Trekker
Active Member
Trickg, It was a matter of experience and knowledge in different areas, even if there are a number of similarities. Given my past history with reloading pistol rounds, for .45/.38/.357 I know exactly what I want in terms of bullet/primer/powder and what is an acceptable price. However, for .223 where I have not accumulated knowledge or experience, I would just assume the common 55gr. bullet is fine and would need to scope out prices at various internet sites, gun shows, etc. to get a feel for common price. Even then, the common price currently available might be X cents, but through discussion here on MDS I might get advised that certain sources are cheaper or have periodic sales, or that brand Y bullets are better than brand Z bullets.
Magnumite's input is rather valuable to me, since about 100 yards is likely where I will be taking my rifles in the meantime. 3" at 100 yards is quite acceptable to me at the moment, so that assists my decision whether to reload or buy currently for .223 and .30-06. I am stubborn about using iron sights, though this doesn't always work well with my nearsightedness. At the pistol range I put a red dot sticker (like at garage sales) in the middle of targets and then can at 25 yards tell where the center is. At the pistol range I want to stack my shots atop each other in the X ring. Currently for my rifles, at 100 yards with iron sights and less than perfect vision, going for a 3" group around the target center is acceptable. When and if I get more serious with the rifles (probably putting on a scope), then handloading for rifle will take more precedence.
