To reload or not to reload

Semi automatic and single shot handguns, revolvers and other pistols

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by TassieTiger » 19 Jun 2019, 3:03 am

Not many ppl have access to their own range within minutes.

So therefore - reloading is probably not impeding on any real shooting time. It’s done when it can be done or when the need for some cathartic time alone in the shed.

Working up a load to work in a particular firearm, is a personal excuse to do more shooting and you know - that once you have that load developed - your worst reload will be better (more consistent) than the best factory ammo.


And tbh I enjoy having the control of the process - if I shoot an animal, it is definitely more personal if you utilise a “roll your own”. I’m very glad I started reloading - it can get a bit deep, but it doesn’t have too...that’s a choice as well.
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by mickb » 19 Jun 2019, 10:31 am

I need to reload to get the options I want. Loaded ammo choice sucks compared to the US, as does costs of every everything in backwards-ripoffville, I mean North QLD :D
mickb
Warrant Officer C2
Warrant Officer C2
 
Posts: 1097
Other

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by wanneroo » 19 Jun 2019, 2:48 pm

TassieTiger wrote:Not many ppl have access to their own range within minutes.

So therefore - reloading is probably not impeding on any real shooting time. It’s done when it can be done or when the need for some cathartic time alone in the shed.

Working up a load to work in a particular firearm, is a personal excuse to do more shooting and you know - that once you have that load developed - your worst reload will be better (more consistent) than the best factory ammo.


And tbh I enjoy having the control of the process - if I shoot an animal, it is definitely more personal if you utilise a “roll your own”. I’m very glad I started reloading - it can get a bit deep, but it doesn’t have too...that’s a choice as well.


Reloading is great for days when the weather is crap. I'm usually not reloading when the weather is good.
wanneroo
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1412
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by TassieTiger » 19 Jun 2019, 3:40 pm

Correct - no one would say for sure but you build up some stock...for rainy days lol
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by FNQ » 19 Jun 2019, 6:38 pm

Now that’s interesting..

I was part of a discussion at the rifle club last week & it was about reloading when it’s raining (wet season) the general agreement was don’t due to humidity in FNQ and could upset the powder.
Gamo CF.177, Savage A.22ss, JW15A, Savage 42 .22/.410, Stirlng .22MAG, Howa .223 stainless, Remington 770 .308, Savage AXIS .30-06, #4 MK1 .303, #4 MK2 .303,#5 .303, Akkar Churchill O/U 12ga, Chippa lever 12ga.

GSM 1911 .22, Glock 17A 9mm, Glock 34 9mm
FNQ
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 105
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Kelsey Cooter » 20 Jun 2019, 6:59 am

FNQ wrote:Now that’s interesting..

I was part of a discussion at the rifle club last week & it was about reloading when it’s raining (wet season) the general agreement was don’t due to humidity in FNQ and could upset the powder.


It makes sense to me that the humidity could make a difference, so I just load pistol cartridges when the weather is bad
Kelsey Cooter
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 408
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Kelsey Cooter » 20 Jun 2019, 7:08 am

I think the main reason to get into reloading is if your a hands on, do it yourself sort of person. I've only gotten into it in the last 3 years but in that 3 years I've pretty much become obsessed with it. I started so I could load 80gr projectiles for my wifes ruger precision 223. Now I'm loading 3 rifle calibers and 6 pistol calibers all on my single stage press
Kelsey Cooter
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 408
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 20 Jun 2019, 8:27 am

Are the muscles on one of your arm slightly more developed than the other?

I am right handed and usually use my left hand... cuz of that reason
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by wanneroo » 20 Jun 2019, 9:39 am

FNQ wrote:Now that’s interesting..

I was part of a discussion at the rifle club last week & it was about reloading when it’s raining (wet season) the general agreement was don’t due to humidity in FNQ and could upset the powder.


My powder goes from sealed container to sealed hopper then gets dropped one at a time, bullet is immediately seated. Never had an issue living in a humid environment. I load in a non climate controlled "barn" that does have insulation now, heat I can turn on in the winter to raise the indoor temp above freezing and now has a dehumidfier I installed to keep humidity down when I am not there(water runs out via a tube to the outside), temperatures can range from -35C to 40C outside. But yes a lot of time I am loading with the barn door open, rain outside or humidity is high.

I think yes if you let powder sit around in the elements it's probably not good which is why I do not and would not humid or not humid.
wanneroo
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1412
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by mickb » 20 Jun 2019, 7:19 pm

wanneroo wrote:
FNQ wrote:Now that’s interesting..

I was part of a discussion at the rifle club last week & it was about reloading when it’s raining (wet season) the general agreement was don’t due to humidity in FNQ and could upset the powder.


My powder goes from sealed container to sealed hopper then gets dropped one at a time, bullet is immediately seated. Never had an issue living in a humid environment. I load in a non climate controlled "barn" that does have insulation now, heat I can turn on in the winter to raise the indoor temp above freezing and now has a dehumidfier I installed to keep humidity down when I am not there(water runs out via a tube to the outside), temperatures can range from -35C to 40C outside. But yes a lot of time I am loading with the barn door open, rain outside or humidity is high.

I think yes if you let powder sit around in the elements it's probably not good which is why I do not and would not humid or not humid.


If FNQ is in the same region of FNQ as me, you probably don't have the same humidity we do. :D
mickb
Warrant Officer C2
Warrant Officer C2
 
Posts: 1097
Other

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by vmaxaust » 22 Jun 2019, 8:25 pm

Buy bulk and spend your time shooting not reloading is my personal opinion.[/quote]


This is good advice for the very casual shooter. If you shoot lots or intend to, you may decide to rethink your decision. I use at least 200-300 9mm rounds a week.

I have one Hornady progressive press set up for 9mm with case feeder and bullet feeder. Even taking my time I load at least 500 rounds an hour including loading powder drop and setting drop weight, although I deprime on a custom machine set up to deprime cases. I then clean cases and size them in readiness for loading. So basically my 9mm press fits primer, flares case, drops powder, drops bullet, seats bullet, taper crimps. Each step on a separate station and the process is very, very fast and precise.

The real advantage is doing different loads for different guns, for different applications and even for individual shooters. Basically you can zero in on what works best for you, your gun and the different types of competitions you may do.

But as he said, if all you want to do is shoot and not all that often, just buy the factory ammo and send me your empty cases.

Sam
vmaxaust
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 116
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 22 Jun 2019, 10:55 pm

What's a good powder thrower that ppl recommend. My Lee it's generally plus minus 0.2gr...my OCD doesn't like that and I wanna look at options
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by bladeracer » 23 Jun 2019, 10:52 am

Ziad wrote:What's a good powder thrower that ppl recommend. My Lee it's generally plus minus 0.2gr...my OCD doesn't like that and I wanna look at options


I would recommend the Lee, it's more than accurate enough, but it helps if you use a consistent technique and keep the hopper topped up.
Practice Strict Gun Control - Precision Counts!
User avatar
bladeracer
Field Marshal
Field Marshal
 
Posts: 12655
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Oldbloke » 25 Jun 2019, 7:54 pm

bladeracer wrote:I would recommend the Lee, it's more than accurate enough, but it helps if you use a consistent technique and keep the hopper topped up.


I have one and seems ok. Most recommend them over others they have tried.

You can always weigh each load you throw.
The greatest invention in the history of man is beer.
https://youtu.be/2v3QrUvYj-Y
Member. SFFP, Shooters Union.
SSAA, the powerful gun lobby. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Hunt safe.
User avatar
Oldbloke
Field Marshal
Field Marshal
 
Posts: 11192
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by TassieTiger » 25 Jun 2019, 9:51 pm

A friend of mine imported an insanely expensive thrower - can’t recall name but it was about $650US and when he tried to show off to me how accurate it was, it simply wouldn’t retain any consistency within a couple gns. He had a cheap hornady next to it that seemed to work just as well...
Personally, I measure each load but I’ve been tempted to buy a thrower for speed of use but my OCD is always asking “is that more powder in the case than last one?” “It is, isn’t it...?” “Go on, you know you want to empty it and measure it...do it!!!’ Ahhhh Fark it!!!!!
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by wrenchman » 25 Jun 2019, 11:41 pm

i have a cheep lee it woork great i also check it about ever 10 rounds.
i have rcbs and lee stuff some guys dont like lee stuff but i have used them for years.
wrenchman
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1345
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 26 Jun 2019, 6:42 am

Ok thanks... looks like Lee it is... bloody easy to throw... but I'll keep checking every load
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Oldbloke » 26 Jun 2019, 8:19 pm

Ziad wrote:Ok thanks... looks like Lee it is... bloody easy to throw... but I'll keep checking every load


I just throw a bit low and trickle up.
The greatest invention in the history of man is beer.
https://youtu.be/2v3QrUvYj-Y
Member. SFFP, Shooters Union.
SSAA, the powerful gun lobby. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Hunt safe.
User avatar
Oldbloke
Field Marshal
Field Marshal
 
Posts: 11192
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by gunnnie » 27 Jun 2019, 8:32 pm

I virtually weigh every charge individually up till recently. I picked up a 2nd hand Dillon Square Deal for 9mm & will the increase in volume of 9mm ammo consumed to date, it would be ludicruous to weigh every charge. So I run a moderate charge of 3.5gn of Red Dot behind a Demon Projectiles .356" 135gn conical. If the Dillon powder unit throws a touch high it isn't too much of an issue. Actually, I've found that it is fairl consistent with Red Dot.

I've also increased the amount of 357Mag ammo used, so I bought one of those Lyman Brass Smith throwers. It too is very consistent with the AP100 load I use.

As for my rifles though, all loads are individually weighed on a set of beam scales. Once I get my finger out & buy a Magnetospeed chrono, I'll be able to see what degree of velocity consistency individually weighed charges gives.
gunnnie
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 289
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Kelsey Cooter » 28 Jun 2019, 7:06 am

Oldbloke wrote:
Ziad wrote:Ok thanks... looks like Lee it is... bloody easy to throw... but I'll keep checking every load


I just throw a bit low and trickle up.


Me too, mine is an old hand-me-down simplex thrower. For pistol I just throw them but for my rifle (hunting) loads I do the same
Kelsey Cooter
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 408
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by zhuk » 14 Aug 2019, 12:17 am

junjun wrote:I shoot IPSC. I can easily shoot 1000 a month. Thinking to join another club allows me 247 access and shoot on my own. When that happens I will be shooting up to 1000 a week. It costs me about 20 cents reload. Compare to 50 cents factory. Reload is $200 weekly, factory is $500 weekly. The saving is there. Another factor to consider is more IPSC shooter reload because we can have less power factor compare to factory, means less recoil, more control.



Listen to this guy...you're only just getting into centrefires, yes you might start in service pistol but be warned...you might easiy be drawn over to the Dark Side, and IPSC. Once you realise its the most fun you can have with your pants on :mrgreen:

Just DON'T get a Lee Pro 1000 lol
zhuk
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 182
New South Wales

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 14 Aug 2019, 4:14 am

I gotta ask why....lol... no I a.m not shopping why not dillion
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by zhuk » 14 Aug 2019, 10:15 am

Ziad wrote:I gotta ask why....lol... no I a.m not shopping why not dillion


Dillon is the go to for progressive presses (plus free lifetime warranty on parts can't hurt lol)

Lee make great dies (which are an excellent choice to use in the 650) and their single stages/turret presses are fine. The 1000 progressive, not so much they have a rep for being a bitch to get working properly.
zhuk
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 182
New South Wales

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Jack Ryan » 06 Oct 2019, 2:18 pm

Get a mold and pour your own lead bullets. I'm shooting those for about 10 cents a shot or less.
Free men own guns. Slaves don't.
User avatar
Jack Ryan
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 4
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by gunnnie » 08 Oct 2019, 9:40 pm

In the process of doing just this.
gunnnie
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 289
Queensland

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by wrenchman » 09 Oct 2019, 6:52 am

i had to order some dies for 45/70 no one is stocking it we are looking at a mold for casting
wrenchman
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1345
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Bugman » 11 Oct 2019, 3:35 pm

I reload ALL my own center fire pistol and rifle ammo. For me I have the economic factor under my control as well as the loads that suit each type of shooting. It is up to you.
User avatar
Bugman
Warrant Officer C2
Warrant Officer C2
 
Posts: 1071
New South Wales

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by Tubs » 14 Oct 2019, 8:27 pm

Huge responses, thanks all. I bought a second hand square deal from some guys at my club, and went halves with a mate. Shot 125 grain proj/3.5 grain powder loads using a mates 1911 Springfield custom and was hitting a lot of bullseyes at 25. A lot less recoil than factory and therefore a lot more fun (and accurate!).
Tubs
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 306
New South Wales

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by wanneroo » 15 Oct 2019, 12:34 am

Tubs wrote:Huge responses, thanks all. I bought a second hand square deal from some guys at my club, and went halves with a mate. Shot 125 grain proj/3.5 grain powder loads using a mates 1911 Springfield custom and was hitting a lot of bullseyes at 25. A lot less recoil than factory and therefore a lot more fun (and accurate!).


That's the nice thing about reloading is you can tune your ammunition to suit the gun and what you want to do with it. I make several different 9mm loads for different purposes and competitions.
wanneroo
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1412
United States of America

Re: To reload or not to reload

Post by gunnnie » 15 Oct 2019, 11:00 am

That is one primary point for me, controlling the ammo to suit my firearm.
It's also quite economical for me regards 9mm. The cheapest bulk 9mm ammo I can buy at present it's $325/1000. That's 32.5c per round whereas I can reload for my Glock at 16c a shot. I don't factor in brass a as I'm re-using my brass.
gunnnie
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 289
Queensland

Next

Back to top
 
Return to Pistols - Semi-automatic handguns and revolvers