Lansing, Michigan – -(Ammoland.com)- The past few years have been challenging to acquire ammunition and/or related components for even the most dedicated shooters; the unprecedented demand for ammunition has been matched only by the equally extreme supply shortages.
Although availability has improved, the bitterness of scarcity has led many shooters to ponder the concept of loading their own private stock of ammunition.
For those shooting enthusiasts who are considering whether they should get into handloading their own ammunition, one question looms: why?
If you think saving money is a given, forget it – at least not for any short-term involvement. Even with the most basic loading tools, costs will run into the hundreds of dollars to get started. Then, as skills progress, more specialized tools of the trade will move from the wish list to the loading bench adding to the production costs.
However, if one desires unique ammunition not available from ammunition suppliers, cost may be overlooked depending on the unique nature of the shooter.
For example, one of my favorite deer guns is a single-shot Thompson/Center Contender pistol in .45-70 caliber. Factory ammo (other than Hornady’s Flex Tip ( goo.gl/UXzNt1 ) offering, which has been limited to only one bullet weight in .45-70 caliber) comes in round nose or flat nose aerodynamically challenged configurations.
The heavy recoil associated with this caliber could actually cause pointed-bullet ammunition to fire while still in a tubular magazine – a fearful consequence to be sure. Ammunition manufactures simply cannot take the chance that people would be intelligent enough to use pointed ammo in single-shot guns or to single-load it in repeaters, and therefore, wisely will not offer it.
On the other hand, I can handload hard-tipped Barnes bullets for the hunting handgun to an exacting length, which brings me to my primary reason for loading my own: accuracy.
Accuracy.
Factories produce ammo short enough to fit into any manufacturer’s firearms. While this makes for reliable function, it does not necessarily meet the needs of a precision shooter. If I were to choose only one reason I handload, it is because I can produce ammunition custom-fit to my firearms. And, that means it has an inherent advantage over any store-bought stuff.
Without getting into the myriad tools and accessories associated with hand loading, a couple other considerations are in order.
Do you have a dedicated space where the loading can be performed? A specialized bench with good lighting and a lockable door to prevent unauthorized persons access is a good place to start. Since quality control is paramount to not only accuracy, but safety, distractions of any kind should be avoided.
If you are the type of person that is detail oriented, handloading can be a rewarding means to make the most of long, hard winter weather. The sizeable investment is not for everyone, but the personal satisfaction of building custom loads can make the venture of handloading a worthwhile endeavor to the discriminating enthusiast.
In summation, learning the wrong way can be as dangerous as ignorance itself. If you’ve made the decision to proceed, do so through information found in reliable loading manuals or trusted online sites sponsored by those in the business and you’ll be on your way – the right way.
Editors Note: If you are interested in learning more about reloading I would visit Sinclair Inc’s book and video section to get started: ( goo.gl/26yvlq ) and get yourslef a copy of Tom Mchale’s The Insanely Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition ( tiny.cc/2q85dx ) that teaches the subject in a fun, easy-to-understand, and safe manner.
About Glen Wunderlich Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Outdoor writer and columnist for The Argus-Press (www.argus-press.com) and blog site at www.thinkingafield.org Member National Rifle Association (NRA), Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), member U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), Commemorative Bucks of Michigan (CBM).
I agree with reloading components being in short supply, especially powder. Some powders are available, but they might not be the ones you’ve spent time developing your loads with. That being said, it’s no different than going to the local shop looking for Remington 30-06 180 gr. something something, and only finding Hornady 150 gr. something else. (Sorry for the name dropping.) What you end up buying will take time at the range to sight in and money to purchase enough ammo for practice and hunting, and then it may not have the knock down power or ballistics you wanted… Read more »
If I had to buy equipment and supplies at today’s prices I don’t believe I would be reloading. Besides that, most things are unavailable.
I load 4-6,000 rounds A year and I could not afford to compete if I had to buy off the shelf, even though I own A shop and get everthing at cost.
It is not economical any more.
Components are in short supply or unavailable!
Great article. I’ve reloaded since 1980 and gathering the necessary equipment does have an initial investment. However, with today’s factory ammo cost, reloading to save money was and is still the main reason I reload. Yes, I only have a single state press, but I’m not reloading to save time. I’ve always enjoyed the quality of the ammo & the knowledge that I made these rounds, then the ability to adjust & adapt loads. It is rewarding to help a new reloader begin this money saving hobby. Yes, I agree with the articles author on the accuracy of reloading, but… Read more »