have you ever heard this

[white eagle]

Being and handloader I never ever buy factory ammo
unless I do not have the sizing dies and components to make what I need
I was hunting once in Montana and ran into a fella that made the statement to
me that he will never us Reloads (his words) for hunting, only for target practice
Well I was taken aback and thought what is the use of developing a load for a
specific rifle only to not use the loaded ammo to hunt with
It just didn't make sense to me then and it still don't
Any of you have similar experiences? :holysheep

[redneck1]

If your using common ammunition and ever have a need for more you go to a store and buy more .
If your hunting 800 miles from home with custom handloaded ammunition and something happens to it you are basically hosed .

So yea I can see only using commercial ammo for a hunting trip

[bakerjw]

Curious as to what you mean by custom ammunition? Like wildcat rounds or similar?
I know for certain that my 308 loads will perform better than factory ammunition. Better accuracy means a more reliable long shot. I don't hunt, but if I did, I'd want the odds in my favor.

[ryanmattes]

If your using common ammunition and ever have a need for more you go to a store and buy more .
If your hunting 800 miles from home with custom handloaded ammunition and something happens to it you are basically hosed .

So yea I can see only using commercial ammo for a hunting tripThat's just bad storage practice. When out hunting (unless it's hogs with an AR) you should have maybe 5 rounds with your rifle. The rest of the box, plus maybe another box back at camp. Another box or two in the car in case everything gets wet.

You'd need a whole lot of things to go wrong to need to run to the local store for replacement ammo.

And even then, who says they'll have your brand/model/weight that you zeroed with available 800 miles from home? The wrong ammo is the wrong ammo, you've really only got what you brought.

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[cwtebay]

Many guides / outfitters will not allow handloaded ammunition while you are hunting with them. It really only makes sense for those fellas - they always assume the worst (and should if you've ever listened to some guiding horror stories). As for the gentleman that you spoke of - maybe he doesn't trust himself enough to load for those situations? And bully on him for realizing and correcting for his shortcomings - most of us refuse to do that.

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[GregLaROCHE]

If you practice with reloads and then change to factory ammunition to hunt, your point of impact will probably be different. If you have a good load, use it to hunt with. Just make sure you have enough, depending on the circumstances.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I also only very rarely shoot factory loaded ammo. Yes, I have heard the statement you described, and it makes little sense to me. After all, how much ammo does a person shoot on a hunting trip? If you take along 3 or 4 boxes it should be way more than enough. Seems like you should have practiced before you left, and once you're there you shouldn't miss that many shots.

DG

[Winger Ed.]

The only thing similar was a hunting place a buddy went to a few times.

They didn't care what ammo you had, but before you went out on their property-
They inspect your gun, and you'd have to fire at a 12" gong approx. 200 yards away.
Out there, that was about the average shot on deer.

Do whatever you needed to do to get the zero- spend all day if ya needed to;
but if you couldn't hit it with a final 3 out of 3 shots, from their bench, you didn't hunt there at all.

[trebor44]

Not an uncommon attitude if you are several hundred miles from a store and part of your journey involves a day riding or walking out to your road transport!

[bimus]

I have always had a back up rifle at least a 30-30 I have been on hunts when some one misplaced there ammo and used another persons factory ammo . I do end up with factory ammo but all hunting ammo is what I load .

[gbrown]

Yes, I've heard similar statements several times in my life. Rubbish. All of my deer rifles have been "tuned up" with specific loads and j-bullets. Even the same calibers use different loads, but maybe the same j-bullet. There's a world of difference between one size fits all factory loads and developed loads for a specific rifle IMHO. I've seen all sorts of weird things with factory ammunition. Won't fire, hit low, hit high, etc. This off a lead sled. My buddy took his brand new 22-250 to the range with a brand new box of factory ammo. Fired one shot, couldn't open the bolt. No one could open it. Sent back to the manufacturer. They never gave a good reason or whatever. Fixed it and sent it back with a store credit for a new box of ammo. Run out of ammo when hunting? What planet do these beings come from?

[dverna]

Some people should not reload. They may not wish to admit they are either too ignorant or too lazy to reload and shoot factory. And if a guy is smart, he will not shoot someone else's reloads.

[AZ Pete]

Many guides / outfitters will not allow handloaded ammunition while you are hunting with them. It really only makes sense for those fellas - they always assume the worst (and should if you've ever listened to some guiding horror stories). As for the gentleman that you spoke of - maybe he doesn't trust himself enough to load for those situations? And bully on him for realizing and correcting for his shortcomings - most of us refuse to do that.

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I would not hire such a guide. He/she has no authority over what ammo I use, so long as it is legal. If I am paying for their service, they are my employee.

[BJK]

Sounds screwy to me. If he runs out of reloads he didn't plan very well. Take what you think you need, then take much more. How expensive is it to reload more ammo? I just can't see his logic as being sound. My handloads work just fine in my firearms and if they didn't maybe then I'd buy factory ammo, but that's just not the case. My handloads are tailored to my guns.

[country gent]

My brother in law is one who has no problems telling anyone who will listen, That reloads are unsafe inaccurate and is inferior to any and all factory ammo.

The years I hunted I used my hand loads exclusively. at that point in time I could use a better constructed bullet, had better accuracy in my rifle, and knew they worked.

For match shooting it was also mostly hand loads in my M1As but I did have some LC 852 and federal gold medal match on hand just in case. when I stared to switch to the AR 15 it was hand loads only as no one loaded the 75 and 80 grain bullets used

[abunaitoo]

When I used to hunt, I always hunted with what I practiced with.
Same with shooting matches, shoot what you practice with.
It just doesn't make sense not to.

[farmbif]

well, in some ways it makes sense.
I'm currently baffled by some 9mm ammo I reloaded at least 1/2 dozen years ago, stored in a 50 cal ammo can along with some factory Remington stuff all in 9mm
I still don't know why but there are al least 200 rounds I reloaded in that box that just will not go bang, none of the reloads will fire. but all the Remington stuff is perfect.
The best guess I can make is defective Winchester primers.
but when traveling for a hunting trip that may have cost a whole bunch of money for travel, and not having place to check ammo and zero on scope before hunt I can understand it. and oh by the way I've looked into going out west on hunting trip, just the cost of an out of state license and tag for white tail, elk, bear, moose, etc. sure as heck aint cheap. costs for guide, lodging and more.
an I have only bought a handful of factory ammo boxes in the past 20 or so year. I reload everything. but these 9mm's sure do have me stumped would not want to bet my life on them that's for sure, never mind a very expensive hunting trip.

[white eagle]

If I have a handload of mine fail who do I blame, why myself of course
So who do I blame when factory ammo fails?
I have had that happen with Remington factory ammo the first time in 20 years I had bought a box of 30-06 factory ammo because I just bought a new rifle and had no components for this gun and wanted to shoot it
misfires and fail to fires in 2 separate boxes firing pin strikes on all primers no boom though
As far as guides go they work for me if I don't get a shot because of my ammo that is on me they did their job

[ryanmattes]

I had 2 FTF in a brand new box of Hornady Black last year. Those are supposed to be good, quality rounds, but the primers were seated too deep and wouldn't fire when struck.

That's a $40 box of ammo before the 2020 price hike and they still don't always go bang. I've never had a hand load fail to fire.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210624/7120e7e9db608a9290e27cec0bec790d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210624/8609590eff1bf0a59b6913397a9abc26.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210624/b848bf78ca74d39479b673ee45e7df9b.jpg

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[Electrod47]

Hunting on my own land I use, as Burt Lancaster said in "Valdez is Coming" "My own load". If I were investing thousands of dollars in airfare, hotels and guides, to put me onto that life long memory. You bet I'd have some Winchester Fail-Safe stuffed in the old 300WM. and a few boxes on hand "just in case" Guides work hard to get you that shot. They want to take out as many variables as possible for your sake NOT theirs.

[slim1836]

I trust my reloads over factory ammo any day, just saying....

Slim

[RKJ]

I check every cartridge I make for hunting, whether it's a pistol or rifle. The COAL is checked, the primer is from a known (quality) manufacturer, each powder charge is weighed and each bullet (or boolit) is checked. I trust my hand loads and wouldn't use anything else. I'd darn sure make certain that I had more ammo than I thought I'd need too for a once in a lifetime hunt. If I'm hunting, I'm using my loads.

[reloader28]

I use my handloads only. Every gun I have has my loads and they ALL perform better than ANY store bought load for what I need. Ive tested them and know what they do.
I have had a failure to fire (and seen others) and a hang fire and both were factory ammo.

[contender1]

Well, I've been handloading for over 40 years now.
I've heard all kinds of excuses from folks who won't trust handloads, over factory. To those folks,, I say; "Your choice,, & my choices may be different."
I've traveled & hunted, & always carried my handloads,, that were specific for each firearm I had with me.
My choice.
And one thing I've not seen mentioned above is the POTENTIAL for an emergency, and the NEED for more ammo than you may have thought necessary.
I've traveled & only fired my sight-in shots,, and never had my game in front of me. I've also only fired 1-2 rounds on game on such hunts.
But knowing the wilds & the potential for an emergency or the need for more ammo than a normal hunt,, I make sure I always pack & carry much more than necessary.
I also go to all my USPSA competitions with at least double the expected round count. Why? Re-shoots, or other issues may require me to shoot more than planned.
Getting a heavy snow, in a back country spike camp may keep you there longer than planned. And even worse,, the rare chance you may need to rely upon your firearm for survival,, and it'll be worthless w/o ammo. The comment above about only carrying 5 rounds afield, and a few boxes in camp with a few more boxes in the car is all that's necessary may be fine if you never have an emergency. As a Hunter Safety Instructor,,, I advise new hunters about the SOS & firing (3) shots as a distress signal. Only having 5 rounds will only allow this distress signal ONCE!
Fall out of a tree stand, break a leg or your back & you may NEED to signal searchers.

Now, I handgun hunt mostly. On my holster rig, I keep (6) spare rounds,, AND in my backpack, a box of at least 50 rounds. When I'm hunting at home, on my own property, I keep the SAME amount with me. I've never needed it,, but if I do,, I'll be glad I have it.

But back to the OP.
Some folks have had a bad experience with handloads. Heck, I've seen more than my share of POOR handloads by other shooters. So, I can see some reasons to prefer factory over handloads. But after 40 years of handloading,, my personal choice will be different.

[Mk42gunner]

When I was still able to hunt quite a bit; I used both my own handloads and factory ammo, not at the same time of course. It really depended on what I was sighted in with and what I was using.

Other than shotguns and .22's, I can't remember ever having a misfire with a center fire rifle while hunting.

I did have a bunch of misfires with one particular lot of Winchester small pistol primers about twenty years ago; but since I was plinking in the desert it wasn't a big deal, clear it and go on.

Robert

[Texas by God]

As near as I can figure, I've only killed three deer with factory ammo. With the 30-30, 22-250, and .223.
All the rest and all varmints and turkeys I've used handloads for, always.


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[Walks]

I've never hunted with factory ammo in My life. Had a number of factory rounds fail on me; no anvil in the primer, no powder in the case, incorrectly formed hull or brass case. Even had my first box of Federal .25-06 fail to hit the paper. At 100yds, tested scope, correctly mounted.
Brought handloads next trip; 1 1/2" group, first 3rds. Had a complete case head separation in the first box of .38Spl brass I ever bought. A std pressure load too.

Always used once fired brass for hunting. once fired-brass is tested. The primer pockets are good, the primers all have anvils, powder IS IN the case. Bullet is solid, NOT "mal-formed".

[wv109323]

The choice or type of bullets for hunting ammo may vary from targer loads. Not all reloaders are knowledgeable about bullet selection. You don't want to use FMJ or a bullet with little penetration for hunting. The people here are knowledgeable but when it comes to the general public look out.

[trails4u]

I have an aunt on a fixed income, but God love her she's a patriot. Got her CCW and then additional training, prioritizing that over other things in her life. She shoots/carries a .40. As so happens, so do I, so I offered to keep her in ammo at no cost basically at her pleasure. I got the, "I don't shoot reloads, they're not safe." in a surprisingly angry response. So I asked....who told you that? Her response....the range she trains at, a range that also REQUIRES you buy your ammo from them for use on their range, and they allow no one to keep/collect spent brass. Geez...I wonder why??? We've not had the conversation since, and never will again. Can't fix stupid.

[jim147]

I have five rounds left of the old 130 grain .270 silvertip. It's the last rifle I have that I hunt with factory rounds. Wish I could get a hundred of those bullets to load up. One shot drop everytime.

I do have a bunch for 30-30 so that will be my go to when I use these up.

[rbuck351]

I hunt with either a 300 H&H or a 350 Rem mag. I don't expect to be able to find ammo if I should run out or misplace some. So what I do is carry a couple of boxes in 5 rd batches spread out in my gear some in coat, some in hunting pants, some in shirt, some in pack etc. Other than 22lr or a box of ammo to try a new gun, I don't buy factory ammo.

I like guns chambered for unusual or no longer loaded cartridges and I'm not afraid to take them hunting with handloads. I have several rifles in the normal calibers like 223, 243, 30/30, 308, 30/06, 270, 338w.

Most of those except the 223 stay home while I wander the woods with a 22KH, 25/20, 30 Rem, 7mm mauser, 300 H&H, 35 Rem, 350Rem, 358Norma, or 32/20. If it weren't for reloads I would not be able use most of the ones I like to use as factory ammo is rare or just doesn't exist.

Knocking something you know nothing about seems fairly common. My handloads are made up to fit my rifles better than factory ammo. After about 60years of reloading I trust my reloads over factory ammo as I am able to carefully inspect every component and prep every case to make sure each round is as close as possible to the rest of that batch.

However, the more folks that shoot and don't reload make for more empty brass that needs a new home.

[DocSavage]

I'm not a hunter but I do handload all my ammo for cost savings and accuracy
As a hunter wouldn't you want the most accurate ammo for your rifle/handgun that could be factory or handloads. Read more than one article where rifle "X" would shoot good groups with factory ammo but give excellent groups with handloads. Also full power loads are not nessicerily the most accurate loads for a particular firrarm. If a particular load is 5-10% below max but cuts your group size by half makes more sense to use a handload as opposed to factory.

[bakerjw]

The people here are knowledgeable but when it comes to the general public look out.

The average person out there is not the brightest. Even those here with countless years of experience can screw up a load. Sometimes you get by with it, but others???

[jaydub in wi]

[QUOTE=cwtebay;5214023]Many guides / outfitters will not allow handloaded ammunition while you are hunting with them. It really only makes sense for those fellas - they always assume the worst (and should if you've ever listened to some guiding horror stories). As for the gentleman that you spoke of - maybe he doesn't trust himself enough to load for those situations? And bully on him for realizing and correcting for his shortcomings - most of us refuse to do that.

I've hunted mule deer in NE Wyoming 2x in the last 5 years. When we go to the range with the outfitter, he's only concerned with the rifle being correctly sighted in and that the hunter can shoot ok. He said that some hunters can't hit a 8" paper plate at 100 yards from a benchrest. He doesn't care if you are shooting factory or handloads. He does like nosler accubonds for hunting deer and antelope though.

[waksupi]

The fella is a damned fool.

[jaydub in wi]

The fella is a damned fool.Which fella are you referring to?

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[David2011]

well, in some ways it makes sense.
I'm currently baffled by some 9mm ammo I reloaded at least 1/2 dozen years ago, stored in a 50 cal ammo can along with some factory Remington stuff all in 9mm
I still don't know why but there are al least 200 rounds I reloaded in that box that just will not go bang, none of the reloads will fire. but all the Remington stuff is perfect.
The best guess I can make is defective Winchester primers.

Anything “can” be defective. I’ve shot close to 10,000 Winchester primers that had been stored for about 20 years in an unairconditioned garage in the Texas heat and humidity. None failed to fire.

My primary hunting rifle is chambered in 6.5x55 but has a slow-for-caliber 10” twist. I’m limited to 129 grain or lighter bullets so it would be tough to just walk in and find factory 120-129 grain ammo.

[gwpercle]

I take all the time I need to carefully assemble my ammo . I pay attention to all the little details .
I'm not concerned with profit so I buy the best components and assemble everything correctly.
Manufacturing plants are concerned with profit and production ...they have to be ... it's a business .
But I honestly believe my ammo is as accurate ( sometimes more) and as reliable as factory ammo ...
Careful techniques , attention to detail , good components , each round hand crafted and inspected ... Heck Yes My ammo is better !

Now ...if you are a slip-shod , ignorant reloader then ...you need to buy ammo for hunting because what you are saying is ...I'm a piss-poor reloader and can't trust my reloads to go bang and hit the target .
Gary

[pworley1]

I haven't bought over 10 boxes of factory ammo in the last 40 years. My hand loads have worked every time for me so for. To each his own.

[Texas by God]

Norma rifle ammo was a dollar a shot back when I was a teen. It was way to expensive for this kid back then. Now that every brand is at least a dollar a shot; they are all too expensive now. If it weren't for handloading, my oldest hyphenated cartridges(44-40, 38-55, and 30-40) would just set there unfired....none of those has had a factory round at all.

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[AZ Pete]

reading these responses made me think about my hunting experiences. I have not shot any big game with a factory load since 1970, nor any small game with factory shot shell since 1977. How time flys. And just to reinforce, I have never had a misfire or any other issue with these hunting loads.

So far as outfitters requiring "factory", I recall someone going to Africa, where his outfitter made such a requirement. He reported that he simply boxed his hand loads in a nice plastic box and printed labels that said something like "Custom Manufactured for _____ by _____ Custom Ammo.

[grayscale]

In 2009 in the Republic of South Africa, Limpopo Province. Hunting cape buffalo, I bet my life on my .458 win mag reloads. My first shot was at 18 yards, my second was at 9 yards, my third was at Six feet. I'm still here, the buffalo is on the wall.

[Char-Gar]

Encountering people with rifles, or without rifles, that do not make sense is quite common. Even happens on this board from time to time. I see no need to start a thread about non-sense anyway.

[Mal Paso]

Encountering people with rifles, or without rifles, that do not make sense is quite common. Even happens on this board from time to time. I see no need to start a thread about non-sense anyway.

SND (Slow News Day) This is just filler.

Long before I started reloading I saw a movie on Sniper School. They were meticulously building their own ammo, honing their skill from the bottom up. I didn't become a serious shooter until years later but all that weighing, measuring and testing left an impression.

At a gun shop or range mostly I keep my mouth shut and listen and chuckle.

[Bmi48219]

Wow. Tough crowd. I have to fess up and admit I’ve had reloads FTF. Not many and all but one due to weak primers. That one was entirely my fault.

[Mal Paso]

Wow. Tough crowd. I have to fess up and admit I’ve had reloads FTF. Not many and all but one due to weak primers. That one was entirely my fault.

I have had several batches of primers that the cup was too hard to fire reliably in a stock gun with a new mainspring. (Redhawk) None of those made it beyond range testing and were eventually used up at the range in my 629. I buy large batches of components. By the time a particular primer/powder/bullet combination makes it to the woods a thousand rounds have been fired. Powder charge variation is less than 1% and the bullets are fit to the guns. If you want it done right.... LOL

[white eagle]

I have had several batches of primers that the cup was too hard to fire reliably in a stock gun with a new mainspring. (Redhawk) None of those made it beyond range testing and were eventually used up at the range in my 629. I buy large batches of components. By the time a particular primer/powder/bullet combination makes it to the woods a thousand rounds have been fired. Powder charge variation is less than 1% and the bullets are fit to the guns. If you want it done right.... LOL

Amen to that

[waksupi]

Which fella are you referring to?

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The guy referred to in the OP.