8 Years Reloading

[august1410]

It dawned on me today that it was 8 years ago today that MDS members got me started with reloading by donating some old equipment.

I am still using that old equipment today and took the time after a year or so long hiatus to reload some .357 Magnum and .38 Special. It takes a little longer with my arthritic hands and the Lee Hand Press, but it's the only way I have ever done it and the only way I ever will.

Today it was 158 grain Speer hollowpoints for .357 and some 148 grain HBWC seated backward for the .38 Special.

I had forgotten in the last year how much fun it was to roll your own. My hands hurt a little, but I have a little more ammo than I had yesterday.

 

[John from MD]

Just so you know, those backward 148gn hollow points don't penetrate worth a damn.

 

[HarryLogan]

That is awesome. I hope to get into reloading soon as well. Really wish I got into it before ammo prices spiked.

 

[Alphawaves]

I have been storing brass to reload one day. Still never have started the process.
Are you enjoying reloading? have you had any problems?

 

[august1410]

Just so you know, those backward 148gn hollow points don't penetrate worth a damn.

Yeah, I know. I carry at work and I have huge windows. If I have to shoot anyone, I don’t want the bullet going through the person and through one of the big plate glass windows.


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[august1410]

I have been storing brass to reload one day. Still never have started the process.
Are you enjoying reloading? have you had any problems?

The only time I have had issues is when I have strayed from my routine and tried something new. A few squibs mostly.


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[august1410]

gotcha.

what would you say caused the squibs?

Quite simply, no powder. As long as I stick to my tried and true method, I’m golden. Switch things up and I make dumb mistakes. It’s easy to make mistakes if you vary your routine.


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[browning guy]

SO are you saying you need more supplies....lol

 

[Pale Ryder]

Just so you know, those backward 148gn hollow points don't penetrate worth a damn.

Not so fast. Years ago I experimented with some in hard dirt from a snubby. Got a good 5 or 6 inches. Not gel, but more than I expected. Here is a video I found on the subject too.

FF to 11:45 for gel results

 

[John from MD]

The copper coated Berry's are quite a bit different from the Speer and Hornady bullets. I usually shoot 148gn HBWC's through my 1851 Navy revolver. When I couldn't locate Speer or Hornady bullets, I ordered the Berry's. I couldn't get them to shoot worth a damn because of the copper plating. They would not obdurate to fill the bore of the Colt as it is .375.

I sectioned a couple and found that the lead is an alloy and adding the copper plated just hardens it more so I would expect them to penetrate more too.

 

[Seabee]

I got into it in 1974 and was taught by a guy in WV. In all these years, I've never tired of it and love doing it. My hands are getting sore and tired also but the enjoyment outweighs the pain. Keep going!

 

[BigRick]

I started 25 years ago because the Range safety officer at Myrtle Grove got in my ear about saving money. Man have I made every mistake know to man. Been lucky I never blew up a gun but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It's one of the few things I've never gotten tired of over the years. Coaching Baseball and Reloading are 2 things I always look forward to doing.

 

[Pinecone]

I started 43 years ago. Got into reloading to save money shooting first .45 ACP then adding .223.

I taught myself from a Lyman loading manual. I started with a Lyman Spar-T press kit, but upgraded to carbide dies. I got into casting shortly after to save money. At the time, with scrap linotype and loading Bullseye powder, I could shoot .45 ACP for less than .22 LR.