Not much is happening lately on this forum so I will start a thread that needs discussion.

Handloading the 22LR cartridge? Should we be allowed to handload our own 22LR rimfire ammo?
Now I am aware that the rules of most competitions which involve 22LR do not allow this but not all of them actually do say that. In fact the SSAA Benchrest rulebook is silent on this matter.

22LR rimfire ammo can be handloaded. The components may be slightly difficult to get but they can be obtained. Demand would fix that anyway. I have had the gear and components to handload 22 Magnum cartridges for a few years but I have not reloaded 22LR myself.

I understand that a few people overseas are experimenting with handloaded 22LR like the Italians for example. I am sure there are many others.

I can see arguments for allowing this both ways. The theory of "commercially available ammunition" is fine for a level playing field if it really is that. For example if we had an International championships happening out here in AUS you could bet anything that the team from the UK would bring a special batch of Eley tested for themselves in the factory in the UK etc, etc. Is that a level playing field. Isn't that close to "handloaded" anyway?

Cost? I imagine just like centrefire that handloading ammunition would be less expensive once the tools are obtained.

So who wants to contribute their thoughts and experience to this debate?

Stuart Elliott