My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

[Amerigo]

I'm finishing putting together my first 308, and as I start to look at ammo prices, I've decided to start looking into reloading.

My question is, how can I produce better ammunition out of my kitchen than buying from a company who has decades of experience and very knowledgable people working for them? Is it because I will eventually customize a load for my particular rifle? Or will my handloads not be "better" than factory match ammo, but rather just less expensive for me?

 

[fast freddy]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

from the few rounds ive actually shot over a chrono to check my reloads are always more consistent than factory loads, the numbers i got when i checked my reload 300 blackout versus remington were crazy velocities were all over the place with the factory 300blk. i got about the same results with my 308s as well

 

[Run N Gun]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

they reloading companies do have the years of experience on there side but what is on your side is that a company had to be profitable. they are pushing everything they can through their assembly lines and with that speed comes a decrease in accuracy. it takes time to trickle powder out accuratly. Its all in the setup and you can tune your load to your rifle by resizing the neck to match the chamber, pushing the pullet down to where the jam length the rifle likes and finding a powder type and charge it likes as well.

 

[vinsonr]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

First, there is a reloading section, you would be better served asking there.

Second, yes, your ammo can be better because it's tuned for your rifle and because you can make it more consistent. I've had factory ammo have 75fps extreme spreads vs my usual 15-20 (and I'm a reloading newbie).

Also you'll find that although you pay less for the components you have to spend your time loading which you may value. You will also find yourself shooting more ammo, and might end up spending more to shoot. I know that's how it is with me.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also you'll find that although you pay less for the components you have to spend your time loading which you may value. You will also find yourself shooting more ammo, and might end up spending more to shoot. I know that's how it is with me. </div></div>

Words of wisdom indeed. I can reload for anywhere from 35% (.223) to 50% (.308) the cost of match ammo. My ammo is also as stated above, much more consistent round to round. What that all leads to is not savings, but more trigger time!

You don't spend half as much, you shoot twice as much.

 

[Guest]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

The biggest savings you achieve when reloading come from reusing the brass, and providing your own labor. It is difficult to save any money when purchasing components at retail price; that is why there is a market for match rifle ammo. Unless you are a high volume shooter, with spare time, and an understanding wife,the best bet is to buy factory ammo.

However, I obviously didn't take that advice myself. So yes, you can do better. It will take time, and money. You will scrap a lot of good bullets, brass, and powder; but you will eventually load more accurate ammo if you tailor each load to each rifle. Use good components and be OCD about everything and you will have success.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[coach482]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MikeSWammo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yes, you can do better. It will take time, and money. You will scrap a lot of good bullets, brass, and powder; but you will eventually load more accurate ammo if you tailor each load to each rifle. Use good components and be OCD about everything and you will have success.</div></div>


Well said,

Factory ammo gave me nice groups, reloaded ammo gave me smaller and more consistant groups. You will also have to rezero your scope from factory rounds to the reloaded rounds.

 

[RobertB]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

It can go either way. If you shoot some rounds you have to reload. All my rifles do better with my handloads but most all rifles shoot well with factory. I hardly ever load for my 308 anymore except for matches while my .260 I just shoot my handloads. (Mike@SWAMMO) your 260 ammo I bought to try out shot well within 1MOA with my last outing.Great stuff, anyway, with the 308 unless you will reload alot you might have better luck with FGMM or likewise factory or the SW Ammo type rounds. I have found the SW Ammo to be about the best bang for your buck. Good luck either way

 

[Amerigo]

Re: My reloads versus factory - how can I do better?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MikeSWammo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unless you are a high volume shooter, with spare time, and an understanding wife,the best bet is to buy factory ammo.

</div></div>

Mike - thanks for your comments. I think I'm realizing that reloading may take more of my time than I thought. My wife is very understanding and even supportive of my long-range shooting ambitions. But being in grad school, with a 5 month old baby, with another on the way (don't ask me how that happened!!!), I'm thinking this may not be for me right now. Any spare time I have to spend on "gun stuff" should probably be spent on shooting.