Reloading Ammo: Why Bother and Who Should Try It?

Factory ammunition is a bit like buying takeaways – convenient, fast, and ready to go. But you don’t always get it spiced the way you like it, and it costs more than cooking at home. Reloading your own ammo? That’s your kitchen, your recipe, and your chance to fine-tune every ingredient.

So, why do hunters and shooters all over South Africa (and the world) get hooked on reloading? And is it really for you? Let’s break it down.

Why Reload?

1. Cost Savings
   Ammunition prices are climbing faster than a dassie up a koppie. Reloading won’t make ammo free, but once you’ve invested in the gear, your per-round cost drops significantly – especially for big-bore hunting calibers and regular range use.

2. Accuracy & Performance
   Factory ammo is built for “average rifles.” Yours is not average. Reloading lets you tailor a load to your barrel, your bullet, and your game. Tiny tweaks in powder and seating depth can turn “grouping like a shotgun” into “cloverleaf at 100m.”

3. Availability & Independence
   Ever walked into a shop only to hear: “Sorry, we’re out of stock on that caliber”? Reloaders smile, head home, and build what they need. You’re not at the mercy of supply chains.

4. The Hobby Within the Hobby
   Some reloaders spend more time at the reloading bench than on the range. It’s part science, part art, and a whole lot of satisfaction when your homemade round drops a springbuck cleanly or punches the X-ring.

Who Should Reload?

• Hunters who want reliable, tuned ammo for their rifles and quarry.

• Sport shooters chasing consistent performance, shot after shot.

• Collectors & enthusiasts needing ammo for rare or obsolete calibers.

• Tinkerers who love the process as much as the end result.

Who Should Probably Not Reload (Yet)

• If you only shoot a box of ammo every two years, you’ll spend more on reloading gear than you’ll ever save.

• If you don’t have patience for detail and consistency, reloading can get frustrating – and unsafe.

• If you’re looking for a “quick and cheap” shortcut, reloading is not the answer. It’s about precision, not speed.

Where to Start

Reloading isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right gear, components, and know-how. That’s where Sons of Guns comes in.

At SOG Parys, SOG Potch, and SOG Hoopstad, we stock everything you need to start or level up:

• Presses, dies, and shellholders

• Brass, bullets, primers, and powder

• Cleaning and measuring tools

• Range bags, rifle cases, and all the extras that make the job easier

Not sure where to start? Pull in for a chat. We’ll walk you through the basics, get you set up with the right kit for your budget, and share the tips we’ve learned the hard way.

Final Shot

Reloading won’t turn you into Rambo overnight, but it will make your rifle smile – and your wallet cry a little less. More importantly, it gives you control over every shot you fire.

So, if you’re ready to cook up your own perfect recipe, visit us at SOG Parys, SOG Potch, or SOG Hoopstad – or shop online at www.sonsofguns.co.za.

Your ammo, your way.