Ok lets talk Experience - Page 4

Falcore · May 4, 2009, 05:26 PM

Ask what you will—but read to confirm what you can trust!
First BAR use 1948—first reloads 1966.

longspurr · May 4, 2009, 06:54 PM

Reloading experience – ah yes a walk down old halls.

Looking in the loading room the oldest manual I find is Lyman's 45 edition – copyright 1970. I got that when I started loading for my 243. Shooting jack rabbits takes a lot of misses if you jump shoot them.

I know I still have the Lee loader (and hammer) that got me started loading shot shells. I still have a few Alcan wads and some AL 5 & AL 7 powder around. Remember #57 shot shell primers?

The biggest round I loaded for was Marlins 444. The smallest was the 32 acp.

I don't post much these days since I'm out of touch with many of the newest powders. That said some of the younger people that are actively loading the new stuff might be better able to answer questions about appropriate powders.

I've thrown away many of the Handloader / rifle magazines from the 70's & 80's over the years during relocations. It's a good thing that they are now available on CD.

The original question was because of the frustration many feel because of Forum Jerks. Almost All forums that I've visited have them. Only a few escape or have good enough moderators. The old Sixgunners was a polite forum. Perhaps the moderators could pick up the reins and do a little more guidance.

fatboy02 · May 4, 2009, 07:35 PM

I am new to reloading been doing it about 2 months, the only advice I feel qualified to give anyone right now is to "try reloading"

I am loading .45 and .40 soon to be starting 9MM also. I have learned so much here on the TFL, the advice has been great and the encouragement given by more seasoned reloading vets really gave me the confidence to try it.

One more word of advice though is try the search feature there is a lot of basic info that has been covered a lot. Then you can as the question a little different if it is still not answered good enough for you.

woolleyworm · May 5, 2009, 12:28 AM

First bullet that I made - 2006

First bullet made on my own press - 2009

Had the fortune of being able to mentor under my girlfriends father (30+ yrs exp) for the past 3 years and then this year I found a great deal on a Dillon SDB so that I can crank out my own .45acp. The few years of reloading with him really helped my confidence and understanding of the ballastics that are affected with even minute changes to the load. The many nuances to reloading are always going to provide room for learning, no matter how seasoned one is.

Sam06 · May 5, 2009, 07:54 AM

I started in 1971. I have the same press, an old Pacific SS. It still gets some use. I too remember #57 primers and Alcan powder

Now I load on either a Dillon 550B, Forester co-ax or a Redding Turret press. I used to shoot in Benchrest and Service Rifle but I don't do that anymore. I do shoot in 3 Gun Comp but its mostly for fun. I load for:

Rifle
22 K Hornet
222
223
22-250
220 Swift
243
6mmBr
257 Rbts
30-30
308
30-06
375 Win and H&H
444
45-70
458 Win & Lott

Pistol
223
30-30
32-20
7mm TCU
9mm
38 spl
357 mag
357 max
41 mag
44 mag
45 ACP
45 Colt

Shotgun
12 Ga
20 Ga

hornady · May 5, 2009, 08:10 AM

Started in 71 , I still use the old pacific press. And RCBS case trimmer, I retired the pacific powder scale for a new RCBS 1500 last year it was still in great shape. I just wanted the up grade, Hard to believe how long that stuff will last as long as you take care of it. I also replaced all the old steel dies a few years back

abber · May 5, 2009, 10:04 AM

I started in 91 in my dining room. Had a custom built cabinet that fit perfect in the corner. I drilled holes in the dinette to mount the press. It was a cheapie (the table and the press), and there were only three of us in the house, so it was perfect, albeit a little hillbillyish. My brothers and old man still laugh about it.

Even with 18 years at the bench, my loading experience is limited to only a few calibers of handgun ammo. I don't ever post anything unless it falls within what I have personal experience in, and even then, I approach it with a "here is what has worked for me" kind of attitude.

I hold to the belief that you can never be too safe, so put on those safety glasses, and go to work. And, no smoking at the bench...

Handloading is not complicated, but it should be approached with reverence. Have fun.

GeauxTide · May 5, 2009, 02:58 PM

Started in 1971 with a .357 and 7mm Weatherby. Currently load 223Rem, 260Rem, 6.5-06, 280Rem, 7mmRM, 308Win, 30-06, and 338-06 in rifle. Currently load 38/357, 41Rem, 44Rem, 45acp, 45LC in pistol. Currently use Lee Turret press, Autoprime, Lyman 1200DPS3, Forster equipment. Dies are from Lyman, RCBS, and Lee.

Tim R · May 5, 2009, 03:10 PM

I started in 1980 when I got my first center fire rifle. Wife thought a box of store bought '06 cost too much and suggested reloading. Since I've been a High Power competitor for a number of years, along with other things, the count of 223, 308 and '06 continues to go up for my service rifle brace. I also load 9mm, 38Super, 38/357, 40, 45 ACP, 300 H&H brass is danged expensive too, and 30-30.

My idea of a good reload is one that goes into the same hole as the last one on the target. I think I build good ammo. I think I've narrowed the reason for a bullet not going through the same hole in the target down to the nut behind the trigger.

zxcvbob · May 5, 2009, 04:29 PM

Been reloading a variety of pistol and .30 Carbine ammo for about 5 years. (FWIW, I only load the .30 for a pistol, but I load it *hot*) I'm just barely getting started reloading .30-06. I also cast most of my own bullets, and have dabbled in making my own gunpowder.

Quote:

Ok I am really REALLY getting tired of the Stupid comments that people think they NEED to add to someones thread... I do not think that ANYONE that askes a Question should get some of the CRAP that people hand out.

I haven't noticed any smart-aleck replies in any of your threads. You seem to have a chip on your shoulder; you might want to lose that if you expect people to continue spending their time looking up information for you or giving you free advice.

swiftak · May 5, 2009, 04:43 PM

30 years

Bike Effects · May 5, 2009, 06:10 PM

Started in the 60's.

P5 Guy · May 5, 2009, 07:02 PM

Mostly 38spl, 357 mag, 44slp, and a few .30'06.
I've only been at this for about two years.

zxcvbob · May 5, 2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

I think I've narrowed the reason for a bullet not going through the same hole in the target down to the nut behind the trigger.

That trigger nut is the hardest one to tighten up.

Waldog · May 5, 2009, 10:01 PM

Started loading with my Dad in 1964 when I was 12. Been loading every year since then; Shotshells, Rifle, and pistol

Domino · May 5, 2009, 10:34 PM

I've been loading for three years, started on a Lee Turret for pistol and rifle but now use a Dillon 550 for pistol and the Lee Turret as a single stage press for my rifle loads.

benek · May 5, 2009, 11:14 PM

Started in '65 on an RCBS C press, which I still use to this day as a backup to a newly acquired Lee Classic Turret Press. But this thread isen't about equipment.

Each of us was a 'newbie' at one time, and should respect the questions of the newest of the newbies, without prejudice or sarcasm. It's great to see so many more becoming interested in this hobby, and we should encourage them to continue without attempting to sway them into doing it 'my way'.

If I'm asked for advice, I can only give it with a disclaimer that "this is what works for me".

Otherwise I point to the many books and manuals on the subject.

No Question is 'dumb' or 'stupid' - Ask away ! Be glad you have the Internet and forums - all I had was Manuals and Trial and Error.

PCJim · May 6, 2009, 05:16 PM

Dan, as others have said, take the barbs with a grain of salt.

Myself, I started reloading in '81 on a RCBS Reloader Special II for a newly acquired .243. I still have both the press and the rifle. I'm self taught, and had read three Speer manuals cover to cover before mounting that first press. I've reloaded for both pistol and rifle.

I did take a break from '93 until '07, and hate having done so. My son, who loves guns and always wanted to go hunting, missed a lot of what could have been quality father/son. For that matter, so did my daughter. She now goes with me to the range about every week. And at 5'1 and 94 pounds, she can handle both pistols and rifles as well as most men.

Although I know a lot, I don't claim to know everything about reloading (or anything else for that matter). I'm the sort that believes you can always learn SOMETHING, no matter how basic the lesson being taught. I love to teach although it is not my profession. I just like to pass along my knowledge, and am trying to do so now with my daughter as well as those on the 'net.

Death from Afar · May 7, 2009, 12:46 AM

Dan, I have been reloading for ten years in all the relaodable cvalibers i shoot. I am not remotly interested in super duper accurate loads, I simply load to get more trigger time. I'd do about 3,000 rds a year of all types.

Despite this, I feel like a complete noob and there is so much to know.

Reloading, when it is done right is profoundly satisfying and it is immensly pleasurable to use your own ammunition on game. I load 12 gauge , for example, as i do a lot of pigeon ( i think you guys call them doves) hunting all year round, and you cannot get the ideal load in this country.

When it is done wrong, its is immensley frustrating. I once had to spend a fortune on factory ammo as all the .223 I had loaded for a goat shooting trip would not chamber. UGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Hook686 · May 7, 2009, 01:15 AM

I started in 1968 with a Lyman 310 Tong Tool reloading for my Ruger M77 in 6mm Remington. Continued using the Tong Tool for 9mm, .357 magnum and .44 magnum until I bought a Lee Hand Press and Carbide Speed dies. I still use the Tong Tool for 6mm Remington, as I do not shoot much of that in a years time. I still have the Hand Press and Speed dies, which I sometimes take to the range with me.

Currently I reload most of my ammunition for 9mm, .30 Carbine, .357 magnum and .44 magnum using the Lee Classic Turret Press, and/or Lee Pro 1000. 6mm Remington still comes off the Tong Tool, with any, except the 9mm Remington, occasionally being done using the Lee Hand Press.

lil64gto · May 7, 2009, 05:51 AM

I started in 1984. My wife bought me a Rock Chucker II, 5-0-5 scale, primer tool, and 30-06 and .243 FL die set. Man I have had a lot fun reloading over the years.

I still have the same set up and have added a few more calibers to my setup. 8mm-06 AOI, 22 Cheetah, 223, 6mm, 270, 7mm-08, and just started reloading 45 ACP. I have reloaded a little over 750 rounds of the 45ACP in the past month on this set up. I am glad that I bought most of this stuff when I did, becuase to start out today you are going to have to do a lot of reloading before you start to see a payback.

SST · May 8, 2009, 05:08 PM

I starting handloading in 1969 or 1970, but only for my 7mmRemMag. It was 19 years or so ago that I started loading for other cartridges.

billcarey · May 8, 2009, 05:45 PM

19 yrs pistol

tblt44 · May 8, 2009, 05:53 PM

None

more forty fives · May 8, 2009, 06:49 PM

Started in 1970 loaded till about 1981 or 82 then picked it up again in 2008. Have to learn a lot of thing's over. So i have ton's of questions.Like you don't have to size and lube cast bullets any more? I mean you can lube them without sizing at the same time.

May 4, 2009, 07:35 PM	#78
fatboy02 Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2005 Location: Olivet, MI Posts: 163	Newbie but learning quick I am new to reloading been doing it about 2 months, the only advice I feel qualified to give anyone right now is to "try reloading" I am loading .45 and .40 soon to be starting 9MM also. I have learned so much here on the TFL, the advice has been great and the encouragement given by more seasoned reloading vets really gave me the confidence to try it. One more word of advice though is try the search feature there is a lot of basic info that has been covered a lot. Then you can as the question a little different if it is still not answered good enough for you.

May 5, 2009, 07:54 AM	#80
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	I started in 1971. I have the same press, an old Pacific SS. It still gets some use. I too remember #57 primers and Alcan powder Now I load on either a Dillon 550B, Forester co-ax or a Redding Turret press. I used to shoot in Benchrest and Service Rifle but I don't do that anymore. I do shoot in 3 Gun Comp but its mostly for fun. I load for: Rifle 22 K Hornet 222 223 22-250 220 Swift 243 6mmBr 257 Rbts 30-30 308 30-06 375 Win and H&H 444 45-70 458 Win & Lott Pistol 223 30-30 32-20 7mm TCU 9mm 38 spl 357 mag 357 max 41 mag 44 mag 45 ACP 45 Colt Shotgun 12 Ga 20 Ga __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

May 5, 2009, 10:04 AM	#82
abber Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2008 Location: PRK Posts: 735	I started in 91 in my dining room. Had a custom built cabinet that fit perfect in the corner. I drilled holes in the dinette to mount the press. It was a cheapie (the table and the press), and there were only three of us in the house, so it was perfect, albeit a little hillbillyish. My brothers and old man still laugh about it. Even with 18 years at the bench, my loading experience is limited to only a few calibers of handgun ammo. I don't ever post anything unless it falls within what I have personal experience in, and even then, I approach it with a "here is what has worked for me" kind of attitude. I hold to the belief that you can never be too safe, so put on those safety glasses, and go to work. And, no smoking at the bench... Handloading is not complicated, but it should be approached with reverence. Have fun. __________________ I ain't got no safe queens. I shoots em all...

May 5, 2009, 03:10 PM	#84
Tim R Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2004 Location: God's side of Washington State Posts: 1,601	I started in 1980 when I got my first center fire rifle. Wife thought a box of store bought '06 cost too much and suggested reloading. Since I've been a High Power competitor for a number of years, along with other things, the count of 223, 308 and '06 continues to go up for my service rifle brace. I also load 9mm, 38Super, 38/357, 40, 45 ACP, 300 H&H brass is danged expensive too, and 30-30. My idea of a good reload is one that goes into the same hole as the last one on the target. I think I build good ammo. I think I've narrowed the reason for a bullet not going through the same hole in the target down to the nut behind the trigger. __________________ God Bless our Troops especially our Snipers.

May 5, 2009, 07:02 PM	#88
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	Just Hit 5K Mostly 38spl, 357 mag, 44slp, and a few .30'06. I've only been at this for about two years.

May 4, 2009, 05:26 PM	#76
Falcore Junior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 6	Ask what you will—but read to confirm what you can trust! First BAR use 1948—first reloads 1966.

May 4, 2009, 06:54 PM	#77
longspurr Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2002 Location: On the western shore Posts: 182	Reloading experience – ah yes a walk down old halls. Looking in the loading room the oldest manual I find is Lyman's 45 edition – copyright 1970. I got that when I started loading for my 243. Shooting jack rabbits takes a lot of misses if you jump shoot them. I know I still have the Lee loader (and hammer) that got me started loading shot shells. I still have a few Alcan wads and some AL 5 & AL 7 powder around. Remember #57 shot shell primers? The biggest round I loaded for was Marlins 444. The smallest was the 32 acp. I don't post much these days since I'm out of touch with many of the newest powders. That said some of the younger people that are actively loading the new stuff might be better able to answer questions about appropriate powders. I've thrown away many of the Handloader / rifle magazines from the 70's & 80's over the years during relocations. It's a good thing that they are now available on CD. The original question was because of the frustration many feel because of Forum Jerks. Almost All forums that I've visited have them. Only a few escape or have good enough moderators. The old Sixgunners was a polite forum. Perhaps the moderators could pick up the reins and do a little more guidance.

May 5, 2009, 12:28 AM	#79
woolleyworm Junior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: Waco, Tx Posts: 10	First bullet that I made - 2006 First bullet made on my own press - 2009 Had the fortune of being able to mentor under my girlfriends father (30+ yrs exp) for the past 3 years and then this year I found a great deal on a Dillon SDB so that I can crank out my own .45acp. The few years of reloading with him really helped my confidence and understanding of the ballastics that are affected with even minute changes to the load. The many nuances to reloading are always going to provide room for learning, no matter how seasoned one is.

May 5, 2009, 08:10 AM	#81
hornady Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2009 Location: SWPA Posts: 428	Started in 71 , I still use the old pacific press. And RCBS case trimmer, I retired the pacific powder scale for a new RCBS 1500 last year it was still in great shape. I just wanted the up grade, Hard to believe how long that stuff will last as long as you take care of it. I also replaced all the old steel dies a few years back

May 5, 2009, 02:58 PM	#83
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	Started in 1971 with a .357 and 7mm Weatherby. Currently load 223Rem, 260Rem, 6.5-06, 280Rem, 7mmRM, 308Win, 30-06, and 338-06 in rifle. Currently load 38/357, 41Rem, 44Rem, 45acp, 45LC in pistol. Currently use Lee Turret press, Autoprime, Lyman 1200DPS3, Forster equipment. Dies are from Lyman, RCBS, and Lee.

May 5, 2009, 04:43 PM	#86
swiftak Member Join Date: September 13, 2008 Location: New Hampshire woods Posts: 18	30 years

May 5, 2009, 06:10 PM	#87
Bike Effects Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Napa, CA USA Posts: 32	Started in the 60's.

May 5, 2009, 10:01 PM	#90
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Started loading with my Dad in 1964 when I was 12. Been loading every year since then; Shotshells, Rifle, and pistol __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

May 5, 2009, 10:34 PM	#91
Domino Member Join Date: August 15, 2006 Posts: 60	I've been loading for three years, started on a Lee Turret for pistol and rifle but now use a Dillon 550 for pistol and the Lee Turret as a single stage press for my rifle loads.

May 5, 2009, 11:14 PM	#92
benek Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 26	Started in '65 on an RCBS C press, which I still use to this day as a backup to a newly acquired Lee Classic Turret Press. But this thread isen't about equipment. Each of us was a 'newbie' at one time, and should respect the questions of the newest of the newbies, without prejudice or sarcasm. It's great to see so many more becoming interested in this hobby, and we should encourage them to continue without attempting to sway them into doing it 'my way'. If I'm asked for advice, I can only give it with a disclaimer that "this is what works for me". Otherwise I point to the many books and manuals on the subject. No Question is 'dumb' or 'stupid' - Ask away ! Be glad you have the Internet and forums - all I had was Manuals and Trial and Error.

May 6, 2009, 05:16 PM	#93
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Dan, as others have said, take the barbs with a grain of salt. Myself, I started reloading in '81 on a RCBS Reloader Special II for a newly acquired .243. I still have both the press and the rifle. I'm self taught, and had read three Speer manuals cover to cover before mounting that first press. I've reloaded for both pistol and rifle. I did take a break from '93 until '07, and hate having done so. My son, who loves guns and always wanted to go hunting, missed a lot of what could have been quality father/son. For that matter, so did my daughter. She now goes with me to the range about every week. And at 5'1 and 94 pounds, she can handle both pistols and rifles as well as most men. Although I know a lot, I don't claim to know everything about reloading (or anything else for that matter). I'm the sort that believes you can always learn SOMETHING, no matter how basic the lesson being taught. I love to teach although it is not my profession. I just like to pass along my knowledge, and am trying to do so now with my daughter as well as those on the 'net.

May 7, 2009, 12:46 AM	#94
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Dan, I have been reloading for ten years in all the relaodable cvalibers i shoot. I am not remotly interested in super duper accurate loads, I simply load to get more trigger time. I'd do about 3,000 rds a year of all types. Despite this, I feel like a complete noob and there is so much to know. Reloading, when it is done right is profoundly satisfying and it is immensly pleasurable to use your own ammunition on game. I load 12 gauge , for example, as i do a lot of pigeon ( i think you guys call them doves) hunting all year round, and you cannot get the ideal load in this country. When it is done wrong, its is immensley frustrating. I once had to spend a fortune on factory ammo as all the .223 I had loaded for a goat shooting trip would not chamber. UGGGHHHHH!!!!!! __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

May 7, 2009, 01:15 AM	#95
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	I started in 1968 with a Lyman 310 Tong Tool reloading for my Ruger M77 in 6mm Remington. Continued using the Tong Tool for 9mm, .357 magnum and .44 magnum until I bought a Lee Hand Press and Carbide Speed dies. I still use the Tong Tool for 6mm Remington, as I do not shoot much of that in a years time. I still have the Hand Press and Speed dies, which I sometimes take to the range with me. Currently I reload most of my ammunition for 9mm, .30 Carbine, .357 magnum and .44 magnum using the Lee Classic Turret Press, and/or Lee Pro 1000. 6mm Remington still comes off the Tong Tool, with any, except the 9mm Remington, occasionally being done using the Lee Hand Press. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides. Last edited by Hook686; May 9, 2009 at 03:16 PM.

May 7, 2009, 05:51 AM	#96
lil64gto Junior Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Posts: 8	I started in 1984. My wife bought me a Rock Chucker II, 5-0-5 scale, primer tool, and 30-06 and .243 FL die set. Man I have had a lot fun reloading over the years. I still have the same set up and have added a few more calibers to my setup. 8mm-06 AOI, 22 Cheetah, 223, 6mm, 270, 7mm-08, and just started reloading 45 ACP. I have reloaded a little over 750 rounds of the 45ACP in the past month on this set up. I am glad that I bought most of this stuff when I did, becuase to start out today you are going to have to do a lot of reloading before you start to see a payback.

May 8, 2009, 05:08 PM	#97
SST Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 37	I starting handloading in 1969 or 1970, but only for my 7mmRemMag. It was 19 years or so ago that I started loading for other cartridges. __________________ Regards, Sam Taylor SST's Rifle Room http://angelfire.com/mo2/rifleroom

May 8, 2009, 05:45 PM	#98
billcarey Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 273	19 yrs pistol

May 8, 2009, 05:53 PM	#99
tblt44 Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2009 Posts: 164	None

May 8, 2009, 06:49 PM	#100
more forty fives Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2009 Location: central florida Posts: 109	Started in 1970 loaded till about 1981 or 82 then picked it up again in 2008. Have to learn a lot of thing's over. So i have ton's of questions.Like you don't have to size and lube cast bullets any more? I mean you can lube them without sizing at the same time.

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