Starting Reloading from the Pros

[ChasingSqwach]

I could never justify just going out shooting before I started reloading. There is upfront cost to reloading but after that the cost is pretty minimal - maybe 40 cents per round or so.

Now that I reload I end up shooting way more.

 

[huntsd]

don’t do it to save money because you won’t. Do it to improve your rifles performance! And honestly it’s a very addictive/ fun rabbit hole! Bonus it forces you to get out and shoot more!

 

[TaperPin]

Some of us also make up a light weight inexpensive portable range setup so we can make up additional rounds of those that seem promising, or testing how many reloads a case can handle before case failure. With anything in this sport, some go all out with range kits. This same portable outfit can be a good entry level setup that will always get used even if you replace everything with better stuff for the home.



Heck this used partner press kit with 270 dies is like new and right at $200 shipped. This light weight press mounted to a board is perfect for range or medium duty home use.



Good presses that don’t get a lot of respect today are older C-frame presses. Pacific brand was purchased by Hornady to get them into the reloading tool business and I pick these up when one comes along for $35 to give out to future reloaders in the family. For some detail oriented kids, their very own press (to be used only when carefully supervised) can be an exciting addition to their first centerfire rifle. Adding parts to their reloading kit can be spread over many gift giving holidays. If 10 rounds with a kid takes an entire hour, it’s time shared together learning a new skill and lifelong hobby. Even before the age of video games and movies on demand that was a win. It’s also an important part of our shooting heritage that should be taught and passed down if kids are interested.

 

[SDHNTR]

Factory ammo is not a solution to me, regardless of how readily available it is. I don’t want to have to buy my ammo by the case. And that’s the only way to do it these days if you expect to shoot factory ammo with any sort of precision. With lot changes, I don’t want to have to re-zero or re-dope every time I shoot through a few boxes. Reloading is the only practical way to ensure consistency, unless you want to spend 4 digits on ammo up front.

And BTW OP, the .300 wm and 6.5 cm are cartridges. Not calibers. Those calibers are .308 and .264.

 

[flyfisher117]

If you have free time and free money then Yes it worth it. If you don’t then it may not make sense.

Some of my ammo costs significantly less than comparable factory. Some of it is a break even. All of it is vastly more consistent than factory. I have fairly basic equipment at this point.

 

[Ballcap]

I’ve been reloading for 40 years and love it. If you want precision it’s the only way in my opinion. Every chamber is different, factory ammo is consistent but rarely “right” for your chamber. Start with a single stage press and regular dies. Spend extra on calipers and headspace measuring tools. Your groups will shrink significantly. If they aren’t small enough there are multiple reloading rabbit holes to go down to shrink them more. Basic gear will let you get all the accuracy a factory rifle can give.

 

[WMDM]

Starting reloading was the worst decision I've made in a long time. Hate to think about the money and time I've wasted. In a nutshell, I found it to be an ultra frustrating, never ending rabbit hole. Giant time suck. Big learning curve in a market plagued with junk products. Most every reloader I have personally spoke to talked a big game but never backed it up. Unless you have limitless time and endless budget or simply aren't after precision, I would not start.