SAFETY FIRST!!
I have been reloading/handloading probably since I was in my early 20s, (1984). It is a fantastic activity and yes probably dangerous at times. The key is to remember to never to get cocky. Not with yourself. Not with your buddies, when it comes to creating that "perfect" load. SAFETY COMES FIRST!! Just reading the other guys' posts on reloading the 450B, and all the experimental loads and data here on this forum...I am amazed. And I am learning, STILL LEARNING every day. And I am glad that I have not yet read about anyone trashing an upper or themselves. (Although, I have seen a few comments about Chronographs spontaneously bursting into small particles.. that sux).
You may notice that I don't consider reloading a hobby. Well, for me, it is not. It is more like fixing my lawn mower or working on my tractor or stocking hay in my barn for the winter. It is a lifestyle and a chore. Hunting, fishing, archery. Around this camp fire, it is a daily activity. I may not be seated at my Rock Chucker all the time, but there are so many other steps. Brass cleaning and Preparation. Brass sizing and trimming, size sorting, case failure inspections...On and On I go... Geesh, I turned it into a ritualistic mantra. Heck, I have even converted the spare bedroom that is no longer used, into a "reloading room". LOL! So if you hear me or read about me being in the Gun Room, well thats my Reloading Room too.
But back to my point, I have been reloading for around 26 years, loading 38SP, 357Mag, 30-30Win, 32-20Win, 45ACP, 9mm, 5.56mm,
30-06,7mm Rem Mag, 7.62 X 39, Etc..
Now I will be adding the 450 Bushmaster to my list...
But I am still learning EVERY DAY. If you want to start to reload, thats great. But one thing I have learned is it is not always more economical on the front-end. It takes time. One of the main tools that I HIGHLY suggest is getting a bullet puller. When you have any doubts, its better to pull it than pop it. RCBS makes them and they arent expensive at all compared to the possible alternatives.
Where have I saved my money? Stocking up big on component inventory. Especially brass and primers. I am also starting to stock up on raw materials like pure lead. When the time comes, I can make my own bullets. Meanwhile, I love reloading! It is like being a mini-rocket scientist. Read the tests these guys are doing with the 450B! These guys are scientists!! (Although they may not think so). It is kind of like riding in on the cusp of a new round that is soon to be very popular and watching as the handloading data is literally being developed as I am looking on. But the one thing we must never forget?SAFETY!!!
I would love to open my hornady manual one day to the 450 Bushmaster, and see load descriptions for 180 grain loads up to 350 grain loads with a plethora of options in between. I like options. Keep up the good work!