here have tried and proven that keeps me coming back for more that helps anybody improve their shooting ability. Ultimately if we follow their guidance as well as written material, it'll all boil down to one last factor, the shooter. If the shooter doesn't practice enough and hone his skills, all the perfect loads in the world ain't gonna give ya that one hole five shot group. Some claim that ain't what they're after. But yet they keep hollarin about 1/2" groups with reloads. Why then are they complainin?
 
This has to be one of the better posts that I have read in quite a while!!! Lots of plain old "Good Information and moral boosting". This is one of the main reasons I am a proud member of Predator Masters. Good work folks!!!!!
pyscodog
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogThis has to be one of the better posts that I have read in quite a while!!! Lots of plain old "Good Information and moral boosting". This is one of the main reasons I am a proud member of Predator Masters. Good work folks!!!!!
pyscodog

Yep, and I really appreciate it!
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+1 on that SPS, I've reloaded for 20+yrs now and always enjoyed it.I've certainly had my share of screw-ups, wrinkled some shoulders, flattened some primers,spilled some powder, got a case stuck last week (my first) I had to run to Cabela's to buy a stuck case remover. But I never damaged anything, and I can't even guess at how much $ I've saved through the years, not only for myself but a few select friends as well. Try it you'll like it.
 
Loaded for 30+ years. Feel inadequate with factory loads. Have not shot a box of centerfire factory in that long. Only factory I shoot are waterfowl steel. Just plan fun to taylor your loads to your rifle and shotgun or pistol.
 
I can't imagine what I would do if I couldn't sit at me reloading bench onc in a while. Its a hobby I love. Dave
 
All depends on how you define "worth it".

Does it make financial sense? Probably not.

Is it an enjoyable past-time onto itself? No doubt.

It all depends on one's expectations.
 
I doubt any rifle I own has ever had a factory round fired thru it.Pistol rounds can be made really cheap if you cast your own bullets.The economy and the enhanced accuracy make reloading well worth it.
 
SLOW DOWN!

Breath deeply ..........

....... take notes ........

....... TAKE NOTES!!!

Keep your targets and learn from them! (Notes go on targets too!)

One gun at a time ...... one change at a time.

Further, I'd stick with a bolt gun for a newbie accuracy quest. Semi's can follow but for now decent performance and full functionality is about all you should expect from them in the very short term.

If your rifle likes a factory load ..... fine .... stock up .... really stock up before the lot number changes!

Lot numbers on your components ..... particularily powder and primers can either be a plus or detriment when they change.

But yes, handloading is GRAND .... you just aren't doing yourself any favors by running yourself ragged .... smell the flowers and the "sweetness" will happen.

Three 44s
 
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Notes, notes and more notes. One rig at a time, one load at a time. Pick a procedure (lots to choose from) and stick with it. The handloader is a lot more likely to be a better shot than the guy shooting factory ammo. It pays for itself after you really get into it. Hope you don't give up!
 
Been reloading since 1972. Back then it was definitely cheaper. Then, after experimentation, some very accurate loads. Find a good acceptable, accurate load for one gun and stick with it. If you need something else to shoot, buy a different gun in a different caliber. Frustrating now trying to get reloading supplies. Fortunately I bought a pretty good quantity several years ago and still have a pretty good stash.
 
Originally Posted By: Chapped Lipsfocus on one challenge...ur spreading ur skills over to much ground...one problem firearm at a time...put the others away...shoot a bucket of balls----with a rimfire.

AMEN TO THAT!!
 
I have got to say as someone else that this is some of the better reading I've had in awhile. I've been handloading for rifles for 22 yrs and have been reminded of some things that I tend to overlook due to repeditive things.(I haven't bought a new rifle in 4 yrs so not really working any new loads)

To answer the one who started the topic is it worth it? I find that I actually spend a little more money by reloading but I do a whole pile lot more bunch shooting because of it. So I'd have to say yes it's worth it.
 
Listen to all of the advise given to you here. Most of these guys have "been there, done that". As a further bit of advise, remember that reloading is 90% science and 10% mysticism. So set up a scientific testing method, measure, test, record and just in case, tape a black cat bone to the top of your press.
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At this point what makes it "worth it" to me....the fact that if I didn't handload I'd have a gun safe full of guns I couldn't shoot.
 


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