Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Pete112288 on November 11, 2021, 08:57:25 AM

Title: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Pete112288 on November 11, 2021, 08:57:25 AM: I have always toyed around with the idea of getting into reloading but have always been happy with the basic CoreLokt and other basic factory rounds that I never took it seriously. And I am only shooting 30-30 and 30-06. And in the past only shot a box or two a year at most.
But now with prices and availability issues... everyone knows the story.
I started thinking about reloading for them. I am not picky about trying to perfect a specific load, just want something basic for each.
I know powder and primers are also hard to find right now.
My main question for ya'll that reload, is am I going to have the same issues getting supplies as I am finding ammo?
Honestly to take care of my issue at the moment, if I could just get enough supplies to make 100 rounds each to get me through I would be happy.
I had looked at the little Lee Loader (the hammer/mallet deal) but was thinking of picking up the Lee Classic kit from Cabelas
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Duckslayer89 on November 11, 2021, 09:12:21 AM: Quote from: Pete112288 on November 11, 2021, 08:57:25 AM
I have always toyed around with the idea of getting into reloading but have always been happy with the basic CoreLokt and other basic factory rounds that I never took it seriously. And I am only shooting 30-30 and 30-06. And in the past only shot a box or two a year at most.
But now with prices and availability issues... everyone knows the story.
I started thinking about reloading for them. I am not picky about trying to perfect a specific load, just want something basic for each.
I know powder and primers are also hard to find right now.
My main question for ya'll that reload, is am I going to have the same issues getting supplies as I am finding ammo?
Honestly to take care of my issue at the moment, if I could just get enough supplies to make 100 rounds each to get me through I would be happy.
I had looked at the little Lee Loader (the hammer/mallet deal) but was thinking of picking up the Lee Classic kit from Cabelas

I could have easily bought probably 20-25 pounds of h1000 in the last month but don’t need that much. Got 10 pounds and gave half to a friend. Supposedly people say it’s hard to find but you just have to keep checking and follow people on other forums who post when stuff comes available and jump on it.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 11, 2021, 09:29:30 AM: From a short term cost perspective it is absolutely not worth it. Especially if you're only shooting 50-100 rds a year. However over the long term, you can bet ammunition availability is only going to go one direction and I doubt if that is up. Keep an eye in the classifieds/garage sales etc. and you can find some smokin deals on used reloading equipment. Stock up on components when they're cheap and available and it gets you through the shortages. If you're not looking for ultimate precision and just want some rounds to hunt with you can be in the game for a couple hundred bucks all said and done
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: buckfvr on November 11, 2021, 09:31:27 AM: Id get a couple loading manuals and read them and some articles on Accurate Shooter and Snipers Hide so you know what youre getting into. You will find those basic kits lacking in many ways. And if you are fine with corlokt ammo, and only intend to replicate factory ammo, by the time you buy all the tools you need, you may be better off to keep using what you have been. Id recommend a bit of an upgrade from the basic minimalist kit and be sure you have all the tools you need, which most of those kits do not. :twocents:
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: wadu1 on November 11, 2021, 09:40:57 AM: I load because it relaxes me, not to save a bunch of money. Components can be hard to find but like Slayer said keep your eye open it's around. And starting out with a press you don't have to start with a big set or brand name. I would start with a basic "O" press, lee pace setter dies, powder trickle and jeweler scale. And don't forget a loading manual or two. You may want to put an ad in the classified section. :twocents:
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Farmer72 on November 11, 2021, 09:44:24 AM: Another thing would be to get together with someone in your area that reloads. They can help show you what you may need and you can see if the time, effort and money is worth it to you. They may also offer up to let you use their equipment to reload your ammo minimizing your initial cost. Once you get into it you may like it and just get your own equipment later.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Stein on November 11, 2021, 09:53:56 AM: The thing about reloading is that you need all the components. Cases, powder, primer and bullets. Cases aren't bad but the rest are or can be hard to find. Miss any of them and you can't reload. With loaded rounds, you only have to get lucky at the store once.

If I shot a box a year I wouldn't reload. If you want to play with it, find it interesting, plan to shoot more, are unhappy with factory loads or whatever, sure, but I don't think it's going to be easier to find components over loaded rounds.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Jingles on November 11, 2021, 09:56:00 AM: As stated above if you are just looking to replicate factory loadd and only looking to "stock pile" a couple hundred rounds for 2 firearms I have to say No it is not. The money you would spend for the basic setup and manual will pay for those couple hundred rounds. However if you are anticipating stock piling several thousand rounds for numerous firearms that could be an entirely different story depending on the firearm and intended use.
I know with what I have reloaded and the number of different calibers/firearms I have saved 1000's of dollars. If possible get with someone that already reloads and observe what it takes from cleaning and prepping brass to developing finished product
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Platensek-po on November 11, 2021, 10:48:15 AM: I reload to shoot more not to save money. If for just a little bit of ammo I don’t think it’s worth it. I really reload for pistol shooting and then rifle
Is just a bonus
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: JJB11B on November 11, 2021, 11:03:36 AM: Quote from: Duckslayer89 on November 11, 2021, 09:12:21 AM
Quote from: Pete112288 on November 11, 2021, 08:57:25 AM
I have always toyed around with the idea of getting into reloading but have always been happy with the basic CoreLokt and other basic factory rounds that I never took it seriously. And I am only shooting 30-30 and 30-06. And in the past only shot a box or two a year at most.
But now with prices and availability issues... everyone knows the story.
I started thinking about reloading for them. I am not picky about trying to perfect a specific load, just want something basic for each.
I know powder and primers are also hard to find right now.
My main question for ya'll that reload, is am I going to have the same issues getting supplies as I am finding ammo?
Honestly to take care of my issue at the moment, if I could just get enough supplies to make 100 rounds each to get me through I would be happy.
I had looked at the little Lee Loader (the hammer/mallet deal) but was thinking of picking up the Lee Classic kit from Cabelas

I could have easily bought probably 20-25 pounds of h1000 in the last month but don’t need that much. Got 10 pounds and gave half to a friend. Supposedly people say it’s hard to find but you just have to keep checking and follow people on other forums who post when stuff comes available and jump on it.
id give a testicle for 10 lbs of H1000! Or RL26 right now!
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Taco280AI on November 11, 2021, 11:55:13 AM: You don't shoot much and aren't chasing accuracy, so no. I'd suggest having a buddy load up some rounds for or with you. Someone who has all the equipment and knows what they're doing.

I did that for a buddy outside of WA. Has a 6.5 PRC and I looked up potential loads for him, he bought the supplies over a few months as he could find them. I took his rifle, started working up a load, shot it quite a few different times for velocity and testing. In the end went from 1+MOA factory loads to sub .5MOA handloads. In return he did some electrical work in my garage adding additional lighting.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on November 11, 2021, 12:05:08 PM: I think it would probably be worth it. Just get a real basic set up, since you only need to die sets. Can buy bullets in bulk, primers are usually in bulk, should get a lot of use from brass with those cartridges. Probably don't need a lot of accessories since not chasing accuracy or switching things around often.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: KFhunter on November 11, 2021, 12:08:39 PM: I do not, but in this current climate I am loathe to start, although I've always wanted too. I have too many irons in too many fires also.

I prefer to bide my time and pick stuff up in the eventual garage sales and estate sales sure to come.

I have a buddy big into reloading and he told me something that has stuck with me

"You won't save a damm penny reloading, you'll just shoot more"

I say put it off until the panic is over, you'll just be frustrated finding everything you'll need, or spend way too much getting started.

Do like Taco said, try to find enough components and a buddy who reloads and go learn.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Fidelk on November 11, 2021, 12:12:19 PM: I agree with the "No's"......not worth it as you describe your wants/needs. I was getting back into hunting in 2003 and asked an avid re-loader if I should start reloading. He said that modern factory ammo was so good that there was no real need to bother unless I just wanted another hobby. Energy would be better spent finding a specific factory load that groups well from your rifle and stockpiling it when it can be found.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: KFhunter on November 11, 2021, 12:14:31 PM: :yeah:

I buy factory ammo by lot #s so I get the same production run, to help with consistency.

Which is difficult now with 2 box limits
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: buckfvr on November 11, 2021, 01:43:22 PM: So another way to look at it, if you continue to buy quality factory ammo and stock pile it, while at the same time buying all the necessary reloading equipment and components you will need and boxing it all up, the reloading equip and components can be your proverbial "buckets of freeze dried food" so to speak. The last resort.

I will add I shoot both quality factory ammo and precision reloads, different rifles.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: timberfaller on November 11, 2021, 02:23:15 PM: Its a Hobby! Like any hobby, you will either save money or spend lots! I've been at it for 52 years so at this point in life and current factory prices, I am saving tons of money!
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: jasnt on November 11, 2021, 04:20:29 PM: I’ve never met anyone that regrets learning to reload
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Alchase on November 11, 2021, 08:20:16 PM: I loved reloading. It is like reading a great book, very relaxing but a serious time suck!
I gave it up when prices were still cheap and availability was not an issue. When my kids were born I just had no time.
Now it would definitely cut the price down on the ammo I burn, but like others pointed out, it would take a bit of investment to get up and running again.
I shot over 150 rounds on Saturday, it would be nice to supplement with some hand loads.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: riverrun on November 11, 2021, 09:25:03 PM: In my opinion primers seem to be obsolete! Glad I stocked up when I did!
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Pete112288 on November 11, 2021, 10:23:10 PM: Thanks everyone for the feedback. Most of which just echos what I was kind of thinking. I dont have any buddies that are into it. One that used to at one point, maybe I will hit him up to see if he still does or if not and has the equipment maybe he could step me through it and loan me what I need to give it a try.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 20, 2021, 10:56:03 AM: If you have time and like to shoot then reloading is a given. Especially if you get into long range. But yea it sucks up time - not something to do if you have kids or two jobs !
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 20, 2021, 11:17:50 AM: I would think that reloading would be extremely helpful when using more common cartridges which are currently being hoarded and over-priced. :dunno: I just paid about double just to get some .30-30 and it took me 6 months to find it.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: KFhunter on November 23, 2021, 08:56:09 AM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on November 20, 2021, 10:56:03 AM
If you have time and like to shoot then reloading is a given. Especially if you get into long range. But yea it sucks up time - not something to do if you have kids or two jobs !

I got two jobs and kids!
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: JJB11B on November 24, 2021, 10:21:38 AM: I reload mainly because most of the time I can’t get the bullet in the caliber I want, and because a lot of times the good stuff is sold out. Reloading costs me more than shooting factory because I shoot a lot more . But I can tune my ammo to each firearm and milk all the accuracy I can out of each one. It’s it’s own hobby, people that look at reloading as a chore are missing out. On super nasty days my reloading bench keeps me occupied,
I’ve always got buckets or bags of brass that need to be sorted, then ran through the gambit of brass prep steps, that’s basically free entertainment.
Title: Re: Is getting into reloading worth it at the moment?
Post by: GWP on November 24, 2021, 12:15:50 PM: If you can leave your press set up for one caliber it does not take that long.
Plus, you can break it down into group steps. Clean. Prep. Load.
If you get into it more, you will shoot more and spend more.