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Old 05-21-2018, 06:23 PM
Tjohns42 Tjohns42 is offline
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Default Looking For A Mentor

Good afternoon everyone. I have recently decided to get into reloading. I’ve done a decent amount of research and started to order my equipment. Most of the research I have done online has suggested as a beginner to reloading one should consider finding a “mentor” or experienced reloader to work with a time or two and/or talk to about questions etc. Has anyone here used this approach when starting out? Is it a good idea? Since I don’t personally know any reloaders any idea on how I could find someone to help me out? Thank you in advance!
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Old 05-21-2018, 06:26 PM
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If you state where you live, someone here who reloads may be close by and offer to help.

I learned to reload via a Speer #9 reloading manual. Never been a problem, but I would not have objected to some over-the-shoulder mentoring.
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Old 05-21-2018, 06:31 PM
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I'm in South Texas.............if you're nearby I can help.
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Old 05-21-2018, 06:32 PM
WR Moore WR Moore is offline
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Well, it would help if we knew what area you live in.

I sincerely hope some of the equipment you ordered-or are about to-are several different loading manuals*. I haven't seen a recent Lyman manual, but my old one was extremely helpful to me on the how tos. The NRA also has classes, you can check their website to see if there's any in your area.

Don't visit the internet for videos on something like this (mentoring that is), the quality of stuff you see can range for excellent to life threatening.

* The loads listed will be safe for the firearms/test barrels on universal receivers that they use. You want a range of opinions and stay away from data out on the limits of safety.

Last edited by WR Moore; 05-21-2018 at 06:34 PM.
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Old 05-21-2018, 07:33 PM
Tjohns42 Tjohns42 is offline
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I guess location would have been helpful. I’m in Phoenix, AZ. I most definitely ordered a manual. I purchased the Lee Pricision 2nd edition, should be delivered tomorrow. Also have the Hornady 10th Edition on my phone & iPad, which I am reading right now while I travel for work. I’ve shied away from videos sticking with known website step by steps and the Hornady manual for now.
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Old 05-21-2018, 08:32 PM
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Before you buy equipment.................

Get the Lyman and a generic manual ($6) for your caliber
and see what powders do what.

Full power +P are nice but for a beginner, a nice target load works.
Get to understand what the powders can do for you in target and middle fps loads.

For a beginner I would go with a manual RCBS or other unit
before jumping into a full blown 3,00 round super loader that
can have problems for a person with no knowledge of reloading.

Then find a loader that you think will work for you plus the dies
shell holder, primers, powders and bullets, for the task and
start out , walking on eggs.

When your first trip to lighting off your own reloads happens......
you will be in a new world.

Last edited by Nevada Ed; 05-23-2018 at 10:44 AM.
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Old 05-21-2018, 09:32 PM
Shotguncoach Shotguncoach is offline
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Hi T, and welcome to the forum. I'm in Phoenix and would be happy to give you a hand.

But.....

You don't know me, and I don't know you. I like to think that the firearms community, and especially this forum, are an inclusive and helpful bunch of folks. Unfortunately today's world is not the same as the one I grew up in. Either of us could be a bad guy looking for a "way in" to scam, rob, or otherwise create difficulty for the other one.

Here's my suggestion: let's start right here. Do everything out in the open and with the cards face up. Post your equipment list, the calibers you would like to load, the guns you'll be using, and whatever questions you have no matter how goofy or newbish they seem. It's important to remember that you're dealing with things that can hurt you and others around you. There truly is no such thing as a dumb question about reloading.

After things have gone back and forth a bit, you (and everyone else) will have had a chance to decide if one or both of us is full of it. At that point we can set up a time to meet at the range and each decide in person if the other one is really trustworthy and safe. If we wait a bit and keep this thread floating to the top we can probably pick up some other AZ shooters and put together a group outing.

Why should you trust me to teach you? Only you can decide that, but here's a quick resume: I've been reloading for shotgun, handgun, and rifle since 1984, which is the same year I began shooting in competition. My ATA trap classifications are A-27-AA. My USPSA membership has lapsed, but at one time I was able to make B class using my concealed carry gear. (I got out of that one when it became an equipment race) I've been coaching new shooters as a volunteer for the AZ Game & Fish Dept since 2003. I have both single stage and progressive equipment. I'm sure there are people on the forum who have loaded for more calibers than I have, but I'm familiar with .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, 9mm, .223, .243, .270, .30-30, .308, .30-06, 7mm Magnum, .300 Magnum, 12 gauge, and 20 gauge.

We can get as deep into the science of interior, exterior, and terminal ballistics as you would like to go.

I'm willing to give it a try if you are....
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Old 05-21-2018, 09:53 PM
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Welcome to the Forum and to this fascinating hobby of reloading! :-)

I would've loved the opportunity to have some help when I started about 1980. I learned from my Lee Classic Loader kit and then from my RCBS & Hornady loading manuals. Folks here are a willing bunch to help newcomers along. Start slow and stay safe. No need to be in a rush and follow directions. When in doubt, don't be afraid to ask! As mentioned above, there are no dumb questions!

Again, welcome and enjoy your new hobby :-)
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Old 05-21-2018, 10:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SMSgt View Post
If you state where you live, someone here who reloads may be close by and offer to help.

I learned to reload via a Speer #9 reloading manual. Never been a problem, but I would not have objected to some over-the-shoulder mentoring.
Yep, except mine was Lyman, Hornady, the NRA Reloading Handbook.
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Old 05-22-2018, 01:51 AM
Tjohns42 Tjohns42 is offline
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Here’s my starting list of items I’ve orders (let me know if I’m missing something)
Lee Precision Challenger Breech Load Anniversary Kit (has a bunch of stuff but I’m sure I’ll replace half of it as I learn)
Dies in 9mm, 38/357, 40 and 30-06
RCBS collet bullet puller and all relevant collets for the above calibers
Manuals (Lee 2nd edition and Hornady 10th edition)
Lyman Pro 1200 dry media tumbler

I haven’t gotten powder, projectiles or primers yet since I haven’t finished reading the manual and don’t know what I’m in the market for. Also, figured I’d get media for the tumbler when I hit Cabela’s for the other stuff since in town purchase seems to run less at the weight I project needing now vs shipping on powder and primers.

I’m sticking with the Lee single stage for my (I anticipate long) learning curve. I’m more interested in the hobby and added benefit of accuracy at this point so I don’t want to get into speed until I get my loads etc down pat.

Thank you all for your responses and any other advice you can give!
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:26 AM
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Some advice:

Begin your journey with pistol. It's easier than rifle (no case prep or case prep equipment, no shoulder bump, etc.) and will give you a chance to learn the quirks of your equipment.

There are lots of good powders, and every reloader has a favorite. Choose one that gives good maximum velocity across all 3(4) of your calibers (eg CFE-Pistol) that you can buy 1 pound of locally. Also buy 1,000 small primers locally . . . or a few hundred if pricing dictates . . . Winchester, Federal, Remington, CCI are all fine.

You can pick any caliber to start with . . . 9mm and 38 are probably the most popular and guarantee many folks here have actual experience in that caliber.

Buy some bullets (ideally also locally) that match those factory rounds you shoot in weight and profile. That makes it easier to see and feel how your reloads compare to factory (accuracy, recoil, case ejection distance, etc).

When you make your first batch, make no more than 5 at any one charge weight. You have a collet puller coming, but there's no reason to risk a long pulling session.

After your first couple of reloading sessions, you'll be in a better position to judge whether advice given here or elsewhere makes sense for you.

GLHF and stay safe! Oh, and welcome here down the rabbit hole

PS: You will need something to separate your tumbling media from the brass. While a home contraption is workable, a rotary separator with a complete enclosure will protect you and your reloading room from lots of dust. Also get a caliper. Unlike scales, a cheap digital caliper is fine, just remember to remove the battery in between uses. The inexpensive calipers all seem to drain that sucker quickly, even when switched off.

Last edited by Twoboxer; 05-22-2018 at 03:37 AM.
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Old 05-22-2018, 06:15 AM
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Welcome to the forum and to reloading.

If you started with something like the 38spl I'm sure that the reloaders on this forum could easily walk you through each stage of the process.

I would gladly help in any way I could along with including pictures if needed.

I still use these manuals quite a bit along with a couple of lyman cast bullet manuals.
Freebie manuals
http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/re...ompany-manuals

Never hurts to see what others are using
Handloads Online, the reloaders resource
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Old 05-22-2018, 06:57 AM
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Reloading is not rocket science.

You're better off in the long run figuring it out by yourself,
rather than have someone teach it to you.

There's no shortage of instructions, both in print and on videos.
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:27 AM
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You've got a good start. I also think you are spot on by starting with a single stage. One step at a time...

The Lee kit is how thousands of us started. The first thing you will want to upgrade is the scale, but don't be afraid to start with the Lee scale. It will do just fine in the beginning. You'll want to start by practicing zeroing the scale and getting a feel for how long it takes to "calm down" and give you a solid reading. Your first box of bullets will be a good practice item. They will be close to a known weight and weighing a few dozen of them will give you an introduction to the idea of production variance.

You'll hear lots of opinions about digital vs beam scales. I have both and keep going back to the beam style. My electronic scale gets used mostly for weighing brass.

As stated above, you'll also want to pick up a set of calipers. I prefer the dial type simply because there are no batteries to worry about. That first box of bullets will also be used to practice with the calipers.

The advice above about picking one powder that will work in multiple calibers is sound, but that's something you have to decide. Do you want to sacrifice some efficiency in one or two calibers to make your choices simpler? Or do you want to optimize each caliber and deal with having several powders on hand? I think you'll find that over the years you waffle back and forth between the two ideas...some years you'll want individual perfection, other years you'll want simplicity. Either is correct. Flip a coin to see where you want to start and we'll go from there.

Before we get really deep into equipment and component choices, lets start at the beginning: Do you have the ability to set up a dedicated area that is just for reloading? Or do you need a setup that can be taken down and stored out of the way? This is a 'lifestyle and housing' question that will guide many of your later decisions.
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Old 05-22-2018, 10:05 AM
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Really don’t matter where you live. A phone call will answer many questions. Also many are answered on utube. My advice would be not to buy any equipment until you talked to a knowledgeable reloader.
Buy once cry once, instead of buying two or three cheap components then finally buying what you should have bought to start with.
I’m a long way from an expert but I’ve been trying since 1965.
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Old 05-22-2018, 10:17 AM
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A lot of us learned on our own with just a book. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth there was no internet. Many of us still have all 10 fingers too. No disrespect, but sometimes one just needs to jump right in and get after it on their own. The notion of "training" seems to be a big thing in the internet era. It's still possible to train one's self and surely gratifying.

With all that said (and off my soapbox) I'd venture a good way to be trained to reload is to find an NRA reloading class. Check out their website and you'll probably find a class near you.
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Old 05-22-2018, 11:05 AM
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One more thing....don't rush out to buy equipment until I have a chance to look through my boxes of extra stuff. I'm pretty sure that I can set you up with a media separator, a powder trickler, and a set of dial calipers. Maybe more....
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Old 05-22-2018, 11:06 AM
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I was lucky in that when I started reloading I was a kid and my Dad was the one that taught me the basics and I started with the good old 22 Hornet round. But starting off with a pistol cartridge is probably a better choice to learn on as you don't have to worry about shoulder setback or any other bottleneck cartridge type problems. And since you are an adult, you should be able to pick up reloading by reading the steps involved in one or more reloading manuals and by looking for YouTube videos and asking questions in reloading forums such as these. Remember, the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask help on if you don't understand something. Everyone started from scratch at one time or another and the internet has made getting help so much easier.

To me, starting off with 38/357 is probably the easiest to learn on and is very forgiving. Plus, a lot of the mid range speed powders for 38 and 357 will also be applicable to 9 MM and presumably 40 S&W too (I don't know for sure about 40 as I don't own any 40 caliber guns). Some powders that will do both 9 and 38/357 are Accurate #2, #5 and #7, Alliant Bullseye, Unique and Power Pistol, and with Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester powders, Longshot, CFE Pistol, HP38/231 and 700-X are all powders that can be used across all your pistol calibers.

Like others have said, reloading isn't rocket science, but it is a practice that does require your attention while doing. Don't let yoursewlf be distracted while reloading as it is easy to forget an inmportant step such as not putting powder in the case or forgetting to prime the case if you have someone nagging at you while reloading and you definitely don't want to double charge a case as in most instances that can and will kaboom a gun and potentially injure you.
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Old 05-22-2018, 12:01 PM
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Default NO BUT GOOD IDEA,I WISH I WENT THAT ROUTE.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tjohns42 View Post
Good afternoon everyone. I have recently decided to get into reloading. I’ve done a decent amount of research and started to order my equipment. Most of the research I have done online has suggested as a beginner to reloading one should consider finding a “mentor” or experienced reloader to work with a time or two and/or talk to about questions etc. Has anyone here used this approach when starting out? Is it a good idea? Since I don’t personally know any reloaders any idea on how I could find someone to help me out? Thank you in advance!
It could be a big time/money saver. Are you willing to travel out of state/country? Putting your app location in your profile might help.

Last edited by nachogrande; 05-22-2018 at 12:02 PM.
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Old 05-22-2018, 12:13 PM
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If unsure of what to load, just do the standard loads.

A 148 or 158 lead bullet and maybe a slow 140 XTP or 158 XTP
are pretty cheap to buy in most areas.

With the 30-06, a cheap Military Ball 147-150 or any factory 150gr
bullet will be your lowest cost for a jacketed bullet, in most cases.
A 4064 or 4895 powder will do a lot of loads as well as the old
best beginner powder of all......... any 4831 powder.

A lot of reading is needed for the short cased, 9mm.
It can have high pressures if data and OAL is not followed correctly.

Safe loading.
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Old 05-22-2018, 01:18 PM
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The printed Hornady , Speer and Lyman Manuals all have good how to reload ammo sections. Get all three , my 50+ years of experience has shown that 4 printed references are extremely handy when cross referencing data and gleaning data on specific bullet bullets that you want to load.
There are so many variables in loading components that it is impossible to have everything in only one manual.
Hornady, Speer, Lyman Cast bullet and their other standard reloading manual along with the Lee Manual will give you enough info at your fingertips to get started. Along with reloading sites to ask questions can make it .
A mentor is great, if you can find one...I'm in Baton Rouge , La. so wouldn't be of much help to you.
Really it's not rocket science and I taught myself in 1967 with a Hornady #1 manual and the infamous Speer #8 manuals....
If I can do it anyone can.
Gary
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Old 05-22-2018, 02:10 PM
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If I were in Phoenix, I'd offer to meet you over a cup of coffee and discuss it.

Reloading manuals are good. Youtube "can" be good, but like computers questions, there are many way to accomplish a task and stout opinions on each. Know exactly what your goals are before investing in equipment.
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:27 PM
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The best advice i was given decades ago was to go to a used book store/site now. Buy 3-5 old manuals and read them cover to cover without opening the data pages, Then you understand the process well enough to proceed.
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:44 PM
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Welcome to the contagious world of reloading. In addition to the manuals, the powder companies also have a lot of useful info, including powder minimum and maximan loads, overall length (OAL), velocity, etc. I know when looking at everything needed to produce a safe bullet it seems overwhelming, be of good cheer, after you have loaded a few it will start feeling natural to you. One other thing. Double check your work. If in doubt at any stage, stop and verify. Good luck and have fun.
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:47 PM
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Default MANY VERY GOOD LOADERS WITH VAST EXPERIENCE...

AINT EXACTLY spring chickens anymore. Many are happy to see their hobby carried on, & would be happy to help & maybe even give/sell you stuff that took decades to accumulate. The what works & what don't, can save you a ton of time/$ VS finding out yourself, the hard way. Good on you for asking.
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shotguncoach View Post
You've got a good start. I also think you are spot on by starting with a single stage. One step at a time...

The Lee kit is how thousands of us started. The first thing you will want to upgrade is the scale, but don't be afraid to start with the Lee scale. It will do just fine in the beginning. You'll want to start by practicing zeroing the scale and getting a feel for how long it takes to "calm down" and give you a solid reading. Your first box of bullets will be a good practice item. They will be close to a known weight and weighing a few dozen of them will give you an introduction to the idea of production variance.

You'll hear lots of opinions about digital vs beam scales. I have both and keep going back to the beam style. My electronic scale gets used mostly for weighing brass.

As stated above, you'll also want to pick up a set of calipers. I prefer the dial type simply because there are no batteries to worry about. That first box of bullets will also be used to practice with the calipers.

The advice above about picking one powder that will work in multiple calibers is sound, but that's something you have to decide. Do you want to sacrifice some efficiency in one or two calibers to make your choices simpler? Or do you want to optimize each caliber and deal with having several powders on hand? I think you'll find that over the years you waffle back and forth between the two ideas...some years you'll want individual perfection, other years you'll want simplicity. Either is correct. Flip a coin to see where you want to start and we'll go from there.

Before we get really deep into equipment and component choices, lets start at the beginning: Do you have the ability to set up a dedicated area that is just for reloading? Or do you need a setup that can be taken down and stored out of the way? This is a 'lifestyle and housing' question that will guide many of your later decisions.
I have an area that I will be designating as a reloading area so I won’t have to take down everything. I will be looking at bench ideas this week and probably building/buying mine this weekend depending on if I find something premade that I like or I find an idea or combination of ideas that I’d rather do myself. I have a pretty decent set of digital calipers but will probably look into an analog set for backup as well as an electronic scale. I’m very big on redundancy.
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:22 PM
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A few suggestions for finding help:

Ask the individual at your gun club that runs the clubs competitions if he can point you in the direction of someone that handloads and might be willing to help.

Ask at your LGS if they might have some suggestions.

Join the facebook Reloading Mentors North America or Reloading 101

Check the NRA website for reloading classes in your area.

Places like Cabelas have from time to time reloading seminars.

But at the end of the day you can teach yourself. Many of us did it that way and you can also. Just follow directions in your load manual.
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Old 05-23-2018, 01:00 AM
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I have an area that I will be designating as a reloading area so I won’t have to take down everything. I will be looking at bench ideas this week and probably building/buying mine this weekend depending on if I find something premade that I like or I find an idea or combination of ideas that I’d rather do myself. I have a pretty decent set of digital calipers but will probably look into an analog set for backup as well as an electronic scale. I’m very big on redundancy.
I used pre-cut kits for my benches. Home Depot used to sell them, but I don't see them on their site anymore.

I've attached a few pics of my previous setup. The current setup is different, but the area is strewn with stuff from estate sales (a great source of used equipment, by the way) right now. When I get it cleaned up I'll send some pics of how it is now.

Next tip: carpet is your enemy. If there is carpet in the area that you'll be using, put down some sort of smooth floor protector. Spilled gunpowder and carpet are not a happy combination. Ask me how I know.

I was able to find a spare powder trickler that I set aside for you. I'm still looking for the media separator. It's in one of the pics but I can't lay my hand on it right now.
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Old 05-23-2018, 01:05 AM
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Maybe some other folks will post pics of their reloading areas (hint hint)......let's see those benches and reloading room ideas!

More examples are always good.
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Old 05-23-2018, 01:44 AM
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Default A mentor would be great.....

....but if you can't find somebody, there is the internet that has all kinds of instructional videos. Just make sure that you check info with a reliable published source because everybody on Youtube isn't alway 100% correct.

One of the trickiest parts are the differences between revolver cartridges, semi auto cartridges, bottleneck cartridges. Just make sure you are well versed in what you are trying to do with what cartridge.

I also learned what I needed in Speer #9 and sneaking a peak at some other books I could't afford. I did have someone that showed me some reloading. I'm SURE that there were a lot of people around, but I didn't know them.

Another great resource is right here on this forum. If someone is serious and has safety in mind they can get answers to all kinds of questions here. Though I had been reloading for many years, being on the forum taught me about twice as much as I taught myself. I've had a million questions answered here and even answered a few myself.

Glad to have an addition to the reloading community.

PS Though you can start with whatever you have, an old revolver cartridge like a .38 Special is very forgiving whereas some newer high pressure rounds are TOUCHY.
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Old 05-23-2018, 01:48 AM
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Default You don't want to see my bench...

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Maybe some other folks will post pics of their reloading areas (hint hint)......let's see those benches and reloading room ideas!

More examples are always good.
It's really hard to tell bench from garage.
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Old 05-23-2018, 10:19 AM
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Read the manuals..... read out loud.
Then make a list of questions you have about loading the 38spl..... good round to start with.

Smartphones can assist with troubleshooting from a vessel at sea, in a storm, to tech help on shore..... reloading as well.

Lotsa nonsense amongest the good on videos....... whereas the Lymans, Speer etc have got most of us shooting without issues.

Videos on how to set up the tools from the manufacture, their reputable dealers are great.

Like Tom Jones said to me when he tossed me the preflight book for the Cherokee 265 ... and I said I never did a preflight check before.... “ you can read “
Four hours later I was doing touch and go.

Go slow
Have fun
Enjoy that first round.

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Old 05-23-2018, 01:52 PM
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Maybe some other folks will post pics of their reloading areas (hint hint)......let's see those benches and reloading room ideas!

More examples are always good.
I don't have a dedicated reloading bench anymore. For most of my handgun case prep I use a Lee hand press and a La-Z-Boy.


As to a good bench--there is no such thing as too sturdy!
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Old 05-23-2018, 02:18 PM
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Reloading is not rocket science.

You're better off in the long run figuring it out by yourself,
rather than have someone teach it to you.

There's no shortage of instructions, both in print and on videos.
That would depend on the instructor/mentor. Sure lots of stuff on boobtube, much of it poop, so you kinda have to know enough to know the diff. A good instructor or mentor will shorten your learning curve by months.
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Old 05-23-2018, 02:26 PM
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Default True, I check out......

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Read the manuals.....

Lotsa nonsense amongest the good on videos....... whereas the Lymans, Speer etc have got most of us shooting without issues.

Videos on how to set up the tools from the manufacture, their reputable dealers are great....



Go slow
Have fun
Enjoy that first round.
I don't just watch one video when it's by a 'user' demonstrating, I watch several. Sometimes they show how to do something when there is a lot better way. And yeah, stick as close to the original source as you can.

Whatever is published by the manufacturer is best because they can't afford to show something unsafe.

And with me being an old timer, trusted manuals are the best. But I've still had some questions and I come here to the forum first and Youtube next.
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Old 05-23-2018, 03:19 PM
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It’s not my intention to skip the basics of reading the manuals, I’ve already made it through the Hornady manual once and plan on many passes through it. I also have the Lee manual that was delivered yesterday so I’ll be reading that tonight. My problem with videos is I don’t know enough to know if they know enough. My goal is to get to know people that have been doing this for long enough to be able to give me good advice not necessarily teach me ground up.
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Old 05-23-2018, 05:55 PM
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Default YES YOU CAN DIY

And like many of us learn the hard way, by MANY mistakes! OR bypass all that & learn from someone else that ALREADY made the mistakes. Just cuz we learned the hard way, doesn't mean YOU have to.
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Old 05-23-2018, 06:49 PM
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Start with .38 Special and go from there. It seems overwhelming at first but after a couple times through the process you will have a good feel for it. Any answers should be easily found on forums like this or in the videos out there. Going through the manuals is a great first step.

Finding a mentor might be great but the person could only know 1 or 2 specific calibers and not even have much of a clue about those. There are lots of people out there who know everything about reloading, however I'm guessing there are people out there who don't know their elbows from their... nose...

There are NRA reloading classes out there and they might be a good start for someone in your situation. The range closest to me has a couple per year.

Good luck. I'm pretty sure I Googled 1,000+ different questions when I was starting out 5 years ago.
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Old 05-23-2018, 06:57 PM
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. . . My problem with videos is I don’t know enough to know if they know enough. My goal is to get to know people that have been doing this for long enough to be able to give me good advice not necessarily teach me ground up.
Youtube videos are GREAT for seeing reloading equipment and tools in actual operation. You cannot get that from manuals.

But the accompanying audio is often an issue . . . far too long, or just flat out ridiculous. You can often improve the video by skipping forward or turning your speakers off

There are multiple ways of doing almost everything in reloading, and varying opinions on what is best (sometimes even what's "safe") . . . something you probably realized given the variety of responses to your request here.

Having been in this forum for 6 years now, I can assure you that if someone makes a mistake and gives definitely, somewhat, or possibly unsafe advice it will soon be "corrected".

You will also get multiple choices on what is "the best way". You will just have to reason through them and make a choice. That's partly why I have purchased 7 scales as well as several case trimming and priming tools lol. The other part? It took me a while to realize my needs, hand size, endurance, and preferences often differed from those who gave responses to my questions.

Final piece of advice from me in this thread: If someone says "XYZ is the best", ignore it unless you agree with the supporting reasons (s)he gave. Without those reasons, right or wrong, the statement has no value.
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Old 05-23-2018, 08:42 PM
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Youtube videos are GREAT for seeing reloading equipment and tools in actual operation. You cannot get that from manuals.

But the accompanying audio is often an issue . . . far too long, or just flat out ridiculous. You can often improve the video by skipping forward or turning your speakers off

There are multiple ways of doing almost everything in reloading, and varying opinions on what is best (sometimes even what's "safe") . . . something you probably realized given the variety of responses to your request here.

Having been in this forum for 6 years now, I can assure you that if someone makes a mistake and gives definitely, somewhat, or possibly unsafe advice it will soon be "corrected".

You will also get multiple choices on what is "the best way". You will just have to reason through them and make a choice. That's partly why I have purchased 7 scales as well as several case trimming and priming tools lol. The other part? It took me a while to realize my needs, hand size, endurance, and preferences often differed from those who gave responses to my questions.

Final piece of advice from me in this thread: If someone says "XYZ is the best", ignore it unless you agree with the supporting reasons (s)he gave. Without those reasons, right or wrong, the statement has no value.
A lot to agree with here.

I don't know why, but for some reason handloaders, when asked about starting this endeavor, tend to downplay the actual (true) cost associated with this activity. As Twoboxer clearly states there are several ways to accomplish things. If the newcomer decides to it is a worthwhile activity then they will amass numerous and redundant hardware items in the search for an efficient and enjoyable experience. Consider how many firearms you have in your collection. Handloading is really no different!

The main thing is to narrow your focus. You might have 5 handguns and 7 rifles but to get started pick the caliber you use the most and gear up for that. Instead of spending money on your 12 different die sets and shell plates just buy 1 to start with and take the money you didn't spend and buy the best gear you can afford. It takes a few 1000 rounds before you can say you know what your doing.

Regarding youtubes here is my non-scientific method for weeding out the vids to avoid. This is not foolproof but close. IF the handloader in the vid has a press that moves, wiggles or requires the aid of the other hand to steady it while pulling the handle---move on! My personal feeling is that if a handloader thinks highly enough in his own skills to believe that they have something worthwhile to pass on to others then their bench should reflect an individual that has a high commitment to the hobby. Watch a few vids and you will be soon able to determine the commitment. It isn't just about saving money.

I would not call myself an expert in this activity by any means. When I started I made a few mistakes which generally resulted in feed problems. I don't think that's a bad thing as it forced me to dive deep for an understanding of what I was trying to accomplish. And that is a major point, to get the most from this you need to have a goal. Any fool can assemble the components into live ammo, but if your want to get the most from your labors you should define exactly what the purpose of the ammo is for.

Again not that I'm the measure of all things but I got the basics of this hobby down by using the Lyman manual as my main mode of instruction. I have a ton of books and a number of DVDs on this but the basics are covered well in the Lyman manual.
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