You can also ask around at the ranges. Just be careful and take your time. Some folks don't like to be bothered there. If you watch before you speak, you should be ok.
Passing on reloading skills
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Azhunter10
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I found a place called Bruno's reloading supply. I'm gonna start there as there, when I buy my press and slowly learn what to purchase to reload 300wm and 308
Buy several reloading books. Read them through well. Re-read them through well. Adhere to min and max loads. Lots of component stores on the web. Remember the golden rule: if it sounds to good to be true, don't fall for it. It's probably a scam. Post questions here. Lots of folks that are good to help out. Stay safe and have fun.
marksman1941
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I appreciate (and agree with) this perspective. I see a lot of blame dumped on the younger generation for being too busy, too distracted, too (insert other insult here). There is absolutely a trend in US society to be more and more focused on instant gratification, and I've seen that span every generation. My dad has the worst phone addiction I've ever seen! It's not just a generational issue but a societal change. The world feels like it's going faster every day and people adapt to it.
Reloading is a hell of a skill to have, and one I'm proud and happy to have learned over the years (I'm 31, started loading at 18 on an old Herters press). And I also have zero dislike for the person who prefers to buy factory ammo, instead of devoting a whole spare room and thousands of dollars to equipment and supplies, let alone the time sink.
Folks will gravitate to loading for 3 reasons. 1) they want utter control over the load
2) they want to build big magnum or hard to find ammo for cheaper
3) they shoot volume and think reloading will be a benefit at said volume
I've yet to see someone become interested in loading, and stick with it, if they don't fall into one of those categories. Even my long range buddy who regularly shoots 1500+ with me has refused to get into loading. Factory Hornady ammo shoots .5 moa in his rifle, and he would save about $15 per box of shells to reload depending on which components were used. At $15 per box saved, the loading hardware would pay itself off after a bit over 2 years, and that doesn't include the time spent on the process. I can't blame him for not wanting to dive in feet first.
Reloading most often pays out in the long run. Almost never in short term. You've gotta stick with it. It's the gear that is hard to justify. IMHO, a basic reloading setup could be had for around $375-$500 and do an acceptable job. Of course, the sky's the limit.
marksman1941
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Agreed. That buy in is hard, and if you don't have a good space for it it's even harder. But, you can certainly get started (with brand new gear) for under $500 in hardware. Then it's just a never ending amassing of extra tools to make things better, cleaner or faster
And someone seems to come up with bigger and better every day.
And down the rabbit hole he goes...
Azhunter10
Well-Known Member
Anything in particular? I just ordered the Nosler reloading manual.
I've taught three of my kids. Two still want to, but they're busy with college, starting a farm, etc.
Back in 2012, I taught one individual, he seemed to have a knack. When he expressed the interest in going further but didn't have the funds to get started, I have him a RCBS Rock Chucker and a priming tool. He sold it not long after. OK....
Taught a co-worker to reload. Gave him a RCBS Jr. He hasn't done anything with it in five years.
Met a guy at a 'battleship' shoot out on BLM land. He expressed a keen interest in reloading. I didn't give him any lessons, but loaned him a book on reloading. He seemed to pick it up intuitively, so I loaned him all the tools he would need to reload 40 S&W press, powder, bullets, primers, seater, dies, case checker, etc. He had his own calipers. He returned the gear less than a month later, having used all the components. He offered me cash for the components he used, I said 'pay it forward.' He has since become a reloading fiend. It's awesome.
Back in 2012, I taught one individual, he seemed to have a knack. When he expressed the interest in going further but didn't have the funds to get started, I have him a RCBS Rock Chucker and a priming tool. He sold it not long after. OK....
Taught a co-worker to reload. Gave him a RCBS Jr. He hasn't done anything with it in five years.
Met a guy at a 'battleship' shoot out on BLM land. He expressed a keen interest in reloading. I didn't give him any lessons, but loaned him a book on reloading. He seemed to pick it up intuitively, so I loaned him all the tools he would need to reload 40 S&W press, powder, bullets, primers, seater, dies, case checker, etc. He had his own calipers. He returned the gear less than a month later, having used all the components. He offered me cash for the components he used, I said 'pay it forward.' He has since become a reloading fiend. It's awesome.
I got into it with a Lee Loader (the old by-hand press you need a hammer to operate) because I couldn't afford to buy the amount of 270 ammo I was shooting at the range near work.
I got much deeper when I started shooting pistols on the order of ~1,500 rounds per week.
I'm stuck in it because you cannot buy ammo off-the-shelf for three of my guns.
Plus, I enjoy it.
victor3ranger
Well-Known Member
Yep
I have stuck with the old tried and true but one of my friends has to have the newest stuff that comes out.
To each their own but for me it has to be simple and that's comfortable for me.
Lenny Foffa
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The Cherry Ridge range in North Jersey ( NRA RANGE ) has 100; 200 and 300 yard ranges. I recently learned that there is a range in Albany, NY , that has 1000 yards. Its a 3-hour drive for me, but I would join it , and go once a month.
Good start. Read the front section of the manual about basic reloading. It has all the information you will need to get started. If you have questions, feel free to PM me. I would be happy to assist you in any way that I can.
victor3ranger
Well-Known Member
Do yourself a favor and get a case gauge for whatever round you are loading for.
For being new it's a good way to tell if you have that particular case sized correctly
