So far, this does not look good for reloaders. You'd have to pay for a license and be permitted to possess powder. Is it a huge lift? No. But that isn't the issue. It's just another piece of legislation that will do noting but hurt law abiding citizens.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
No Better Case For Reloading
Title pun intended. Go to any given gun shop today and try to buy a case of 5.56/.223. Best of luck to you. If you can find it, you will pay exorbitant prices. People have panic invested in all things EBR, hi-cap magazines, and associated ammo in the past week. It is spilling over into other styles and calibers as well.
However, I was able to buy bullets, primers, and powder this week with no issue. I bought enough to last a year, and not at inflated cost. This is one of the best reasons to be reloading. A simple and cost effective set up will do. When people are going nuts over ammo availability, you have an assembly plant in home. Those who already reload know this, so I am specifically addressing those who are on the fence about putting the money into the press. Look at the shelves out there. The pickings are slim.
However, I was able to buy bullets, primers, and powder this week with no issue. I bought enough to last a year, and not at inflated cost. This is one of the best reasons to be reloading. A simple and cost effective set up will do. When people are going nuts over ammo availability, you have an assembly plant in home. Those who already reload know this, so I am specifically addressing those who are on the fence about putting the money into the press. Look at the shelves out there. The pickings are slim.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Cost Of Reloading: Comparing Apples To Apples
One of the most often asked questions is "how much money can I save by reloading?" While this is an important aspect of it, it is not quite that simple. The answer is not so black and white.
One factor that is often overlooked is the quality of the ammunition produces. Not only is it usually less expensive to reload, but you get better quality ammunition out of it. People usually compare the cost of their reloads to the cheapest ammo on the market. However, after learning the basics and getting going, you will be able to make ammo that beats the hell out of the generic stuff. I can tell you, even my plinking ammo outperforms the cheap ammo by a long shot. So it's not just a cost to cost comparison, the quality plays into it as well.
Another thing that is overlooked it the ability to customize your rounds. You can tailor them to your particular rifle and need. You can develop a load for target shooting, competition, hunting, or plinking. I have several different loads worked out for my rifles. They get fed the proper ammo for the occasion. My hunting ammo is going to be different from the paper punching ammo. With a supply of components on hand, you can make them as needed.
When figuring out the cost of reloading, don't forget to take to other factors into consideration. Also don't forget that it is a hobby in itself and gives you a better understanding of the entire process of shooting. Reloading makes you a better shooter, because you have a great perspective of more factors that contribute to accuracy.
One factor that is often overlooked is the quality of the ammunition produces. Not only is it usually less expensive to reload, but you get better quality ammunition out of it. People usually compare the cost of their reloads to the cheapest ammo on the market. However, after learning the basics and getting going, you will be able to make ammo that beats the hell out of the generic stuff. I can tell you, even my plinking ammo outperforms the cheap ammo by a long shot. So it's not just a cost to cost comparison, the quality plays into it as well.
Another thing that is overlooked it the ability to customize your rounds. You can tailor them to your particular rifle and need. You can develop a load for target shooting, competition, hunting, or plinking. I have several different loads worked out for my rifles. They get fed the proper ammo for the occasion. My hunting ammo is going to be different from the paper punching ammo. With a supply of components on hand, you can make them as needed.
When figuring out the cost of reloading, don't forget to take to other factors into consideration. Also don't forget that it is a hobby in itself and gives you a better understanding of the entire process of shooting. Reloading makes you a better shooter, because you have a great perspective of more factors that contribute to accuracy.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Getting Started In Reloading For The Lowest Cost.
I've talked before about people wanting to get start reloading to save on ammo costs. I've said it before and it is worth repeating: saving money is just ONE of MANY reasons to load your own. It is, however, one of the primary reasons people are drawn to the craft. This list is for cost savings, not the best quality gear on the market. I have used everything here, and still use some of it, many years later.
I will caution new hand loaders. It can become quite expensive if you want to have all of the fanciest equipment on the market. It can also be quite inexpensive to get started with a single stage set up. I will spell out the costs here to give you a real good look at just how much it will cost you to get your press up and running. I used MidwayUSA, as I have had good experiences with them and their prices are competitive.
For my example, I will use .223. This is a common round that people like to shoot a lot of. It is fun to load up the AR with 30 rounders and have at it. But it can get expensive, quick. Loading straight walled pistol cartridges can be easier than loading for bottle neck rifle cartridges. The process is just more in depth when it comes to loading rifle cartridges. I also find that I like to load for rifle on a single stage, where loading straight walled pistol is much faster on a progressive press. Progressive presses are more expensive though, I am going for bottom dollar here. So here goes. We're looking at $263 dollars for the press, some tools, and your first 500 rounds. I load .223 for about $.23 per round, using range brass. The press and tools are a one time cost. Bear in mind, this is for the lowest cost, not the best equipment.
- A reliable single stage press kit that includes the press, a priming tool, powder measure, case prep tools, scale, funnel, and sizing lube: $115 from http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit .
- A set of dies for the press: $33 from http://www.midwayusa.com/product/776391/lee-deluxe-3-die-set-223-remington.
- (500) 55 grain bullets, $65, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/166155/hornady-z-max-bullets-22-caliber-224-diameter-55-grain-with-cannelure-box-of-500.
- Powder, $24, also from Midway
- Primers, $30, you guessed it, Midway.
- Case holder and length gauge, $5.00
This should get you started and give you the equipment you need to begin the learning process and produce your first rounds. While there is a ton of information available on the internet, and much of it is quite reliable (such as the loads I have listed on my page), I advise you buy two more items. Together, they will run you an additional $50ish. A good manual (Lee, Hornady, Speer, etc...) and an impact bullet puller. You will be glad you have both. Follow the guides in the manual and start low with powder. After some time, you will have a much better idea of how the loading process works and more confidence to try different loads. You will also have a good idea of what equipment you want to upgrade. Take your time, double check, never take shortcuts, and enjoy. Reloading is a hobby in itself and a great trade for any firearms enthusiast or hunter.
I will caution new hand loaders. It can become quite expensive if you want to have all of the fanciest equipment on the market. It can also be quite inexpensive to get started with a single stage set up. I will spell out the costs here to give you a real good look at just how much it will cost you to get your press up and running. I used MidwayUSA, as I have had good experiences with them and their prices are competitive.
For my example, I will use .223. This is a common round that people like to shoot a lot of. It is fun to load up the AR with 30 rounders and have at it. But it can get expensive, quick. Loading straight walled pistol cartridges can be easier than loading for bottle neck rifle cartridges. The process is just more in depth when it comes to loading rifle cartridges. I also find that I like to load for rifle on a single stage, where loading straight walled pistol is much faster on a progressive press. Progressive presses are more expensive though, I am going for bottom dollar here. So here goes. We're looking at $263 dollars for the press, some tools, and your first 500 rounds. I load .223 for about $.23 per round, using range brass. The press and tools are a one time cost. Bear in mind, this is for the lowest cost, not the best equipment.
- A reliable single stage press kit that includes the press, a priming tool, powder measure, case prep tools, scale, funnel, and sizing lube: $115 from http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit .
- A set of dies for the press: $33 from http://www.midwayusa.com/product/776391/lee-deluxe-3-die-set-223-remington.
- (500) 55 grain bullets, $65, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/166155/hornady-z-max-bullets-22-caliber-224-diameter-55-grain-with-cannelure-box-of-500.
- Powder, $24, also from Midway
- Primers, $30, you guessed it, Midway.
- Case holder and length gauge, $5.00
This should get you started and give you the equipment you need to begin the learning process and produce your first rounds. While there is a ton of information available on the internet, and much of it is quite reliable (such as the loads I have listed on my page), I advise you buy two more items. Together, they will run you an additional $50ish. A good manual (Lee, Hornady, Speer, etc...) and an impact bullet puller. You will be glad you have both. Follow the guides in the manual and start low with powder. After some time, you will have a much better idea of how the loading process works and more confidence to try different loads. You will also have a good idea of what equipment you want to upgrade. Take your time, double check, never take shortcuts, and enjoy. Reloading is a hobby in itself and a great trade for any firearms enthusiast or hunter.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
First Post and Introduction
I hope to provide some useful information in this blog and associated pages. I have been involved in the world of shooting and firearms instruction professionally for about twenty years and have been an active hand loader for some time as well.
The purpose of this page is to have a running journal of information regarding the craft of hand loading/reloading. Please use the information judiciously. Reloading can be potentially dangerous. Use judgement, care, and start low when developing loads.
Thank you for reading and enjoy.
The purpose of this page is to have a running journal of information regarding the craft of hand loading/reloading. Please use the information judiciously. Reloading can be potentially dangerous. Use judgement, care, and start low when developing loads.
Thank you for reading and enjoy.
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