Is there such a thing as a Reloading Course?

I've heard of some local fish & game clubs offering reloading workshops, but I don't think that it's that common. Reloading is actually fairly simple once you learn the basic steps. You won't need "a bunch of books and manuals," although someone reloading should have at least two manuals to cross reference the data (for safety reasons).

For rifle reloading the there are only a few basic steps:

clean & inspect cases

resize cases

prime cases

charge cases with powder

seat bullet

It's not hard at all once you understand the process. The newest Lyman manual seems to be one of the more popular ones. Pick that one up and you should be ready to start after reading the section on the basic reloading steps.
 
Best thing to do is find someone that knows what they are doing and ask them to show you the ropes. Its easier to see someone doing it then reading and trying to picture it in your head if you have never done it before.

just my 2 cents.
 
I keep thinking about putting on a reloading seminar at EESA but I never find the time to do it.

We have a few old gents at the club that know scads about reloading.

I was thinking we could bring up a bunch of presses and compare them as well as learn about the subject.

Maybe some day.
 
I am not sure if there is such course. However, if you are really willing to learn the hobby either by taking a course or learning from a friend or someone who is willing to teach you how to reload, you will still need to do some reading first to know the process. Either way you will have to do your own homework by doing a lot of reading before asking someone to help you. The best way to start is buy a reloading book. Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook Manual is a very informative handloading book for begginers. Read everything from the start, it will teach you all about the history, do's and donts of the hobby. The first part of the book is intended to educate new handloaders about the hobby. DO NOT jump into the reloading pages right away unless you have read the first chapters of the book prior to the reloading data.
By the time you are finish reading the whole book, you will be in a good position to figure out the equipment you will need to buy. You will have sensible knowledge on how to reload and you will have sensible questions/clarifications to ask whoever is willing to teach you about reloading.

IMHO, the key to success in safe reloading for begginers is being well informed by doing a lot of reading first..... READ, READ, READ, READ, READ (have I stressed it enough??) :) Follow the guidelines and the "Divine Rules" when reloading.

Good luck and reload safely :)
 
There are also some good videos around that show all the procedures. I have one that I used quite regular when I started. Check with your local sports or gun shop for availability.
 
some of those videos are pretty thourough as well- basically, READ THE BOOK, ALL OF IT- A GOOD BOOK HAS PICTURES AND /OR DIAGRAMS- if you still don't get it , get a video, then COME ON HERE AND ASK QUESTIONS- the folks on here have a heck of a lot of experience - chances are that you'll get it on the first read- thru- esp if you're using a single stage press and a common caliber
 
One club not that far from you ( Aurora ) has a member who does run the occasional reloading course. Supposed to be very informative.
I can find out if one is coming up & let you know.
You can start & get into by yourself as long as you get at least one good reloading book & read it & just go slow & careful. But it does help to have someone who can explain some of the details.
 
I subscribe to the "RTFM" philosophy....

Unless you're a complete idiot RTFM should suffice... As for learning how to reload from the "old guys" at your local range.... 'Just a good way to learn someone elses bad habits...
'Better to develope your own bad habits....
 
667 said:
I subscribe to the "RTFM" philosophy....

Unless you're a complete idiot RTFM should suffice... As for learning how to reload from the "old guys" at your local range.... 'Just a good way to learn someone elses bad habits...
'Better to develope your own bad habits....
Click to expand...

667 has a very valid point, which is TRUE most of the time (mind you there are a lot of good advise to behad from the old guys). I consider myself new to the hobby having reloaded around 30k plus/minus rounds, but damn... I've had conversation with a few "old guys" in the hobby and some of their reloading practices are not recommended or adviceable for individuals new in handloading.... If one of those "old guys" happen to teach you their bad habits.... you are basically inheriting the risks and is on your way to being a ticking time bomb with your reloads.

Take the good advice.. discard the junks and if in doubt, do not do it.... consult the reloading manual... it would be advisable to get 2 or 3 loading manual. Stick to reading the books authored by the pro's. :)
 
Reloading isn't rocket science. There are some techniques that can speed things up a bit, but most of it is rather simple. The most difficult part is setting up the dies properly. That takes about 10 seconds to learn. Then there's a bit of trial and error adjusting of the expander, seating plug and sometimes getting the crimp die just right. All of which is easier to do than describe.
Go to RCBS' web site. They have a decent how-to.
 
I taught myself, kinda. I bought three manuals to start - and asked a few questions of the knowledgeable.

Easier than baking bread.
 
667 said:
I subscribe to the "RTFM" philosophy....

Unless you're a complete idiot RTFM should suffice... As for learning how to reload from the "old guys" at your local range.... 'Just a good way to learn someone elses bad habits...
'Better to develope your own bad habits....
Click to expand...

Pure truth. I am completely self-taught from books and the www. My loads have yet to fail on me (ever), and will shoot quite accurately if I do my part. On the other hand, I've heard more than my share of BS from old guys at the range who have all the answers, yet never seem to get a good group (although they'll tell me about the .120" group they got last week).

Buy a manual, read it, then do it. They all have a step-by-step section, follow it religiously. Later on, you can perhaps alter the methodology somewhat to suit whatever it is you're doing. Half the steps you'll hear people talk about are not totally neccessary, they are extra things done to try and shave off a tiny fraction of potential accuracy variance in their rounds. Worry about that stuff later, stick to the steps outlined in your manual to start.
 
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