Do you handload/reload

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Top 'O Texas

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Some have been (possibly on here) handloading for over 40 years, so what cartridges do you reload (pistol and or rifle)? For decades I only loaded 44 Mag, 264 Win Mag and 2 years after that was 270 Winchester (for my dad). Now I'm maybe on the excessive side of things with rifle and pistol combined total of 25 and counting (possibly 10-15 more too come). With an exorbitant amount of reloading components for possible decades worth I still find something new and interesting (not necessarily a newly released cartridge). I've found on other gun forums I don't even reload half the amount some do. What if any do you reload for?
 
I am in the studying/learning phase and will begin reloading in some months when I am sufficiently educated and prepped to do so. I'll be loading for the .32 family, SWL, H&R MAG AND 7 FED MAG plus .22 Hornet. Maybe something else eventually depending what and how much I shoot. I am leaning toward adding .38/.357 and a nice SS Ruger (or two).
 
LDB said:
I am in the studying/learning phase and will begin reloading in some months when I am sufficiently educated and prepped to do so. I'll be loading for the .32 family, SWL, H&R MAG AND 7 FED MAG plus .22 Hornet. Maybe something else eventually depending what and how much I shoot. I am leaning toward adding .38/.357 and a nice SS Ruger (or two).
Click to expand...
make sure you het hands on experience with an experienced person. that's how i learned 41 years ago. no family member ever reloaded before me so i learned from out veterinarian. him and his family were and still are avid hunters from sf, nm.
 
Top 'O Texas said:
Some have been (possibly on here) handloading for over 40 years, so what cartridges do you reload (pistol and or rifle)? For decades I only loaded 44 Mag, 264 Win Mag and 2 years after that was 270 Winchester (for my dad). Now I'm maybe on the excessive side of things with rifle and pistol combined total of 25 and counting (possibly 10-15 more too come). With an exorbitant amount of reloading components for possible decades worth I still find something new and interesting (not necessarily a newly released cartridge). I've found on other gun forums I don't even reload half the amount some do. What if any do you reload for?
Click to expand...
I've been reloading for a .458 Win Mag for over 40 yrs. Now I also load for a 300 Win Mag, 500 S&W Mag, 10mm and 40 S&W. Enough to keep me busy.
 
Started in ‘92. here is what I can remember that I load for.

5.56
9mm
45 acp
300 blk
7.62x39
6.5 Grendel
308
260 rem
6.5 CM
270 ICL
30-06
9.3x62
375 H&H
300 win mag
7 mag
45-70
458 win mag
450 Dakota
470 NE

Probably a few more I have forgotten about.
 
I began in ’76, back then I loaded 38spl, 357mag, 44mag and 45LC. In ’77 I started loading for 22-250 using a Lee Target loader with a leather mallet. I shot some surprisingly good .250 groups with that at 100. As I acquired more cartridges I bought a RCBS Rockchucker which I used until a few years ago when the ram got loose and I replaced it with a Rockchucker Supreme. I started using Wilson arbor dies over 20 years ago and still use them for my most accurate loads. My 308 shoots 5 shot groups in the .14 range which ain’t bad. I’m 72 now, still hunt and shoot pretty often but no one in my family hunts or shoots so I’m going to sell what I don’t want to keep. I say that but I recently built a 7-SAW and I’m pretty close to finishing load development for it. To answer the important question, I highly recommend finding an experienced mentor who doesn’t have any BS but follows established safe loading practices. You absolutely can’t be complacent or too careful when loading ammunition, take your time and no shortcuts.
 
Right now, .357 mag, .41 mag, .44 mag, .45 Colt, .25-06, and .280 Rem. The rifles don’t shoot ten times each per year, if that much. I can load 6.8 SPC and 10mm, but again, I don’t shoot them enough and I hate chasing brass from semi-autos. I have a place at home to shoot and although I keep the grass mowed short around it, those little cases can hide in plain sight ! I don’t load for my 9mms either, ammo is too cheap.
 
I have been loading since the late 70’s
I now only load for
9mm, 38/357, 223/556, 350 legend.
I will be loading for 6mmarc soon.
I shoot cast all my pistol bullets And for the 350.
I learned to cast bullets and powder coat about 5 years ago. 99% of my pistol shooting in with cast bullets. And I shoot a lot of them.
I tell people that at interested in reloading that reloading.
It make’s you a better shooter because.
1, you can build a load your gun likes
2, you are always shooting the same ammo.
3, when you buy a box of bullet (100) you.
You’re are loading. 5 boxs of rifle ammo or
2 boxs of pistol ammo.
Again your shooing the same ammo.
That in my opinion makes you a better shooter.
 
Been reloading for about 15 years 12ga, 20ga, .357, 38, 30-06, 303 British, .223, .45 acp. 45 long colt, 30 carbine 30-30, that's about it for now don't do as much any more play with my black powder rifles more now because I make my own black powder @ $6.00 a pound it's much cheaper to play with them lol
 
Raven said:
Started in 1988 on a single stage Hollywood press that my mentor gifted to me. Its been a fun journey. The list below is mostly complete as I recall.

Rifle:
223 Rem
5.56 Nato
223 WSSM
22-250
22-250AI
243 WSSM
243 Win
240 Weatherby
25-06
25-06AI
257 Weatherby
264 Win
26 Nosler
270 Win
280 Rem
280AI
7MM-08
7MM-08AI
7MM Rem Mag
308 Win
300WIN
30 Nosler
300 RUM
300 WSM
325 WSM
338 Win

Handgun:
380 Auto
38 Special
357 Magnum
9MM
40 S&W
10MM
41 Mag
44 Mag
Click to expand...
how many of those do you currently still load for or have the firearms for them?
 
I got started in the mid-1960's when Dad got me into helping (I was about 13 then) him convert 30/06 brass into 25/06--way before Remington commercialized the round. I've gone through acquiring and reloading for a lot of calibers over the years, trading out a lot since I couldn't afford to keep 'em all. .22 Hornet through 45/70 in long guns, .32 H&R to 480 Ruger in pistol calibers. I still have a few in the safe, but my current challenge is a pawn shop rescue Marlin model 62 in 256 Win Mag. That's a 357 mag necked down to take a .257 bullet.
 

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I just discovered Missouri Bullet Company. VERY helpful folks. Placed an order this morning after exchanging a couple of emails where they patiently and fully answered my new guy probably dumb questions. Got the confirmation email. Got an email saying my order had been shipped 16 minutes after the confirmation! My bullet source from now on. https://missouribullet.com/index.php
 
Around 25 years reloading. I've got something being loaded for and shot most weekends. Right now the 6BRA, 6.5PRC, and 6.8 SPC II have my attention.

Current calibers that I load for:
.20PPC
.20 Practical
.223 (bolt and AR)
.243
6BRA
6.5PRC
6.8 SPCII
.270
7mm Rem Mag
.300 BLK
.30 Carbine but not too often
.308
8.6 BLK
.338 Edge
45-70

I have a Dillon XL650 that I do some rifle brass prep on. Mostly .223. And I load for pistol on the Dillon.

I still occasionally load the following pistol cartridges

9mm
.357 Sig
.357 Magnum
.40 S&W
10mm (yes I know, .40 cal. Different case)
.45ACP

I can load shotgun but don't do that very often.
 
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I started loading in 1962, 16 ga and 30-06. Since then I can’t remember how many different calibers I have loaded for. I had a class 6 FFL for several years so accumulated lots of dies and equipment. I am now just loading for what I shoot myself:

Rifle

17 Rem
22 Hornet
218 Bee
222 Rem
223/5.56
25-20
30 Carbine
300 BO
308/7.62
30-06

Pistol

32-20
38 Special
38 Super
357 Mag
9mm
44-40
45 ACP

I used single stage presses till 1980 when I bought a Dillon 450. I now load everything on a pair of 550’s.
Guess I could say, “been there, done that” concerning reloading.
 
Michael Lloyd said:
Around 25 years reloading. I've got something being loaded for and shot most weekends. Right now the 6BRA, 6.5PRC, and 6.8 SPC II have my attention.

Current calibers that I load for:
.20PPC
.20 Practical
.223 (bolt and AR)
.243
6BRA
6.5PRC
6.8 SPCII
.270
7mm Rem Mag
.300 BLK
.30 Carbine but not too often
.308
8.6 BLK
.338 Edge
45-70

I have a Dillon XL650 that I do some rifle brass prep on. Mostly .223. And I load for pistol on the Dillon.

I still occasionally load the following pistol cartridges

9mm
.357 Sig
.357 Magnum
.40 S&W
10mm (yes I know, .40 cal. Different case)
.45ACP

I can load shotgun but don't do that very often.
Click to expand...
Kp321 said:
I started loading in 1962, 16 ga and 30-06. Since then I can’t remember how many different calibers I have loaded for. I had a class 6 FFL for several years so accumulated lots of dies and equipment. I am now just loading for what I shoot myself:

Rifle

17 Rem
22 Hornet
218 Bee
222 Rem
223/5.56
25-20
30 Carbine
300 BO
308/7.62
30-06

Pistol

32-20
38 Special
38 Super
357 Mag
9mm
44-40
45 ACP

I used single stage presses till 1980 when I bought a Dillon 450. I now load everything on a pair of 550’s.
Guess I could say, “been there, done that” concerning reloading.
Click to expand...
Both of you have a fair amount to reload. Nice having a wide range of calibers and cartridges.
 
Top 'O Texas said:
Both of you have a fair amount to reload. Nice having a wide range of calibers and cartridges.
Click to expand...
Speaking for myself, I enjoy reloading but it's shooting and finally finding that load that drills holes that winds my clock. My 6.5PRC got to .1MOA at 300. I'd like to improve on that. I think that's going to have to come from me (how I shoot).

Bullets have been the challenge for the 6.8SPC II. Specifically 175MKZ's. I'm starting to look for a reliable subsonic load. I found a super load that was 2100-ish fps. I don't like shooting it in the Ruger. It was born a 400 Legend and I converted it to 6.8. I don't think the bolt is strong enough for hot / heavy loads. Actually I know it's not but that's a story for another day. Maybe when I get the barrel in for the Remington 783 I'll see about testing 175gr supers again. It's hard on brass though, so maybe not.

The 6mm BRA is in the fireforming brass stage and I already got into single digit SD's in 30 rounds. It's going to be fun.
 
hivel37 said:
I’ve been at it for 65 years. Interrupted now by health and age. I have accumulated enough gear to outfit a nephew and a grandson. Saved a lot and spent a lot. 🤔
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Wow, 65 years is impressive! You’ve built quite the legacy.
 
Well I have a fairly short list and I was very active loading pistol and some rifle then got busy on an old 66 mustang. Over the last few years I got involved in F-Class competition. That is a rabbit hole that will test your skills and have you questioning yourself on every thing you do and every process detail 😵‍💫! I am lucky enough to shoot at a club where there are individuals that shoot in matches at National and world events and have won and placed in the top of these events! These guys and ladies are phenomenal and have put up with the deluge of questions I have asked. For that I am very thankful! But like all athletes discover there are many skill levels I’ve done ok but need more dedication. One thing I have learned is equipment Quality! A good consistent press an excellent repeatable scale, consistent powder, and Berger Bullets!
7mm SAUM😵‍💫
6.5 creedmoor 😵‍💫
6mm Alpha Dasher😵‍💫
223 Rem
45 auto
9mm
357
38
44 mag
Still need dies and want to do:
7.62 X 25
7.62x54
30-06
 
I just ordered a 1774 GP100 so next year when I eventually actually start loading it will be .32H&R, .327Fed Mag, .38Spl, .357 and .22Hornet. Mostly .32/.38 and Hornet with a small amount of .327/.357 now and then.
 
Yes. Rifles for accuracy with my chosen bullet, handguns for the same reason plus economy.

.280 Rem
25-06 Rem

.357 Magnum
.41 Magnum
.44 Magnum
.45 Colt
Possibly .454 Casull in the near future
 
My brother in law got me started out in 1979 loading for my brand new Ruger 357 mag. as I was shooting it every week.
That grew into loading for my 7 mag for elk hunting in Colorado - successfully I might add.
After a few years life got in the way and I stopped loading for about 18 years.

Then came the long range game around 2017! I came to it reluctantly, and really started loading & shooting LR just to keep up with a bunch of combat Marines that would rather shoot LR than hunt turkey on my place.

8 years later (and more money than I will admit) I can say I am an avid reloader.
My experience & opinions:
1. I have a factory 7 mag (the same one from the 70's) that I hand load for hunting that shoots 3/4" groups and I'm happy with that!
2. I have a factory Tika TX3 in 308 that shoots 0.325" groups with premium factory ammo - I can't improve on that so I purchase ammo.
3. I have a custom 6.5x284 Norma that will shoot 1/4" groups and first round hits on a 1 MOA target at 1200 yards - definitely hand loads.
4. I have a custom 308 "Tight Neck" gun that will shoot one hole groups at 100 yards if I do my part - I turn the necks and load very carefully!

All my other guns shoot factory rounds.
So - I reload when it suits my needs, or if I am trying to see just how good a gun will shoot.
It is fun, expensive and a time consuming hobby - but it is relaxing.
In reality, if all my guns shot like my Tika (#2 above) I probably would not handload!
 
Long time reloader. 36 years? Something like that. A lot has changed. I have too many calibers that you can't get ammo for at the store. And I occasionally run out to the long range (1,000 yards) and those rifles need hand loads. Besides that, I enjoy the process.

I'm a big fan of Inline Fabrications mounts. I can swap presses in a minute or two. Or replace a press with primer pocket swager, brass trimmer, inline press, just about anything in under a minute.

As of now, I have rifles for and can reload (1k after the caliber means I've hit the 26" x 26" steel plate repeatedly and on the first round. Don't compete.):

Edit - Forgot some I can and have loaded but don't load often.

Rifle
.20 PPC
.20 Practical
.223
.243
6mm
6 BRA
6.5 PRC (1k)
6.8 SPC
270 Win
7mm Rem Mag (Sendero) (1k)
30 Carbine
30-30
.308
8.6 BLK
.338 Edge (.300 RUM necked up to .338) (1k)
35 Whelen
.45-70

Pistol
9mm
.357 Magnum
.38
10mm
.40
.45 ACP
.45 Colt - I don't own a .45 Colt but I have the dies. No idea why :)
 
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bdubose said:
My brother in law got me started out in 1979 loading for my brand new Ruger 357 mag. as I was shooting it every week.
That grew into loading for my 7 mag for elk hunting in Colorado - successfully I might add.
After a few years life got in the way and I stopped loading for about 18 years.

Then came the long range game around 2017! I came to it reluctantly, and really started loading & shooting LR just to keep up with a bunch of combat Marines that would rather shoot LR than hunt turkey on my place.

8 years later (and more money than I will admit) I can say I am an avid reloader.
My experience & opinions:
1. I have a factory 7 mag (the same one from the 70's) that I hand load for hunting that shoots 3/4" groups and I'm happy with that!
2. I have a factory Tika TX3 in 308 that shoots 0.325" groups with premium factory ammo - I can't improve on that so I purchase ammo.
3. I have a custom 6.5x284 Norma that will shoot 1/4" groups and first round hits on a 1 MOA target at 1200 yards - definitely hand loads.
4. I have a custom 308 "Tight Neck" gun that will shoot one hole groups at 100 yards if I do my part - I turn the necks and load very carefully!

All my other guns shoot factory rounds.
So - I reload when it suits my needs, or if I am trying to see just how good a gun will shoot.
It is fun, expensive and a time consuming hobby - but it is relaxing.
In reality, if all my guns shot like my Tika (#2 above) I probably would not handload!
Click to expand...
Yes I have a Tika Tac A1 that is a tack driver as well it started off as a 6.5 Creedmoor but now wears a custom 6mm dasher alpha 1-1/4”x30” competition barrel…almost forgot try The Berger factory match ammo I believe it was 144grain shot awesome in the 6.5.
The Berger Match should be available in 308cal too..give that a try!
 

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