Quick Answer
Factory ammunition offers consistent reliability, but handloading provides versatility in terms of component selection and custom load development, giving shooters more control over their ammunition.
Factory Ammunition Advantages
Factory ammunition has several advantages, including consistent performance, reliable feeding, and reduced risk of over-pressure. Most rifle cartridges available from major manufacturers have been tested and proven to cycle through various firearms without malfunction. For example, Remington’s 700 SPS rifle has been tested with Remington’s factory 700 ammunition, resulting in a 95% or higher reliability rate.
Handloading Benefits
Handloading, on the other hand, offers the ability to tailor loads to specific firearms, environments, and even personal preferences. By selecting specific powder types, bullet weights, and primers, handloaders can create custom loads that outperform factory loads in certain situations. For example, a handloader can create a load that pushes a 200-grain bullet at 2,800 feet per second for long-range hunting, while a factory load may top out at 2,500 feet per second. Additionally, handloading can be cost-effective for large volumes of ammunition, with a single pound of powder potentially producing 1,000 to 1,500 rounds of ammunition.
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