Need a Reloading teacher in North Central WV.

badguybuster

Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2008
Messages
1,252
Reaction score
244
Location
WV
As the title says, I need someone to teach me how to reload. I am looking to purchase a 458 SOCOM upper for my AR and the only way to make it affordable is to reload but I have NO idea how to do it and need someone to get me started. Thanks

Oh, I live around the bridgeport/clarksburg area.
 
Register to hide this ad
I am checking around but figure that I may as well use the internet to boost my chances.
 
First, get some books. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Get the Speer manual, Lyman manual, a Hornady manual set and even the Lee reloading manual- all great places to start. Read the first few chapers of each book and that will give you the overview of reloading.

Next, go and visit some reloaders if possible and see their equipement and set ups- try the presses/machines if you can and see what works for you and fits the budget. There really isn't a right or wrong answer. This will likely save you lots of money, frustration and such.
Talk to people at your local gun shop or range, they are likely to know someone that will show you the ropes.
 
No matter what you do, find and read and re-read the "ABC's of Reloading" first. You need to know the lingo and understand the equipment and components first before you dive in. Look real hard at the Lee Classic Turret for a starter press. It allows you to load single stage and with the included indexing rod it will auto index to each die with the pull of the handle. I bought the Lee, Hornady, and Speer books when I started. Then I later bought a Lyman book. I now use the Lee and Lyman books almost exclusively and unless I am using a Hornady or Speer specific bullet I almost never open those books. I also bought the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook and have been casting for a while. It is much easier than I thought to get started. You will find all sorts of YouTube videos of guys showing their choice of press. I also enjoy the Ultimate Reloader website and their videos. You will find that if you read up first it is fairly easy to understand. A press, scale, set of dies, and caliper will be your most basic setup needs. Once you get going you will want a case cleaning tumbler or something to clean your fired brass, a good powder dispenser, and more. Never be embarrassed to ask questions. You will find that if you post a question you will be met with a barrage of answers.
 
Reloading isn't rocket science, but it does require attention to detail. I started out unassisted by reading my Speer reloading manual, Edition #9. Very good info in it. I still refer to it on occasion, but newer manuals list much more info.

If you're only looking to reload a single cartridge, keep it simple with a single stage press and minimal equipment. I still use my ancient Herter's press (and other gear) from 1975.

Turrets and progressives have a distinct advantage for loading large quantities, but often are not the easiest setups to start out with.
 
BadGuyBuster, I applaude your approach. Too often I see prospective reloaders begin their education w/sales catalogs and work backwards from there. Production rate is a big deal sometimes. I advise them to rearrange priorities, learn the proccess. If they choose not to listen I can't be of help.
Initially after doing alot of reading I found connecting w/an experienced reloader and actually seeing the proccess, asking questions, etc. was a good learning tool.
As a rule, I've found reloaders to be very generous w/their knowledge. I find it best to seek out a shooter/reloader who appears well organized, who has something valuable to pass on aside from opinions.
Good Luck, Kevin
 
I am really only looking to reload my new 50 Beowulf, as it is ridiculously expensive to shoot
 
I believe the mentor is the first piece of the puzzle. Spend the first session seeing how everything works while the mentor speaks in reloading language. Then read the manual(s). You will find that things make sense as you recognize the procedures or items. The manuals are necessary. They will mesh with further instruction.

Where are you from Clarksburg?
 
Yes, I am from clarksburg. Several members have expressed interest in teaching me the ropes, thank you all
 

Latest posts

Back
Top