I've been reloading since 1978, started off with a rockchucker and mec shotgun loader, graduated to Dillon 550b, have 2. In my close circle of friends we have a 1050, when we want to do a bulk session, 3,000 + usually. One of my long time friends is a commercial reloader, and I usually let him load the .223, I just picked up his version of the MK77 and am going to try it in my new, 1/6.5" twist space gun, if it works out, I'll pick up 500 more. It shoots the 80grn Bergers fantastic, but if you load the OAL, to fit in the magazine, the case mouth is past the ogive.
My habit has been to watch for deals on components, and when it comes up, stock up. It really does not matter, .22lr, primers, powder, brass, or bullets. 2 years ago, Graf and sons had decommissioned lake city match brass, brand new with bullets and primers removed. I bought 2k of 1966, for 120 bucks. Every time I buy from Midway, cabelas, bass pro etc..., regardless of what your ordering, throw in some bullets or brass. If you belong to a Gun club, try to get together a group buy, of components or ammo. I belonged to a High Power rifle club in 1990, and we did a group buy, on czech 147gr 7.62 mil surp ammo. I bought 5k at 9 cents a round. At a gun show, a fella had 173grn, 1966 lake city match for sale, he had 6 boxes of 20 on the table for 6 bucks a box, I asked him if he had any more, and he said how much do you want? I said how much you got? turned out 2400 rounds in boxes. Made the deal for 3.90 a box. I surely wish now I had not shot so much of it. I saw it last weekend going for 21 bucks a box.
I was high profile at my local club for a long time, and several times older shooters, 70 year young fellas, were giving up the shooting game, and sold me their components and equipment, some had me donate their goods to young shooters to get them started. ( shooters are really a good lot to hang with ).
I bought out some oldtimers who had casting stuff, I now have 2 good pots, lots of lead, ingot molds, and some really good bullet molds for .45, 9mm, .30 carbine, .38, .44, two sizers and lots of cast bullets that have not been sized, including something I always wanted to try, .44 180 grn full wadcutters, I really want to try that in .44 special.
I even picked up an old pacific bullet swager press, only 1 mold, 185 grn .45 swc, it was meant for soft lead wire, but I've taken .44 180swc cast lead and pumped it through the press, takes a little pressure but out comes a .45.
We can hope ammo is coming back at lower prices, but reloading is the way to go.
comparison, 168grn .308 gold match 20.00 a box of 20 or higher. 100 - 168grn sierra match kings go for about 20 bucks, 100 primers 3.00, 5000 grns of powder, 15.00 depending on what powder you chose, but that should be on the highend. So thats 38.00 bucks a 100 with your brass. Use bulk 147grn ball and bring that down a good 5 bucks.
Lead pistol ammo should still be able to be made for 10 cents a round with your old brass.
When your at the range, ask your fellow shooters if you can have their brass. Take brass you don't load and trade it for brass you do need.
Not even touching on the subject that reloading should be more accurate as it is tailored for your specific firearm.
Happy Thanksgiving, add a prayer at dinner for our service people.
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