Learning to reload? - The Firearms Forum

ARB · 05-08-2009, 10:15 AM

I have been interested for a while in the proccess of reloading. Just a couple of questions. How do you go about getting into it? Is it self taught? It seems that there could be some dire consequences or maybe just trial and error. Example: At the range the gentleman next to me was shooting reloads and powder was going everywhere. A older man that apparently knew what he was talking about came up to him and started giving him some do's and dont's, politely of course.

army mp · 05-08-2009, 11:03 AM

you have come to a great place to start, saying that, the very first thing you need is a good reloading manual. Lyman, lee. Hornady, any of these will get you started. Read the Manual then decide if its something you want to do. Its not for everyone. But if you decide its something you want to do. It can be very addictive, and expensive

gdmoody · 05-08-2009, 12:11 PM

Reloading is pretty much self taught. As mp says, start out with a manual and read it, better yet get a couple of manuals and them. The learning stuff is in the first 75 to 100 pages and the rest of the book is load data.

The next step would be choosing and buying your equipment. Every person who reloads has an opinion on what brand of press to buy, just look at some of the threads and you will see what I mean. I will not make any recommendations, at this time.

Once you start reloading, you will find that every once in a while you have to buy a new gun in a different caliber so you can reload for it. Reloading is almost as addicting as TFF is.

TranterUK · 05-08-2009, 12:55 PM

Very sound advice above. As an old reloader I have been surprised by the amount of information on the internet, from the manufacturers of the equipment. I wanted some powder info, and found exactly what I wanted very quickly.

As a footnote, reloading is no more difficult or complicated than driving a car. But like driving you need to learn, and pay attention when doing it.

gary0529 · 05-08-2009, 02:39 PM

Read, read and read some more.
Then when you do start to reload, go slow, start on a nice single stage press with one caliber to get the feel of things. Don't get distracted while reloading and if you are not sure, pull the cartridge apart and start anew.
Don't try to get the max from your rounds right out the gate as it is doubtful that it will be the most accurate and squeezing that trigger will be a whole lot more relaxing if you are not bumping against max loads right at first.

If you are lucky enough to find an experienced reloader, great, but listen a lot before you take his preaching as gospel. Although the vast majority of us are careful considerate and safety conscious, there are a few loons lurking about and the certainty of their message is many times a sign to beware.
See his set up and watch him reload- does he do it in a thoughtful manner or "cowboy" the process. Any disregard for the process is a sign to run and try to be at least 5 lanes away when he touches off those rounds.

Just a few ramblings from an old but always learning reloader. As I am fond of telling others in my chosen profession-"just because I have done it this way for 45 years means nothing as I could have been doing it wrong the entire time".

Gary

312shooter · 05-08-2009, 05:34 PM

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=837228

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=217655

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=537267

I like these manuals, I truly enjoy the lyman manual, its a great read and good data and a fair price, these manuals are a must, and are the foundation of everyone in the reloading community.

gdmoody · 05-08-2009, 11:38 PM

312, thanks for the links, I just added the Lyman manual in my want list. When I saw they have the 5.7X28 info, I decided in needed the book!

woolleyworm · 05-09-2009, 05:29 AM

(from a previously posted reply)
My advice would be this; Do you know anyone that reloads? Is there a gun club nearby? You're bound to find someone in the area that reloads, if possible, get some hands on some equipment, become familiar with the reloading manuals and machine set-ups and you'll be much more able to make a decision on whether or not you'd be interested in reloading.
As you can see from this forum, it's very addicting and enjoyable.

Semper Fi - Woolley

LDBennett · 05-09-2009, 08:09 AM

To potential and new reloaders:

While learning from a fellow reloader seems the thing to do, unfortunately the average new reloader has little knowledge that will tell him if the teacher follows the rules or "cowboys" it (thanks gary0529 for that terminology as it fits perfectly).

I think it better to initially read all the manuals, study them, compare them until you are thoroughly familiar with the processes. Then buy a video, if you need to "see" the process. Try this one from Hornady, a respected bullet and reloading equipment company:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...694&t=11082005

Don't buy any equipment or components until you do all of the above. From that determine the type of press and ancillary equipment that makes the most sense for your reloading. But be aware that you can buy equipment that limits you future reloading so allow for expansion of your reloading calibers, both handgun and rifle, and allow for the fact that eventually the speed of reloading will become important.

Of course, we are always here to provide answers to questions and opinions and suggestion on reloading equipment and processes. Do ask question if you have them. No question is stupid if you don't understand something after a thorough study of reloading.

LDBennett

woolleyworm · 05-09-2009, 08:36 AM

There are many valid points to both sides of the learning aspect and Yes, I do think one needs to be very aware of those that load with disregard to acceptable practices. If one reads the manuals ( plural for a reason ) and learns from someone trusted, I think anyone can discern a safe reloader from a reckless accident seeker. And if they can't, they're already the ones that will try it on their own and end up reckless anyways. If they're on here asking questions, I think they're off to a good start at discernability already.
( I'll refrain from using the term cowboy, really confuse people when we start talking about how much TrailBoss we use for our "cowboy" loads )

cycloneman · 05-09-2009, 10:03 AM

do it just do it. it's not rocket science. be safe. very rewarding

Dirtypacman · 05-11-2009, 02:17 PM

Many points are already been discussed:

Check and doublecheck your data and your components
Don't take others advice as gospel - always verify
Better safe then sorry - start slow and take your time

I was happy to find that there was a shop about 1/2 hour from my house that does free reloading classes for both beginners and intermediate reloaders. It was a great help in getting comfortable with different equipment, terms, and do's and don'ts from a real expert. If you can find one to get your feet wet it will help answer many questions for you.

Freebore · 05-11-2009, 07:09 PM

If you have a Cabelas store near you..... I know some have relaoding clinics (and classes) available from time to time, this may help.

05-08-2009, 10:15 AM	#1
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	Learning to reload? I have been interested for a while in the proccess of reloading. Just a couple of questions. How do you go about getting into it? Is it self taught? It seems that there could be some dire consequences or maybe just trial and error. Example: At the range the gentleman next to me was shooting reloads and powder was going everywhere. A older man that apparently knew what he was talking about came up to him and started giving him some do's and dont's, politely of course. -->

05-08-2009, 11:03 AM	#2
army mp V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: western Pa, Posts: 479	Re: Learning to reload? you have come to a great place to start, saying that, the very first thing you need is a good reloading manual. Lyman, lee. Hornady, any of these will get you started. Read the Manual then decide if its something you want to do. Its not for everyone. But if you decide its something you want to do. It can be very addictive, and expensive

05-08-2009, 12:11 PM	#3
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,407	Re: Learning to reload? Reloading is pretty much self taught. As mp says, start out with a manual and read it, better yet get a couple of manuals and them. The learning stuff is in the first 75 to 100 pages and the rest of the book is load data. The next step would be choosing and buying your equipment. Every person who reloads has an opinion on what brand of press to buy, just look at some of the threads and you will see what I mean. I will not make any recommendations, at this time. Once you start reloading, you will find that every once in a while you have to buy a new gun in a different caliber so you can reload for it. Reloading is almost as addicting as TFF is. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

05-08-2009, 12:55 PM	#4
TranterUK Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 5,103	Re: Learning to reload? Very sound advice above. As an old reloader I have been surprised by the amount of information on the internet, from the manufacturers of the equipment. I wanted some powder info, and found exactly what I wanted very quickly. As a footnote, reloading is no more difficult or complicated than driving a car. But like driving you need to learn, and pay attention when doing it. __________________ DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas - Accuracy, Power, Speed. The light at the end of the recession tunnel IS a train coming the other way!

05-08-2009, 02:39 PM	#5
gary0529 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northwestern Va. Posts: 66	Re: Learning to reload? Read, read and read some more. Then when you do start to reload, go slow, start on a nice single stage press with one caliber to get the feel of things. Don't get distracted while reloading and if you are not sure, pull the cartridge apart and start anew. Don't try to get the max from your rounds right out the gate as it is doubtful that it will be the most accurate and squeezing that trigger will be a whole lot more relaxing if you are not bumping against max loads right at first. If you are lucky enough to find an experienced reloader, great, but listen a lot before you take his preaching as gospel. Although the vast majority of us are careful considerate and safety conscious, there are a few loons lurking about and the certainty of their message is many times a sign to beware. See his set up and watch him reload- does he do it in a thoughtful manner or "cowboy" the process. Any disregard for the process is a sign to run and try to be at least 5 lanes away when he touches off those rounds. Just a few ramblings from an old but always learning reloader. As I am fond of telling others in my chosen profession-"just because I have done it this way for 45 years means nothing as I could have been doing it wrong the entire time". Gary

05-08-2009, 05:34 PM	#6
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,158	Re: Learning to reload? http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=837228 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=217655 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=537267 I like these manuals, I truly enjoy the lyman manual, its a great read and good data and a fair price, these manuals are a must, and are the foundation of everyone in the reloading community.

05-08-2009, 11:38 PM	#7
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,407	Re: Learning to reload? 312, thanks for the links, I just added the Lyman manual in my want list. When I saw they have the 5.7X28 info, I decided in needed the book! __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

05-09-2009, 05:29 AM	#8
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: Learning to reload? (from a previously posted reply) My advice would be this; Do you know anyone that reloads? Is there a gun club nearby? You're bound to find someone in the area that reloads, if possible, get some hands on some equipment, become familiar with the reloading manuals and machine set-ups and you'll be much more able to make a decision on whether or not you'd be interested in reloading. As you can see from this forum, it's very addicting and enjoyable. Semper Fi - Woolley Last edited by woolleyworm; 05-09-2009 at 08:20 AM..

05-09-2009, 08:09 AM	#9
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: Learning to reload? To potential and new reloaders: While learning from a fellow reloader seems the thing to do, unfortunately the average new reloader has little knowledge that will tell him if the teacher follows the rules or "cowboys" it (thanks gary0529 for that terminology as it fits perfectly). I think it better to initially read all the manuals, study them, compare them until you are thoroughly familiar with the processes. Then buy a video, if you need to "see" the process. Try this one from Hornady, a respected bullet and reloading equipment company: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...694&t=11082005 Don't buy any equipment or components until you do all of the above. From that determine the type of press and ancillary equipment that makes the most sense for your reloading. But be aware that you can buy equipment that limits you future reloading so allow for expansion of your reloading calibers, both handgun and rifle, and allow for the fact that eventually the speed of reloading will become important. Of course, we are always here to provide answers to questions and opinions and suggestion on reloading equipment and processes. Do ask question if you have them. No question is stupid if you don't understand something after a thorough study of reloading. LDBennett

05-09-2009, 08:36 AM	#10
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: Learning to reload? There are many valid points to both sides of the learning aspect and Yes, I do think one needs to be very aware of those that load with disregard to acceptable practices. If one reads the manuals ( plural for a reason ) and learns from someone trusted, I think anyone can discern a safe reloader from a reckless accident seeker. And if they can't, they're already the ones that will try it on their own and end up reckless anyways. If they're on here asking questions, I think they're off to a good start at discernability already. ( I'll refrain from using the term cowboy, really confuse people when we start talking about how much TrailBoss we use for our "cowboy" loads )

05-09-2009, 10:03 AM	#11
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,434	Re: Learning to reload? do it just do it. it's not rocket science. be safe. very rewarding __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

05-11-2009, 02:17 PM	#12
Dirtypacman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Merrimac Valley, MA Posts: 908	Re: Learning to reload? Many points are already been discussed: Check and doublecheck your data and your components Don't take others advice as gospel - always verify Better safe then sorry - start slow and take your time I was happy to find that there was a shop about 1/2 hour from my house that does free reloading classes for both beginners and intermediate reloaders. It was a great help in getting comfortable with different equipment, terms, and do's and don'ts from a real expert. If you can find one to get your feet wet it will help answer many questions for you. __________________ Member HHRG and HSC, NRA Life Member, GOAL Member LTC-A

05-11-2009, 07:09 PM	#13
Freebore V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest USA Posts: 265	Re: Learning to reload? If you have a Cabelas store near you..... I know some have relaoding clinics (and classes) available from time to time, this may help.