After reading more of this thread, I've been thinking about the reloading v. loaded ammo issue.
To reload, you have to have the supplies. Brass, primers, powder and bullets. Brass can be reused, hence "reloading". Bullets can be molded from lead. Once the primers and powder are gone, thats it. AND most importantly, the knowledge and skills to put it all together without blowing yourself or someone else up.
Then there is the equipment needed to reload. Reloader, scales, powder measure, dies, reloading data, bullet lube, case lube.
Brass: Can be re-sized using several different types of loaders. Hand press, single stage, progressive? Carry from one location to another, mounting, power supply if needed?
Bullets: Can be molded. A supply of lead has to be found. A method of heating/melting. Lead pots? What molds? Heat source? How long are the molds going to last? What calibers to load? Bullet lube? What will work best with just a lead bullet? Most all pistol caliber can be molded from lead, but rifle is a little more finicky.
Powder: How much and what type for what caliber(s)? 7000 grains per pound. For example I load .223 with 25 grains of powder. 7000 divided by 25 = 280. 280 rounds per 1 pound of powder. Doesn't seem like much does it?
Primers: I've read articles that say primers can be "reloaded"? I don't have the skills to do it or the equipment and chemicals.
In my own opinion, the skills to reload could be very useful and valuable in that type of situation, but with the equipment and supplies needed, the advantages of having loaded ammo win. I would have some quality firearms, and a supply of loaded ammunition.
To reload, you have to have the supplies. Brass, primers, powder and bullets. Brass can be reused, hence "reloading". Bullets can be molded from lead. Once the primers and powder are gone, thats it. AND most importantly, the knowledge and skills to put it all together without blowing yourself or someone else up.
Then there is the equipment needed to reload. Reloader, scales, powder measure, dies, reloading data, bullet lube, case lube.
Brass: Can be re-sized using several different types of loaders. Hand press, single stage, progressive? Carry from one location to another, mounting, power supply if needed?
Bullets: Can be molded. A supply of lead has to be found. A method of heating/melting. Lead pots? What molds? Heat source? How long are the molds going to last? What calibers to load? Bullet lube? What will work best with just a lead bullet? Most all pistol caliber can be molded from lead, but rifle is a little more finicky.
Powder: How much and what type for what caliber(s)? 7000 grains per pound. For example I load .223 with 25 grains of powder. 7000 divided by 25 = 280. 280 rounds per 1 pound of powder. Doesn't seem like much does it?
Primers: I've read articles that say primers can be "reloaded"? I don't have the skills to do it or the equipment and chemicals.
In my own opinion, the skills to reload could be very useful and valuable in that type of situation, but with the equipment and supplies needed, the advantages of having loaded ammo win. I would have some quality firearms, and a supply of loaded ammunition.
