Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Do you reload or buy factory for your deer hunting??

I bought my first centerfire in 1973 and started reloading then. Now when I buy a new firearm I order a set of dies if I don’t already have that caliber. I still buy factory ammo ( or did till things got crazy) if I stumble across a deal or need the brass. I don’t shoot enough shotgun to justify buying the reloading equipment.

I started handloading in 1973 and I have never taken a head of big game with anything other than a handload.

Handloads for the last 40 years.

Handloads all the way since about 1989…except shotgun ammo. Never got into reloading shotgun shells.

Been loading TSS turkey loads for 10 years but only started loading rifle and pistol in early 2021. I had a lot of premium factory ammo stashed away that I bought on closeout or sales years ago. Sold every bit of it to get my reloading started. I pretty much doubled my money on the factory ammo I sold in 2021 when ammo prices sky rocketed. That’s what help me pay to get into reloading my own.

I used to reload both 12 & 20 ga shotgun and centerfire. I do not shoot anywhere near the ammo now as I used to when I was younger. So I stopped reloading years ago. I haven't fired a shot in competition since 1980. Now I just buy factory. Its just easier for me now.

I used to reload back in the olden days when you could get powder and primers

Still reloading for decades now.

I been reloading my deer ammo since '87.

Reload for all my hunting rifles.

Probably 4 years ago, maybe 5, I shot a deer with a factory load (Federal Blue Box .308, 150 or 165 grain.) Prior to that, the last one I shot with a factory load was 1986 or 1987. Forgot one, I shot with a factory load (.303 Savage 190 grain Silvertip) late ‘90’s sometime. That’s 4 in around 35 or 40 years. All the rest, rifle and handgun, were killed with home loads. Killed quite a few with factory shotgun slugs in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s also killed some with factory.222’s and .22 WMR.

Just getting started reloading. Pretty intimidating but I am looking forward to it.

Don’t be, lots of videos, plenty guys here to help

Yessir I’m counting on that. Appreciate it.

Funny this thread came up. It dawned on me , that I started reloading the 3rd week in Feb. 1986 , 37 yrs now. I only shoot reloads . Remember when there was a time when people thought the guns would blow up? Never had a problem.

It doesn’t have to be hard. You may make it more difficult as you progress but it’s Really not too bad if you’re sticking with the basics.

Reloads, about 34 years reloading now.

Roll my own 308 270 30-06 243 and 223

Reloads only since 1975 pistols by the 10s of thousands, rifles way less but I own several rifles that have never fired a factory round. More for accuracy and cost. some thing about dropping a monster moose with my own bullet.

9mm, 38Spl, 357Mag, 45Colt

30-06, 308, 303Brit, 300Savage, 6.5Mm Swede, 300WinMag, 45/70, 405Win, 243.

Just bought a 450 Bushmaster Ruger bolt gun, Factory loads are good and available. Around 1 1/4 groups. However, my handload of Hornady 250 FTX over 40 grs of Lil Gun is more accurate. Like one ragged hole accurate. Last, that load chronographed at an average of 2397FPS for 4 shots with a 22 inch barrel. No pressure signs observed. So, yes I will be handloading for that rifle .