Author Topic: Caliber specialization. Anyone else do it? (Read 1781 times)

Old Syko · « **on:** February 16, 2014, 01:29:26 AM »

Some years ago I decided to limit the number of different calibers I would load for and shoot. Turns out to be one of the smartest things I've done since I started loading some 45 years ago. With recent events being what they are it limits the number of different components I need to store and has made it possible to lay in a lifetime supply early. Now I'm not opposed to buying something different but given a choice i'll stick to my guns, so to speak. By limiting calibers I feel it helps make me more knowledgeable and a better shot with the calibers I've chosen.

How many here choose their firearms by caliber as I do. Just seems like the smart thing to do.

PowPow · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2014, 01:44:32 AM »

I loaded for 7 caliber at one time.
Dropped down to two; 30-06 and 22-250.

Recently picked up a 30-30 handi for a "guest" gun and a 243 superlight barrel.
But I can't get excited about loading for them so it will be factory ammo only in them.
Probably just keep one box each.

Ranger99 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2014, 01:59:23 AM »

something i've been working toward
albeit slowly for a while.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2014, 03:57:08 AM »

Heck no. Not me.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2014, 05:39:44 AM »

Being a "gun nut", I tend to buy, sell, and trade quite a bit, often because I like a particular firearm, with the caliber being secondary. As a result, I do have a large selection of calibers. I am set up to reload about 15 or so, and have components for all. That said, I have my favorites, and most used. For me, its the .22rf, 22-250, .223, 204 Ruger, 358 win., 35 whelen, 308 and 30-06. 44 mag and 45 acp in pistol. Each caliber serves a particular function in the type of shooting I do, or is the chambering of a particular gun type I like.

Larry

drdougrx · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2014, 06:29:06 AM »

Nope...currently loading at least 15 calibers...hoping to pick up a few more. When I get a T/C, I suspect all H.E.Double Hockey Sticks will break loose!

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2014, 07:03:01 AM »

I do load for several different calibers including .243, .284, .357, .430 among others. The only 17 I own is a rimfire, do not have a 20 caliber either. I own and shoot many .224 caliber rifles. I have a weakness for the smaller .224 rounds and have a couple of 22 Hornets, 22K Hornet, 3- 221 Fireballs, a 222 Remington and several .223 rifles. I have a large selection of bullets and powders for them so I can find just the right load for them. I buy most of my .224 bullets in 500 or larger lots, because I know I will use them sooner or later. I have North of 10K small rifle primers and North of 30 pounds of powder suitable for the small .224 bore rifles. I shoot the .224 far and away more than all the others combined. I buy .243 and .284 bullets 100 at a time and suitable powders by the pound, because I just do not shoot them much. I do shoot the 357 Max and 44 Mag rifles a little more, but they do not hold a candle to the .224s. It started with my first center fire rifle, an H&R 158 in 22 Hornet, traded it for a used Remington 788 in 222 Rem. I cut my reloading teeth on those two rifles and learned a whole lot before the internet by trial and error, using common sense and reliable load data (books). I found the .224 could be shot very accurately for little money. I have been hooked on the .224 since. Like Syko, I have found advantages to do most of my shooting with the same caliber so I can share powders, bullets and primers between them. I stocked up on my reloading supplies between the Obama elections and I am setting very well with what I shoot the most.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

YRUpunting? · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2014, 08:25:48 AM »

I think it really depends on your interests. Shooting is only one aspect of firearms as a hobby. If shooting is your main interest then a limited number of cartridges makes sense.

Larry L · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2014, 09:06:33 AM »

I did this many years ago. All I load for are the calibers between .224 and .458. I don't bother with the others.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2014, 09:31:01 AM »

i am too fickle for this to work for me

i do resist buying a gun if i don't already reload for it
i try to buy guns i already load for

BruceP · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2014, 09:54:37 AM »

I'm expecting to receive a new die set tomorrow. I almost had to get the dies since I had already bought bullets for this cartridge about a month ago.

Bruce

RaySendero · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2014, 10:46:24 AM »

Caliber specialization - NO

Rifle specialization - YES

I reload the cartridges I need for my rifles!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2014, 06:49:09 PM »

Im just he oposite. Ive got on the far side of 50 guns. (havent counted lately) and the only repeats are some handgun calibers and 22s. Only rifles i have two of any more is the 06. As to finding loading component. I pretty well have a lifetime of bullets on the shelf for all of my guns. SOme of the bullets arent the best for each gun but would do in a pinch. Powder and primers are stocked up pretty well too and again if i cant get stuff other stuff i allready have can be used in a pinch. I guess im about the oposite. When were doing crop damage shooting in the fall i rarely use the same gun or caliber more then two or three days in a row.

hornady · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2014, 08:43:57 PM »

I am very determined to keep it at 5 caliber’s in 13 rifles I reload for now. That is if I never go to another gunshow, gun shop or gun auction, again.

mdi · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2014, 01:17:09 AM »

I kept to one or two calibers for a few years; .44 Magnum being my favorite cartridge. I loaded most every jacketed bullet I could find, within reason, and started casting my own in this caliber. I tried nearly every powder listed in my manuals for this cartridge along with sorting brass, testing different primers, and varying procedures. I wound up with 3 die sets and one Lee Loader. I bought 5, .44 Magnums over a period of 6 years and all this kept me busy (in fun) for quite a while. I guess I know a bit about shooting, reloading, and casting for the .44 Magnum, plus I know a bunch more about my guns...

I now reload for 8 different calibers, but none with the dedication I had with my .44s...

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2014, 04:40:16 AM »

Let's see, I load for seven calibers on a regular basis. For five other rifle calibers less often. Not counting four pistol calibers, and three shotgun gauges.

So in short, the answer currently is no. I can see your point, I find myself, using certain calibers more, and more often. In the future, I might decide to do just that.

The only thing stopping me is that every time, I think, I'm never going to need another caliber, I find one that piques my interest.

revbc · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2014, 05:17:05 AM »

Lets see:

223
7-30W
7mm-08
30/30
308
357Max
35Rem
356
44mag
45LC
454
45acp
45/70

Some I don't shoot a lot. Kinda on a 35 cal kick right now. May give up the 7-30W, it's a unique caliber but really doesn't fit a need except for it being odd.
Grew up a hunter........not a shooter. Used a 44mag carbine for 25 yrs, 20rds should get you about 4 seasons and 15-20 deer.

Like to shoot now

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2014, 05:34:22 AM »

I cannot or do not want to limit my loading to a few calibers.. I doubt I expand much, but if I came across a 6.5 that I liked, I would expand.. Why place limits on happiness.?? I enjoy my guns and loading and shooting... I want to do all I can as long as I live..

bilmac · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2014, 07:02:26 AM »

I used to want to try everything. I had to have the 25-06 and 35 Whelan before the factorys brought them out. Over the years I have loaded for gobs of different ones. Now I'm getting into my ol fuddy duddy years and I realize that there are a few cartridges that are superb and I am weeding out the guns and calibers that are less than optimum for me. 270 is becoming king. I have 2 rifles myself, and I load for my son and son in law as well. 243s for the younger and smaller grandkids, 30-30 for the southpaws, 223 because I like to shoot prairie dogs, 45-70 just because I like it. I only need one pistol cartridge 38-357 will do anything, I've even gotten rid of all my rimfire handguns except the one my dad had.

I still have as many or probably more guns, but now I have more than one, sometimes several in calibers I like.

Old Syko · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2014, 08:02:03 AM »

Well I've gotten some interesting answers and I think some get my point. As an example I load .223 for more AR's than one man could ever need along with 3 bolt guns a couple contenders and a couple tactikool pistols. Since they share so many components it is simpler to stock up in advance and not become one of the whiners who can't find components like powder one pound at a time. Most of my powder came at either 40 or 48# at a time and sometimes in multiples. My 22-250 and 220 Swift also share a lot of these components making storage simpler. Even my 7TCU Contender shares many of these components.

I load 45acp by the thousands. Always have and always will. Although I own other handguns, they seldom see the light of day. 308 and 30-06 are a given and share components also. The only real one off (and this is caliber wise and not gun wise) is 444 Marlin. Of course there is a lot of rimfires in my safes and there is ample supply of fodder for them also.

Because of my choices you will never here me whine over the lack of components but you may see me give others a hard time over it. It just makes sense to specialize.

twoshooter · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2014, 08:05:56 AM »

I pretty well settled on one load for each rifle, and I shoot some rifles a lot, some hardly at all. I am set up to load for many guns that I don't now and have never had. I figure that could come in handy in a pinch. Any given day I could have an AAC or my Hornet out, the big bore cast out from Halloween until New Years. I would be confused by having several loads for the same rifle, much easier to have a single load. Also cheaper and buy bulk bullets once and done.

BruceP · « **Reply #21 on:** February 17, 2014, 09:24:03 AM »

Well I got the new die set today and because of this thread I had to count. Fourteen different die sets one of which is 38 special/357 magnum and I load both of those. This does not count the extra set I have for the .223 Rem. (have 2 sets), the set that belongs to a friend that I use to load for his rifle in a cartridge I don't have, and the set that I need to sell because I don't plan to own another rifle chambered for that cartridge.
I do understand the thought process in this and some of my cartridges will use some of the same components but for now no plans to limit myself.

Bruce

Flynmoose · « **Reply #22 on:** February 17, 2014, 01:09:22 PM »

11 different calibers for me, I have several more die sets that I don't have rifles for ...yet....need help...I'm OK...or sunk
FM

blind ear · « **Reply #23 on:** February 17, 2014, 04:30:59 PM »

Limiting calibers and limiting powders and primer varities to a minimum is my approach. All other components demand individual specs. ear

guzzijohn · « **Reply #24 on:** February 17, 2014, 09:44:06 PM »

I try to keep it simple. For rifle I load .243 and .219 Donaldson-Wasp. I use H-4895 in both.

Handguns/rifle are 38sp/.357 and .45 Colt for handgun. Use Unique in all.
Works well for me.

GuzziJohn

reliquary · « **Reply #25 on:** February 17, 2014, 10:05:46 PM »

Several years ago, I found myself with too many "safe queens" and a cabinet full of dies. I sold what I didn't use, except for a couple of family heirlooms, and downsized to reloading only .45C and .45ACP. I only use two slugs, a .454/250 and a .452/230, and most of the guns will function well with either slug. One Ruger likes the larger diameter and one Smith likes the smaller better.

I use Unique, 2400, or Bullseye for powders and after I finish the can of 2400, won't buy any more of it.

The other things I have, I just use bulk purchases for, and don't plan to reload for them. I no longer hunt, and shoot maybe a couple of three times a month.

tacklebury · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2014, 07:14:25 AM »

I started off staying with .45's. Had my .45 acp, .45 colt and .45-70 gov. I've now been loading for about 14 calibers.

RaySendero · « **Reply #27 on:** February 18, 2014, 07:38:31 AM »

Quote from: twoshooter on February 17, 2014, 08:05:56 AM

I pretty well settled on one load for each rifle, and I shoot some rifles a lot, some hardly at all. .....

Yep me, too.

I'm not a collector - I build, sporterize or customize each rifle for a specific hunting purpose. Usually work-up one reload for each rifle that best fits that rifle's purpose. This way I just pick the rifle(s) that fits my hunt plan.

Reloading has greatly expanded the bullet/cartridges combinations I can pick for my rifles and saved $$$.$$ not having to buy factory over-price low-volume ammo (or odd ball cartridges, et. al.). Since I already have powder, bullets, dies and cases for all of them, I wouldn't consider downsizing the reloading or supplies at this time.

D Fischer · « **Reply #28 on:** February 19, 2014, 06:43:52 AM »

I load for a 243, 25-06, two different 6.5's and two 30's. At this point in my life I doubt I'll be adding to that. CF in my handguns get cast bullet only except my 9mm which I rarely shoot. I like gun's and that has put me through a lot of them. Don't use the 25-06 a lot any more and never used the 243 that much. Love fooling with my 6.5x06 but my hunting rifle is a 6.5x55. 308 is a favorite of mine but this one was a gift I don't use much and my 30-06 gets cast bullet just to fool with. I have a heck of a supply of 25cal 117gr Hornady's that I doubt I'll ever get through. What I really need is a lot more 6.5 bullet's and around here they are hard to come by unless you get Nosler's. I'm not a Nosler fan. There is not much in North America I wouldn't use my 6.5x55 on. Nothing I'd hunt anyway. And it is the only one I have not been able to decide which bullet I really want in it, 129gr or 140gr. Go figure. Every rifle I've had other than that one was loaded with one bullet and one only. Each rifle in my past was a specialist and now I've got a jack of all trades!