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Is reloading a dying hobby?

During the Covid ammo panic/shortage, I decided that I would start buying reloading equipment and supplies when it became possible again. The current cost of reloading supplies doesn't make it cost effective compared to just buying bulk ammo for most common calibers. But I'm still buying supplies here and there when there is a sale. There will be another ammo panic again someday and it seems wise to not only stock up on bulk ammo now, but also at least have the ability to reload if needed.

Right now I see reloading as a hobby sort of like homebrewing beer. I've been doing that for nearly 30 years now. You're not saving money (especially when you count your labor/time) by homebrewing beer with a few exceptions (maybe barrel aged stuff, complex sours, imports you can't buy, etc). However, as a hobby, if you are doing it for the fun and art of it, and can make good quality beer that makes you happy, then why not. I have my own West Coast style IPA/DIPA recipe that I've dialed in to my own personal tastes. So I have that on tap all the time. Is it cheaper than just buying a beer? Not really, but I enjoy the process plus I can't find this beer anywhere else. So it's worth it to me but probably not to others.
 
I have dies and few bullet molds and some brass stashed away for 9mm in case it’s tough to buy on the shelf but still tend to buy factory 9mm for what little of it I shoot.

For .38/.357… I exclusively handload and cast my own bullets. A box of full house .357 has got to be $0.50-0.75 a shot these days so I think there’s a fair bit of savings to be had… and I can load them as warm or cool as I want. I also can load itty bitty 105 gr SWCs for bunny fart .38s for the kiddos so they can still ring steel with something bigger than a .22 w/similar recoil.

I do feel like I’m an anomaly though. I know a few reloaders in my area that are a similar age (40s). I don’t know of anyone else who casts bullets.
 
I am late to this party, this thread, but not late to reloading.
I have enjoyed reloading for decades. I've loaded for most everything I've had or have now.
I have always liked it to relax.

I've loaded with my Dad, my kids, grandkids , nephews , SIL,FIL,BIL.
We like to target practice, hunt and even some compete. I started with Dad loading shotshells with Lee handloaders and MEC loaders. We shot a lot of skeet and trap. We loaded for hunting too.
Very satisfying to shoot 25 straight or to put meat on the table with your loads.

I don't do near as much now days but I still do it. I am still disgusted with Alliant for abandoning the civilian market. Yeah,yeah I know ,it's business. I don't care. I was a customer and frequent buyer/user for DECADES! Corporate, shareholder no good greedy bastages.
Well I am going to read the rest of this thread and plan my next run.
Keep loading and pass it on.
 
Gone are the days of the bench rest reloaders with their book readings and a pipe between shots.
They are all buried next to the black powder shooters. It is all about blasting now. Blasting is where its at.
One gun
Two gun
Three gun
Ready, set, beep blast.

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