Considering reloading - worth it?

[Horsehat]

North West GA - FS/FT Complete Dillon and RCBS metallic cartridge reloading set up.

Item Name: FS/FT Complete Dillon and RCBS metallic cartridge reloading set up. Location: North of Rome Zip Code: 30747 Item is for: Sale or Trade Sale Price: $800 Trade Value or Items Looking For: Silver Willing to Ship: No Bill of Sale Required?: No Item Description: After 51 years of...

www.theoutdoorstrader.com

A little self serving but here it is.

 

[Allsmiles]

I've been reloading a couple of years and got into it due to not being able to get ammo for a reasonable price (if available). Some things to consider that you may not have thought of.
1. You will need a strong table setup. A lot of torque gets applied reloading.
2. You need a dedicated space to reload without distractions.
3. You need a place to store all the components. There is more than just the primers, casings, powders, and projectiles. manuals, dies, press parts, and tools also need to be considered.
4. You will need a place to store finished loads (trust me, you will load a bunch once you get started).

Buddy and I shoot a lot of 9mm and 38spl. Being able to load either to our desired power levels is worth it for me. Think subsonic 124gr 9mm (great in suppressed guns) and 38spl at Daisy BB gun speeds to shooting paper or plates. For myself, I can make rounds for about .17 each. This includes 9mm, 38/357, and 45acp. I just got dies to do 45LC for the same price for my buddy. There is a level of enjoyment and accomplishment in making your own ammo. Just know that the first mag you shoot will be the scariest until you believe in your abilities. Also, expect some hiccups along the way. If you are going to get into it, buy extra little parts as you will break some along the way.

 

[Lightning8]

6 & 6.5 Creedmoor Load Data – What The Pros Use

This past year I asked the 173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country about the ...

precisionrifleblog.com

Article - may be dated - on PRS and 65 Creedmoor.

If you know anyone that competes in PRS, they probably have some extra Hornady 65CM brass they will give you. Hornady 6CM and 65CM brass left on ground at most PRS events from new shooters using factory ammo.

I would start with Hornady 140ELDMs, Hornady brass (or other 65CM brass range pickup), any large rifle primer, and H4350 (or Winchester Staball 65). Use that combination to learn reloading techniques, get started. Hornady new Aeromatch 140s or Barnes Matchburner 140s also good starting projectiles.

Then, I would move to Berger 140 Hybrids, Alpha or Lapua brass (small or large primers - your choice), and H4350.

I would not go down the 153+ grain projectiles while you are starting.

I am an active PRS competitor (mid-pack!) and happy to answer questions by PM, etc.

I am not a turret press fan - I would get a quality single stage press like the RCBS Rebel or one of its competitors. DO not go crazy on dies - Lee 65CM dies are just fine. I run other dies on my Dasher etc. but still use my original Lee dies on 65CM and 260.

 

[Lightning8]

How Do The Best Shooters Reload? What The Pros Use

This is part of a series of posts that highlight the gear the 200 top-ranked shooters in the Precis...

precisionrifleblog.com

Interesting article on how the PRS pros reload. Not as much black magic as internet would have you believe.

I buy supplies in bulk to get better pricing and reduce bite of hazmat. Blue Collar Reloading in NC great resource. Eurooptic for projectiles. Brunos. Precision Reloading. Local gun stores often have primers and powders to get started.

 

[Lightning8]

Riverbend Gun Club was running a monthly "outlaw" PRS like event with Luke Crawford. That would be great opportunity to meet PRS competitors and see where Atlanta area competitors are getting supplies.

I am in middle Georgia now!

 

[Kevin1]

Been stated earlier but if you have never reloaded that 750 has a lot going on all at the same time. I started with a single stage and still use it the majority of the time but I load for accuracy.
If I am making what I call “blasting ammo” the Dillon 650 is used. Good ammo I just know it’s not designed to produce identical charges of powder every throw. Meaning 1/10 grain or less variance.
Start with a reloading manual or two read those and find a local “tutor” to guide you on how to and more importantly what not to do!

 

[joel2000]

Started hand loading in 75’ for 38, 357, .06, and .308. Loaded everything I shot till 2015. Took the Rock Chucker down when we moved and never put it back to work. It’s all stored if it’s ever needed but I choose to buy over build now.

 

[basstracker89]

All I've used is RCBS dies. No complaints at all. You have any problem at all, they'll make it good pronto. Also for pistols, use carbide dies. You'll thank me. I use the RCBS scale as well. Just mechanical. Always works when you're ready. For those mistakes, get a bullet puller. And you'll need a lube pad for rifle. Except for the press, everything else is RCBS. Sometimes you can find a deal on this stuff used. As long as it's taken care of, you'll likely never wear it out

 

[StefanB]

Truly grateful for everyone's input and guidance. The ODT crew is awesome. Noted single stage is where I'm going to start and yes 6.5CM I shouldn't have said easiest. Perhaps I'll just learn the basics on some 9mm to gain my confidence. Definitely don't want to make any bombs.
For those that asked, I'm located in NW Atlanta and do all my gunsmithing at GA Firing Line. Heading up to Riverbend Gun Club to watch and meet folks seems a great idea! Thanks all!

 

[TrueGrit]

Get the tools and learn how to measure case length and col. Reloading for pistol and high volume shooting where precision moa isn't needed, I'd rather buy the ammo. Precision and speciality ammo you'll save money reloading and can make what you want. I don't reload because I like it or it's fun. I reload because I like to shoot. Shooting matches are won on the loading bench.