Handloaders: How did you learn how?

lonegunman · January 27, 2002, 04:40 PM

is there a course? maybe by the NRA?

sven · January 27, 2002, 04:51 PM

How dangerous is Handloading?

MikeK · January 27, 2002, 05:28 PM

I'm looking into it now. Try a search on 'beginner' in the reloading forum. I have found a wealth of information that way. Yes, there is an NRA course according to my search results.

Bob Locke · January 27, 2002, 06:06 PM

In my life, I've always found it best to learn from someone who had a lot of experience doing what I am attempting to learn to do. With the inherent dangers of reloading, I find it doubly true.

There's a veritable gold mine of info here on TFL, and I'd be willing to bet that there's one or more "old-timers" in your area who would be more than happy to show you the ropes.

Ben Swenson · January 27, 2002, 07:04 PM

I learned from a very good friend. He'd probably not agree that he's an "old-timer" but he has definitely reloaded for quite a while.

Fred Hansen · January 27, 2002, 07:29 PM

My hometown neighbor Mr. Ardnt, a very accomplished hunter/shooter/reloader. I am forever in his debt.

El Rojo · January 27, 2002, 07:34 PM

I basically just started with advice from my father. No one really told me exactly what to do. I just followed the directions and listened to what my dad said to do. Reloading isn't all that hard.

Monkeyleg · January 27, 2002, 07:45 PM

I just went through the Speer's manual first, and read carefully. The "tweaking" advice came from range buddies.

kjm · January 27, 2002, 08:29 PM

I went out and purchased a Dillon RL550. I wanted the best equipment I could in getting started. Even if I didn't like reloading, I knew it was so practical that I almost had to in order to satisfy my thirst for more ammo. Kinda like mowing the grass, it doesn't matter if you like it or not, you should purchase a decent lawn mower because the task must be done.

This handicapped me since I knew nobody else into reloading, and I had no VCR or TV to aid in the setup of the machine. The manual was kinda fuzzy for someone with zero experience. I finally packed it all up and drove to my brother's house and put it all together with the aid of the video and his VCR. Now I love it, and I'm glad I bought the Dillon since if I had gone cheaper, I would be lusting after a Dillon anyway. I don't need to upgrade either since the RL-550 is about as much ammo as I'll ever need. Unless you're loading for a group of people such as a shooting team (shouldn't they be loading their own?), I suggest that the RL 550 is the best machine for 99% of the shooters out there.

As for learning the ropes, I read all the manuals old and new I could get, and I also asked a bunch of questions here on TFL. This place is better than the manuals for specific problems and questions, because there are so many people here who've done the same stupid thing, or maybe have avoided common pitfalls. This place is definately a must for any reloader.

Learning how isn't necessarily difficult. Remember don't go cheap, go quality. Buy a Dillon.

(add not paid for nor solicited by Dillon- I just love their stuff)

Steve Smith · January 27, 2002, 09:01 PM

Go to www.nrahq.com and poke around. You'll find a place to locate instructors in your area. Contact your local NRA certified Handloading Instructor for a class. Otherwise, ask over in the Handloading forum. We are a very friendly bunch, and if there's someone in your area, more than likely he'll be more than happy to show you the ropes. We love to "teach a man to fish." I will be forever indebted to the man who taught me.

Gewehr98 · January 27, 2002, 09:09 PM

using Lee Loaders, one round at a time, back @ 1978. Not a bad skill to pass from father to son. I've been teaching my girlfriend's two sons to make 8mm Mauser and .30-06 over the last several months, keeping the heritage alive.

AyeAye · January 27, 2002, 09:13 PM

I agree that learning from someone experienced is best. I learned from my dad back in the 60's and have added my own experience from there.

Read - Reloading manuals and other books. One of the best imo is "Modern Handloading" by Maj. George C. Nonte, Jr. copyright 1972 but still full of pertinent info.

Long Path · January 27, 2002, 09:50 PM

How do you learn? Why, you study, of course!

Speer, Sierra, Lyman, Hornady, and many other bullet and powder companies put out wonderful reloading manuals for reloading, which are principally used as the reference manuals used for specs when reloading, but which also include excellent descriptions of how to get started. Dillon can hook you up with these. (1 800 223-4570. I love that number!) Sierra (www.sierrabullets.com) has an 800 tech-line number, where reloading technicians will answer your questions for free, regardless of whether or not you're using their products!

At any rate, stick around, ask questions, and browse the Handloading and Reloading forum, which is where I'm now moving this thread.

L.P.

jjmorgan64 · January 27, 2002, 10:11 PM

And Triple check everything, (I don't listen well anyway)

Brian Williams · January 27, 2002, 10:25 PM

Read, read, read, get reloading catalogs, read, wipe drool, readdo web searches, read, go to shop, talk, talk, read, read, buy, read, buy more, read, get bullets, read, get powder, read, reload, have a blast............

Slabside · January 27, 2002, 10:56 PM

Your smaller gunshops that stock and sell reloading equipment will generally have someone there that will more than happy to give you a demonstration and glad to ans all your questions. It benefits them to do this in a smaller store to make the sale and usually, they will give you a discount on upgrades, add-on's, etc. later on.

Kermit · January 28, 2002, 01:25 AM

I am still learning

A buddy of mine has been reloading for years and I have started helping and learning how. I've had occasion to see a double charge in action so I'm REALLY careful

Making 2500 bullets an hour isn't important, it's not making that one double or triple or quadruple charge! Have fun

John D · January 28, 2002, 11:17 AM

A good friend of mine had reloaded for years. I purchased a Ruger Blackhawk in .38-40 - the ammo was (and still is) very expensive. So, I asked him to show me how to reload.

Little did I know I had now developed a new hobby....gun-related, yes; but, really a separate hobby that involves following instructions, study, repetition, and close attention to detail. The satisfaction of shooting your "own" rounds is very gratifying. In the long run you'll save $$$; but, for the first several years, it's really not a money saver as you'll be purchasing dies, tumblers, brass, more "stuff". I now load five calibers.

I really do it for the satisfaction...

**Mike Irwin** · January 28, 2002, 12:57 PM

"How dangerous is Handloading?"

It's like any other hobby, as safe or as dangerous as you make it.

Pay attention, be judicious, and you'll be fine.

Slack off, be careless, and you'll have problems.

Jeeper · January 28, 2002, 01:30 PM

I taught myself from different book. I bought some good case guages so that I could make sure the crimp was right also. Definately would have helped to have someone teach me.

sundog · January 28, 2002, 01:35 PM

lonegunman, yes there is an NRA course and there are instructors (I are one). Check out the rest of the NRMA web site, too. Good stuff. sundog

http://www.reload-nrma.com/NRAinstruc.html

ooops, almost forgot to mention that a buddy in the Air Force first got me interested in loading and casting.

Jager1 · January 28, 2002, 02:05 PM

Lonegunman,

Again, I join Monkeyleg in experience.

Being a jack of all trades and master of none, I bought a Dillon 550B and the Speer 13 manual. My limited research led me to believe that Dillon would afford me the most of what I wanted in a reloading setup. Of all the manuals I picked up to look at, the Speer manual seemed to answer most of my questions about critical points in the process.

Some of my questions to Dillon have met with less than informed answers, but each was eventually figured out by either myself after re-reading everything I had just read, or posing the question on this, or other forums. Still, I have been quite pleased with the help I have recieved from Dillon and the advice has been invaluable. Their customer service regarding components and parts is top notch.

I borrowed manuals from friends, asked stupid questions three or more times, picked up every pamphlet from component manufacturers and generally made a nuisance of myself just short of one of my victims giving me some intentional errant advice to get rid of me (Ka-boom).

I am still learning, and always will be. Each new caliber attempted has its inherent practices and the variables are almost infinite. Reloading is as challenging or as easy as you make it within the confines of common sense. Awareness IS the key to being a successful reloader. Wether you go single stage or progressive, each bears the reward of being able to claim you "roll your own".

Any reloader worth his salt will never withold knowledge from a fellow reloader who questions him/her. That is another part of this hobby that makes it so divine. It's attendees. Ask, and you shall find answers. There is alwasy someone willing to lend a hand. Unless you are loading some obscure caliber, of course! No such thing as a stupid reloading question. Except the one you failed to ask.

No old, bold reloaders without at least some scar tissue. Like it or not, reloaders tend to be an informal professional fraternity. Good company.

If I can do it, anybody can.

From the shallow end of the gene pool...

Keith J · January 28, 2002, 02:33 PM

If you are new to reloading, buy you equipment/supplies from a local shop. When you do, you will find most REPUTABLE shops to offer free advice. Well, the advice isn't free because you paid for it with the higher than internet/mail-order prices BUT all shop staff I have dealt with are happy to keep you the same.

Get to know them and give them your business. I've yet to meet one that wasn't a supporter of our hobby/sport/G-d granted right.

Mikul · January 28, 2002, 05:26 PM

I got preliminary information from the people in this forum (you guys have been great). I repeatedly was advised to pick up the Lyman reloading manual. I did and read all of the pertinent information (I skipped the game animal information and ballistics sections for the time being). This described the process for me.

I came back here and asked some pointed questions which were answered immediately.

Then I called Dillon, asked a few more questions (they were great too) and ordered a 550B. When it arrived, I followed the written instructions, cursed, made some adjustments, cursed some more, and made a bunch of other adjustments.

Then I went to the range to fire off my first reload and fully expected to blow my face off... No Problems.

How dangerous is reloading? The biggest dangers are your own stupidity. Dealing with 100 loose, live primers can be dangerous if you drop them. Accidentally igniting gun powders would be bad (don't smoke and reload). Double charging a cartridge is possible if you're not paying attention (this actually could blow your hand off). Forgetting to put enough powder can lodge a bullet in the barrel and damage your gun if you fire a subsequent round.

Pay attention when you reload. I don't recommend watching television or holding a conversation with your mother-in-law while you reload.

Write down everything you do so if something does go wrong, you know exactly why.

Salt · January 28, 2002, 05:55 PM

I learned by reading, asking questions, and then just doing it.

My advise is to join a local gunclub and see if they have any classes on handloading. Read everything you can on handloading!

January 27, 2002, 04:40 PM	#1
lonegunman Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2001 Location: deep in georgia Posts: 1,724	Handloaders: How did you learn how? is there a course? maybe by the NRA?

January 27, 2002, 09:09 PM	#11
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	My father using Lee Loaders, one round at a time, back @ 1978. Not a bad skill to pass from father to son. I've been teaching my girlfriend's two sons to make 8mm Mauser and .30-06 over the last several months, keeping the heritage alive.

January 27, 2002, 09:50 PM	#13
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	How do you learn? Why, you study, of course! Speer, Sierra, Lyman, Hornady, and many other bullet and powder companies put out wonderful reloading manuals for reloading, which are principally used as the reference manuals used for specs when reloading, but which also include excellent descriptions of how to get started. Dillon can hook you up with these. (1 800 223-4570. I love that number!) Sierra (www.sierrabullets.com) has an 800 tech-line number, where reloading technicians will answer your questions for free, regardless of whether or not you're using their products! At any rate, stick around, ask questions, and browse the Handloading and Reloading forum, which is where I'm now moving this thread. L.P. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

January 27, 2002, 10:11 PM	#14
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Just read a couple of Books And Triple check everything, (I don't listen well anyway)

January 27, 2002, 10:56 PM	#16
Slabside Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 103	In addition... Your smaller gunshops that stock and sell reloading equipment will generally have someone there that will more than happy to give you a demonstration and glad to ans all your questions. It benefits them to do this in a smaller store to make the sale and usually, they will give you a discount on upgrades, add-on's, etc. later on.

January 27, 2002, 04:51 PM	#2
sven Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2002 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 532	How dangerous is Handloading?

January 27, 2002, 05:28 PM	#3
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2000 Location: MD Posts: 566	I'm looking into it now. Try a search on 'beginner' in the reloading forum. I have found a wealth of information that way. Yes, there is an NRA course according to my search results.

January 27, 2002, 06:06 PM	#4
Bob Locke Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 1999 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 2,518	In my life, I've always found it best to learn from someone who had a lot of experience doing what I am attempting to learn to do. With the inherent dangers of reloading, I find it doubly true. There's a veritable gold mine of info here on TFL, and I'd be willing to bet that there's one or more "old-timers" in your area who would be more than happy to show you the ropes.

January 27, 2002, 07:04 PM	#5
Ben Swenson Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2000 Posts: 1,210	I learned from a very good friend. He'd probably not agree that he's an "old-timer" but he has definitely reloaded for quite a while.

January 27, 2002, 07:29 PM	#6
Fred Hansen Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2001 Location: The middle of WWIII Posts: 3,335	My hometown neighbor Mr. Ardnt, a very accomplished hunter/shooter/reloader. I am forever in his debt.

January 27, 2002, 07:34 PM	#7
El Rojo Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2000 Location: People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 2,057	I basically just started with advice from my father. No one really told me exactly what to do. I just followed the directions and listened to what my dad said to do. Reloading isn't all that hard.

January 27, 2002, 07:45 PM	#8
Monkeyleg Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2000 Posts: 4,625	I just went through the Speer's manual first, and read carefully. The "tweaking" advice came from range buddies.

January 27, 2002, 08:29 PM	#9
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	I went out and purchased a Dillon RL550. I wanted the best equipment I could in getting started. Even if I didn't like reloading, I knew it was so practical that I almost had to in order to satisfy my thirst for more ammo. Kinda like mowing the grass, it doesn't matter if you like it or not, you should purchase a decent lawn mower because the task must be done. This handicapped me since I knew nobody else into reloading, and I had no VCR or TV to aid in the setup of the machine. The manual was kinda fuzzy for someone with zero experience. I finally packed it all up and drove to my brother's house and put it all together with the aid of the video and his VCR. Now I love it, and I'm glad I bought the Dillon since if I had gone cheaper, I would be lusting after a Dillon anyway. I don't need to upgrade either since the RL-550 is about as much ammo as I'll ever need. Unless you're loading for a group of people such as a shooting team (shouldn't they be loading their own?), I suggest that the RL 550 is the best machine for 99% of the shooters out there. As for learning the ropes, I read all the manuals old and new I could get, and I also asked a bunch of questions here on TFL. This place is better than the manuals for specific problems and questions, because there are so many people here who've done the same stupid thing, or maybe have avoided common pitfalls. This place is definately a must for any reloader. Learning how isn't necessarily difficult. Remember don't go cheap, go quality. Buy a Dillon. (add not paid for nor solicited by Dillon- I just love their stuff)

January 27, 2002, 09:01 PM	#10
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Go to www.nrahq.com and poke around. You'll find a place to locate instructors in your area. Contact your local NRA certified Handloading Instructor for a class. Otherwise, ask over in the Handloading forum. We are a very friendly bunch, and if there's someone in your area, more than likely he'll be more than happy to show you the ropes. We love to "teach a man to fish." I will be forever indebted to the man who taught me.

January 27, 2002, 09:13 PM	#12
AyeAye Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Location: NW PA Posts: 99	I agree that learning from someone experienced is best. I learned from my dad back in the 60's and have added my own experience from there. Read - Reloading manuals and other books. One of the best imo is "Modern Handloading" by Maj. George C. Nonte, Jr. copyright 1972 but still full of pertinent info.

January 27, 2002, 10:25 PM	#15
Brian Williams Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2001 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 1,289	Read, read, read, get reloading catalogs, read, wipe drool, readdo web searches, read, go to shop, talk, talk, read, read, buy, read, buy more, read, get bullets, read, get powder, read, reload, have a blast............

January 28, 2002, 01:25 AM	#17
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	I am still learning A buddy of mine has been reloading for years and I have started helping and learning how. I've had occasion to see a double charge in action so I'm REALLY careful Making 2500 bullets an hour isn't important, it's not making that one double or triple or quadruple charge! Have fun

January 28, 2002, 11:17 AM	#18
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 442	A good friend of mine had reloaded for years. I purchased a Ruger Blackhawk in .38-40 - the ammo was (and still is) very expensive. So, I asked him to show me how to reload. Little did I know I had now developed a new hobby....gun-related, yes; but, really a separate hobby that involves following instructions, study, repetition, and close attention to detail. The satisfaction of shooting your "own" rounds is very gratifying. In the long run you'll save $$$; but, for the first several years, it's really not a money saver as you'll be purchasing dies, tumblers, brass, more "stuff". I now load five calibers. I really do it for the satisfaction...

January 28, 2002, 12:57 PM	#19
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	"How dangerous is Handloading?" It's like any other hobby, as safe or as dangerous as you make it. Pay attention, be judicious, and you'll be fine. Slack off, be careless, and you'll have problems. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 28, 2002, 01:30 PM	#20
Jeeper Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2001 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 776	I taught myself from different book. I bought some good case guages so that I could make sure the crimp was right also. Definately would have helped to have someone teach me.

January 28, 2002, 01:35 PM	#21
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 783	lonegunman, yes there is an NRA course and there are instructors (I are one). Check out the rest of the NRMA web site, too. Good stuff. sundog http://www.reload-nrma.com/NRAinstruc.html ooops, almost forgot to mention that a buddy in the Air Force first got me interested in loading and casting. __________________ safety first

January 28, 2002, 02:05 PM	#22
Jager1 Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2000 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 422	Lonegunman, Again, I join Monkeyleg in experience. Being a jack of all trades and master of none, I bought a Dillon 550B and the Speer 13 manual. My limited research led me to believe that Dillon would afford me the most of what I wanted in a reloading setup. Of all the manuals I picked up to look at, the Speer manual seemed to answer most of my questions about critical points in the process. Some of my questions to Dillon have met with less than informed answers, but each was eventually figured out by either myself after re-reading everything I had just read, or posing the question on this, or other forums. Still, I have been quite pleased with the help I have recieved from Dillon and the advice has been invaluable. Their customer service regarding components and parts is top notch. I borrowed manuals from friends, asked stupid questions three or more times, picked up every pamphlet from component manufacturers and generally made a nuisance of myself just short of one of my victims giving me some intentional errant advice to get rid of me (Ka-boom). I am still learning, and always will be. Each new caliber attempted has its inherent practices and the variables are almost infinite. Reloading is as challenging or as easy as you make it within the confines of common sense. Awareness IS the key to being a successful reloader. Wether you go single stage or progressive, each bears the reward of being able to claim you "roll your own". Any reloader worth his salt will never withold knowledge from a fellow reloader who questions him/her. That is another part of this hobby that makes it so divine. It's attendees. Ask, and you shall find answers. There is alwasy someone willing to lend a hand. Unless you are loading some obscure caliber, of course! No such thing as a stupid reloading question. Except the one you failed to ask. No old, bold reloaders without at least some scar tissue. Like it or not, reloaders tend to be an informal professional fraternity. Good company. If I can do it, anybody can. From the shallow end of the gene pool...

January 28, 2002, 02:33 PM	#23
Keith J Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 469	From my Father... If you are new to reloading, buy you equipment/supplies from a local shop. When you do, you will find most REPUTABLE shops to offer free advice. Well, the advice isn't free because you paid for it with the higher than internet/mail-order prices BUT all shop staff I have dealt with are happy to keep you the same. Get to know them and give them your business. I've yet to meet one that wasn't a supporter of our hobby/sport/G-d granted right.

January 28, 2002, 05:26 PM	#24
Mikul Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2000 Posts: 1,396	I got preliminary information from the people in this forum (you guys have been great). I repeatedly was advised to pick up the Lyman reloading manual. I did and read all of the pertinent information (I skipped the game animal information and ballistics sections for the time being). This described the process for me. I came back here and asked some pointed questions which were answered immediately. Then I called Dillon, asked a few more questions (they were great too) and ordered a 550B. When it arrived, I followed the written instructions, cursed, made some adjustments, cursed some more, and made a bunch of other adjustments. Then I went to the range to fire off my first reload and fully expected to blow my face off... No Problems. How dangerous is reloading? The biggest dangers are your own stupidity. Dealing with 100 loose, live primers can be dangerous if you drop them. Accidentally igniting gun powders would be bad (don't smoke and reload). Double charging a cartridge is possible if you're not paying attention (this actually could blow your hand off). Forgetting to put enough powder can lodge a bullet in the barrel and damage your gun if you fire a subsequent round. Pay attention when you reload. I don't recommend watching television or holding a conversation with your mother-in-law while you reload. Write down everything you do so if something does go wrong, you know exactly why.

January 28, 2002, 05:55 PM	#25
Salt Junior member Join Date: December 26, 2001 Posts: 673	I learned by reading, asking questions, and then just doing it. My advise is to join a local gunclub and see if they have any classes on handloading. Read everything you can on handloading!