how did you learn how to reload? - Page 2

alfack · February 22, 2010, 05:42 PM

I got a Dillon 550B and a Hornady book of reloading and went from there.

The directions that came with the Dillon are pretty thorough and may not make sense, until you actually go through the motions. Once you do it a few times, it all comes clear.

Edward429451 · February 22, 2010, 06:02 PM

My dad taught me when I was a youngster. Wait, no he didnt, he gave me reloading tasks to do. When I bought my 1911 and CA Bulldog I got the books and press and taught myself, no internet.

You noobs nowadays have it made with the net!

RedHawk357 · February 22, 2010, 07:27 PM

Learned on my own. If I was doing it all over today. AmmoSmith and YouTube would probably be the way I would go with appropriate manuals of course.

RAnb · February 22, 2010, 07:30 PM

I bought an RCBS RS-5 reloading kit.

Ranb

James R. Burke · February 22, 2010, 08:28 PM

I started by reading, and talking alot to people that were into it. Got a few good manuals and read them alot. I then figured out a corner of the basement for myself, and how big a bench I would need. I built it bigger than I figured I would need, and gald I did. I then figured out what pieces of equipment I would need. I thought I would get better stuff then buying kits etc. Not saying there not good. I then slowly started buying the things I figured I would need, and took my time to get some good stuff. When I first started reloading I had a few friends that were into it so that helped out alot. I then kept getting the things I felt I needed. It came out good in the end. Nice bench, cabinets, shelves etc. I could have went cheaper with some stuff but glad I did not. Saved alot of time and work, and just buying it once. But get some good manuals to read on the basic's, and I also believe highly in the cronys. The manuals are close, and just that close. I got everything I felt would save time and or work. Always start at the min and work up from there, and just use that load for the rifle or pistol you made it for.

80viking · February 22, 2010, 09:07 PM

I learned from some of the old timers at my club. As I gained more experience and started shooting competitively you can tell who has their s*** together and who doesn't. Thats when you start finding out the good stuff.

sserdlihc · February 22, 2010, 09:08 PM

My F-I-L taught me.

qwman68 · February 22, 2010, 09:20 PM

100% self taught. If i had any questions or issues i came here or youtube or some other internet source.. Trial and error played a big part in my education also.

k9cougar · February 22, 2010, 09:30 PM

Do NOT start with a progressive press. I am about 6 months ahead of you and followed mcuh of the advice already mentioned. Read some books, talked to folks, and went and actually watched it done. I might move to a progressive one day but if I would of started on a progressive die I would be toast. Folks seemed to disagree on this book or that book, this press or that press, this die or that die, this technique or that technique. The only thing i didn't get disagreement on was the advice to start with a single stage press.

One lesson I was told but ignored was to take the time to double check your powder loads. Visually check each and every load to see that powder is your load and that the powder level seems right. I've had two squids. Fortunately the second came right after the first. I was extremely surprised to grab a metal rod, shove it down the barrel to unlodge a jammed bullet, only to have two bullets come out. I could of easily injured my gun, myself, and others around me; and just because I didn't take the time to visually inspect my loads before pressing the bullet into the case. I still have those two bullets and have mounted them over my reloading bench as a reminder that I both dumb and very lucky.

alfack · February 22, 2010, 09:48 PM

Funny. I started on a progressive press and have never had a squid, except for some calamari when I was stationed in Korea. :barf:

mrawesome22 · February 22, 2010, 10:22 PM

The Firing Line and the Lyman 48th. Thanks so much guys.

Tim R · February 22, 2010, 10:30 PM

I bought a Win Feather Weight in 30-06 at the base exchange for $299.99. There were 6 of them and I wish I could have bought them all. My wife decided $12.50 was too much to pay for a box of 150 gr. silver tips as I was shooting my first center fire rifle as often as I could. 20 rounds was about all my shoulder could stand anyways.......6 3/4 lb rifle and all. So the wife suggested I relaod as ammo would be cheaper.

I bought a RCBS press which included the '06 dies, and kit with the scale, powder throw, book, funnel, lube pad and etc. The kit also came with a Speer 10. I read the how to section a bunch (several times over) and was able to load '06 which didn't blow my face off.

I still hunt with the F/W but have many other calibers both rifle and pistol I load for now. I also own about every color of the rainbow of reloading equipment. I still use the same RCBS press I bought way back then.

Twistedframe · February 22, 2010, 10:58 PM

I did research online before I bought anything and even after that the only thing I bought at first was a book or two. Once I finished those and had a basic understanding I bought just what I NEEDED to make my first few rounds. Now that I have about 1000 rounds under my belt with my cheap starter equipment I try to buy something new at each gunshow or whenever it goes on sale online. I'm not in a huge hurry so I have been getting some pretty good deals.

Oh and I started off only doing 9mm but now I have dies for almost all of my pistols; 9mm, .45acp, and .380acp. Next I will be looking for dies for .223!

Fullthrottle · February 23, 2010, 12:35 AM

Myself I was on my own, so to speak. I did a bunch of search on the net, books(ABC's of reloading), asked a ton of questions(both here and at my local gun store)!

Since then I have met a few who reload and have picked their brain! General and most important rule is FOLLOW DIRECTIONS and ASK QUESTIONS if you don't know! DON'T guess.

Be safe and have fun!

WmCC · February 23, 2010, 12:53 AM

Reading everything I could get my hands on, then doin'... that was 51 years ago and I'm still at it. If you don't learn something new every time you sit down at the bench then you just might not be paying attention.

Jim243 · February 23, 2010, 12:57 AM

A friend that had been reloading for 14 years got me started, so I made a pest of myself till I made my first rounds and that was almost 6 years ago. Now that I think of it, I still make a pest of myself.

Jim

ragwd · February 23, 2010, 12:09 PM

I bought the ABC's of reloading, Horandy's and the Lyman manuals. It would have been nice to have a mentor, but I didn't. I lurked around here alot and read alot, a whole lot. I have gotten a lot of good advice from this forum. I now can reload for all my pistol 380, 9mm, 45acp. I have all my equipment to load some rifle .223. I will start this weekend, and will follow that with 308 soon after. I know I can't save much by loading my own 9mm and 223 but I figure if I am going to reload I might as well load all of the calibers that I use.

The Tourist · February 23, 2010, 12:17 PM

You have just asked the $64K dollar question for folks my age. We used a little known process called "each one teach one."

I wanted to reload. I asked a guy at an old sporting goods store called Berg-Pearson's for some rudimentary equipment. Some co-workers helped me find books, showed me the ropes and offered suggestions. Over time I took up casting from The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, and a whole lotta trial and error.

If a friend bought a new cam, we quizzed him. If a guy was going to a dojo, we asked him about certain moves. Heck, if a guy went to prison we asked about shivs. (One such biker taught me some card tricks.)

Driving schools? Heh. A buddy would say, "Son, this is a Harley. That's the clutch, try not to hit anything expensive."

GeauxTide · February 23, 2010, 01:15 PM

In the 70s, Lyman, Hornady, Speer, and Sierra manuals were available. I bought each one and studied for several months before I purchased a rifle or loading equipment. You can get a head start by reading the New Reloaders section above.

model 700 · February 23, 2010, 02:57 PM

Haven't bought a reloading manuel yet that doesnt tell you how to reload.

badazwelder · February 23, 2010, 05:20 PM

Im just starting myself...really for now,i am just reloading 9mm. I checked out the ABCs of reloading, very helpful. I just bought the hammer type loader from lee for 9mm, got some hornady xtp hp bullets and am getting ready to start my first batch. A friend of my dads reloads all his ammo. He has shown me a little,(he wasnt happy i bought the hammer type reloader). I just dont have the funds rite now to sink into a good press,im sure i will eventually. This kit seems pretty basic and the instructions are simple to follow. I just gotta get some primers(which seem very hard to find rite now) and i will be ready. I will let everyone know how the first few rounds turn out.

oneounceload · February 23, 2010, 06:04 PM

I learned decades ago when there was no internet - you read the typical gun mag sections, bought the requisite manual or three, read them cover to cover; read them again, then you read them again.....and you proceeded slowly. Most folks at that time didn't use progressives, so the chances of cranking out bazillions of rounds and getting low charges or doubles weren't as much as a factor. When you went to shoot, you talked to guys there to see what they were doing. You therefore made friends, even if you didn't have any, (or more like acquaintances that you saw every time you went) - you compared things with others, and until you got VERY experienced and comfortable, you stuck to the loadings in the manuals like you would a fine family dinner recipe.

mdripley · February 23, 2010, 08:30 PM

My dads brother taught me how to reload, I have since refined my reloading through further reading and hands on trial and error.

mwcarl · February 23, 2010, 09:00 PM

If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse by you call them and see when their next reloading class is. It's a 2-3 hour class where you will actually do every step in the reloading process and make your very first round. After going to that class you will see just how easy it is to reload. I read books and internet sites for about a year before taking that class and finally started to reload after taking the class. If I remember correctly it cost 20.00 dollars.

gearheadpyro · February 23, 2010, 09:24 PM

I started out with a 3-4 hr class from a pastor that was into it. Almost 2 months later I bought all the stuff I needed and dove in.

It was a while before I started looking at and getting into forums, but I could sure see how they would have helped in the beginning.

You are already on the right track, you're asking questions. Never ever feel bad about asking a question, somebody here will help you.

Remeber my number one rule of reloading, if in doubt, throw it out. You may not always need to throw it away, but pull down the cartridges in question, check them, and learn.

Be safe, have fun, and welcome to reloading.

February 22, 2010, 07:27 PM	#28
RedHawk357 Member Join Date: September 7, 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorad Posts: 63	GoodQuestion Learned on my own. If I was doing it all over today. AmmoSmith and YouTube would probably be the way I would go with appropriate manuals of course.

February 22, 2010, 09:30 PM	#34
k9cougar Member Join Date: February 21, 2010 Posts: 74	from another relative newbie Do NOT start with a progressive press. I am about 6 months ahead of you and followed mcuh of the advice already mentioned. Read some books, talked to folks, and went and actually watched it done. I might move to a progressive one day but if I would of started on a progressive die I would be toast. Folks seemed to disagree on this book or that book, this press or that press, this die or that die, this technique or that technique. The only thing i didn't get disagreement on was the advice to start with a single stage press. One lesson I was told but ignored was to take the time to double check your powder loads. Visually check each and every load to see that powder is your load and that the powder level seems right. I've had two squids. Fortunately the second came right after the first. I was extremely surprised to grab a metal rod, shove it down the barrel to unlodge a jammed bullet, only to have two bullets come out. I could of easily injured my gun, myself, and others around me; and just because I didn't take the time to visually inspect my loads before pressing the bullet into the case. I still have those two bullets and have mounted them over my reloading bench as a reminder that I both dumb and very lucky.

February 23, 2010, 02:57 PM	#45
model 700 Junior Member Join Date: February 23, 2010 Posts: 5	Reading, it gets you far. Haven't bought a reloading manuel yet that doesnt tell you how to reload. Last edited by model 700; February 23, 2010 at 02:57 PM. Reason: bad spelling

February 23, 2010, 05:20 PM	#46
badazwelder Member Join Date: January 10, 2010 Location: Middleburg,Florida Posts: 39	Just starting myself Im just starting myself...really for now,i am just reloading 9mm. I checked out the ABCs of reloading, very helpful. I just bought the hammer type loader from lee for 9mm, got some hornady xtp hp bullets and am getting ready to start my first batch. A friend of my dads reloads all his ammo. He has shown me a little,(he wasnt happy i bought the hammer type reloader). I just dont have the funds rite now to sink into a good press,im sure i will eventually. This kit seems pretty basic and the instructions are simple to follow. I just gotta get some primers(which seem very hard to find rite now) and i will be ready. I will let everyone know how the first few rounds turn out.

February 22, 2010, 05:42 PM	#26
alfack Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Marysville, Washington Posts: 195	I got a Dillon 550B and a Hornady book of reloading and went from there. The directions that came with the Dillon are pretty thorough and may not make sense, until you actually go through the motions. Once you do it a few times, it all comes clear.

February 22, 2010, 06:02 PM	#27
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	My dad taught me when I was a youngster. Wait, no he didnt, he gave me reloading tasks to do. When I bought my 1911 and CA Bulldog I got the books and press and taught myself, no internet. You noobs nowadays have it made with the net!

February 22, 2010, 07:30 PM	#29
RAnb Junior member Join Date: July 20, 2008 Location: WA, USA Posts: 447	I bought an RCBS RS-5 reloading kit. Ranb

February 22, 2010, 08:28 PM	#30
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I started by reading, and talking alot to people that were into it. Got a few good manuals and read them alot. I then figured out a corner of the basement for myself, and how big a bench I would need. I built it bigger than I figured I would need, and gald I did. I then figured out what pieces of equipment I would need. I thought I would get better stuff then buying kits etc. Not saying there not good. I then slowly started buying the things I figured I would need, and took my time to get some good stuff. When I first started reloading I had a few friends that were into it so that helped out alot. I then kept getting the things I felt I needed. It came out good in the end. Nice bench, cabinets, shelves etc. I could have went cheaper with some stuff but glad I did not. Saved alot of time and work, and just buying it once. But get some good manuals to read on the basic's, and I also believe highly in the cronys. The manuals are close, and just that close. I got everything I felt would save time and or work. Always start at the min and work up from there, and just use that load for the rifle or pistol you made it for.

February 22, 2010, 09:07 PM	#31
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	I learned from some of the old timers at my club. As I gained more experience and started shooting competitively you can tell who has their s*** together and who doesn't. Thats when you start finding out the good stuff.

February 22, 2010, 09:08 PM	#32
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	My F-I-L taught me.

February 22, 2010, 09:20 PM	#33
qwman68 Junior member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Crimson Tide Country Posts: 359	100% self taught. If i had any questions or issues i came here or youtube or some other internet source.. Trial and error played a big part in my education also.

February 22, 2010, 09:48 PM	#35
alfack Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Marysville, Washington Posts: 195	Funny. I started on a progressive press and have never had a squid, except for some calamari when I was stationed in Korea. :barf:

February 22, 2010, 10:22 PM	#36
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	The Firing Line and the Lyman 48th. Thanks so much guys.

February 22, 2010, 10:30 PM	#37
Tim R Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2004 Location: God's side of Washington State Posts: 1,601	I bought a Win Feather Weight in 30-06 at the base exchange for $299.99. There were 6 of them and I wish I could have bought them all. My wife decided $12.50 was too much to pay for a box of 150 gr. silver tips as I was shooting my first center fire rifle as often as I could. 20 rounds was about all my shoulder could stand anyways.......6 3/4 lb rifle and all. So the wife suggested I relaod as ammo would be cheaper. I bought a RCBS press which included the '06 dies, and kit with the scale, powder throw, book, funnel, lube pad and etc. The kit also came with a Speer 10. I read the how to section a bunch (several times over) and was able to load '06 which didn't blow my face off. I still hunt with the F/W but have many other calibers both rifle and pistol I load for now. I also own about every color of the rainbow of reloading equipment. I still use the same RCBS press I bought way back then.

February 22, 2010, 10:58 PM	#38
Twistedframe Junior Member Join Date: February 22, 2010 Posts: 5	I did research online before I bought anything and even after that the only thing I bought at first was a book or two. Once I finished those and had a basic understanding I bought just what I NEEDED to make my first few rounds. Now that I have about 1000 rounds under my belt with my cheap starter equipment I try to buy something new at each gunshow or whenever it goes on sale online. I'm not in a huge hurry so I have been getting some pretty good deals. Oh and I started off only doing 9mm but now I have dies for almost all of my pistols; 9mm, .45acp, and .380acp. Next I will be looking for dies for .223!

February 23, 2010, 12:35 AM	#39
Fullthrottle Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2009 Posts: 280	Myself I was on my own, so to speak. I did a bunch of search on the net, books(ABC's of reloading), asked a ton of questions(both here and at my local gun store)! Since then I have met a few who reload and have picked their brain! General and most important rule is FOLLOW DIRECTIONS and ASK QUESTIONS if you don't know! DON'T guess. Be safe and have fun!

February 23, 2010, 12:53 AM	#40
WmCC Member Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: FL Posts: 59	Reading everything I could get my hands on, then doin'... that was 51 years ago and I'm still at it. If you don't learn something new every time you sit down at the bench then you just might not be paying attention.

February 23, 2010, 12:57 AM	#41
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	A friend that had been reloading for 14 years got me started, so I made a pest of myself till I made my first rounds and that was almost 6 years ago. Now that I think of it, I still make a pest of myself. Jim

February 23, 2010, 12:09 PM	#42
ragwd Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Posts: 925	I bought the ABC's of reloading, Horandy's and the Lyman manuals. It would have been nice to have a mentor, but I didn't. I lurked around here alot and read alot, a whole lot. I have gotten a lot of good advice from this forum. I now can reload for all my pistol 380, 9mm, 45acp. I have all my equipment to load some rifle .223. I will start this weekend, and will follow that with 308 soon after. I know I can't save much by loading my own 9mm and 223 but I figure if I am going to reload I might as well load all of the calibers that I use.

February 23, 2010, 12:17 PM	#43
The Tourist Junior member Join Date: June 20, 2005 Posts: 2,348	You have just asked the $64K dollar question for folks my age. We used a little known process called "each one teach one." I wanted to reload. I asked a guy at an old sporting goods store called Berg-Pearson's for some rudimentary equipment. Some co-workers helped me find books, showed me the ropes and offered suggestions. Over time I took up casting from The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, and a whole lotta trial and error. If a friend bought a new cam, we quizzed him. If a guy was going to a dojo, we asked him about certain moves. Heck, if a guy went to prison we asked about shivs. (One such biker taught me some card tricks.) Driving schools? Heh. A buddy would say, "Son, this is a Harley. That's the clutch, try not to hit anything expensive."

February 23, 2010, 01:15 PM	#44
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	In the 70s, Lyman, Hornady, Speer, and Sierra manuals were available. I bought each one and studied for several months before I purchased a rifle or loading equipment. You can get a head start by reading the New Reloaders section above.

February 23, 2010, 06:04 PM	#47
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	I learned decades ago when there was no internet - you read the typical gun mag sections, bought the requisite manual or three, read them cover to cover; read them again, then you read them again.....and you proceeded slowly. Most folks at that time didn't use progressives, so the chances of cranking out bazillions of rounds and getting low charges or doubles weren't as much as a factor. When you went to shoot, you talked to guys there to see what they were doing. You therefore made friends, even if you didn't have any, (or more like acquaintances that you saw every time you went) - you compared things with others, and until you got VERY experienced and comfortable, you stuck to the loadings in the manuals like you would a fine family dinner recipe.

February 23, 2010, 08:30 PM	#48
mdripley Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2007 Posts: 8	My dads brother taught me how to reload, I have since refined my reloading through further reading and hands on trial and error.

February 23, 2010, 09:00 PM	#49
mwcarl Member Join Date: February 4, 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 20	If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse by you call them and see when their next reloading class is. It's a 2-3 hour class where you will actually do every step in the reloading process and make your very first round. After going to that class you will see just how easy it is to reload. I read books and internet sites for about a year before taking that class and finally started to reload after taking the class. If I remember correctly it cost 20.00 dollars.

February 23, 2010, 09:24 PM	#50
gearheadpyro Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 169	I started out with a 3-4 hr class from a pastor that was into it. Almost 2 months later I bought all the stuff I needed and dove in. It was a while before I started looking at and getting into forums, but I could sure see how they would have helped in the beginning. You are already on the right track, you're asking questions. Never ever feel bad about asking a question, somebody here will help you. Remeber my number one rule of reloading, if in doubt, throw it out. You may not always need to throw it away, but pull down the cartridges in question, check them, and learn. Be safe, have fun, and welcome to reloading.