This is your sign to start reloading

[u/Fickle_Ice_7584]

I'm sure there's lots of people like me, who want to start reloading but don't know where to start. It's intimidating at first, especially when you hear horror stories of people blowing themselves up. Maybe you think you need the perfect reloading bench/set up, maybe space is an issue for you.

I'm here to tell you/show you, you don't need much to start your reloading journey ($1000 and a dream) I'm currently living in the MIL's home so I couldn't make a permanent work bench or anything that I couldn't take down with ease. So I built a bench off a folding plastic table. It's a bit janky, and on my first version the press was ripping off the table every pull of the arm, made some improvements and she's holding up pretty good.

I'm a self proclaimed RETARD and I've managed to figure out how to reload 44 mag and it's been a blast, so far I've made 172 rounds, 100 FTX 225gr and 72 CPTC 240gr using H110 powder, my groups are on par if not better than factory ammo after my first attempt, I'm confident I can dial these in further with more tinkering, groups aren't amazing but I'm proud of what I have accomplished so far.

Top left of picture 2 is my handloaded FTX 225gr vs Factory Hornaday leverevolution at 50 yards

Bottom right is my 240gr vs PMC bronze 240s on top

3rd pic is my FTX 225s at 100 yards with Bushnell 1-4 lpvo

Reloading has taken my love of shooting to a whole new level, I'm excited to get off work these days so I can get my next batch ready for the weekend. Where before I started reloading I'd struggle to find something to do with my free time that felt worth it, long time gamer that just doesn't enjoy gaming anymore.

So if you've been on the fence a while or just started thinking about it this is the universe telling you to do it! Money is temporary, glory lasts forever.

[u/nammaheff]

The only reason I never got into reloading is because I (correctly) chose cheap to shoot options. 7.62x39, .22lr, 12 gauge, etc... if I had some wildly expensive options in my collection still like 7mm Remington Magnum or 338 Lapua, I'd have probably gotten into reloading out of necessity.

[u/Fickle_Ice_7584 → u/nammaheff]

Yeah I mean if you're just shooting surplus x39 22 and 12g it's definitely not needed. I started out shooting those aswell, and I definitely could have just gotten a 22 lever to scratch my lever gun itch but I was replacing a Ruger GSS that I regret selling and wanted something with a lil more ass behind it to help justify the sale. Now hindsight being 20-20 I should have got a 357 mag but I liked the idea of 44 more.

Once I started shooting it though I realized paying over $1 per round on a gun I could easily shoot 75 rounds in a day just wasn't feasible long term. I also like the idea of being able to make my own hunting rounds, can't imagine a much better feeling than harvesting an animal with your own loads.