Does it make sense to start reloading or PITA?

T

Teac

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So at the moment I only want to load .357 which I use for plinking ... I have an electronic balance and dies and as major equipment need press and power doser only.

BUT


Will this be something thats great in the US and constant suck in Canada due to parts and components not being in stock and maybe available in 2-6 months?

It starts with that I have been unable to find .357 HP bullets ...

Is powder a PITA to get here? Should be store bought in LM BC.

So I am hesitant to get into it just to be faced with a barrage of "not available" and "wont ship to Canada"


Teac
 
I don't live in Lower Mainland, B.C. if that is where you are - I live in the boonies in rural Manitoba. I am able to get powder in most any city around here - 2 or 3 hours drive away - bullets readily available on-line from many vendors - several are banner sponsors at top of the page, but I can guarantee you will not be getting powder or bullets shipped to you from south of the border. Maybe you are one of the people that should not get into reloading - stay with store bought ammunition. Some people, like me, have not bought "factory rolled" for past 5,000 rounds or more. If hand guns are your thing (I no longer own any), consider getting into casting your own, but likely a greater PITA than loading them.... So far, a free country - up to you.
 
Potashminer said:
I don't live in Lower Mainland, B.C. if that is where you are - I live in the boonies in rural Manitoba. I am able to get powder in most any city around here - 2 or 3 hours drive away - bullets readily available on-line from many vendors - several are banner sponsors at top of the page, but I can guarantee you will not be getting powder or bullets shipped to you from south of the border. Maybe you are one of the people that should not get into reloading - stay with store bought ammunition. Some people, like me, have not bought "factory rolled" for past 5,000 rounds or more. If hand guns are your thing (I no longer own any), consider getting into casting your own, but likely a greater PITA than loading them.... So far, a free country - up to you.
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Actually the .357 is for rifles .... Cant find HP bullets tho. For rifle probably should be jacketed
 
I recently got into reloading as well. It's a big upfront cost and I doubt most people will ever "break even"

Everything is really easy to find either locally or online. (there is a site sponsor with great prices and selection)

Reloading has been a way to for me to shoot more, and get the most out of factory brass. It's also therapeutic to be able to duck out in the garage for a bit and be alone creating recipes to try for later.
 
You're way over thinking it. Especially for common calibers like 357mag you can easily get what you need from any number of brick and mortar or online stores.
 
Suther said:
You're way over thinking it. Especially for common calibers like 357mag you can easily get what you need from any number of brick and mortar or online stores.
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I have not been able to find .357 HP bullets at any place in Canada tho ... might just be my clumsiness ..
 
I have not fired factory ammo in my rifles [except 22 rimfire] since 1966 or so.
Most of my firearms have never seen a factory round.

Like others on here, I find it therapeutic, and to take game with ammo I have
loaded myself.......great feeling!!
Components are usually not very hard to source, unless you are looking for a
very obscure item.

Saving cost may or may not factor in, since often, you just shoot more than you
would otherwise.

Since I am reluctant to sell dies, even if I no longer have a rifle that shoots that
specific cartridge, I have over 50 sets of dies in my cabinet.

It is a bit like having a disease, but one that really does you no harm, lol. Dave.
 
I've bought .357 hollow points from Cabelas and Bass Pro, but normally just get the much cheaper option from Campro. Can't imagine not reloading...
 
Reloading is absolutely a PITA. But, so are all the steps, precautions and regulations of being a (legal) firearms owner in Canuckistan.

It's all a PITA, but there's definitely a feeling of satisfaction* from sending your own 'home-rolled' ammo downrange.
When it hits the mark, regardless of what Hussein Obama said, you'll know that: "You built that".

*I enjoy the challenge, frustration and ultimate feeling of accomplishment from reloading. It helps keep me sharp and humble.
 
Just an fyi. Campro plated 357 mag will take full house loads from a rifle. Not a pain to reload whatsoever. Budget shooter supply ftw.
 
Nobody ever saved money reloading - just shot more.
If you start off thinking it will be a PITA, it will be.
If you are a curious, experimental type, reloading will interest you .
 
Your Post #1 says you use it for "plinking". Lee Enfields and most Mausers were designed around Full Metal Jacket bullets, but many of us find that cast bullets, often just wheel weight alloy, work just fine for "plinking" loads - 1,600 fps or so. The odd head of game is taken with cast bullets in those cartridges. I have never loaded for the .357 Magnum, but can think of no reason cast bullets would not work very well for "plinking". 155 grain and 170 grain cast bullet loads for 357 Magnum (Rifle) in Lyman #49 manual.
 
Thanks all! It seems that its possible to find components reasonably easily ...


I want to point out that PITA refers not to the reloading itself but to the fact that its usually difficult to buy things in Canada since they are either not available or not in stock
 
ColinD said:
I recently got into reloading as well. It's a big upfront cost and I doubt most people will ever "break even"
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The only way you won't break even is if you try it and don't like it or are a moron and only load stuff that doesn't make sense to load (ex. 9mm and 223)

(I supposed you could be buying really expensive components to make really high-quality ammo, but at that point your goal isn't to break even)
 
Teac said:
So at the moment I only want to load .357 which I use for plinking ... I have an electronic balance and dies and as major equipment need press and power doser only.

BUT


Will this be something thats great in the US and constant suck in Canada due to parts and components not being in stock and maybe available in 2-6 months?

It starts with that I have been unable to find .357 HP bullets ...

Is powder a PITA to get here? Should be store bought in LM BC.

So I am hesitant to get into it just to be faced with a barrage of "not available" and "wont ship to Canada"


Teac
Click to expand...

Questions
1) Rifle is in .357mag?
2) If not for hunting, why specify HP bullets?

Should be able to find a cheap old single stage press very cheaply. Shipping likely more expensive.
Try local Kijiji for used equipment. Gun shows. or in CGN equipment exchange.
 
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