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To shoot, or not shoot

I used to think I wanted to get back into long range shooting over in the swamp but since the component storm has begun I am content with my 100 yd hole in the woods behind my shop. If I use it wisely I have components to last for a couple of years so I am not going to worry about it for now.
 
The slow burning powder shortage flash froze my ELR matches aspirations for the tine being. I can’t load 125+ grains of H-1000 a round.

I’m now trying to get smaller cases and bullets running in midrange and long range. I’m going to try a .243 / 115 DTAC combination the next club 1,000 and 6BR for 600. Maybe even .223.
 
Will shoot as much. Just bought some CCI#41 yesterday@$100/k. So if I shoot my normal 100 rounds, that costs me an additonal $2.50 for the range trip vs the $75/K at the wholesaler. Extra cost of fuel to go to the range nowadays is about the same amount, so $5 extra to go. No brainer, going to the range!!!
 
My attempt to deal with component shortages from and old fart perspective:

I'm fortunate that both ranges I use are relatively close, one 7 miles, the other 10 miles so I can afford to visit them frequently which make shooting "rationed" strings more economically feasible. Also, I'm retired with a lot of free time on my hands.

Rifle:

Besides the enjoyment of getting out of the house, I only shoot 10 rounds per range session. Five at 100 yards and 5 at 200 yards (200 yard being the maximum distance at the range).

All the range shooting is off shooting sticks to keep me sharp for ground hog hunting. I shoot cold barrel shots and spend a couple of hours at the range just enjoying being out and shooting at a slow pace to simulate a hunt. The ranges I use have beautiful views and pleasant surroundings. "I love the smell of gunpower.":):):):) Also, one range has a very nice hiking trail cut through the woods. So, I shoot a little then take a hike.

Before this ammo / component mess, I enjoyed seeing other shooters and talking to them. Many times, I helped fellow shooters that were struggling to sight in or who were having problems often preparing for a major hunt out west or Canada. Of course, this has to be done very diplomatically without insulting the shooter. I really enjoyed helping fellow shooters. Most are quite receptive and appreciative. But the ranges are fairly deserted these days, at least during the week.

Pistol:

Same scenario, instead I shoot 20 rounds rim fire, 10 round center fire, in 2 round precision strings. This is purely reactional in nature since I haven't hunted with a pistol in many years but might resume some limited ground hunting at a farm where the hogs are a problem around the barn and the farmer has asked me to terminate them. "Have Gun Will Travel". :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: So the old S&W 357 may be recalled to action. :)

I love shooting and hunting and hope this mess clears before I go to the big hay field in the sky.;););)
 
I generally work 6 days a week, (yes, even at my age), so I have one day to just relax and enjoy my range time.
I suppose one advantage of Short Range is a pound of powder does go a long way.
I only live about 7 miles from my local club, so that is a non issue. it costs me $100 a week for gas to get back and forth to my business.

I make my own bullets and I have plenty of components. The way custom bullets are going up, that is a big advantage.

At this time, I have about 3 years worth of powder and primers for 6PPC, 6BR, and 30BR. I will pick up things as they become available, but let’s get real. I’m 75, heck, I might be dead in 3 years.
 
I’m thinking of shooting more now. $32 a pound rifle powders, $89.00 a brick rifle primers, Nosler Ballistic tips $30.00 for 50. This are the prices that I’ve paid in the last two weeks at local stores In Minnesota. The best part is the gun club I belong to. Its only 3 miles away from where I live. They charge $40.00 a year membership for unlimited shooting on pistol or rifle bays. There is usually nobody there but me on weekdays. I open the gate with a key and start shooting.
 
Well the prices of everything have risen dramatically. Gas is out of sight but I still drive as much as always. Food has really gone up but I still eat the same. I will shoot as always and pay the price. If you want to play, you have to pay.

Cigarettes are over $11.00 a pack. I quit smoking Jan the 2nd. At a pack and a half a day, I have saved over $600.00 which I diligently add to me shooting funds. And I feel much better to boot. Been smoking since I was 11 years old and I am now 85. Think of all the guns I could have bought with that money.

EDITED
I made a big mistake in figuring out how much money I saved over these last three months by not smoking. Actually it was almost $1,200.00. I need to transfer more money from my regular checking account to my shooting pot.
Well if we are going there (smoking), I never have so I'm transferring all my money (both dollars) into my shooting funds! LOL :p
 
I generally work 6 days a week, (yes, even at my age), so I have one day to just relax and enjoy my range time.
I suppose one advantage of Short Range is a pound of powder does go a long way.
I only live about 7 miles from my local club, so that is a non issue. it costs me $100 a week for gas to get back and forth to my business.

I make my own bullets and I have plenty of components. The way custom bullets are going up, that is a big advantage.

At this time, I have about 3 years worth of powder and primers for 6PPC, 6BR, and 30BR. I will pick up things as they become available, but let’s get real. I’m 75, heck, I might be dead in 3 years.
Jackie, you are probably hearing the same thing I am from family! (Dad, you got to slow down and enjoy things), will I still work just not climbing any 12/12 pitch roofs now and working from the comfort of my home (a lot less expensive than traveling the country!). Storm season has hit and I still get the calls to go but unless it is a flood event I'm probably staying home.
 
With reloading components at the current pricing, I was wondering how many ever considered slowing down with their range trips? I don't go less, but have been forced to cut down on the round count trying to extend my supplies.
A local gun shop has pounders of powder at $80 and primers at $120/brick. I'm sure they don't have to mark up this high, they choose to. I have 2 $8000 rifles, and I choose to pay those prices to shoot, rather than have the rifles sit in the safe. Don't like it, especially on somewhat fixed income, but choose to in order to enjoy shooting.

Just wondering others thoughts...
I can tell you don't live in California. We can't find ANYTHING in local gun shops. Have to find primers and powder online and pay hazmat shipping. And, choice of primers and powder is diminishing. Buy what you can when you can find them, because there won't be any tomorrow.
 
I've been a shooter since my first rifle when I was 11 years old. ( That's over 65 years)Some years shooting more than others.
Hooked on short BR in the 1970's
I have a fair amount of supplies in stock. Not sure of how much time I have in stock.
I can count the primers, powder, and bullets.
I can't count the years or seconds to go. So no way I'm cutting back on anything I enjoy.

For all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these, 'It might have been'.

John Greenleaf Whittier
 
I've been a shooter since my first rifle when I was 11 years old. ( That's over 65 years)Some years shooting more than others.
Hooked on short BR in the 1970's
I have a fair amount of supplies in stock. Not sure of how much time I have in stock.
I can count the primers, powder, and bullets.
I can't count the years or seconds to go. So no way I'm cutting back on anything I enjoy.

For all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these, 'It might have been'.

John Greenleaf Whittier
I'm Not dead yet so I guess I'll keep shooting! I may run out of money before primers, powder, and bullets!
But please guys vote the right way this time.

Joe Salt
Agree 100% with both of you ! 75 years on this earth coming up in June, been shooting since I was 7 and reloading since my late teens. Not stopping either activity at this point in time.
 

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