Thanks to member Bailey Boat, and the rest of the story...

[tackdrvr]

Hi all. A while back I posted about inheriting some equipment and looking for experianced reloaders in the Charlotte area. Member Bailey Boat responded and graciously invited me to his man cave for an "Intro to loading 101". Using his RCBS single stage press and all his other cool toys, I reloaded 200 .38 Spl. rounds. Using 231 powder @ 5.5 grains and a Ranier 125gr hollowpoint. Man did I have a blast and as with most endeavors after getting my feet a little wet, I'm staggered at the sheer magnitude of info involved and at how little I know. I'm afraid the hook is deeply seated and I'm sure it is going to COST me money.
Over this past weekend we visited with family in VA and though the weather was miserable, my wife and I managed to burn up 50 rounds. Shooting my 15-3 and her 60 with a 3" tube we were able to keep them all within a saucer sized circle at 25 yds shooting offhand. I'm sure accuracy is better than my shooting would show and I still have 150 rounds to test it with another day.
As a side note, I used Bailey Boat's Lil Dandy powder measure with his invention in it and it works pretty slick. He has a thread on it in this forum, really worth checking out. A shameless plug designed at getting me invited back for another session with the Boat.
Speaking of invitations, Member FrankD45 has also very graciously invited me over as well and I'm looking forward to setting up a time that I can take him up on it. Can't wait to try my hand at some .44 Spl loads for my 696. In the Speer #10 manual I inherited it shows a really lite load using a round ball. Has anyone out there ever done that? Any advice?
Sorry for the long and rambling post. One reason I don't post much is my tendancy to wander and ramble. When you type like I do a post this size is quite the effort.
Anyway, thanks to all who read and/or reply. I'm glad to be among you.

 

[Crazy K38]

cool deal, I hope I can find someone like that in AL

 

[mtb1bkr]

Just watch out where you are going with this. I started out reloading for my 500 Mag because I "wanted to save some money." The next thing I know, I'm looking at new guns in calibers I don't load in that if I "buy the gun, then I can reload for it." Just bought a 45 Colt Mountain Gun a few weeks ago and had the reloading kit before I got it out of the CA gunbuyers patience program.

Bill

 

[Bailey Boat]

tack, I was just thinking about giving you a call to make sure you were still among the living. Sounds like the "go bang" stuff worked out okay and the accuracy wasn't too bad considering we didn't do any testing. Let me know when you want to get together again and we'll roll up some more....

As for your 44 round ball, check on black powder balls, I don't have a clue if there's anything available there.......

 

[Kevin G]

I was lucky to have some one show me the way. Biggest problem was me getting up the nerve to ask for help.
I'm pleasantly amazed at the number of folks that go out of their way to help a newcomer get into reloading(handloading?). Time, advice, loaning gear and supplies... No one has ever said "Don't bother me w/stupid questions."
I've met some very nice people.
And then I get to shoot the fruits of my labor!!!!
Kevin

 

[Bailey Boat]

I was lucky to have some one show me the way. Biggest problem was me getting up the nerve to ask for help.
I'm pleasantly amazed at the number of folks that go out of their way to help a newcomer get into reloading(handloading?). Time, advice, loaning gear and supplies... No one has ever said "Don't bother me w/stupid questions."
I've met some very nice people.
And then I get to shoot the fruits of my labor!!!!
Kevin

Kevin, I have assisted numerous people to get into reloading because someone once helped me get started. The only thing that I ask of a "student" is that they pass it along whenever possible. That's what I promised Ed when he helped me back in the 60's......

I have seen all kinds of facial expressions when a newby shoots their first loads. Sometimes it's down right comical. I've seen eyes closed, head turned and everything in between. But the look when it just goes bang like it's supposed to is priceless.......

 

[bnitch]

A +1 to Bailey Boat ( Bill ) for all the help over the past yr.

 

[bnewc75]

I have had.............

three great guys help me (hands on experience) along the way.......... not forgetting all of the help for within the forum community........ thanks to all

 

[coldmold]

I have oftimes myself pondered the question.(Do I reload so I can shoot or shoot so I can reload?)

 

[Catshooter]

tack,

Welcome to the fold.

About the round ball use in the .44 Special. One problem with 'em is they have no grease groove and so can sometimes cause a bit of leading. Liquid alox seems to solve that problem though.

Other than that they seem to work well and are fun to shoot. Good luck!


Cat

 

[Smilin-buddha]

+1 to Bailey for helping. I have a similar good guy local. HE said when I get the press he will come over and shoulder reload with me. Nice to see Smith family helping another.

 

[Engineer1911]

You ain't savin' money !!!!

Most experienced reloaders will gladly share their reloading knowledge, but never tell you the "Secret of Reloading". You will never save a dime reloading any caliber ammunition. That is the secret.

For example: Before 'Reloading' began your ammo budget was $15 per week for shooting at the range. Now you started reloading. To justify the expense of a press, dies, powder scale, dial caliper, reloading manual,and powder measure you said no to a $300 gun and bought $400 worth of reloading equipment (this is 27 weeks of ammo budget). Now to use all this new and marvelous equipment to save money on ammo, you go and buy primers, powder, and bullets. At today's prices that's easily another $100 (and another 7 weeks of ammo budget).

You explain to the other half again how you are going to save a lot of money shooting reloads. After a period of time, you finally have 4 boxes of handgun ammo and go shooting at the range. Unfortunately, you shot all 4 boxes of ammo not just ONE box as you did before you bought all this money saving equipment. Time to make another "reloading supplies" mail order call, gun shop road trip, or trek to the gun show.

You are now guilty of proving the secret. Instead of buying $15 worth of ammunition per week, you end up buying $150 worth of supplies to support your "savings habit".

I know from personal experience. Good deals-- 2 Dillions 450 upgraded and 550, 2 RCBS Rockchuckers, 30 die sets, 20 2-, 4-, and 6-cavity bullet molds, 2 Lyman 450 bullet sizers -- just all good deals that will save me money.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Reloading.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Bob, one of the first things I explain to a new reloader is that they are NOT going to save money. I run the numbers right in front of them and show how long the "payback" will be and how much must be shot to get there. The main thing I try to get across is the versility and personal satisfaction of reloading your own ammo.
Cost factors aside, I can show them how to tailor loads specifically for their gun and their style of shooting and to ME that's the reason I reload.....