It is not a question of the difference in price between the factory bullet and the one we load. I invested so much money in reloading that I could have spent my entire life hunting with the most expensive factory ammunition. I honestly believe that this is the case with most of you.
But...
The bullet we create has a special value. It creates complete pleasure in hunting. When you catch a big trophy with a bullet that you created, it is a complete and perfect experience.
In addition to this, by looking for the right recipe for a some bullet, we practice at the same time improves shooting skills. I wrote a book about reloading to make it easier for those who don't know this topic to start reloading. Personally, I reload for all my calibers and dont buying ammunition for a long time. I am very satisfied with what I do
Well said! I also take pleasure in loading my own ammo for everything including competition at the National Matches and dangerous game.
For common cartridges, factory ammo may be the same cost as loading your own, at least for the first firing. Reusing brass reduces the cost for the next 5 to 10 loadings.
For dangerous game cartridges, hand loading does reduce the average cost per round. Now if a hunter shoots only 20 rounds in practice prior to a hunt, the cost savings is irrelevant. If a hunter shoots 200 or more rounds in practice prior, the savings accumulate.
Like a lot of AH members who take pride in their ammo, My ammo is accurate for the intended rifle and each component used and each step in the loading process is carried out to near ISO 9000 level of precision. In simple terms, I and people like me have our shxt together!
Component selection is an advantage available to hand loaders. I prefer Cutting Edge Bullets’ Raptors and Solids. For these I reduce the powder charge slightly for the lighter Raptors to achieve the same point of impact as the solids.
For heavy recoiling cartridges I select faster burning powders to achieve desired muzzle velocity at a little less recoil.
As for availability of components, I keep two or more years stock on hand. We have lived through famine at least two times so why doesn’t everyone?
I understand there are those people who do not enjoy loading. I was a farm boy where we took care of everything ourselves. The Marines made me a radar maintainer and I retired as a maintenance officer. My equipment functioned as designed to deny the enemy airspace. Presently I own a large set of tools and equipment and still do nearly all repairs myself. I admit I avoid ladder work since I may no longer be indestructible!
The point of the above is I enjoy and take pride in building and maintaining “things”. If you do not then buy factory ammunition but for gosh sake do not disparage my and my fellow loaders’ hand loaded ammo!
To the OP’s question, there will always be those who like to load their own similar to those who hunt with recurve bows, flintlocks, and double rifles with metallic sights. How about us hunters wasting out time when we can buy meat at a butcher shop?
