 Reload vs Factory
#32958
08/12/2008 8:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
gene r
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I;ve been hunting for over 25 years, and handgun hunting about 2. But never reloaded, so when I started hand gun hunting I as everone started asking about ammo, factory ammo too weak Buffalo Bore too much recoil. Well I was on the forum (Greybeard Outdoors) and was asking about ammo and the opinions were all over the place. One guy kinda ticked me off by saying then stop asking and just reload.
Well thats when I decided to look in to reloading, and let me tell you how glad I am that I did. For me, my wife and two boys I was spending $800 - $1500 a year on just ammo (not counting .22's and shotgun shells..and it was ammo that I had some form of complaint about.
I spent around $300 for a Hornady reloading kit and about $150 for powder brass, primers, bullets, and a good reloading manual. So for $450 bucks or so I was reloading my own and had enough 45 LC supplies to reload about 500 rounds. To buy those 500 rounds of quality HUNTING AMMO like Buffalo Bore would cost about $725.
So I saved over a hundred bucks for 500 rounds, and the next 500 was even cheaper, I already had the equipment and brass, so all I had to buy was bullets and powder.
The second 500 rounds cost about $165, since I've added 44mag (for my son) and will add in the future 30-06,243,22 Hornet, 7mmMag, 270,30-30,300wm,223, and on and on.
Now I watch very little tv, and have a whole bunch more fun getting ready for hunting season or target practice.
And I almost never have a complaint about myself, don't need to!! My wife has plenty for both of us....
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 Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#32965
08/12/2008 9:58 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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I have been rifle and bow hunting for 19 years and handgun hunting for 5. I too have been strongly considering reloading. I just recently began reloading my 44 mags with my friend Dave, who has all the equipment and has offered to help me. I am in the process of trying to find affordable (to my standards of affordability of course) reloading equipment and have been considering the Lee Challenger Anniversary set. Any opinions or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#32967
08/12/2008 10:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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You also have the benefit of a load that is "tuned" to your gun. I have never found a factory load that will group as well as a handload when you find a bullet, powder charge, etc that a gun likes.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#32970
08/12/2008 10:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: pab1]
#32971
08/12/2008 10:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
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I have been using Lee for 15 years or so and have never had a problem with it. I started with the Ann. kit and have never looked back. I had RCBS for awhile and I like the Lee better. But it's just a matter of choice. But getting started cheaply you can't go wrong with the Lee Kit.
SBH Hunter 44mag
Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org
If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper
<><
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: rupe]
#32983
08/12/2008 10:42 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 7,331 |
I have been reloading as long as I have been shooting. My Dad made me load all my shells with his supervision. I have never regretted it. Yes I have a lot in loading supplies and equipment, but I would have more in just factory ammo. And as mention already, I have spent a lot of time finding components that my barrels like. I don’t see a down side to that, all it really means is that I spend more time at the range. I like that.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin 
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 Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#32989
08/12/2008 11:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger
Distinguished Expert
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Reloading is a great way to spend time at something I really enjoy and save money.
Besides I have to reload for 4 of my revolver, 2 encore barrels, and 2 bolt guns. Either the round is obsolete and no factory ammo is availabe or it's a wildcat. 
NRA Life Member
** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: Tigger]
#32992
08/13/2008 12:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
gene r
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newbie
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The Lee kit looks like a good as well, the only reason I chose the Hornady is the bushings. Set up your dies and forget it unless you change bullet types. Others require resetting them each time.
Nothing beats HAND-MADE..............your time, your gun, and YOUR ammo.................
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#32998
08/13/2008 1:18 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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Pab1, please resend, I never got it.
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33004
08/13/2008 2:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: s4s4u]
#33011
08/13/2008 4:14 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
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Sorry gene r, looks like I hijacked your thread, gettin some good info though, thanks guys, keep the info and advice coming. My wife says I have too many "toys". I tend to think that I don't have enough! Problem is, every "toy" needs accessories. Don't have enough of those either!
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33022
08/13/2008 11:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813 |
I just got the LEE Turret press kit with the auto index. It is very nice for the money! Have no complaints about it. If you love to shoot, you'll love to reload!
Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: Jeremy]
#33042
08/13/2008 7:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
gene r
OP
newbie
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OP
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As long as one provides for his family, then there is no such thing as too many toys.
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#33048
08/13/2008 8:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
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You can't take toys with you, so you might as well try to wear them out now. The only way to shoot alot is to reload unless you are rolling in the green stuff.
SBH Hunter 44mag
Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org
If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper
<><
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: rupe]
#33052
08/13/2008 9:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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I have some Lee dies and they work fine. I retrofitted them with some locking rings and put fingernail polish on the other treads and nothing moves. If you are buying new dies, I would go with RCBS. I got my Lee dies from a good friend at a nice price.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: TCTex.]
#33098
08/14/2008 5:45 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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Will let you all know what I end up with.
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33102
08/14/2008 6:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 662
Larry in SD
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I have been loading all my own Rifle and Handgun Ammo since 1978. To me it is a get away. When I sneak into the basement (there's no phone down there) I am in a world of my own, away from all the problems at work etc.
I, like a lot of people started Handloading as a way to save money, which actually turned into shooting more for the same amount of money spent. Then I started realizing that my loads, taylored to my guns shot a lot better than what I had previously been buying off the shelf, and the never ending quest for the best load started. What started out as a economic decision turned into a great hobby.
Currently the only factory ammo I shoot is what I use for work and the practice ammo that the city buys me. That's OK with me as it is kind of a never ending supply of brass.
When I started hunting with Speciality Pistols in 1982 it was a handload proposition as one of the Pistols I purchased was chambered for a wildcat cartridge, with not only no factory ammo available but no formed brass either.
The rest they say is history. I doubt I will ever quit handloading.
Larry
T/C Handguns, One good shot for your moment of truth !
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: Larry in SD]
#33130
08/14/2008 4:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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Larry, I may have a similar story in my future.
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33131
08/14/2008 4:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 662
Larry in SD
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Be careful. Once you start shooting your own handloads you'll find yourself shooting up ammo just so you can reload it again.
Larry
T/C Handguns, One good shot for your moment of truth !
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: Larry in SD]
#33136
08/14/2008 5:15 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
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Reload to shoot, shoot to reload, reload to shoot, shoot to reload. It never ends. How do you find time to do anything else?
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33144
08/14/2008 6:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
Distinguished Master
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Reload to shoot, shoot to reload, reload to shoot, shoot to reload. It never ends. How do you find time to do anything else? Get a Dillon XL-650 with auto case feeder for your straight-walled cases and you can turn out 500 or so rounds per hour 
Ernie the Un-Tactical 
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: dertiedawg]
#33147
08/14/2008 6:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
bisleyfan44
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Reload to shoot, shoot to reload, reload to shoot, shoot to reload. It never ends. Now that's the life!
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: bisleyfan44]
#33156
08/14/2008 8:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
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Its addictive!I just started reloading in the last 2 months and have ran about 300 rounds through my press.And it is a relaxing thing for me,and it will make you proud when your handload out shoots what you have shot before.Then you'll want to try this powder against that powder and this bullet versus that and before you know it your hooked.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: cottonstalk]
#33175
08/14/2008 10:40 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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Then you'll want to try this powder against that powder and this bullet versus that and before you know it your hooked. I'm already hooked and I don't have my own reloading equipment yet. My buddy Dave is gonna get tired of me showing up at his house to reload. But then again, thats what friends are for!
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: pab1]
#33181
08/14/2008 11:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
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Lee makes great reloading equipment.Their factory crimp dies for
those big bore heavy loads are fantastic....Today..if you shoot alot...reloading is the way to go. Good luck, James
Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#33187
08/15/2008 1:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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I'll second the recommendation for Lee Factory Dies!
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: pab1]
#33196
08/15/2008 2:12 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
veteran
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SBH Hunter 44mag
Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org
If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper
<><
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: rupe]
#33232
08/15/2008 4:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
gene r
OP
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Having friends to reload-shoot-hunt with is part of what makes this so much fun.
Where I live is kinda far, so my reloading-shooting and hunting partners are my 2 boys(when not chasing girls) and my wife. My wife likes to still hunt but she's not interested in reloading.
Now you want to talk about expensive!
Girl Chasing vs Guns-Reloading-Hunting??????
I guess that called LIFE! I get jellious though, the boys don't spend as much time with me any more as they used to, and I don't get to chase girls either!! It's not fair............
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#33235
08/15/2008 4:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 662
Larry in SD
addict
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Don't you just hate that when that happens. My wife won't let me chase girls either. Life is so cruel.
Oh well I still have my handloading hobby, so that keeps me occupied.
Larry
T/C Handguns, One good shot for your moment of truth !
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: Larry in SD]
#33252
08/15/2008 6:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
veteran
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veteran
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Ya I think most of our wives would get a little upset if we could add chasing girls to our hobbie list. I know I would have my reloading press stuffed somewhere I wouldn't be able to use it anymore. LOL
SBH Hunter 44mag
Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org
If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper
<><
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Re: Reload vs Factory
[Re: gene r]
#33668
08/20/2008 4:18 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 35
RANGER RICK
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 35 |
I;ve been hunting for over 25 years, and handgun hunting about 2. But never reloaded, so when I started hand gun hunting I as everone started asking about ammo, factory ammo too weak Buffalo Bore too much recoil. Well I was on the forum (Greybeard Outdoors) and was asking about ammo and the opinions were all over the place. One guy kinda ticked me off by saying then stop asking and just reload.
Well thats when I decided to look in to reloading, and let me tell you how glad I am that I did. For me, my wife and two boys I was spending $800 - $1500 a year on just ammo (not counting .22's and shotgun shells..and it was ammo that I had some form of complaint about.
I spent around $300 for a Hornady reloading kit and about $150 for powder brass, primers, bullets, and a good reloading manual. So for $450 bucks or so I was reloading my own and had enough 45 LC supplies to reload about 500 rounds. To buy those 500 rounds of quality HUNTING AMMO like Buffalo Bore would cost about $725.
So I saved over a hundred bucks for 500 rounds, and the next 500 was even cheaper, I already had the equipment and brass, so all I had to buy was bullets and powder.
The second 500 rounds cost about $165, since I've added 44mag (for my son) and will add in the future 30-06,243,22 Hornet, 7mmMag, 270,30-30,300wm,223, and on and on.
Now I watch very little tv, and have a whole bunch more fun getting ready for hunting season or target practice.
And I almost never have a complaint about myself, don't need to!! My wife has plenty for both of us.... gene r Now that you have the reloading part down and your costs are also down now it is time to start casting your own bullets !!!!! and cut the costs even more , well it sounds good anyway . It is nice to be able to roll your own ... RR
Home of the 500 Magnum Tyrannosaurus Thumpers .
Perfect practice makes perfect
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