What has been your biggest handloading Challenge?

[EMC45]

Finding time. Balancing 3 kids, 3 soccer schedules, and a gymnastics schedule.

 

[Keeber]

I've found the most reward and challenge in making my own 410 shotshells with 303 and 444 Marlin brass. The Martin chambers well, but i have to spend a good while filing the head down so each piece will clear reaction when closed. I reform the 303brit a total of three times each before i even consider loading with shot. Sure I could get a 410 press, but it is so much more rewarding to use brass... plus the brass uses LR primer so i can save the 209s for the 12 and 16 shotshells. As an added plus, loaded properly with BP and wads /cards I use the 444 dies to roll crimp the shell on the overshot card.

 

[Clarke123]

My biggest challenge is finding the time to do what I love. There's nothing like shooting those one hole groups with quality handloads. I seem to work more in batch stages now. I'll sit down and do a pile of .308, 6.8 or .223 brass. Just do the case prep, not load a single round.

Load development is also a huge challenge now. I used to have a 100 yard range in my backyard. I got so spoiled to being able to work up a great load in one afternoon. Now, I have to load a few of this and a few of that, make a trip to the range, see what does what, make notes and go back to the drawing board.

I miss my range. ​

A problem common to all of us ... that's why I feel that it so important to have access to loading data that provides data on "best" experienced loads for a given projectile type / size and powder used. I realize that we all have differing goals: power, accuracy, cost, powder type, powder metering ability, etc. Unfortunately, lots of what is posted will be loads that can / may work, but that are crafted from available rather than optimum components. I would rather start my quest for an optimum load based upon published data on optimum loads ... which begs the question: Why do reloading manuals only highlight optimum loads and not provide a ranking of other loads published? Heck, powder manufacturer's tables don't even give you that!

My personal goals are: Accuracy, powder metering ability, powder type (ones that are applicable across a wide range of the calibers that I load), cost, and safety (I prefer powders that tend to fill the case and thereby minimize the likelihood of double or squib loads). Starting with a published loading that is marginal is a frustrating process that normally ends in disappointment.

I have seen many postings on this forum requesting loading data for components that will never yield an optimum loading ... Heck, I done it myself!