Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

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Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Kelix » 10 Sep 2013, 5:43 pm

Noob question here, I'm sure someone can educate me on this...

Reloading your own ammo is cheaper which is fine obviously, but why is it "better" exactly?

If you didn't shoot heaps to justify the cost of a reloading press and all the gear, are you missing out on anything just buying factory ammo instead?

A bullet is a bullet I suppose? I can't really see why one you go to the effort of loading yourself would be any better than a factory loaded one?
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Norton » 11 Sep 2013, 9:06 am

Kelix wrote:A bullet is a bullet I suppose? I can't really see why one you go to the effort of loading yourself would be any better than a factory loaded one?


Yes, a bullet is a bullet, but one load is not equal to another.

The limitation with factory ammo is that it is what it is, and if a particular factory load doesn't shoot accurately in your rifle then it's useless to you.

If the same load had a little more or less powder, or was seated differently it might shoot perfectly for you.

Reloading lets you fine tune these elements of a cartridge and powder load.
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Vati » 11 Sep 2013, 11:39 am

Kelix wrote:If you didn't shoot heaps to justify the cost of a reloading press and all the gear, are you missing out on anything just buying factory ammo instead?


The primary purpose for most people in reloading is fine tuning the most accurate load for their rifle. The cheaper ammunition cost is a side benefit.

If you only shoot a couple of times a year or whatever and there is factory ammo that works well for you, just shoot that.
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Lorgar » 11 Sep 2013, 2:33 pm

Vati wrote:The primary purpose for most people in reloading is fine tuning the most accurate load for their rifle.


That's it.

Hand loads are tunable, they aren't just universally "better", Kelix.

The wrong hand load for a rifle will shoot terrible.

I tried 185gr Bergers in my Hawkeye a while ago and was shooting 10" groups.

Went back to my regular Sierra Pro-hunter loads and was shooting 1" groups.

Put the same Berger loads through my mates Scout and was shooting 1.5" groups...

It's about finding the right load for the right rifle.
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Hercl » 12 Sep 2013, 12:26 pm

Lorgar wrote:I tried 185gr Bergers in my Hawkeye a while ago and was shooting 10" groups.


Man, really?

Bergers are usually so good.
What is this "too many rifles" you speak of?
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Hercl » 12 Sep 2013, 12:29 pm

Vati wrote:If you only shoot a couple of times a year or whatever and there is factory ammo that works well for you, just shoot that.


From a cost/accuracy point of view that's fair enough.

Reloading's a good hobby though IMO. Even if I didn't shoot much I reckon I'd still do it to keep myself busy.
What is this "too many rifles" you speak of?
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Igoe » 18 Sep 2013, 5:06 pm

As some have pointed out, every rifle has its own favourites.
In my 243, I can't really improve on factory ammo accuracy, but my 30-06 is significantly better with handloads.

Getting set up to reload has cost me more than I could save in a long time, probably, but I think it has been worth it.
I get nearly as much enjoyment out of reloading and experimenting with loads as I do from shooting.

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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Blackened » 18 Sep 2013, 9:03 pm

Igoe wrote:Getting set up to reload has cost me more than I could save in a long time, probably, but I think it has been worth it.


Shouldn't take that long to pay for itself if you're shooting 30-06?

About 300 rounds or something and you've broken even on the cost of buying your reloading kit?
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Re: Why exactly are hand loads "better" ?

Post by Blackened » 18 Sep 2013, 9:05 pm

Unless you've bought particularly fancy reloading gear I guess...

Something like the RCBS Rock Chucker or equivalent Lym/Hornady press etc. and you'd be ahead in 300-350 rounds for 30 cal.
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