I started reloading to allow my limited funds to go further. . I started at the lowest rung with a Lee Loader for the 12 gauge and .357.magnum. This was simple useable field and practice ammunition.
When I started reloading rifle ammunition the primer, case, and bullet often duplicated what the factory offered. But original surplus 4831 and H4831 filled the case. And accuracy improved. Later my bullet selection expanded to some that were not found in loaded ammunition. When game was taken my satisfaction with my efforts was increased.
Reloading saved one of my rifles from being sold. I purchased a Ruger M77 and ammunition from Federal, Winchester, and Remington for elk hunting. Accuracy was terrible. I had spent hard earned money on a dud. I was an unhappy camper, but I had already acquired dies, bullets, and magnum primers for it, and I had surplus 4831 on hand. Might as well give it a chance. Suddenly I had an accurate rifle using different bullet weights from a number of makers. The real test came when I tried the factory Remington 175 grain C-L bullet pushed by 4831. It was shooting bulls eyes. I then tried H870 and AA8700 and it continued to shoot bulls eyes. The rifle became a keeper.
Last spring I pulled out two boxes of WW 150 grain, 7MM ammunition to see if the rifle would shot any better with them then 30 years ago. Nope, it did not and I save the brass for loading.
I believe the reloads filled the case to near capacity and that contributed to better accuracy.
Another round that makes sense to reload is the .303 British. I found the 174-grain Hornady shoots well out of my Jungle Carbine. I have never seen ammunition on the store shelve loaded with this bullet.
I have already posted why I like reloading for the .300 Savage.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,127866.0.htmlYears ago I geared up and did some load development for the 30-30 Winchester. But most of those components have been on standby. The reason is that I keep finding the factory ammunition on sale. Last spring I reached into my pocket and bought five boxes of Federal 150 grain at a low price. I did that on impulse because I already had a good supply on hand. My thoughts to use it to train up a new to be family member. I can afford to burn a few boxes of shells to get a young guy out in the woods to drag my deer in. So I might reload for the 30-30 again.
When the Chrony started telling the truth about factory ammunition satisfaction with my pet .270 loads increased. And I was able to develop realistic drop charts.
When the weather turns nasty reloading is a good diversion for me. The wife knits and I reload.
The three hundred or so centerfire rifle rounds I have fired since last January at todays prices off the shelve would have cost me approximately $450.00, plus the Governors share. Most of my components were purchased at a lower price in the past. Admittedly I have purchased some bulk brass in the last year. Those three hundred rounds cost me at most seventy-five dollars. You might want to pro-rate a few cents for the old Lyman Turret press, and dies. The press and dies are close to 35-years old. I did buy a new Lyman Mag-T press on sale this year. I bought it because I wanted it, not because I needed it. Kind of like my wife buying a new knitting, needle, right?
My goal is to load a lot of ammunition on nasty winter days so that when the weather breaks I can go out and get in quality practice.
The bottom-line is that I reload to shoot and enjoy my firearms. And I enjoy reloading.
