Reloads restrictions at the range

[steveodtw]

Have any of you encountered restrictions against using reloads at your local shooting range? I'm considering investing in reloading equipment so I can shoot more, but don't want to find out I can't use them.

One of the local ranges seems to have a problem but not sure if its an absolute rule. I'll be asking at my different ranges, but wondered if it's a general problem.

 

[Donaldjr1969]

It sounds like they want you to buy their ammo. After all, if your reloads have the same headstamp and bullet style as what is listed on a box, how will they be able to tell a box of factory 230g FMJ 45Auto rounds, such as Winchester, from reloads using the Winchester brass and the proper 230g FMJ round nose bullets?

 

[mattsbox99]

I wouldn't use reloads if I was renting a gun at a range, otherwise its none of their business. I don't load steel core bullets or tracers that can start a fire out here.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

There is at least one indoor range in this area that has several different memberships levels available. One is a 'reloaders' membership that costs a little more per year but allows you to shoot your own reloads. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[Rclark]

Have any of you encountered restrictions against using reloads at your local shooting range?

Never heard of such a thing.

 

[mike7mm08]

Nearly all indoor ranges in my area require your buy their ammo. Which I think is bull. I could see if they required fully jacketed bullets with no exposed lead to reduce lead dust in a indoor range. But the restriction is mainly so you buy overpriced ammo. Once I have the brass I can reload pistol for probable a 1/4 the cost of factory ammo. I shoot at an outdoor range no restrictions.

 

[norfolknova]

Neither of the Ranges I use has any restriction. If you rent a gun from them you have to buy their ammo.

Matt

 

[sc1911cwp]

Unless it's a rental gun there is no restriction where I shoot. I get a free 3 month range membership because I donate blood at a Red Cross Blood
Drive they sponsor at the range every 56 days, unless I want to buy a gun that day and then they knock off $50.00 from that price. So I shoot for free as I load my own. I just have to buy the target. $1.00 apiece. :D :D :D

 

[wizofwas]

No restrictions at the ranges I shoot at. Except no tracer rounds.

 

[44shootist]

My kid was told one day he could not shoot his old military steel core rounds at the range we use but never any restrictions what so ever on reloads, the range is ran by the Wildlife committee and is non- profit, so they wouldn't do anything like not let you shoot reloads, like everyone else has said here, that would only be to make you buy their ammo to make them a big profit off the shooter no other reason!

Had a rangemaster that that didn't know me come up to me and saw I was shooting reloads, and said I see you load your own ammo so that tells me you know what your doing, so I won't have to keep an eye on you.
People that show up with store bought ammo the rangemaster's think OK a nother green horn and stand there and watch them to make sure they are doing everything safe.
All seasoned shooters at this range bring there handloads own loads.

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

I guess Don and I are lucky. Our indoor range caters to reloaders. Good prices on components. They sell cleaned and ingotized recovered range lead at a great price, have good deals on recovered brass, have no problem with a brief downtime for setting up your chrony, and swap pet loads with you.

I don't blame any range operator for wanting you to buy their ammo for rental guns. That just seems prudent.

 

[mikld]

I don't believe every range owner that resricts ammo at their range is a money grubbing thief, that only wants you to buy their reloads. I think the majority of ranges (the ones I've been to) limit the ammo because of safety measures, or local regulations (lead free ammo). Who knows what kind of nut loaded a double charge of Bullseye in their .44 Magnum and wants to shoot it in the lane next to me? Anybody can say they are a safe reloader, but Kabooms do happen and bystanders can get hurt (and sue the range). The indoor range I frequented in So. CA allowed all ammo except steel core/armor piercing, but speaking to the owner and crew, liability and insurance were BIG concerns, and they had to watch carefully what went on in their range...

 

[Lost Sheep]

Unless it's a rental gun there is no restriction where I shoot. I get a free 3 month range membership because I donate blood at a Red Cross Blood
Drive they sponsor at the range every 56 days, unless I want to buy a gun that day and then they knock off $50.00 from that price. So I shoot for free as I load my own. I just have to buy the target. $1.00 apiece. :D :D :D

They make you buy their targets?!? Are they afraid you will bring in substandard "reprinted" paper?

Lost Sheep

 

[steveodtw]

One range I go to won't let you shoot 8 1/2 X 11 targets unless you tape them to the large ones. Too many hot dogs blowing up the rails and target holder bars. Don't go there too often. Oh yeah, you have to buy the big targets, $.50 ea. to shoot there.

 

[JohnM]

I'm glad I'm an old fart and don't feel like driving anywhere to shoot on a range.
Pistol range in the side yard and a 1000 yard rifle range out front.

 

[boltons75]

My two local ranges, one indoor, and Williams outdoor have no such restrictions, but my brother in laws goto range won't let him take reloads to shoot. That's one range I'll never go to.

 

[Geoff Timm]

You have to judge the circumstances. One local range just did some serious improvements, but also went to a low lead ammo solution. Unfortunately our EPA and other Agencies have put unreasonable requirements on ranges. Essentially an indoor range is almost impossible and extremely expensive to build new.

As long as they state the rules up front, I don't have a problem.

My outdoor range is relatively unrestricted, but they keep rifles on ranges with bigger backstops.

Geoff
Who notes indoor ranges in FL without AC and not fun..take headband wring out after shooting.

 

[MADISON]

I have the same kind of trouble at our local indoor range.
I solved the problem. I shoot my .41 Magnum. They tell me they have not had any .41 Magnum in YEARS.

 

[the fatman]

There are several indoor ranges in central Florida that do not allow reloads. I actually shot at one several times being unaware of the rule until one day the guy checking me in noticed my ammo wasn't in a regular box. Joined an outdoor range now no problem.

 

[Donaldjr1969]

I don't believe every range owner that resricts ammo at their range is a money grubbing thief, that only wants you to buy their reloads. I think the majority of ranges (the ones I've been to) limit the ammo because of safety measures, or local regulations (lead free ammo). Who knows what kind of nut loaded a double charge of Bullseye in their .44 Magnum and wants to shoot it in the lane next to me? Anybody can say they are a safe reloader, but Kabooms do happen and bystanders can get hurt (and sue the range). The indoor range I frequented in So. CA allowed all ammo except steel core/armor piercing, but speaking to the owner and crew, liability and insurance were BIG concerns, and they had to watch carefully what went on in their range...

You bring up a good point. Many newer ranges, in order to be given approval for construction, have to run lead free bullets. That I understand. But if there are no such restrictions or if the liability is not too horrendous, then there is no real reason to restrict handloads so long as there has not been a history of damages, etc

Also, while it is correct to say that not all range owners are greedy, it should be noted that not all handloaders are incompetent bozos either. I batch-process all my handloads and triple-check the powder charges before seating bullets. I am sure the vast majority of the handloaders out there are some of the most thorough people one could meet. Sure you could be next to some nut that put a double charge of bullseye in a 44Mag. Yet it is more likely a person will be injured in an auto collision en route to the range.

So maybe I was too broad in my statement. But if there are no rules specifying lead-free ammo nor any past history of range damage due to reloads, I do not understand the justification of restricting ammo to their stock for anything other than revenue generation.

Now with regards to targets and such, I have no problem with buying them at 50¢ to $1.00 each. Using a Thompson Troubleshooter, I can get a minimum of 5 magazines or cylinders on a target (the 4 bullseyes as well as the very center of the target). So for a whopping three dollars, I get a minimum of 90 rounds of 44Mag grouped. For a range that caters to the reloaders and has very few restrictions (no rifles save for frangible .308/.223 as well as lead shot/slugs only), I will gladly give them about three to 6 dollars for their targets.

Now if they were to suddenly say No Reloads, then I would not renew my membership come November and I would find another place to shoot. That is especially true with my S&W .500 since each time I pull the trigger with factory loads, I send three dollars downrange. But I do not see that happening anytime soon...if at all.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Are there any ranges that specify "No reloads" that also sell ammo at their range at wholesale prices?

I would imagine selling retail ammo of new manufacture or even locally commercially loaded ammo (at prices competitive with reloaded ammo) would take a lot of the sting out of the restriction. Same goes for brass recovery. If they specify "no retrieving of brass" adjusting range fees or ammo price for the value of the recoverable brass would only be fair.

Anyone know of a range that practices fairness in this or similar ways?

Lost Sheep

 

[wizofwas]

One range I go to, must shoot paper targets, they supply 3 and you can bring what you want. Max distance 100 yards. And you can shoot what you brought. You can retrieve your own brass.

The other range I go to, you must shoot paper targets or clay birds, they supply 1 target and you can shoot any that you brought. Max distance 1000 yards. Again, shoot what you brought. You can retrieve your own brass and then some. Just don't be greedy.

The one skeet/trap range that's close, you have to shoot steel, EPA stepped in on that one. Reasonable price to buy theirs.

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

I wonder if some insurance companies base rates for the range owner on whether reloads are permitted. I can see that happening.