Why & what do you handload?

[Wolfshead]

I didn't easily find the answer to my question via internet search. Are you allowed to buy cases of ammo out of state and return home with it?

I believe no is the answer.
Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t have to worry about that just yet.
I’m worried right now that they’re going to do the same with components…..
The Governor of NY is a POS tyrant and hopefully is no longer the governor after the next election.
One party rule is never a good thing, and that’s what we have here.

 

[shrapnel]

Economy mostly. I couldn’t afford to buy factory ammo at the rate I like to shoot…

 

[np307]

I started reloading because it was legal for me to buy a handgun from a private party at 18 but not legal to buy handgun ammo from a store until 21. Started loading handgun ammo to make things easier and eventually decided to try rifle ammo too. Nowadays a don't shoot handguns all that much so I haven't reloaded any handgun ammo in years. I still enjoy handloading my hunting ammo though. Like many other of my hobbies, I don't even try to say I save money by doing it anymore. I enjoy the satisfaction of being the one in control of the bullet I'm using to take the life of the animal I'm going to eat throughout the year. It also gives me more flexibility to shoot what I want to, like the current trial of loading 108gr eldm for my fast twist. 243.

 

[WVmike]

Started reloading due to having a 7mm Rem Mag and .264. Also like others have said I thoroughly enjoy building a round that is not only cheaper for me to shoot, allowing me to shoot more often but also for the simple fact that I can shoot the loads with increased accuracy over factory ammo. Still reloading the 7mm and also for .308. Also working towards reloading .223 and .243.

 

[elevatorman]

I can make ammo that's better than any factory ammo available cheaper. I mean I can make ammo better and more accurate than 40 dollar a box premium hornady precision hunter ammo, for cheaper than the 20 dollar a box lead tip el cheapo ammo. Thats two big wins. And the third big win, most older mags like 7mm rm and 357 are watered down and not loaded to full potential by factory ammo. No problem with reloading. My 7mm rm loads push a 162 gr eldx 200-250 fps faster than hornadys precision hunter ammo while being more accurate. And I get full power loads for my revolvers (357 and 44 mags, 38 plinking loads) while being substantially cheaper.

Depends on the gun. Some its for money, some its for accuracy/quality, all of them its for getting the full power the rounds supposed to

 

[Nicoli7153]

I like reloading because I can get what I want when I want. I have learned that when you can get the components you need ....... buy a bunch! Just one hazmat if you can buy in bulk.

I load for rifle and shotgun ..... think it gives me a better understanding of my guns
(what they like and what they don't like).

I don't try to load fast. Took some good advice years ago to slow down and enjoy the process!

 

[todwyer]

I started reloading as an interest and for something to do. I mainly reload 7mm, 270, 270 SM & will be picking up 257 Robert’s soon. With the COVID craziness and just supply problems, I am glad that I no longer rely on factory loads to be on the shelf. I have saved some $ but in all reality the fun has been what keeps me doing it.

Nothing like a round I built being sub 1 MOA or better…..simply magnificent!

This.... and I like hoarding components..

 

[grizzly63]

Reloading is another form of addictive or obsessive compulsive disorders. I think I have that. It allows me to shoot more. It gives me great satisfaction to develop accurate rounds. I do not save a dime as I'm buying way too much stuff but having fun. There are worse hobbies.
I load: 5.56, 308 win, 30/30, 30-06, 270win, 257wb, 6.5-300wbmag, 300 wm, 25-06, 7-08rem, 7.5x55swiss, 243w,300wsm, 7mmrmag, 357mag, 41mag, 40sw, 45acp, 35rem, 45-70, 38-55, 338wm, 338 Fed,45 raptor,356win and 375win.
Buy a rifle, find a good load, move on to next.
All on a single stage press. Some calibers have multiple(8) rifles. Each with its own flavors.
Have not bought a box of factory ammo in years.

 

[kodiakisland]

I started hand loading early 80s for a 12inch 30-30 Contender. I wanted 125gr BT loads, and hand loading was the only option.

I enjoy hand loading and shooting what I want to shoot. I load for everything I own except 32ACP, 9mm and 45 ACP. I’d rather just buy cheap ammo for them.

Currently loading:
22hornet
221 fireball
223
6ARC
243
250 Savage
257 Roberts
6.5 creedmoor
7-08
7SAUM
280 AI
300AAC
30-30
30-06
32-20
35 Rem
358STA
375 H&H
38-55
45-70

32H&R
327 Fed
45 Colt

 

[todwyer]

I began loading 30+ years ago. I enjoy the loading process and get a kick out of shooting my own loads. I can tailor my ammo to fit whatever situation I need without having to rely on what's for sale. Anything from plinkers to big game and clay targets to steel shot waterfowl loads.

MEC Sizemaster
12 gauge currently loading 3/4 oz 12 gauge for skeet. crushes targets and very little recoil.

Dillon RL550
9mm Luger
45 ACP
38 special
357 mag
44 mag
223 Rem
30/30
270 Win
30/06
7mm Rem Mag

 

[Sask hunter]

I reload to save $$$. My dad did too and I learned from him. Nice to have a stockpile of stuff. Never once have I had to struggle to find factory shells. Just getting into shotgun reloading. Going to make some low pressure loads for an old side by side. Might load some special loads like big loads of lead for coyotes or pheasants that are just hard to find around here. I would play around with steel too if I could find some Alliant steel powder. That seems to be the best powder out there for that

 

[Potsie]

I got into after finding a press and some dies in a box while cleaning out my grandparents house. Seemed like a good idea to shoot for cheaper.

Found out quickly it tickles my -tism and I geek out hard on it now. As @noharleyyet said, all that testing and tweaking and experimenting.

.38 special
.357
10 mm
.44 Special
.44 Mag
.223
.22-250
.243
6.5x55
6.5 PRC
7 RM
.308
.30-06
.300 WM
.300 PRC
.300 RUM

Just found out my hunting partner got himself a 6 ARC and has dies shipping to the house.

I can reload 9mm but kinda pointless in my opinion given you can buy cheap bulk for only a couple cents a round more than reloading.

 

[Jbotto]

Might be missing one but here’s my list to go with my earlier post.

.223 Rem
.243 Win
6mm Rem
.30-30 Win
.30-06
.338-06
.357 Mag
.44 Mag

I’ve got dies for a few more and have loaded a handful of others for family or friends.

 

[44hunter45]

Found out quickly it tickles my -tism and I geek out hard on it now.

This - I geek out on building the perfect, most beautiful rounds. Functional art. MRS has a K-12 SPED credential. She says a 3 YO is all about the process. That's me.
I love every aspect of it. I expect I spend far more time on brass prep and sorting than most. It appeals to my OCD in every way.

I load some cartridges that you could never afford factory ammo for. .358 Norma Mag factory is no longer made and is going for $150/box and up.
.358 bullet select are the best they have ever been, but you have to handload to enjoy that.
I get to do things like load 30 cal and 35 cal pistol bullets in rifle cartridges and shoot varmints for range practice. You can't buy those anywhere.
My 9mm pistol is rated to fire +P+, Major, and NATO pressures, . You can't buy that stuff anywhere either

Currently load for:
HANDGUN
380 AUTO
9MM Luger
10mm AUTO
45 AUTO
38 Special
357 Remington Magnum
44 Remington Magnum
45 Colt

Both HANDGUN and RIFLE
30 US Carbine

RIFLE
223/5.56
6.5x55mm
264 Winchester Magnum
6.5 WBY RPM
30-30
308/7.62
30-06
35 Whelen
358 Norma Magnum.

 

[Jnasa]

I started hand loading for several reasons. First so we could load premium bullets which back then was harder to find than they are now. Also to develop a load for better accuracy and save money. I’ve found the cost to vary depending.

I load 223, 243 win, 7x57 Mauser, 270 win, 300 Win Mag, shotgun, and my wife’s 243 and 6.5 cm. I haven’t yet but someday might load for my handguns also.

Another reason I hand load is I enjoy it.

 

[deer_shooter]

I started in 1999 or 2000 when the wife got me the rock chucker kit for xmas. I thought it would be cheaper and probably still is but the big sell was being able to use the bullets I wanted and customizing the load to a particular rifle. In doing so, a whole new area of accuracy was unlocked. I don't load much pistol ammo anymore as its easier to buy bulk but I have dies for 44mag, 41mag, 45ACP, 380. Rifle I still load a good bit:
223
300 Blackout
243win
6.5 creed
6.5/06
270win
7mm08
7mmMag
30/06
338/06
300WSM
300wm
338wm
375 Ruger