Sedro-Woolley, WA — Ammunition reloading represents the single largest expense for competitors in Practical Shooting according to a survey conducted by the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). In 2007 members spent upwards of $20.3 million on reloading, almost three times the $7.1 million they spent on factory loaded ammunition.

The survey showed that of those members that reload the average annual investment in reloading was just over $1,607. The survey also showed that fully 79% of the members reloaded their ammunition. This rate of reloading among members is almost exactly the opposite of the findings reported in The Shooting Wire from the national online survey, HunterSurvey.com, which showed that only 26% of centerfire shooters reload.

“Practical shooters go through tremendous quantities of ammo putting thousands of rounds down range each year in competition and practice; tens of thousands for some. With the rising cost of factory loaded ammunition USPSA shooters are turning to reloading more and more,” said Dave Thomas, Executive Director of USPSA.

Driving this demand is a nearly insatiable appetite to compete. An amazing 75% of USPSA members competed at least seven times last year with nearly 20% willing to travel 200 miles or more to do so. When asked if they are shooting more than the previous year 39% said yes; more than two years ago 47% said yes; and almost 60% indicated they are shooting more than they did five years ago.

The trend toward greater participation remains strong as 59% of the members intend to shoot even more in 2008. The impact will be even further participation in reloading.

“Our survey showed that in 2008 we can expect 83% of our members to reload their own ammunition,” added Thomas.

The USPSA survey was conducted in 2007 between October 29 and November 26 with 1,630 responses or approximately 10% of the USPSA membership.