Newbie reloader

mctonyb

mctonyb

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Super GunNutz
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Location
Innisfil, ON
Hi guys,

I apologize for the newbie question, but I could use some advise.

I have now amassed a nice collection of firearms, some with rare calibers and really want to get into reloading for the cost savings and flexibility it offers for designing my own loads. Not to mention how hard it is to even find ammo in the calibers I need.

Here's the problem; I've been reading and watching videos till my eyes burn and still have never actually "seen" the process hands-on from a veteran. I don't want to get into something like this without some real instruction. Sounds dumb maybe, but I don't want to dive-in and screw up.

Is there any "clinics" or tutorials that members run on reloading? I would love to attend something that deals with proper equipment and instruction on how to use it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! :)
 
Hi mctonyb,

As daunting a task as reloading seems, there is nothing really to be scared of. Sounds like you have already bought a reloading manual or two? How about equipment? Once you understand the basics and have the minimum proper tools for the job, the major critical part of the job is charging the case. If you have to weigh your first charge a dozen times before you are comfortable with it, so be it!:)

Generally, just about anything else that you might do wrong will just produce ammo that is unusable. So for your first handloads, pick a common cartridge, pick a starting load from some published data, see if you can backup that data from another source, and load a few. Don't load a huge quantity on your first go, and when you shoot them, inspect your fired cases. If you think anything is amiss, stop and determine if there is a problem and what to do about it.

It's not really that difficult, but a bit of apprehension is understandable. Follow the manuals and ask here for clarification. CGN has a wealth of knowledge and most are only all too eager to help.:)
 
youtube has a number of vids on it. Ammosmith.com is very good. RCBS and Sierra have vids on it as well. Both are great.Correction. Sorry you have watched the vids.
mctonyb said:
Hi guys,

I apologize for the newbie question, but I could use some advise.

I have now amassed a nice collection of firearms, some with rare calibers and really want to get into reloading for the cost savings and flexibility it offers for designing my own loads. Not to mention how hard it is to even find ammo in the calibers I need.

Here's the problem; I've been reading and watching videos till my eyes burn and still have never actually "seen" the process hands-on from a veteran. I don't want to get into something like this without some real instruction. Sounds dumb maybe, but I don't want to dive-in and screw up.

Is there any "clinics" or tutorials that members run on reloading? I would love to attend something that deals with proper equipment and instruction on how to use it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! :)
Click to expand...
 
Where's Innisfil??
I'm sure some experienced guys here would be most willing to invite you in & help you understand the basics of what your doing.
I know it can seem complicated but it's really not.
I'm in Combermere Ont, if your close PM me & we'll arrange a time to get you going :)
 
Thanks a lot for the advise guys, I was afraid I was going to get flamed!

I actually bought a book (The ABC's of Reloading) and it was definitely helpful in going over a lot of equipment, techniques, loads, etc. And I've been watching lots of videos as well on the net. That site ammosmith.com is one I haven't run across yet, thanks for the link!

I think I might take the plunge and buy a "reloading kit" that comes with all the basic stuff I need and give it a try.. Nervous! I've seen lots of YouTube videos that show average Joe's like me doing it and with some good success. I think if I take my time and just follow the motions I may just pull it off.

Innisfil is between Barrie and Newmarket.. Maybe a nearby gun nut will chime in for some hands-on lessons!
 
You seem to have already learned the most important lesson. Be careful. You can never really have too much information. You are on the right track by starting out with a basic kit. Try loading something simple to start with. Take your time and make sure you know exactly what you've done. To get started, load about ten rounds of a minimum load for a cartridge.Then test them. It won't be long before you get comfortable and can start experimenting with your reloads. Have fun and good luck to you.
 
Thanks to tonymcb for that question and your answers

Alright, another newbie chiming in here,If I wanted to start, have brass aplenty, but bupkis for knowledge. Where do I start.
I am a hands on learner, some reading will work but I am not a read all night and then do it.
Where do I start if I just want to start with my 9mm and then go to rifle rounds later?
Thanks
Matt
 
Boy66

The best place to " start " is with a manual. There may some some handgun specific ones available? The new Hornady manual gives you a step by step guide to reloading. The new Nosler manual offer a chapter called getting ready to reload, and goes over all the items needed, then the next chapter deal with loading your first round. FS
 
First, never feel bad about asking questions - especially when you're new to reloading. Find someone local that knows what they're doing and learn from them. I would hazard a guess that most reloaders on CGN have learned at the elbow of a mentor.
 
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