In this boat as well, plus being able to shoot bullets not loaded by the factory. 222 Rem is one, yes you can get factory ammo but if you want to shoot some of the newer bullet designs you need to load them yourself.
Is reloading even worth it now?
- Thread starter handofzeus
- Start date
Morning Fox.
Totally agree.
I feel that way for most calibers.
I have tried 5 different bullets in my new to me 222 and have a few more to try too.
Also have two more powders and another primer to experiment with.
I'm a bit of a reload junky so even if I find a great load combo, the search continues.
Great hobby and I'm never limited to what the stores offer.
I run 50gr vMax, which is ok but not as accurate as I have had. The 222 is twisted for 50gr SP max, the vMax works but 55gr did not do well, especially longer bullets with boat tails.
To be honest, the most accurate 222 load I had was my great uncles loading, 50gr flat base soft point, not exactly sure the load but it was developed for the gun, a fully bedded Rem 700. Anyway, 5 shots you can cover all the cut paper with a dime at 100 yards.
I have some 50gr flat base to try again but the vMax work well.
52 berger varmint, 50 speer tnt, and 50gr hornady sp have been my best bullets so far behind imr4198. I haven't gotten to the vmax yet as they are longer than what I was looking for. Short and flat bottom seems to be the ticket.
The bergers were the best (as usual) but too expensive for my 50-100yrd shooting.
Winchester sp are my budget bullets but noticable drop off in accuracy. Good enough for volume gopher shooting I guess.
Will keep experimenting.
Those Hornady 50gr flat base SP are probably your best option, I would not bother with Bergers at close ranges, 50-100 yards you should have one ragged hole with the 222, 4198 is the best, I use H4198 but I have heard good things about IMR4198 as well.
Brassman66
CGN frequent flyer
If you got the Euippment when Prices where still reasonable, go for it.
If not I am not so sure unless you shoot alot !
If not I am not so sure unless you shoot alot !
migrant hunter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
I enjoy reloading. I haven't bought factory centerfire ammo in years and im shocked when I look at the price of it. Shot my best whitetail yet last season, using my own cast bullets in my .38-55. Loaded round costs under 50 cents.
- Location
- Delta B.C.
I will always handload... The only stuff that comes close to what I can produce myself is factory custom stuff and mine is still better. I can sort of see the OP's reasoning to ask when talking pistol cartridges but the quality of factory ammo is junk now... in general. Regardless, as our country slides further down the slippery slope.... I can always count on me...
Buy now or pay later... 20 factory rounds for 115 bucks before tax and they give you stuff that looks like it's been used as a door stop.
Buy now or pay later... 20 factory rounds for 115 bucks before tax and they give you stuff that looks like it's been used as a door stop.
Leading in 9mm with cast loads is usually a sizing issue. I cast my own and size to .3575. Off the shelf cast 9mm are usually sized to .356 and regardless of how hard the lead is, they will lead the barrel and accuracy is usually dismal.With my numbers based on accessible components you are still saving money but the numbers I used are more reasonable for the average joe and still significantly cheaper than buying factory ammo
My buddy casts for 9mm, he has run into tons of problems with leading with his 9s, not other pistols but in the 9mm, I am happy with Campro and the price leaves that as a very good price.
I only use straight wheel weights that are water dropped for hardness. I lube with RCBS lube with home made lube. Never explored powder coating. What I do works for me.
I might get slight traces of lead in the barrel after 300 plus rounds, but is easily cleaned out with a Lewis lead remover tool.
Reloading is worth it. Still a lot cheaper than factory. Many of the calibers I shoot aren’t common and ammunition can’t be found for them. Try buying 577 Snider. Empty cases are over $15. I take one of my Garands out and it’s normal for me to shoot over 100 rounds. Factory thats over $250. My current price is $128. How about 44-40 at $2 rnd factory. Mine under 50 cents. I like controlling my supply of ammunition and not having to rely on what’s available at stores. Cast for most calibers so I never run out of bullets.
I have been loading my own ammo since the 1960's The cost has definitely escalated.
However, I have 2 rifles in chamberings where factory ammo is well over $100.00 for a
box of 20. I can load these with premium hunting bullets for between $40 and $50 for
20. To me, reloading makes sense.
As far as accuracy goes, if one loads his own ammo, usually he can tailor a load to the
rifle's preference. However, the quality of some of today's factory ammo is astounding.
I was given some factory ammo for my 8mm Rem Mag, loaded with 200 grain A-Frames.
It shoots as good as any load I have developed for this rifle. [sub moa, fwiw] EE.
However, I have 2 rifles in chamberings where factory ammo is well over $100.00 for a
box of 20. I can load these with premium hunting bullets for between $40 and $50 for
20. To me, reloading makes sense.
As far as accuracy goes, if one loads his own ammo, usually he can tailor a load to the
rifle's preference. However, the quality of some of today's factory ammo is astounding.
I was given some factory ammo for my 8mm Rem Mag, loaded with 200 grain A-Frames.
It shoots as good as any load I have developed for this rifle. [sub moa, fwiw] EE.
To those of you who ask, is it worth it. Yes it is, try to find antique caliber brass this is 8mm Lebel brass, which has been trimmed to 38mm long then shaped to .41 Swiss (Italian center fire). It's a large bore black powder that hucks a 320 grain slug @ 1200 FPS. Its very similar to a .410 shotgun slug. I've have had kids as young as 8 shoot it, as it's such a light recoil.
It causes me to chuckle, if something like this was used defensively. coroners would be claiming hit by a 410, ....... a rifled black powder what?
It causes me to chuckle, if something like this was used defensively. coroners would be claiming hit by a 410, ....... a rifled black powder what?
