I started reloading back in 2009 after I got back from deployment to find 45ACP ammo going for almost $50/box of 50 in Fayetteville, NC. That was quite a turning point because it led to me finding a hobby within a hobby: reloading. Between work, family, and shooting whenever I get free time during the fair weather months, I always get behind on my reloading. I also don't have the time to try out new methods, tools, etc. Winter time, however, let's me try out shit I never have time for during the shooting season, and as much as I'd rather be shooting, reloading is a solid alternative.
I've had a couple reloading projects sitting on the back burner for months and I'm finally able to scratches these respective itches. The first is load development for my 6 Creed. For whatever reason, I shoot gas guns as well as bolt guns, and frankly I prefer gas guns for a few reasons. With a 6 Creed GAP-10 and the right load, I don't plan on using another gun for tactical, LR, and DMR matches. And should the SHTF, I've got my 308 upper as well so I've got a plethora of ammo available in the same platform I've been shooting week in and week out.
That brings me to my second project. About 14 months ago, I broke down and bought a Dillon 550B while I was visiting my cousin in Arizona. I've been shooting IDPA more and more and reloading 45ACP on a Co-Ax is the definition of tedious. Now, the 550B's learning curve was steep because you have to get everything set up exactly right or else it won't work. After wrestling with that damn press for hours, I finally got it set up properly. My second goal? Having at least one large ammo can full of reloads of 45ACP, 223 run'n'gun, and 9mm. I'm not very keen on all those reloading boxes that only hold 50 or 100 rounds and take up too much space. It's ammo for god's sake, and reloads at that. An ammo can is good enough for me, very portable, and convenient for taking to the range.
Finally, I've been intrigued by bullet pointing. I shoot mostly Berger hybrids in my LR guns so the chance to get 5-10% better BC on these bullets was too much of an opportunity to pass up. After getting the Whidden bullet pointing system, I've been pointing all of my 6mm 105gr Hybrids. I've yet to stretch these out very far, but the added BC and conformity is visible when compared to a non-pointed standard hybrid bullet. I've got a training session scheduled with Ed Shell for early March where I plan to stretch these bullets to 1300 yards so we'll see how much the pointing helps, but it is promising.
I've had a couple reloading projects sitting on the back burner for months and I'm finally able to scratches these respective itches. The first is load development for my 6 Creed. For whatever reason, I shoot gas guns as well as bolt guns, and frankly I prefer gas guns for a few reasons. With a 6 Creed GAP-10 and the right load, I don't plan on using another gun for tactical, LR, and DMR matches. And should the SHTF, I've got my 308 upper as well so I've got a plethora of ammo available in the same platform I've been shooting week in and week out.
That brings me to my second project. About 14 months ago, I broke down and bought a Dillon 550B while I was visiting my cousin in Arizona. I've been shooting IDPA more and more and reloading 45ACP on a Co-Ax is the definition of tedious. Now, the 550B's learning curve was steep because you have to get everything set up exactly right or else it won't work. After wrestling with that damn press for hours, I finally got it set up properly. My second goal? Having at least one large ammo can full of reloads of 45ACP, 223 run'n'gun, and 9mm. I'm not very keen on all those reloading boxes that only hold 50 or 100 rounds and take up too much space. It's ammo for god's sake, and reloads at that. An ammo can is good enough for me, very portable, and convenient for taking to the range.
Finally, I've been intrigued by bullet pointing. I shoot mostly Berger hybrids in my LR guns so the chance to get 5-10% better BC on these bullets was too much of an opportunity to pass up. After getting the Whidden bullet pointing system, I've been pointing all of my 6mm 105gr Hybrids. I've yet to stretch these out very far, but the added BC and conformity is visible when compared to a non-pointed standard hybrid bullet. I've got a training session scheduled with Ed Shell for early March where I plan to stretch these bullets to 1300 yards so we'll see how much the pointing helps, but it is promising.
