I started out reloading and knew nothing about it. I bought books and read them faithfully, got all my equipment and started reloading. I had no teacher but now IAM shooting 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I really feel like I have accomplished something. It has been a wonderful experience for me
I started when 45 got into office. The ingredients came available finally!! Now I try to have a good stash of ingredients. LOVE doing it. Especially when either you can't find your caliber, or you laugh at the price!
How long did you reload and far down the rabbit hole did you go before you got to 3/4 or 1/2in groups. I'm not quite there. A lot of velocity spread. More than case volume differences I suspect. I carefully measure my loads on a cheaper digital scale,. I do use mixed brass and I don't sort my bullets by their weight if they are from the same batch. (Probably my answer right there.). Can that make a 75-100fps difference? Maybe I could see it in a cold bore to 5th shot but on a warm rifle.... I'm triming, cleaning primer pockets. I was using Lee dies and just neck sizing on my 270ai until I got Mt custom made Hornady dies designed around brass fired from my.gun. She shoots great but for me to hit the edge of the whole from the shot before doesn't happen. Not at 100
@@thecheapshot1065 Velocity spread is a normal thing but 75-100 fps seems high. You might try keeping the ammunition somewhere it will remain at a even temperature just before you fire it. Temp can make a big difference. This is a place to start. The groups you shoot can be a simple as movement on your part. I find all my rifles are much more accurate than I am.
Thanks again Who-Tee. Are you finding enough components to keep up with your reloading needs? A lot of commenters here are sure frustrated. I'm still living off my stash. Cheers.
For me, Handloading is something that I used to do with my father when I was little. I always thought all the powder throwers and scales looked like some mad scientist's lab or something. My dad passed away in 2017 and since then I've been getting back into it, and while my shooting has benefited from handloading, it's also been a way to sort of honor and connect with memories of my dad. Now my son is taking an interest and what a feeling that is. All the best Ron, once again ty for the to tier video.
Ron, I remember Larry Potterfield from Midway USA saying the reasons to reload were to save money, improve accuracy, they don't make it anymore and satisfaction for a job well done. You covered all that and then some. I just started listening to your podcast right from the first one called "The Ride", the first story you ever published. I enjoy listening while going for my walks in the woods, you're a good story teller!
@@foubert45 "And that's the way it is on this 23rd day of November 1900 and sixty eight. This is Walter Cronkite with CBS Evening News, Goodnight." Walter was very active in yachting and the US Power Squadron. An old friend of mine's father (who was a Power Squadron admiral among other things) was family friends with Walter, my friend ate with Walter on many occasions growing up. I miss having an anchorman that you can trust.
One warning for those just getting started in hand loading-you may become addicted to it. I spent many hours hand loading for my 7mm Mauser and 7mm Rem Mag many years ago. Every Saturday afternoon was spent shooting all of the various combinations of bullet, powder, case and primer I loaded during the week day evenings. As Ron mentioned, you may end up spending more because you are shooting more, but what a great way to spend your time getting to know your firearms. Thank you Ron for this episode.
Funny you mention that. I've been reloading my .223 for years, but recently started working up loads for my 7x57 and 7mm rem mag too! The 7x57 is a Brno and it's a Czechoslovakian Mauser. It was my first centre fire I bought 25 years ago. I'm never selling it!
Just think 200 years from now a archeologist will be excavating some hill side and come to the conclusion it was the sight of executions and in reality it was just a place some hillbillies used to sight in their hunting rifles and drink beer in Alabama 🤣
Great video Ron! The best group I EVER shot with my .270 was with handloads. Five holes all touching that I covered with a quarter. Then I harvested a nice 10pt whitetail with that loading at 330yds. Schweet!
No, Ron, Trapdoor 45-70 pressures are down around 25,000 psi. Pressures for the 1895 Marlin are around 40,000 psi and the Ruger No. 1 can handle 50,000+.
When I first started handloading the man that helped me get started said “You really don’t save any money handloading. You just shoot a lot more”. Can’t go wrong with that. Highly recommend.
I started hand loading at the suggestion of my palliative Dr. He told me that it would be great physical and occupational therapy for my bad left hand and arm as well to keep my mind active (I have dementia and am losing my memory). Then I decided to try and reload for better accuracy and, for my wife lighter recoil on her 30-06, it worked great. She took a pronghorn at 230 yards. Then when she bought me a .460 Weatherby Mag I looked at the cost of factory loads and decided that I hadn't choice but to reload, I've been called crazy when it took 60 rounds of ammo before I felt that the gun was broken in and I had best load for what I was hunting, no way could I afford do that with factory loads. Next cartridge to work on is my wife's .45-70. I also reload for the shotgun in 20, 16, and 12gauge.
One I would add to your list is “Preservation of Rare Weapons”. Years go (maybe 1970s), I met a shooter at the club and he had a magnificent heavy weapon, based on the Mauser Magnum action and in calibre .416 Rigby. I’ve since read that this action was John Rigby’s action of choice for big game rifles and he may have even built this weapon himself. Beautiful carving on metalwork too, bears as I remember and I believe the weapon was bought, possibly “mysteriously” from a source in Arabia. But my point here is that this shooter just loved taking this rife out to use it. But to be gentle on the weapon, he only fired very low loads and only with the lead projectiles he cast himself. Accuracy just didn’t matter to him but just enjoyed using the weapon and sharing that enjoyment with others.
Here in the UK we would not call that a "weapon" because it triggers the woke brigade. That 416 was a "firearm" owned with no intent to kill or harm anyone or anything. A weapon on the other hand!
@@thomjarman the only country in the world that applauds the (occasional) success of its national shooting teams - when said team members are not allowed to own their “firearms” within the borders of the country - or even train in the country!
Preservation of rare weapons is one reason many people reload. Especially now. I am having trouble finding dyes for a 50-70 Sharps though. I may need to get the specs and have them machined locally. Brass is available but extremely expensive. The new law our government passed makes it difficult for collectors that hope to profit from firearms so I might as well start using that old Sharps. It is in functional order and the serial # is 1279.
I'm keeping my 250-3000 and 300 savage Model 99s going every fall because of reloading. And I bought 6.5-284 and 280AI with no intention of ever shooting factory ammo. I haven't bought factory ammo for 20 years or more
You hit the nail on the head Ron. If you are on the fence about reloading, get a fast twist .223 Remington and a starter reloading kit. There are so many bullet options, you will be amazed.
What’s going’s on with primers, if these companies keep this stuff up I’m going back to fishing, and screw the sport of shooting, it’s absolutely screwed up like never before
Primers take up basically no space in inventory. Ammo companies are hoarding them, and get top priority with the primer manuf. Even with a split, 90% go to ammo makers.
I have reloaded for 40 plus years because I like to shoot and I hunt with such popular caliber’s 6mm Rem. .264 Win Mag, & 300 H&H Mag. Do I save money 💰 no I just shoot more. If you shoot 28ga in volume you need to reload it. TC and Shoot Straight
Great stuff Ron. You are the hunting uncle I never had, love your content. I understand it ok because I studied some physics at university, but the concepts about barrel resonance, bullet speed, barrel flex, muzzle movement is fascinating. It can explain the sweet spots in loads, why some loads group so well but a few grains more and it all goes wrong. All that suff. Fancy doing a video about all that? Tight lines and happy hunting good man
Man I feel the same way about Mr Spomer. I've learned so much the past couple of years through him and especially here recently with all the educational videos 👍
Remember Blackpowder and modern smokeless are completely different do not mix them up. Putting Smokeless powder in a black powder gun will result in catastrophic failure
There is a satisfaction in knowing how things work. Really love handloading. My favorite part is the loading and book reading part. I like it better than the shooting. Just like the science I guess
Well if you just by the handloading books you get a better Idea of how a cartridge / gun perform before you buy and maybe you will spend less on guns. Maybe?
first there was the reloading kit, then the electronic powder measure followed by expensive calipers, bushing bump neck sizing dies, expander mandrels, little crow trimmers, ultra micrometer seating dies...and the annealer. Not sure I'm saving money, but definitely improving accuracy, shooting more and having fun. Tools are fun. Thanks Ron.
I think there's an investment cost for all the things you need. It should pay off, eventually, but it may be a take a thousand or more rounds to do so. It'll likely never pay off if you calculate the time it takes you to reload compared to spending that time earning money and buying factory stuff, but you probably wouldn't be spending that time at a job anyway.
I started to hand load back in the early 70s when I discovered the factory 7mm Mauser ammo did not work well in my old 1895 Chilean Mauser. My hand loads were much better. I then improved my M1 carbine accuracy and functional reliability with slightly hotter loads (between 2000-2100 fps). My loading then expanded to custom-tailored loads for my two brother-in-laws 35 Remington and 8mm Mauser rifles. They loved to deer hunt with my custom loads. But I quit when I moved to Texas due to my workload. I retired in 2013 and three years ago I started reloading again. But this time I kept it simple with a Lee Precision 80180 Breach lock, hand press kit hand loader. I find it relaxing and useful as my son has a 458 Socom which is expensive to shoot with factory ammo. I just wanted to say you can go large or small based on your needs, finances, and situation. Just be careful. Use a set of pocket-size electronic measuring scales (they are cheap) and not just a scope measure and don't push the loadings too hot and you'll save money and have fun. I'm looking forward to teaching my grandson.
Rather reload ! Love my odd cartridges .218 bee .17 rem fireball , .25-20! Also shooting a lot of .357 magnum! Which is what I got into reloading . Next came the .220 swift . No factory ammo available 😢! I could find .22-250 all day! I love that ruger model 77 in .220 swift! First rifle I was ever able to make 1000yd shots with. No coyote or prairie dog was safe! The most aggravation was the original. 17 Remington . Case neck separation and blown primers ! Some cartridges are at the max from the factory! Be careful and shoot respectfully!
Love to handload. Used to do groundhog matches and was always loading for .243 out to 800yds. The Steven's model 200 is a sleeper with just a couple mods. Now I still load for 25-06, I have passed this knowledge onto others. My rewards now come from those folks and their successes. It's been a blast. Thank you Sir. Much respect.
53 gr. IMR 4350 with 87 gr. or 90 gr Sierra PSP and HPBT...Ruger M-77 heavy barrel...been using that load since '76. Red mist prairie dogs...NOT fur friendly!...mule deer...whitetail and even elk...chrono bit over 3200 fps...25 ROCKS! (Get a 220 Swift if you gonna harvest fur tho!)
Hey Ron, I've been hand loading for 30 years. For me hand loading is the pursuit of excellence. The work itself takes total concentration and is good therapy and in the end I feel that I get the most satisfaction out of my equipment that way. Love your videos sir....been a fan of yours for many years.
My dad had me pulling cases out of the tumbler and loading the lube pad at about 3 years old. That will be 40 years ago this year, and now my daughter helps me. Between him and my uncle, I have produced a lot of rounds over the years. It is a valuable skill to have, and like you mentioned, it's fun. We lost my uncle a few years back, but I know he's still reloading for his range trips with Jesus. Have fun everyone and stay safe.
Great video! I own several guns I simply could not afford to shoot, especially these days, if I didn't handload. I've been loading for 40 years now. I'd have been broke 100 times over if I had fired factory loads all these years.Years back when all factory ammo was full of "blue sky" it was quite easy to beat it with handloads as far as velocity. Now that so many have their own chrono, factory ammo has had to tighten up and come close to advertised specs to avoid all the fraud lawsuits that would come. I was fortunate to have a chrono before the majority of folks did and it was clear factory ammo was nowhere near as fast as they claimed it was.
I load Slug, Buckshot and birdshot in my 20ga and 12ga also reload for my .44Mag! Handloading offers better performing ammunition with the unique components that factory ammo doesnt use. You save a ton of money (after you are set with everything you need.) & you get to kill something with YOUR OWN creation.
Thanks Ron, it's also great therapy. During the awful 2019/2020 Australian bushfires the smoke was so bad that most of us in the south east of OZ were stuck inside. I spent a week of holidays trimming 44 special cases into 44 Colt, resizing 22 Hi-power and loading other calibres.
I've been handloading since 1987 and it's a hobby that I've always loved. It's tough to find components these days mainly bullets and primers, probably because ammo manufacturers have been using those components to keep up with the increased demand and fix the ammo shortages we've seen for the last few months.
One of my biggest satifaction came, when around 1983 got a 1917 Enfield in 30-06, First big cal rifle. Went to store and bought 150 grns Rem,Win,Federal cartriges, 3-4" paterns, back to store 165 grns Rem,Win,Fed. same paterns. Ok reload ordered/bought dif bullets from Speer,Sierra,Horndy, IMR 4350 , CCI200 primers. and built up accordingly, Eventually hit the sweet spot with 165 Grns Speer Grand Slams at under 1MOA, I dont care if it isn't max vel, If I can shoot the eye out a Deer at 100 Yds I dont need more omph
I concur! But my shoulders were trashed and couldn’t take the recoil impulse of 30-06, unfortunately. It was my choice for 30+ years but old military injuries required a shoulder replacement. I only get one.
Relaoding is independence. I shoot 7 MM 08 and use the plentiful 308 case just by necking it down TO 7MM . I make ultra light loads for My girlfriends lever action 3030 just for plinking or woodchuck garden removal. . Thanks for the video.
Great vid. I started loading 22 years ago and have loved it. I load for 15 calibers in 42 firearms and enjoy doing it. I'm very jealous too, you have the exact press I've been saving up to get. ;) Also lets you load for no longer available calibers like my .40-60 Marlin. ;)
The cheapest way to get into reloading is with the LeeLoader. All you need is components , a block of wood and a plastic hammer. These are fairly slow, but very practical. Many obsolete calibers die sets can be found on ebay. I have one in 222 rem mag.
I used one of those for exactly 10 rounds of 44 mag before I bought a press and dies. That was over 20 years an countless numbers of rounds ago. I handload all mine except shotgun and rimfire.
Greater bullet selection. Amen brother. I load a 200gr round nose Nosler in a 308. People don’t understand why I would put that big a bullet in a 308 case. But I know that load works so well on hogs - like a hammer. I have the choice. I exercise it. God bless America!
It's funny you mention those cartridges, I reload for the 45 / 70, and me and my shooting partner are currently working on a 6.5 x55 Swede. Maybe someday7 by 57 Mauser
Varmint ammo is really unreasonably priced. When you handload, it's as cheap as anything else. And on the other end, you can also go with heavier bullets than any factory load. (7mm08 can go a lot higher than 150 grains)
Thanks Ron , that was probably the best advertisement for reloading I have ever seen ! The satisfaction of doing it yourself is a great reward and making wildcats is so much fun. I have done 5 wildcat’s now the most recent is a 6 x 45 ( 6mm x 223 ) a wonderful 200 yd coyote cartridge , a flat shooting pelt friendly round that is very easy to form and load ! Please do an episode with a word about this cartridge. Thanks again Ron.
Thanks for the excellent point of mentioning 'throat size' right up front. As people will discover, it varies rifle brand to brand, and maybe even rifle to rifle, generating excessive pressure sometimes. For Thomas, I gained a lot of satisfaction researching, sizing, testing and producing the best pattern shooting loads for by 22 250, 243, 280, and my 300 Mag. My best hunting buddies took more interest in their rifles too, which created friendly competitions, and further education for us all to produce smaller target patterns on our rifles. Reloading allowed me to shoot many more rounds for the money as compared to Retail. Peace to all!
I was in a local gunsmith shop when a farmer came in and asked if the gunsmith was finished with his rifle. The gunsmith went into the back and returned with a nice Browning A-Bolt in .22-250. "What do I owe you?" asked the farmer. "Nothing. There wasn't a thing wrong with it." "Whattya mean? Not only did I miss the coyote but I had to beat the bolt open with a 2x4." The gunsmith's eyes narrowed in suspicion and his tone of voice changed: "Well what kind of ammo have you been feeding it?" "Oh, just some roll-your-owns." "Bill? Did you use reloads from Bill? "Yeah, how did you kn--?" "Don't you shoot ANY reloads from Bill. He reloads everything WAY too hot." The gunsmith sold him a box of Federal Fusions and the farmer departed.
I started reloading for my Marlin 336 in 35 Remington. It was almost impossible to find ammo for it, and reloading solved the problem. From there, I added the 30-06, the 308, and the 7MM Rem Mag. Didn't have trouble getting ammo for those calibers, but the temptation of improved accuracy over commercial loads was too much to resist. I suppose it saves money, although I tend to blow any alleged savings on more reloading supplies which are rising in price just like commercial ammo, so there might be some debate there. With all that said, would I recommend hand loading to others as a means for more accurate rounds for your favorite gun? Heck yeah. Would I recommend is a way to save money? Uh...well, uh...heck yeah.
Loading for the oddball cartridges is a great advantage of reloading. It gives you a freedom to buy any gun you want regardless of how scarce factory ammo is. Once you have the dies and a few hundred cases you are set. Go a step further and estimate a lifetime quantity of brass and buy that and you are totally independent. If you want to go even further cast your own bullets although the golden years of casting are behind us in many ways due to the lesser availability of scrap lead compared to the past. But even if you have to buy your lead alloys from an online vendor, it's way cheaper than factory bullets.
No argument with anything that he is saying ... except that availability of any components is just not happening right now. I can't find much of anything that I need or want.
Theyre going to new cartridges with less free bore, making the rifles less picky for accuracy. So two paths, 1) Hand loads (always gunna fond a good load) 2) go with newer carts, almost always a good factory load. (Not to picky)
Where is everyone getting primers??? We haven't seen a one carton of primers in years in Ohio - at least in the southern half the state. Online, everyone is sold out of everything. Still, we see things like this in videos and just wonder how anyone gets primers these days. Anyone care to tell where to find them?
Yep, spot on Ron. Reloading isn't hard, its worth while and enjoyable. I've found the love for my old Parker Hale Safari Deluxe chambered in .375 Winchester just because I've learnt to reload. Plus the fact that ammo here in Australia is so expensive for it. Thanks for the vids
I used to have a William Evans double rifle in 450/400 3 1/4 nitro. Back then the only source of ammo was Kynoch and it was $11 a round. I could handload it for $3 a round. That's a no brainer.
I've been loading since 1969. I started with a Lee Loader and progressed from there. I got hooked when I shot my first cloveleaf 3 shot group with those tools. Lots of memories over the years. When you find a loading you like you should stock up on those components. The ammo shortage was not a shortage to me, just a temporary time to use up my stash of stuff. Thanks Ron, great info, even for a long term loader who enjoys always learning something new and trying new bullets.
Thanks Ron, I love the process in finding the perfect load, and then another, and another and so on. I believe Weatherby developed a special load for the 30-378 using Hammer bullets because they were able to actually supply them and not be on backorder. I would love to try Hammer bullets for a few different rifles so I hope they make it here into Canada sometime.
I started loading at my friend’s house after 2 years of fruitless search for 30-40 Krag ammo when I inherited a Springfield 1898 from my grandpa. The ammo shortage gave me the incentive to buy all my own gear.
I can't say enough about hand loading! Precision long range shooting requires it! It took me forever to figure out how to replicate fed gold medal match...and the secret final step! (I believe). Now my 700s are most happy!! . Now my rounds match or exceed GMM!
I have been handloading for a while now. Got my sweet loads for all my guns. I remember starting out. The fellow that took me under his wing so to speak gave me a Hornady hand load book. He told me to look at what was recommended for the powder scale and deduct 10%. His thoughts on a safety concern. The loads were fine (crownoed?) Out OK grouping I could live with but he taught me how to tweak it just right by adjusting the powder by just one then two then three grains up and down from what the book gave me minis 10%. Load three rounds each with that scale or one grain of powder at a time over and under what your original weight. Alow a good amount of time to cool the barrel down. Those adjustments I was able to get my groups in impressively tight once I was happy with my groups that weight and brand of powder was what was called the sweet load for my gun. Shoot my ammo in another identical gun and it may not perform the same. So remember that. And never reload for anyone other than yourself. And never load over what the book gives you. Those are maximum presures for your make and model. And can be extremely dangerous. Serious injury and even death will result.
Like most non-financial people Ron apparently has not totaled the cost of the equipment he has on the table in front of him, then subtracted it from the "savings" of shooting say ... 1000 rounds. But if you stop and think about it, that break even point of reloading as opposed to factory is probably a few generations down the line for even the dedicated hunter. The only real benefit is the potential for more accurate shooting, which for the same hunter is negligible in its effect at ethical hunting ranges. Sorry Ron.
I understand your points. But some of us simply enjoy the hobby of being able to tailor ammunition to specific firearms and specific uses. All of the usual reasons given for reloading may or may not be relevant to some. Your opinion is yours and is as valid as any. I don’t even shoot anymore due to progressive health issues but 15 years ago I usually found my joy reloading. I’m a devout nerd with health issues but reloading my own ammunition satisfied a whole lot of my nerdly pursuits while providing me with cheaper ammunition for practice. I didn’t just reload to hunt. I did it for the sake of learning how and the discipline of getting good at it. That’s hard to put a valuation on.
@@dr.froghopper6711 My comment was based on what I believe the heavy majority of shooters engage in, hunting. Its self evident that pure shooters would greatly benefit from reloading, aside from just the cost savings, in accuracy improvements. And though I did not (and should have) explicitly state so, my comment was primarily based on hunting. Thanks for pointing out what you did.
@@Oldclimber1 I was curious about your point and did a spreadsheet study on breakeven a year ago. I found that 8800 rounds was ultimate breakeven. The more rare the caliber, you could bring that down, but only if you concentrated on that caliber, and got pre-pandemic prices on components. I've seen people say breakeven is under 2000 rounds. No caliber went under 2000 in my study. I'd like to see their report cards from school.
@@m4rvinmartian Don't need their report cards that's what you tell the better half when justifying the expense. It might even be lower that 2000 rounds in those circumstances 😁
7mm mag bdl deluxe, New $164, misprint, my reloading buddy, experienced, said reload 5 or 6, another fired 10 thousand 300 mags a night on a tripod, said can reload 10 times, How many times in general can u reload without the brass giving out, ????????
Case life varies depending on how "hot" you load. The higher the pressure, the greater the stretching and work hardening of the brass. Annealing necks can extend life, too. Minimal sizing (as opposed to full length resizing) also extends case life. Figure 3 to 5 hot loads, 10 or more if mild loads.
I reload for 500 S&W down here in australia factory ammo in 500 is scarce in oz to say the least, i also cast bullets for it..... If i had to buy ammo a box of 20 was $ 115 dollars, i can hand load 20 rounds for around 20 bucks not including the brass.
Ron I haven’t reloaded for the last two years because I am out of primers and can’t get any of the ones I need. No sense buying equipment fellas until the manufacturers start providing us with supplies!😖
My 6.5x55 is much better than factory stuff and my little 7-30 Waters is still in use because I load. It’s a great past time far superior to watching TV. Started in ‘62 and am still going.
Good video, Ron. I believe you missed an important benefit of handloading - whether due to oversight or RUclips ethics. In a SHTF situation, people possessing certain skills and/or commodities gain societal worth exponentially, and I'm not talking about Fortune 500 CEOs. A well-stocked and skilled handloader has the power of barter on his side.
Yeah, he's talking like the rich Hollywood people preach to the poors. He hasn't been a normal in a long time, so he doesn't know what he's talking about.
Marvin, I guess I'm as prone as the next guy to envy the wealthy, but I've learned over the years it's self defeating to engage in class warfare. Rich folk are not necessarily smarter or better than poor folk, poor folk are not necessarily more noble, etc. We're all people and can be as polite and fair and honest and kind as we want. Yeah, it would be great to have so much $ that you could buy all the guns, ammo, powder and other components you want, but denigrating all rich folks because a few might be asses is unfair and inaccurate. Peace.
If it comes in a box marked 'match ammo' you've fallen for marketing hype. There is no such thing as factory match ammo, for the simple reason they have no idea how your particular barrel will react to that load. Sure it might be more strict on loaded powder weights but its not tuned for your rifle.
@@ancientrenegade9243 All match means is: "narrow tolerance and high level of accuracy" It does not mean, one is "matched" to the other. What you are talking about is bespoke.
@@ancientrenegade9243 You said factory match is hype and it is not. You said "There is no such thing as factory match ammo" and that conclusively is not true either. I'm not interested in playing soccer, so don't go moving goal posts.
Great video Ron! One caution to new handloaders, I once heard the comment (and have found it to be true). "Handloads can make a good rifle shoot better, but handloads can never make a bad rifle shoot good." Thanks again.
I disagree sir lol I am the proud owner of several bastard children firearms that now shine and make me proud since hand loading them. Factory ammo just don't do it in them. Outta the box factory ammo really bad. Changed scope still not great. Handload it now hole in hole at 100 yards and 1" groups at 300 yrds.
I agree with everything you just said brother but I'd also add that getting into reloading right now is tough just because of prices and how hard everything is to get. That said it's definitely doable especially if you take your time while buying components. I'd recommend buying as little as possible off of these auction sites where components are going for 5 to 10× what they're selling for in your big online stores, big box stores, and your local gun shops but depending on how fast you need it you might have to. Definitely do your homework there's a bunch of scams out there right now. If they won't allow you to pay with a credit and debit card, if they show everything in stock for cheaper prices then anywheres else, or if there's broken English in the descriptions DO NOT send them your money. That might sound like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people are losing their hard earned money to these scams... If it sounds to good to be true it more than likely is. Other than that if you're thinking about getting into reloading just do it it's a lot of fun and just like Ron said there's a real satisfying feeling you get when you shoot that monster animal or ring steel at ridiculous distances with a cartridge you made because of load development you did...
I have veen hand loading since 1962. I started because it allowed me to shoot hundreds of rounds every weekend ever since. I also cast bullets too. It was an excellent survival skill to learn. Most of the whitetails that went into the freezer were harvested with hard cast 30 cal. lead bullets.
I do reloading, I cast my own also. You are right on reloading and you also value what you do and how the end for how the results you get in the end. After one understand what all is in it . You will be addicted. Thanks Ron .
I'm an old National Match shooter and I reload all my own rounds and it's saved me a bundle and shrunk my groups from 3 moa to 1 moa in my M1's and M1a's. Now in this great ammo drought we now have, many years ago I stocked up on NATO M80. My NM rounds are all fmj so to save time during hunting season I break out some of the 147gr M80 and pull the bullets and seat 150gr Nosler BT in their place. Makes a dandy hunting round for deer or if I seat some of the 150gr Hornady fmj's they are very cheap practice rounds. When your handloading you can really stretch your ammo dollars and we all know how important practice is.
After the Korean War, my Dad got his gunsmithing license and found he needed a steady income - as jr. higher, Dad showed my brothers and me how to handload on an old Herters turret reloading press. His reloading manual was a Lyman Second edition. Thankfully, money grew on trees for me and my brothers that we enjoyed handloading more than shooting. Love your channel and your gentlemanly manner.
Well, it all depends on saving money. If you reload military sized amunition and what is popular, not so much. However, when reloading for older, less popular ones like my 264 win mag, you save lots and get better selection and accuracy. I used to go out and buy the lates lyman manual to see the newest loads but got less and less. So as i had the 45th 46th and up, i went to Ebay and bought 42 and 43rd they were putting out better loads back then for the 264. Moreover, since powder manufacturers have made much better powders, I have found that others are working with the older calibers. Thank you for your videos.
Handloading is a great hobby but I enjoy it to get the best performance and accuracy out of my cartridges. I shoot 338 federal and with a 160 Barnes ttsx and h322 I’m getting 3050fps. Been really fond of the Winchester StaBall 6.5 in the 7mm08. 3200fps with a 120, 2910 with a 150and 2800 with a 165. Handloading allows you to get peak performance at a cheaper price.
The .45-70-405 was a black powder cartridge. The powder charge was probably a compressed load(70 grains) in the same way you find the charge(40 grains) for the .45 Colt cartridge. The powder loading for black powder cartridges was determined by the capacity of the case. With the .45 series of cartridges there were several loads: the .45-60 Winchester, the .45-70 Government, .45-110 Sharps, .45-120 Sharps, .45-125 Winchester Express, etc., each with a different case for the amount of powder required.
Reloading ammunition is a great hobby with benefits. Yes huge money saving huge, accuracy with custom ammunition. Thankfully I have a nice supply of powder and primers before the political covid-19. I'll weather the storm and wait for the large rifle primers to become available at a reasonable price. I save hundreds of dollars reloading the following. 45 Colt 454 Casull 45 Winchester Magnum 280 Ackley Improved 7x57 Mauser Ackley Improved 30-06 Springfield Ackley Improved 338-06 A-Square 338 Federal Other cartridges I reload for, but are more common. 38 Special 357 S&W Magnum 45 Automatic 223 Remington 22-250 Remington 243 Winchester 270 Winchester
Due to it's versatility I hand load for the 357 Magnum. Over the counter factory ammo is $1.00 + per round. My handloads, depending on the bullet type cost is between .23 - .43 CENTS per round. Lead Hard Cast & JHP bullets. I load for a 4in. SS revolver and a 22in. single shot RIFLE. Separate loadings, of course. From the Hornady Manual, 125gn XTP Bullet - pistol 1440 fps MV, same round, same loading. Rifle 1900 fps. Longer barrel a bit more performance. By handloading you can custom load ammo FOR that firearm and Target. I go for accuracy more than full power loads. My current range rifle load. 158gn FMJTC on top of 13gn of Little Gun. 100 yards, 3 shot group, all holes touching. Having a sidearm and a rifle that can use the same ammo is a really big plus. Another plus for the 357 is that I can use ALL of the 38sp & 38sp+P ammo. 357 ammo is available over the counter, this is how I get my brass. Reloading for the 357 opens a whole chapter for the 357. 110 & 125 JHP for Self Defence with the heavier bullets, Hunting. Dual purpose points for the 357. Primers are the current problem. Small Pistol 500 and the 550 (magnum), however, the Small Rifle Primer will work, ( AR 15 ) back off the powder load by 12- 15%.
Trapdoor Springfield 45/70 loading in the 7th Hornady manual is 25,000CUP, MAX Not 45,Like you,I'm getting older [everyday] and double check all my data before a reloading session.Yes I load for my 45/70 Martini,just a little above trapdoor pressures and it gets the job done. 🙃
I’ve loaded for .22 K-Hornet, 6.5 Swede (modern CZ550), and 8mm Nambu. Having 357 Sig cases to form was a dream come true, but I’m not sure I’ll ever pay for those pricey Nambu dies :-( Loading the Nambu with 3.3 grains of Bullseye under a 103 grain bullet makes for fun, cheap plinking!
I started handloading in 1/1990 after buying a 300 Weatherby magnum rifle because the cost of 300 Weatherby magnum ammo was beyond my budget. Annealing anyone? 30-06AI with 180 grains bullet from 1.5 grains more of IMR 4350/H4350 200 fps more 24" barrel.
I’m coming to the conclusion that handloading, other than for some of my rare/expensive calibers (35 Rem, 444, 375HH) just isn’t quite necessary for what I do. I walked into a Walmart yesterday and saw .45-70 and .222 Rem on the shelf. And for Oklahoma hunting there’s almost no reason to be able to get a 1” group past 60 yards. That said, I do have the equipment to reload multiple calibers but it’s just as expensive to reload as it is to buy most ammo now.
In my M70, I used to load 200gr Nosler Partitions coming out at 2600fps. I now use the same bullet but with ##.# grs of H4350 that kicks them out at a strong, but not outer edge, 2725fps.I get 6-7 reloads on my cases (WW) but I load once fireds for my hunting excursions. I save a good chunk of money, have a load/velocity that I can't get commercially, and the whole shebang is fun and rewarding.
TO handload, of course. It's a great and rewarding hobby. Casting my own bullets adds to the pleasure; been doing it for over five decades. Everything from 44 Mag to 500 Smith, 45-70, and 458 Winchester Magnum. Plus several others.
Factory ammo for my Savage 99 in 300 Sav. cost almost $60 for a box of 20 rds. these days. I like to shoot my rifles on a regular basis, and that wouldn't be impossible if I didn't handload as well as cast all my own bullets for my rifles and handguns. You don't have to use a full case of powder and an expensive jacketed bullet to enjoy shooting, or even to hunt with for that matter. I can even make my own 300 Sav. brass from once fired 308 Win. cases individuals leave at the range that don't handload, it's an easy conversion and the gun doesn't know the difference.
I started out reloading and knew nothing about it. I bought books and read them faithfully, got all my equipment and started reloading. I had no teacher but now IAM shooting 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I really feel like I have accomplished something. It has been a wonderful experience for me
I started when 45 got into office. The ingredients came available finally!! Now I try to have a good stash of ingredients. LOVE doing it. Especially when either you can't find your caliber, or you laugh at the price!
How long did you reload and far down the rabbit hole did you go before you got to 3/4 or 1/2in groups. I'm not quite there. A lot of velocity spread. More than case volume differences I suspect. I carefully measure my loads on a cheaper digital scale,. I do use mixed brass and I don't sort my bullets by their weight if they are from the same batch. (Probably my answer right there.). Can that make a 75-100fps difference? Maybe I could see it in a cold bore to 5th shot but on a warm rifle.... I'm triming, cleaning primer pockets. I was using Lee dies and just neck sizing on my 270ai until I got Mt custom made Hornady dies designed around brass fired from my.gun. She shoots great but for me to hit the edge of the whole from the shot before doesn't happen. Not at 100
@@thecheapshot1065 buy you a good scale one fom Harbor freight aint good enoughneither are the calipers. Hornady or Lyman scales, Mititoyo calipers
@@thecheapshot1065 Velocity spread is a normal thing but 75-100 fps seems high. You might try keeping the ammunition somewhere it will remain at a even temperature just before you fire it. Temp can make a big difference. This is a place to start. The groups you shoot can be a simple as movement on your part. I find all my rifles are much more accurate than I am.
Bitten by the bug and you are benefiting from your efforts.👍🙃
Gotta watch Ron Spomer! Appreciate the video
Sup Who, nice to see you here.
WTW in da house! 👊🇺🇸
There's my boy WTW! Gotta keep the hunting/shooting community strong on here.
Thanks again Who-Tee. Are you finding enough components to keep up with your reloading needs? A lot of commenters here are sure frustrated. I'm still living off my stash. Cheers.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors unfortunately I do not yet reload. I am picking a bad time to get into it I suppose 😆. Taking some classes on reloading here soon.
A lot of the calibers I shoot aren't really available in factory ammo, not for any reasonable price, if at all. Try finding .577/450.
or 41 Swiss
For me, Handloading is something that I used to do with my father when I was little. I always thought all the powder throwers and scales looked like some mad scientist's lab or something. My dad passed away in 2017 and since then I've been getting back into it, and while my shooting has benefited from handloading, it's also been a way to sort of honor and connect with memories of my dad. Now my son is taking an interest and what a feeling that is.
All the best Ron, once again ty for the to tier video.
Thanks James. I hope you and your son build a strong bond over your handloading, shooting, and hunting.
Amen wow a great tradition to pass on to your boy .. best wishes
My daughter has been a great help. She could do all of it
Ron, I remember Larry Potterfield from Midway USA saying the reasons to reload were to save money, improve accuracy, they don't make it anymore and satisfaction for a job well done. You covered all that and then some. I just started listening to your podcast right from the first one called "The Ride", the first story you ever published. I enjoy listening while going for my walks in the woods, you're a good story teller!
There's also, "they never made this obviously useful load commercially."
Well, thank you SJ.
“I’m Larry Potterfield with Midway USA, and that’s the way it is”
@@foubert45 Or thanks for your business!
@@foubert45 "And that's the way it is on this 23rd day of November 1900 and sixty eight. This is Walter Cronkite with CBS Evening News, Goodnight."
Walter was very active in yachting and the US Power Squadron. An old friend of mine's father (who was a Power Squadron admiral among other things) was family friends with Walter, my friend ate with Walter on many occasions growing up. I miss having an anchorman that you can trust.
One warning for those just getting started in hand loading-you may become addicted to it. I spent many hours hand loading for my 7mm Mauser and 7mm Rem Mag many years ago. Every Saturday afternoon was spent shooting all of the various combinations of bullet, powder, case and primer I loaded during the week day evenings. As Ron mentioned, you may end up spending more because you are shooting more, but what a great way to spend your time getting to know your firearms. Thank you Ron for this episode.
Suddenly you realize 4 hours have passed and $200 is now in the berm behind your targets!
I can't think of anything better to get my kids n grandkids addicted to lol.
@@jamesgullo8240 🤣 that would be me but I'm going to start hand loading any way
Funny you mention that. I've been reloading my .223 for years, but recently started working up loads for my 7x57 and 7mm rem mag too! The 7x57 is a Brno and it's a Czechoslovakian Mauser. It was my first centre fire I bought 25 years ago. I'm never selling it!
Just think 200 years from now a archeologist will be excavating some hill side and come to the conclusion it was the sight of executions and in reality it was just a place some hillbillies used to sight in their hunting rifles and drink beer in Alabama 🤣
Hi Ron! Many thanks for you and your team from Russia and Russian hunters!!! Thank you for your job and hobby:)
Our pleasure! Sergey. We loved our Russia hunts and especially the Russian people with whom we hunted.
Great video Ron! The best group I EVER shot with my .270 was with handloads. Five holes all touching that I covered with a quarter. Then I harvested a nice 10pt whitetail with that loading at 330yds. Schweet!
🗣Praise the Lord and pass the .270 ammo Rev. 🤠😇
@@tonywoconish6695 Amen!
No, Ron, Trapdoor 45-70 pressures are down around 25,000 psi. Pressures for the 1895 Marlin are around 40,000 psi and the Ruger No. 1 can handle 50,000+.
Thanks Shawn. I knew the pressure's were low, but didn't remember as low as 25,000 psi for the trapdoor.
When I first started handloading the man that helped me get started said “You really don’t save any money handloading. You just shoot a lot more”. Can’t go wrong with that. Highly recommend.
I started hand loading at the suggestion of my palliative Dr. He told me that it would be great physical and occupational therapy for my bad left hand and arm as well to keep my mind active (I have dementia and am losing my memory). Then I decided to try and reload for better accuracy and, for my wife lighter recoil on her 30-06, it worked great. She took a pronghorn at 230 yards. Then when she bought me a .460 Weatherby Mag I looked at the cost of factory loads and decided that I hadn't choice but to reload, I've been called crazy when it took 60 rounds of ammo before I felt that the gun was broken in and I had best load for what I was hunting, no way could I afford do that with factory loads. Next cartridge to work on is my wife's .45-70. I also reload for the shotgun in 20, 16, and 12gauge.
One I would add to your list is “Preservation of Rare Weapons”.
Years go (maybe 1970s), I met a shooter at the club and he had a magnificent heavy weapon, based on the Mauser Magnum action and in calibre .416 Rigby. I’ve since read that this action was John Rigby’s action of choice for big game rifles and he may have even built this weapon himself. Beautiful carving on metalwork too, bears as I remember and I believe the weapon was bought, possibly “mysteriously” from a source in Arabia.
But my point here is that this shooter just loved taking this rife out to use it. But to be gentle on the weapon, he only fired very low loads and only with the lead projectiles he cast himself. Accuracy just didn’t matter to him but just enjoyed using the weapon and sharing that enjoyment with others.
Here in the UK we would not call that a "weapon" because it triggers the woke brigade. That 416 was a "firearm" owned with no intent to kill or harm anyone or anything. A weapon on the other hand!
@@thomjarman the only country in the world that applauds the (occasional) success of its national shooting teams - when said team members are not allowed to own their “firearms” within the borders of the country - or even train in the country!
The other thing I would say is you can buy rifles in more obscure cartridges confidently, if it's the cartridge you want.
Preservation of rare weapons is one reason many people reload. Especially now. I am having trouble finding dyes for a 50-70 Sharps though. I may need to get the specs and have them machined locally. Brass is available but extremely expensive. The new law our government passed makes it difficult for collectors that hope to profit from firearms so I might as well start using that old Sharps. It is in functional order and the serial # is 1279.
I'm keeping my 250-3000 and 300 savage Model 99s going every fall because of reloading. And I bought 6.5-284 and 280AI with no intention of ever shooting factory ammo. I haven't bought factory ammo for 20 years or more
You hit the nail on the head Ron. If you are on the fence about reloading, get a fast twist .223 Remington and a starter reloading kit. There are so many bullet options, you will be amazed.
What’s going’s on with primers, if these companies keep this stuff up I’m going back to fishing, and screw the sport of shooting, it’s absolutely screwed up like never before
Primers take up basically no space in inventory. Ammo companies are hoarding them, and get top priority with the primer manuf. Even with a split, 90% go to ammo makers.
There is supposedly a new primer manufacturer opening in Texas. Hopefully they don't contract out completely to the manufacturers.
I have reloaded for 40 plus years because I like to shoot and I hunt with such popular caliber’s 6mm Rem. .264 Win Mag, & 300 H&H Mag. Do I save money 💰 no I just shoot more.
If you shoot 28ga in volume you need to reload it. TC and Shoot Straight
Great stuff Ron.
You are the hunting uncle I never had, love your content.
I understand it ok because I studied some physics at university, but the concepts about barrel resonance, bullet speed, barrel flex, muzzle movement is fascinating.
It can explain the sweet spots in loads, why some loads group so well but a few grains more and it all goes wrong.
All that suff.
Fancy doing a video about all that?
Tight lines and happy hunting good man
It would be great to be Ron's neighbor.
Many thanks Richard. Yes, I hope to cover harmonics and nodes one of these days. So many topics, so little time!
Man I feel the same way about Mr Spomer. I've learned so much the past couple of years through him and especially here recently with all the educational videos 👍
I have found I love reloading as much as shooting.
Remember Blackpowder and modern smokeless are completely different do not mix them up. Putting Smokeless powder in a black powder gun will result in catastrophic failure
There is a satisfaction in knowing how things work. Really love handloading. My favorite part is the loading and book reading part. I like it better than the shooting. Just like the science I guess
Guess Im late! 😝😝. Rewatching now!! Great as always??
Started in 1976. Its a daily affair. I love it.
Well if you just by the handloading books you get a better Idea of how a cartridge / gun perform before you buy and maybe you will spend less on guns. Maybe?
😅😂😆
first there was the reloading kit, then the electronic powder measure followed by expensive calipers, bushing bump neck sizing dies, expander mandrels, little crow trimmers, ultra micrometer seating dies...and the annealer. Not sure I'm saving money, but definitely improving accuracy, shooting more and having fun. Tools are fun. Thanks Ron.
I think there's an investment cost for all the things you need. It should pay off, eventually, but it may be a take a thousand or more rounds to do so.
It'll likely never pay off if you calculate the time it takes you to reload compared to spending that time earning money and buying factory stuff, but you probably wouldn't be spending that time at a job anyway.
I started to hand load back in the early 70s when I discovered the factory 7mm Mauser ammo did not work well in my old 1895 Chilean Mauser. My hand loads were much better. I then improved my M1 carbine accuracy and functional reliability with slightly hotter loads (between 2000-2100 fps). My loading then expanded to custom-tailored loads for my two brother-in-laws 35 Remington and 8mm Mauser rifles. They loved to deer hunt with my custom loads. But I quit when I moved to Texas due to my workload.
I retired in 2013 and three years ago I started reloading again. But this time I kept it simple with a Lee Precision 80180 Breach lock, hand press kit hand loader. I find it relaxing and useful as my son has a 458 Socom which is expensive to shoot with factory ammo. I just wanted to say you can go large or small based on your needs, finances, and situation. Just be careful. Use a set of pocket-size electronic measuring scales (they are cheap) and not just a scope measure and don't push the loadings too hot and you'll save money and have fun. I'm looking forward to teaching my grandson.
Rather reload ! Love my odd cartridges .218 bee .17 rem fireball , .25-20! Also shooting a lot of .357 magnum! Which is what I got into reloading . Next came the .220 swift . No factory ammo available 😢! I could find .22-250 all day! I love that ruger model 77 in .220 swift! First rifle I was ever able to make 1000yd shots with. No coyote or prairie dog was safe! The most aggravation was the original. 17 Remington . Case neck separation and blown primers ! Some cartridges are at the max from the factory! Be careful and shoot respectfully!
44 mag got me into handloading. I miss being in South Dakota. I love my 17 Fireball and 220 Swift too.
Love to handload. Used to do groundhog matches and was always loading for .243 out to 800yds. The Steven's model 200 is a sleeper with just a couple mods.
Now I still load for 25-06, I have passed this knowledge onto others. My rewards now come from those folks and their successes.
It's been a blast. Thank you Sir. Much respect.
53 gr. IMR 4350 with 87 gr. or 90 gr Sierra PSP and HPBT...Ruger M-77 heavy barrel...been using that load since '76. Red mist prairie dogs...NOT fur friendly!...mule deer...whitetail and even elk...chrono bit over 3200 fps...25 ROCKS! (Get a 220 Swift if you gonna harvest fur tho!)
@@curlyyoder bicentennial Ruger 77 varmint 220 swift using 50 vmax 37.2 rl15 sweet rifle. It wears a steel Weaver t16
@@curlyyoder 48.8 of Imr 4451 110 eldx , savage 110 f has Krieger 1/9 twist with factory spec chamber. Also 87gr tnt 54.5 imr 4451 for groundhogs.
Hey Ron, I've been hand loading for 30 years. For me hand loading is the pursuit of excellence. The work itself takes total concentration and is good therapy and in the end I feel that I get the most satisfaction out of my equipment that way. Love your videos sir....been a fan of yours for many years.
Many thanks gilream. I hope you continue to enjoy your therapy for another 30 years.
My dad had me pulling cases out of the tumbler and loading the lube pad at about 3 years old. That will be 40 years ago this year, and now my daughter helps me. Between him and my uncle, I have produced a lot of rounds over the years. It is a valuable skill to have, and like you mentioned, it's fun. We lost my uncle a few years back, but I know he's still reloading for his range trips with Jesus. Have fun everyone and stay safe.
Great video! I own several guns I simply could not afford to shoot, especially these days, if I didn't handload. I've been loading for 40 years now. I'd have been broke 100 times over if I had fired factory loads all these years.Years back when all factory ammo was full of "blue sky" it was quite easy to beat it with handloads as far as velocity. Now that so many have their own chrono, factory ammo has had to tighten up and come close to advertised specs to avoid all the fraud lawsuits that would come. I was fortunate to have a chrono before the majority of folks did and it was clear factory ammo was nowhere near as fast as they claimed it was.
Even if hand loads were never more accurate or cheaper, I would still do it because it’s so much fun.
I load Slug, Buckshot and birdshot in my 20ga and 12ga also reload for my .44Mag! Handloading offers better performing ammunition with the unique components that factory ammo doesnt use. You save a ton of money (after you are set with everything you need.) & you get to kill something with YOUR OWN creation.
Thanks Ron, it's also great therapy. During the awful 2019/2020 Australian bushfires the smoke was so bad that most of us in the south east of OZ were stuck inside. I spent a week of holidays trimming 44 special cases into 44 Colt, resizing 22 Hi-power and loading other calibres.
First I've heard of 22 hi power. Is this one of those not-a-military-cartridge calibers?
I've been handloading since 1987 and it's a hobby that I've always loved. It's tough to find components these days mainly bullets and primers, probably because ammo manufacturers have been using those components to keep up with the increased demand and fix the ammo shortages we've seen for the last few months.
One of my biggest satifaction came, when around 1983 got a 1917 Enfield in 30-06, First big cal rifle. Went to store and bought 150 grns Rem,Win,Federal cartriges, 3-4" paterns, back to store 165 grns Rem,Win,Fed. same paterns. Ok reload ordered/bought dif bullets from Speer,Sierra,Horndy, IMR 4350 , CCI200 primers. and built up accordingly, Eventually hit the sweet spot with 165 Grns Speer Grand Slams at under 1MOA, I dont care if it isn't max vel, If I can shoot the eye out a Deer at 100 Yds I dont need more omph
Reloader here. Reloading is the exact reason I finally choose the 30-06. You can do so much with it.
Yeap from 60gr to 250gr and from subsonic to full power rounds, my 30-06 is like a Swiss army knife in rifle form 😂
You’re correct
I concur! But my shoulders were trashed and couldn’t take the recoil impulse of 30-06, unfortunately. It was my choice for 30+ years but old military injuries required a shoulder replacement. I only get one.
This bullet is a great round for learning and understanding reloading. Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and 30-06
.270 for me - loads from 70-170gr with a 1:8 twist barrel.
Hand loaders , ham operators, fly fisherman , AND CAR NUTS , ARE JUST PLAIN CRAZY.
Relaoding is independence. I shoot 7 MM 08 and use the plentiful 308 case just by necking it down TO 7MM . I make ultra light loads for My girlfriends lever action 3030 just for plinking or woodchuck garden removal. . Thanks for the video.
Great vid. I started loading 22 years ago and have loved it. I load for 15 calibers in 42 firearms and enjoy doing it. I'm very jealous too, you have the exact press I've been saving up to get. ;) Also lets you load for no longer available calibers like my .40-60 Marlin. ;)
The cheapest way to get into reloading is with the LeeLoader. All you need is components , a block of wood and a plastic hammer. These are fairly slow, but very practical. Many obsolete calibers die sets can be found on ebay. I have one in 222 rem mag.
I used one of those for exactly 10 rounds of 44 mag before I bought a press and dies. That was over 20 years an countless numbers of rounds ago. I handload all mine except shotgun and rimfire.
@@ChristopherKnN for any volume a press is much better, loading a box or two, the lee does work .
Greater bullet selection. Amen brother. I load a 200gr round nose Nosler in a 308. People don’t understand why I would put that big a bullet in a 308 case. But I know that load works so well on hogs - like a hammer. I have the choice. I exercise it. God bless America!
It's funny you mention those cartridges, I reload for the 45 / 70, and me and my shooting partner are currently working on a 6.5 x55 Swede. Maybe someday7 by 57 Mauser
Varmint ammo is really unreasonably priced. When you handload, it's as cheap as anything else. And on the other end, you can also go with heavier bullets than any factory load. (7mm08 can go a lot higher than 150 grains)
Thanks Ron , that was probably the best advertisement for reloading I have ever seen ! The satisfaction of doing it yourself is a great reward and making wildcats is so much fun. I have done 5 wildcat’s now the most recent is a 6 x 45 ( 6mm x 223 ) a wonderful 200 yd coyote cartridge , a flat shooting pelt friendly round that is very easy to form and load ! Please do an episode with a word about this cartridge. Thanks again Ron.
Thanks for the excellent point of mentioning 'throat size' right up front. As people will discover, it varies rifle brand to brand, and maybe even rifle to rifle, generating excessive pressure sometimes. For Thomas, I gained a lot of satisfaction researching, sizing, testing and producing the best pattern shooting loads for by 22 250, 243, 280, and my 300 Mag. My best hunting buddies took more interest in their rifles too, which created friendly competitions, and further education for us all to produce smaller target patterns on our rifles. Reloading allowed me to shoot many more rounds for the money as compared to Retail. Peace to all!
I was in a local gunsmith shop when a farmer came in and asked if the gunsmith was finished with his rifle. The gunsmith went into the back and returned with a nice Browning A-Bolt in .22-250. "What do I owe you?" asked the farmer.
"Nothing. There wasn't a thing wrong with it."
"Whattya mean? Not only did I miss the coyote but I had to beat the bolt open with a 2x4."
The gunsmith's eyes narrowed in suspicion and his tone of voice changed: "Well what kind of ammo have you been feeding it?"
"Oh, just some roll-your-owns."
"Bill? Did you use reloads from Bill?
"Yeah, how did you kn--?"
"Don't you shoot ANY reloads from Bill. He reloads everything WAY too hot." The gunsmith sold him a box of Federal Fusions and the farmer departed.
Well I would say that farmers proof tested that their rifle. Real good. Don't shoot other peoples reloads.
The guy the locals call Dynamite Dave, who somehow miraculously has all his digits. But his hands are badly scarred.
I started reloading for my Marlin 336 in 35 Remington. It was almost impossible to find ammo for it, and reloading solved the problem. From there, I added the 30-06, the 308, and the 7MM Rem Mag. Didn't have trouble getting ammo for those calibers, but the temptation of improved accuracy over commercial loads was too much to resist. I suppose it saves money, although I tend to blow any alleged savings on more reloading supplies which are rising in price just like commercial ammo, so there might be some debate there.
With all that said, would I recommend hand loading to others as a means for more accurate rounds for your favorite gun? Heck yeah. Would I recommend is a way to save money? Uh...well, uh...heck yeah.
Loading for the oddball cartridges is a great advantage of reloading. It gives you a freedom to buy any gun you want regardless of how scarce factory ammo is. Once you have the dies and a few hundred cases you are set. Go a step further and estimate a lifetime quantity of brass and buy that and you are totally independent. If you want to go even further cast your own bullets although the golden years of casting are behind us in many ways due to the lesser availability of scrap lead compared to the past. But even if you have to buy your lead alloys from an online vendor, it's way cheaper than factory bullets.
No argument with anything that he is saying ... except that availability of any components is just not happening right now. I can't find much of anything that I need or want.
Theyre going to new cartridges with less free bore, making the rifles less picky for accuracy.
So two paths,
1) Hand loads (always gunna fond a good load)
2) go with newer carts, almost always a good factory load. (Not to picky)
Where is everyone getting primers??? We haven't seen a one carton of primers in years in Ohio - at least in the southern half the state. Online, everyone is sold out of everything. Still, we see things like this in videos and just wonder how anyone gets primers these days. Anyone care to tell where to find them?
When I started shooting 44 mag I spent about $50 for 50 rnds. Now I spend about $8 for 50 rnds after reloading.
Ron, Shhhh, we don't need anymore reloaderd buying the already scarce components.
Yep, spot on Ron. Reloading isn't hard, its worth while and enjoyable. I've found the love for my old Parker Hale Safari Deluxe chambered in .375 Winchester just because I've learnt to reload. Plus the fact that ammo here in Australia is so expensive for it. Thanks for the vids
I used to have a William Evans double rifle in 450/400 3 1/4 nitro. Back then the only source of ammo was Kynoch and it was $11 a round. I could handload it for $3 a round. That's a no brainer.
I've been loading since 1969. I started with a Lee Loader and progressed from there. I got hooked when I shot my first cloveleaf 3 shot group with those tools. Lots of memories over the years. When you find a loading you like you should stock up on those components. The ammo shortage was not a shortage to me, just a temporary time to use up my stash of stuff. Thanks Ron, great info, even for a long term loader who enjoys always learning something new and trying new bullets.
Thanks Ron, I love the process in finding the perfect load, and then another, and another and so on. I believe Weatherby developed a special load for the 30-378 using Hammer bullets because they were able to actually supply them and not be on backorder. I would love to try Hammer bullets for a few different rifles so I hope they make it here into Canada sometime.
Hi Ron
I’m with you Ron,you do have more satisfaction hunting with your own hand loads.
I started loading at my friend’s house after 2 years of fruitless search for 30-40 Krag ammo when I inherited a Springfield 1898 from my grandpa. The ammo shortage gave me the incentive to buy all my own gear.
I can't say enough about hand loading!
Precision long range shooting requires it!
It took me forever to figure out how to replicate fed gold medal match...and the secret final step! (I believe). Now my 700s are most happy!! . Now my rounds match or exceed GMM!
I have been handloading for a while now. Got my sweet loads for all my guns. I remember starting out. The fellow that took me under his wing so to speak gave me a Hornady hand load book. He told me to look at what was recommended for the powder scale and deduct 10%. His thoughts on a safety concern. The loads were fine (crownoed?) Out OK grouping I could live with but he taught me how to tweak it just right by adjusting the powder by just one then two then three grains up and down from what the book gave me minis 10%. Load three rounds each with that scale or one grain of powder at a time over and under what your original weight. Alow a good amount of time to cool the barrel down. Those adjustments I was able to get my groups in impressively tight once I was happy with my groups that weight and brand of powder was what was called the sweet load for my gun. Shoot my ammo in another identical gun and it may not perform the same. So remember that. And never reload for anyone other than yourself. And never load over what the book gives you. Those are maximum presures for your make and model. And can be extremely dangerous. Serious injury and even death will result.
time consuming, but rewarding , cannot buy my accuracy at any price
Like most non-financial people Ron apparently has not totaled the cost of the equipment he has on the table in front of him, then subtracted it from the "savings" of shooting say ... 1000 rounds. But if you stop and think about it, that break even point of reloading as opposed to factory is probably a few generations down the line for even the dedicated hunter. The only real benefit is the potential for more accurate shooting, which for the same hunter is negligible in its effect at ethical hunting ranges. Sorry Ron.
I understand your points. But some of us simply enjoy the hobby of being able to tailor ammunition to specific firearms and specific uses. All of the usual reasons given for reloading may or may not be relevant to some. Your opinion is yours and is as valid as any. I don’t even shoot anymore due to progressive health issues but 15 years ago I usually found my joy reloading. I’m a devout nerd with health issues but reloading my own ammunition satisfied a whole lot of my nerdly pursuits while providing me with cheaper ammunition for practice. I didn’t just reload to hunt. I did it for the sake of learning how and the discipline of getting good at it. That’s hard to put a valuation on.
@@dr.froghopper6711 My comment was based on what I believe the heavy majority of shooters engage in, hunting. Its self evident that pure shooters would greatly benefit from reloading, aside from just the cost savings, in accuracy improvements. And though I did not (and should have) explicitly state so, my comment was primarily based on hunting. Thanks for pointing out what you did.
@@Oldclimber1 I was curious about your point and did a spreadsheet study on breakeven a year ago. I found that 8800 rounds was ultimate breakeven. The more rare the caliber, you could bring that down, but only if you concentrated on that caliber, and got pre-pandemic prices on components.
I've seen people say breakeven is under 2000 rounds. No caliber went under 2000 in my study.
I'd like to see their report cards from school.
@@m4rvinmartian Don't need their report cards that's what you tell the better half when justifying the expense. It might even be lower that 2000 rounds in those circumstances 😁
@Dave Knowles Haha, it'll pay for itself in one range trip, promise! 😉
7mm mag bdl deluxe, New $164, misprint, my reloading buddy, experienced, said reload 5 or 6, another fired 10 thousand 300 mags a night on a tripod, said can reload 10 times, How many times in general can u reload without the brass giving out, ????????
Case life varies depending on how "hot" you load. The higher the pressure, the greater the stretching and work hardening of the brass. Annealing necks can extend life, too. Minimal sizing (as opposed to full length resizing) also extends case life. Figure 3 to 5 hot loads, 10 or more if mild loads.
I reload for 500 S&W down here in australia factory ammo in 500 is scarce in oz to say the least, i also cast bullets for it..... If i had to buy ammo a box of 20 was $ 115 dollars, i can hand load 20 rounds for around 20 bucks not including the brass.
Ron I haven’t reloaded for the last two years because I am out of primers and can’t get any of the ones I need. No sense buying equipment fellas until the manufacturers start providing us with supplies!😖
My 6.5x55 is much better than factory stuff and my little 7-30 Waters is still in use because I load. It’s a great past time far superior to watching TV. Started in ‘62 and am still going.
My 7-30 is a single shot, so I can reload it with pointy bullets.
That would also apply to a 30-30 single shot as well.
Good luck finding any primers or powder.
Good video, Ron. I believe you missed an important benefit of handloading - whether due to oversight or RUclips ethics. In a SHTF situation, people possessing certain skills and/or commodities gain societal worth exponentially, and I'm not talking about Fortune 500 CEOs. A well-stocked and skilled handloader has the power of barter on his side.
Great video brother! Reloading and handloading are a lot of fun to boot. Echo
Always great videos Ron. Thankyou.
Commercial 10mm is usually downloaded also
U can really wake up a 358 win by hand loading
6.5x55 SE, modern action stamped SE can be loaded to higher pressure. I have one and it is a reloader's dream. Super accurate. Sako makes them in SE
And Tikka. And Ruger chambered it for awhile, as did Winchester. And of course, the Rem 700 Classic, 1993 or 94 i think
Not a reloader, but are most powders even in stock? How about primers?
Yeah, he's talking like the rich Hollywood people preach to the poors. He hasn't been a normal in a long time, so he doesn't know what he's talking about.
Marvin, I guess I'm as prone as the next guy to envy the wealthy, but I've learned over the years it's self defeating to engage in class warfare. Rich folk are not necessarily smarter or better than poor folk, poor folk are not necessarily more noble, etc. We're all people and can be as polite and fair and honest and kind as we want. Yeah, it would be great to have so much $ that you could buy all the guns, ammo, powder and other components you want, but denigrating all rich folks because a few might be asses is unfair and inaccurate. Peace.
If it comes in a box marked 'match ammo' you've fallen for marketing hype. There is no such thing as factory match ammo, for the simple reason they have no idea how your particular barrel will react to that load. Sure it might be more strict on loaded powder weights but its not tuned for your rifle.
That's not what match ammo means.
@@m4rvinmartian that's what hornady say it means. What do you think it means?
@@ancientrenegade9243 All match means is:
"narrow tolerance and high level of accuracy"
It does not mean, one is "matched" to the other.
What you are talking about is bespoke.
@@m4rvinmartian I never said it was. I said you need ammo tuned for your gun.
@@ancientrenegade9243 You said factory match is hype and it is not. You said "There is no such thing as factory match ammo" and that conclusively is not true either.
I'm not interested in playing soccer, so don't go moving goal posts.
Great video Ron! One caution to new handloaders, I once heard the comment (and have found it to be true). "Handloads can make a good rifle shoot better, but handloads can never make a bad rifle shoot good." Thanks again.
I disagree sir lol I am the proud owner of several bastard children firearms that now shine and make me proud since hand loading them. Factory ammo just don't do it in them. Outta the box factory ammo really bad. Changed scope still not great. Handload it now hole in hole at 100 yards and 1" groups at 300 yrds.
I agree with everything you just said brother but I'd also add that getting into reloading right now is tough just because of prices and how hard everything is to get. That said it's definitely doable especially if you take your time while buying components. I'd recommend buying as little as possible off of these auction sites where components are going for 5 to 10× what they're selling for in your big online stores, big box stores, and your local gun shops but depending on how fast you need it you might have to. Definitely do your homework there's a bunch of scams out there right now. If they won't allow you to pay with a credit and debit card, if they show everything in stock for cheaper prices then anywheres else, or if there's broken English in the descriptions DO NOT send them your money. That might sound like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people are losing their hard earned money to these scams... If it sounds to good to be true it more than likely is. Other than that if you're thinking about getting into reloading just do it it's a lot of fun and just like Ron said there's a real satisfying feeling you get when you shoot that monster animal or ring steel at ridiculous distances with a cartridge you made because of load development you did...
I have veen hand loading since 1962. I started because it allowed me to shoot hundreds of rounds every weekend ever since. I also cast bullets too. It was an excellent survival skill to learn. Most of the whitetails that went into the freezer were harvested with hard cast 30 cal. lead bullets.
You got 10 years on me. But hay who's counting. Keep having a blast 👍💥
No you can’t save money, because you just end up shooting more lol.
Fair trade.
My 300wm refuses to shoot factory ammo decently. Handloading appeals to my meticulous nature and I get to play with gun stuff more.
I do reloading, I cast my own also. You are right on reloading and you also value what you do and how the end for how the results you get in the end. After one understand what all is in it . You will be addicted. Thanks Ron .
What do you coat with?
@@m4rvinmartian I do the old way , size and lube , I make my own lube.
@@paulmartin6895 copy that
I'm an old National Match shooter and I reload all my own rounds and it's saved me a bundle and shrunk my groups from 3 moa to 1 moa in my M1's and M1a's. Now in this great ammo drought we now have, many years ago I stocked up on NATO M80. My NM rounds are all fmj so to save time during hunting season I break out some of the 147gr M80 and pull the bullets and seat 150gr Nosler BT in their place. Makes a dandy hunting round for deer or if I seat some of the 150gr Hornady fmj's they are very cheap practice rounds. When your handloading you can really stretch your ammo dollars and we all know how important practice is.
After the Korean War, my Dad got his gunsmithing license and found he needed a steady income - as jr. higher, Dad showed my brothers and me how to handload on an old Herters turret reloading press. His reloading manual was a Lyman Second edition. Thankfully, money grew on trees for me and my brothers that we enjoyed handloading more than shooting. Love your channel and your gentlemanly manner.
Well, it all depends on saving money. If you reload military sized amunition and what is popular, not so much. However, when reloading for older, less popular ones like my 264 win mag, you save lots and get better selection and accuracy. I used to go out and buy the lates lyman manual to see the newest loads but got less and less. So as i had the 45th 46th and up, i went to Ebay and bought 42 and 43rd they were putting out better loads back then for the 264. Moreover, since powder manufacturers have made much better powders, I have found that others are working with the older calibers. Thank you for your videos.
Handloading is a great hobby but I enjoy it to get the best performance and accuracy out of my cartridges. I shoot 338 federal and with a 160 Barnes ttsx and h322 I’m getting 3050fps. Been really fond of the Winchester StaBall 6.5 in the 7mm08. 3200fps with a 120, 2910 with a 150and 2800 with a 165. Handloading allows you to get peak performance at a cheaper price.
Need some 6.5prc ron
This is awesome!
Another great video
The .45-70-405 was a black powder cartridge. The powder charge was probably a compressed load(70 grains) in the same way you find the charge(40 grains) for the .45 Colt cartridge. The powder loading for black powder cartridges was determined by the capacity of the case. With the .45 series of cartridges there were several loads: the .45-60 Winchester, the .45-70 Government, .45-110 Sharps, .45-120 Sharps, .45-125 Winchester Express, etc., each with a different case for the amount of powder required.
Reloading ammunition is a great hobby with benefits. Yes huge money saving huge, accuracy with custom ammunition.
Thankfully I have a nice supply of powder and primers before the political covid-19. I'll weather the storm and wait for the large rifle primers to become available at a reasonable price.
I save hundreds of dollars reloading the following.
45 Colt
454 Casull
45 Winchester Magnum
280 Ackley Improved
7x57 Mauser Ackley Improved
30-06 Springfield Ackley Improved
338-06 A-Square
338 Federal
Other cartridges I reload for, but are more common.
38 Special
357 S&W Magnum
45 Automatic
223 Remington
22-250 Remington
243 Winchester
270 Winchester
Due to it's versatility I hand load for the 357 Magnum.
Over the counter factory ammo is $1.00 + per round.
My handloads, depending on the bullet type cost is between .23 - .43 CENTS per round. Lead Hard Cast & JHP bullets.
I load for a 4in. SS revolver and a 22in. single shot RIFLE. Separate loadings, of course.
From the Hornady Manual, 125gn XTP Bullet - pistol 1440 fps MV, same round, same loading. Rifle 1900 fps. Longer barrel a bit more performance. By handloading you can custom load ammo FOR that firearm and Target. I go for accuracy more than full power loads.
My current range rifle load. 158gn FMJTC on top of 13gn of Little Gun. 100 yards, 3 shot group, all holes touching.
Having a sidearm and a rifle that can use the same ammo is a really big plus.
Another plus for the 357 is that I can use ALL of the 38sp & 38sp+P ammo. 357 ammo is available over the counter, this is how I get my brass. Reloading for the 357 opens a whole chapter for the 357.
110 & 125 JHP for Self Defence with the heavier bullets, Hunting. Dual purpose points for the 357.
Primers are the current problem. Small Pistol 500 and the 550 (magnum), however, the Small Rifle Primer will work, ( AR 15 ) back off the powder load by 12- 15%.
Trapdoor Springfield 45/70 loading in the 7th Hornady manual is 25,000CUP, MAX Not 45,Like you,I'm getting older [everyday] and double check all my data before a reloading session.Yes I load for my 45/70 Martini,just a little above trapdoor pressures and it gets the job done. 🙃
I’ve loaded for .22 K-Hornet, 6.5 Swede (modern CZ550), and 8mm Nambu.
Having 357 Sig cases to form was a dream come true, but I’m not sure I’ll ever pay for those pricey Nambu dies :-(
Loading the Nambu with 3.3 grains of Bullseye under a 103 grain bullet makes for fun, cheap plinking!
Thank for the. Info
Spot on Ron!
I started handloading in 1/1990 after buying a 300 Weatherby magnum rifle because the cost of 300 Weatherby magnum ammo was beyond my budget. Annealing anyone?
30-06AI with 180 grains bullet from 1.5 grains more of IMR 4350/H4350 200 fps more 24" barrel.
I’m coming to the conclusion that handloading, other than for some of my rare/expensive calibers (35 Rem, 444, 375HH) just isn’t quite necessary for what I do. I walked into a Walmart yesterday and saw .45-70 and .222 Rem on the shelf. And for Oklahoma hunting there’s almost no reason to be able to get a 1” group past 60 yards.
That said, I do have the equipment to reload multiple calibers but it’s just as expensive to reload as it is to buy most ammo now.
In my M70, I used to load 200gr Nosler Partitions coming out at 2600fps. I now use the same bullet but with ##.# grs of H4350 that kicks them out at a strong, but not outer edge, 2725fps.I get 6-7 reloads on my cases (WW) but I load once fireds for my hunting excursions. I save a good chunk of money, have a load/velocity that I can't get commercially, and the whole shebang is fun and rewarding.
TO handload, of course. It's a great and rewarding hobby. Casting my own bullets adds to the pleasure; been doing it for over five decades. Everything from 44 Mag to 500 Smith, 45-70, and 458 Winchester Magnum. Plus several others.
I just bought a box of 30-30 and a box of. 308. I paid $80! Maybe it's time to get into handloading
Factory ammo for my Savage 99 in 300 Sav. cost almost $60 for a box of 20 rds. these days. I like to shoot my rifles on a regular basis, and that wouldn't be impossible if I didn't handload as well as cast all my own bullets for my rifles and handguns. You don't have to use a full case of powder and an expensive jacketed bullet to enjoy shooting, or even to hunt with for that matter. I can even make my own 300 Sav. brass from once fired 308 Win. cases individuals leave at the range that don't handload, it's an easy conversion and the gun doesn't know the difference.