I now reload for 5 different calibers and 7 different rifles. Soon it will be 7 different calibers (2 in the works at the gunsmith).

When I start loading for a new rifle, I can't seem to think of anything else except what combinations I should try or methods to try to make it accurate... and I spend a lot of time shooting and loading to find it.

I load till midnight.
Spend a ton of time thinking and making notes as to what might work.
Get up early and go to the range to do testing.
Wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking about how to make the rifle shoot.
Neglect things that are more important in the scheme of things in order to work and accurate load.

This continues till I've found "The Load" for the rifle.

I can't seem to just have a rifle in the safe without an accurate load ready to go. What good is the rifle if you don't have "The Load" ready to go.


I'm fascinated by the process and it seems to be taking over my life.

Help! Is this normal or do I need an intervention?

I'm afraid to say that, yes, it is all too "normal" for those of us who handload our own ammo; and yes, you are screwed! You just have to come to grips with it.

it tempers with time.
mainly cause you start looking at other ways to enjoy the habit err hobby.
casting your own,wildcatting.
are you sure you got the perfect load or just work hardened the necks enough to change the bullet pull on the load you have now???
totally just kidding.

Quit it!

I'll have nightmares!

I know what you mean. Since i started reloading heavy again for my pistols i have incorporated loading bottlenecks for my bolt rifles ( I used to just shoot factory ammo) but i rescently bought 10 acres so i can shoot when i want. I am obsessed with reloading and shooting and tonight when i came home i went right to the basement and began laying out and building my lovely new reloading bench! I only came up long enough to scarf down the wifes cooking and went right back down. I'm right there with ya!

Yep, you've got the bug bad. Stay away from the benchrest forums if you're married and want to stay that way.

My dad used to say that everyone should have a vocation and an avocation

VOCATION

quote:

the work in which a person is employed

AVOCATION

quote:

a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one's vocation especially for enjoyment

IOW, a healthy mind needs something to think about and work on when not otherwise occupied. Beats the hell out of sitting on your a$$ watching someone else play with a ball!

You forgot the step where once you have the
best load you buy another gun and start over.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by hawkins:
You forgot the step where once you have the
best load you buy another gun and start over.

Good luck!

+1 have done this 4 times now

quote:

Originally posted by rcamuglia:
When I start loading for a new rifle, I can't seem to think of anything else except what combinations I should try or methods to try to make it accurate... I load till midnight. ...Wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking about how to make the rifle shoot. Neglect things that are more important... ... Is this normal or do I need an intervention?

Might be time to swap in the old girlfriend for a new one.

My wife said I never had a hobby, I had obsessions.
The problem with finding the perfect load is when you're at the range showing off and somebody walks up and sez, "yeah, but have you tried some xxx, that'll really tighten those groups up." And so, it's back to the powder store you go.