So the secret that isn't a secret is that once you hit a certain part in your journey and decide to get serious you have to reload your own ammo. When/if someone hits this point is different for everyone, but I got the "bug" last year. I got my 1st trophy and I realized that I really REALLY enjoy pushing myself in a non-technical thing like shooting. Last year was kinda hard for me switching to a gun that just didn't seem to want to run consistently so this year I switched guns and now I'm looking at more ways to take control in what happens in a match. Part of this sport is learning yourself and taking accountability. I know that I'm the problem sometimes, but sometimes you are in situations where it's truly not you it's the equipment. I think I'm getting closer to that so I figured I'd just hop on the reload train. ## Pros of Reloading You can make ammo to fit your gun. You can almost control precision completely. It's a nice tactile task. ## Cons of Reloading It's actually super dangerous. Honestly I don't recommend if you aren't going to pay attention. Also it's not all that much cheaper (right now). When taxes and prices go up to crazy rates it will be cheaper per round but I mean it's really "to each their own" right now. Lastly...reloading takes time. If you don't have the time just buy ammo. There is nothing wrong with that. ## Have I noticed any differences? I've made about 200 rounds now (not including practice just to get use to the machine). I'm basically back to the feel I like out of my ammo. I'm not aiming to upgrade parts in my gun at this time but it is nice to have a softer recoil. If I can dial in that softer recoil and precision of groupings then I think I'll be unstoppable. I'll come back another time and let you know how the ammo did in a few matches. Also I want to say that I'm sponsored by an ammo company right now. I really like their ammo and it gives me a similar feel at a different weight. There is nothing wrong with buying and making ammo at the same time. What if work gets crazy busy again? Placing an order that gets to me within 3-4 days of 500-1000 rounds is a lot easier than finding space to sit down for about 10-11 hours.