I’m noticing you guys are very interested in helping people get going and learning. Thank you very much!I too got into reloading recently. The graybeards say it's a terrible time to start because component costs have soared. However I think it's a wonderful time because of 3 things:
(1) The graybeards aren't dead yet and they post their science on the internet for us younger reloaders to reference! A lot of the hard work and research has been done, all the old dudes have made the mistakes and developed great load data. I've literally group texted old reloaders and said "I'm want to load XX grains to shoot out of YY barrel length in Z model firearm, what you got..." and a wealth of information will come forth.
(2) Even though components are more expensive, and bulk/steel ammo can bring cost-per-round down to the same as reloading. It can still be cheaper especially as shooters are looking for atypical loads. I've loaded my own subsonics to play with my suppressors, and we're all aware suppressor buying has certainly expanded with ATF efile. It's like 60 cents per round vs 90 to a dollar. Hunting ammo too, I've loaded 200gr .308 for a lot cheaper than you can get off the shelf.
(3) Newer budget brand ammo probably load worse than you do. Ammo Inc...Stryker...even LAX and Freedom Munitions...a lot of questionable rounds have ended up in these big bulk money saver deals. As someone who had to dowel out .380s from my friends PPK...4 times...in one range day. It may not save you money, but in this ammo economy it could save you heartburn.
The best advice I got from an old reloader was "just ask me anything, don't be afraid to sound stupid because I know I've sounded stupider when I first started." The learning was probably the most rewarding thing for me. I'm now more aware of what it takes to make the rounds just go off right, and how/why firearms behave they way they do.
