Some peoples reloading math is retarded

[LSUTiger]

I don't reload, it's totally not worth it for me. If you reload then good for you!

However there is one reloading fallacy that I continually hear from reloaders that perplexes me and that is the is the reloader math when it comes to the implied reloader claims of being able to reload to infinity with finite resources.

The implication being that reloaders are better off because they reload in terms of being able to have perpetual ammo during hard times vs those who don't reload.

Example:

I have 1000 rounds of factory ammo. Therefore, I have 1000 rounds, ready for use and easily portable.

A reloader has 1000 rounds worth of reloading components. Therefore he has the potential to have 1000 rounds. They are not ready for use and not easily portable.

In ammo shortages (where surplus components either scarce or nonexistent because they are going to supply factor ammo manufacturing) and a problem arises, it comes down to preparedness and what you have on hand.

You can only reload with components you have on hand. I can shoot only what I have on hand. You can rely only with what you have on hand being the lesson. Be prepared and plan ahead.

Reload if it's worth it to you but don't buy into the fallacy that reloading = perpetual ammo in hard times.

[mr surveyor]

As one that started late in life in reloading/handloading (January, 2011), the only thing that makes me believe that my "math is retarded" is that I waited so long to begin.

The "math" thing is just not understood. My first couple of years was spent in a beginner's learning curve, only on a couple of calibers. I shot all of what I loaded during that time period until my loading skills began to reach the point that the loaded inventory started building up. After a couple of years, and continued buying components, the cost savings became apparent and I started reloading for 6-7 different cartridges that went to the range with me. Now, I have a couple hundred loaded rounds on hand for each of the less used cartridges, four or five hundred rounds for each of the most often used cartridges, and enough components on hand to load at least a couple thousand various rounds.

I'm reduced down to only one trip to the range per week. and then only shoot about 50-60 rounds ... but I still load 50-100 rounds most weeks. If I were depending on factory ammunition, even if were magically available when I wanted it, I'd have to reduce my shooting by 30-50%.

jd

[mrvmax]

I have been acquiring reloading components for over a decade. I have enough brass to outlast anything I shoot in my lifetime (especially since I have a really good annealer). I have plenty of primers and powder and for my the main round I shot (6.5), I have enough bullets to last me well into retirement. I am sure I have more than Cabelas has on hand.

I have never heard any reloaded claim they could reload for infinity. I have heard them state that they have all they need to load, even when there is a run on ammo. I have enough surplus, in addition to hand loaded ammo, to last through any ammo shortage.

My main reason for hand loading is the ability to cater my loads to my firearms and particular use for each one. If I am shooting long range, I can control every aspect of the loading process and tailor my load to what shoots best in my rifle. I can get over 1 moa in my Seekins rifle with factory ammo or down to .25 moa with hand loads.

There is also a benefit for people shoot a lot, I mean tens of thousands of rounds. Buying factory would be too expensive but with a progressive loader you can crank out a lot of ammo at reasonable prices (if you source your components).

[LSUTiger]

As one that started late in life in reloading/handloading (January, 2011), the only thing that makes me believe that my "math is retarded" is that I waited so long to begin.

The "math" thing is just not understood. My first couple of years was spent in a beginner's learning curve, only on a couple of calibers. I shot all of what I loaded during that time period until my loading skills began to reach the point that the loaded inventory started building up. After a couple of years, and continued buying components, the cost savings became apparent and I started reloading for 6-7 different cartridges that went to the range with me. Now, I have a couple hundred loaded rounds on hand for each of the less used cartridges, four or five hundred rounds for each of the most often used cartridges, and enough components on hand to load at least a couple thousand various rounds.

I'm reduced down to only one trip to the range per week. and then only shoot about 50-60 rounds ... but I still load 50-100 rounds most weeks. If I were depending on factory ammunition, even if were magically available when I wanted it, I'd have to reduce my shooting by 30-50%.

jd

If you keep on buying components, and shoot less than you reload, you will certainly build up a stock of ammunition. That is called being prepared.
Likewise, I always replace what i shoot and buy a little more factory ammo in bulk periodically. No changes to my shooting habits. That is called being prepared.

However, in both cases, we can each only rely on what we have on hand at any given time and you cannot produce more ammunition than the amount of components that you have on hand. So back to my initial assertion, cost/benefit aside, if I have 1000 rounds of factory ammo and you have 1000 rounds of components we each have 1000 rounds.

[orionengnr]

I have never heard any reloader claim they could reload for infinity.

Same here, so I don't understand the premise of the post.
I had a friend who got me interested in handloading because he did it, and I saw that it wasn't difficult. I actually started picking up my brass and buying the occasional 1k of LPP before I had a press.

Since then I have weathered 3-4 "shortages" without difficulty. I can't reload "for infinity" because I won't live for infinity.
But I have enough components to last the rest of my life, and that's good enough.

[puma guy]

I haven't reloaded for years, so I am not familiar with the cost benefits, but from experience I know there are savings over factory ammo costs, plus the fact precision reloading leads to improved accuracy. I always had components on hand for future reloading and I agree that can't be counted as ammunition. I don't think I would apply the retarded math definition, though. If keeping components on hand is retarded it would seem buying a prepared meal for dinner and keeping groceries to prepare future meals would fit the definition. My opinion.