A couple years back I got a Cooper model 22 phoenix in .25-06 and decided to take up rolling my own ammo when I saw the price of decent game cartridges. I can make Nosler Partition hunting loads for less a box than I can buy federal bland blasting ammo at wally world. Step down from the expensive $.25 bullets, and it costs about .65 a shot with Sierra Game King's. In today's world, that's pretty cheap for a high power shell.

So this was today's rainy day distraction before I get to finishing up another order of motor mount sleeves:



Then this is what they're doing at 100yds:



I was shooting prone off an old rotting log for a rest and my stitches were pulling pretty bad, but I still managed a decent 6 shot group (3 in the same hole). I pulled the flier on the right - knew it was out as soon as I felt the sear break.

To give an idea what this group looks like:



If I would've turned my hand, I could've covered all of them with my thumb nail. B) Not bad for my first load with a new bullet and powder.

Coopers are guaranteed to shoot a 1/2" group at 100yds. I got it used from a pawn shop, and never did see the proof target that came from the factory. If you ever buy one - which I HIGHLY recommend - check the paper before accepting the gun. Some are better than others, but they're all pretty damn good. Trigger breaks like glass, and the action is smooth as silk. Every tricked out rem 700 I've touched since discovering Cooper's has felt like a Yugo for fit and finish.

And yes, it's the same Cooper that's CEO/Founder gave money to bama in `08 and promptly got fired. That's a company I can stand behind. :)

So, does anyone else make their own ammo?

When I was a kid I reloaded my own shotgun ammo with a Lyman hand loader. I think it cost about $10 at that time from the Herters catalog.

That was a couple years ago now, eh Charlie?

I can't make 20 rounds for $10 now. Powder is $25/lb, primers are $2.50 a 100. Brass is $.50.

Another good reason I quit playing with golf ball cannons.

How many insurance carriers are making more profit than the component sellers?

Did you look @ Cheaper Than Dirt.com JT? They claim to have very good prices.

Last time I reloaded JT wasn't even a nasty thought.

Powder and primers come with a Haz Mat fee if you ship them these days. It's usually cheaper to buy local.

I've never looked into black powder, but might use it to make some ignighters this summer for blowing stumps. Model rocket parts used to be cheap too. F'n'A, everything that's fun got really expensive. :angry: Oh well, I'm good at improvising. B)

Last time Unk Franz loaded he had to find a piece of flint, and a small stone.

You're full of crap ya overcompensated retired high government worker.

Last thing I hand loaded had a paper cartridge, percussion cap and a minet ball. It was .58 as I recall and I damn wish I hadn't fired it. My damn shoulder still hurts.