How did you start reloading?

[BuildnBurn]

I was self taught reloading 12 gauge in the mid seventies and metallic cartridges in the mid eighties

 

[JoeRinMD]

For me, it became imperative when I got into Cowboy Action Shooting. At first, shooting .45 Colt wasn't so bad, but when my son joined me at the AAF&G CAS events, which coincided with the great ammo shortage, the costs went through the roof. Learning to reload was the only way to keep it affordable for the two of us. I found a great deal on a Dillon 550B in the Crabwrapper, and then a friend gave me some guidance when I was still feeling uncertain of how to do it. At the same time, I immersed myself in learning about reloading, mostly through printed guidebooks, but also online, esp for recipe databases published by the powder manufacturers.

For the most part, I reload for higher-volume pistol cartridges, now largely .45 ACP. I also picked up a RCBS Rockchucker that I use for rifle ammunition, esp for 45-70 -- again a cartridge that would drive you into the poorhouse if you were to only buy factory ammo. My son has started using the single-stage press for other C&R cartridges like .303 British and 7.5 Swiss.

Of course, getting intro reloading has also turned me into a brass scrounger. After every centerfire shooting session, I'll be on my hands and knees picking up my own brass, as well as any range brass in the calibers I either currently reload or will in the future. So far the only brass I regularly toss is "fow-tay".

JoeR

 

[splatt]

Started reloading in the late 90's, mostly self taught thru books and some advise from a few fellow shooters. And I still take advise
What really got me started was a gift from one of my friends neighbors. He was an elderly gent who was downsizing to a retirement community. Cleaning out his garage he came across probably 7-8 shoeboxes full of 45,38, 9mm brass, another big box full of various reloading gear. He knew I shot guns and was looking into reloading, so he gave it all to me. Said he couldn't bring it with him and getting too old to use any of it. I was overwhelmed with his generosity.

 

[souprcampbell]

I was mentored from some great NCOs as a soldier and later, as a civilian, coworkers, about reloading. I appreciated the time and enthusiasm they provided me, and I now pass that on to new shooters and it spreads. If you can, be the positive change that you want to see in others. Be who your dog thinks you are.

I'm only 30 years old, but I have noticed a lack of mentorship in the art of manliness and passing that down to the upcoming generation of our country. This is an area we can all improve on if we want to quit complaining about our youth not being as tough or competent. Bring more folks into our community with knowledge and confidence, and we can start winning more political battles.

 

[Bootknife]

Uncle Duke.. That's the One The Turret Measures 1.0" Thick. a Few years ago I saw the "C" press by Herter's under a table at the Gettysburg GS and offered Him $15 for the "Boat Anchor" under the table ! He was tired of haulin it around so he took My money....Wife complained about the Weight all the way to the car !

 

[Melnic]

I started with a Lee Loader for my Russian Sniper but the Lee loader did not work well for the diameter I needed to use so I got a single stage Lee press
Friend eventually gave me a Lyman Turret press and I do handgun on that now and rifle on single stage.
I reload now
9mm , 9mm Mak, 357 mag, 38spl, 45acp, 7.62 Tok, 7.62 Nagant
7.62x54r, 303brit, 223,7.7jap, 8mm Steyr , 7.5 French, 8mm Mauser, 30-06,30-30, 308
I still shoot but don't reload 32acp & 7.62x39

Books and Internet mostly. Sometimes I take some advice from people I know from the range but I research first.
I truly feel that with books and the internet you are getting a broader knowledge base and not just the opinion of one person who may be mentoring you. But you need multiple sources and pick who you trust.

 

[Jmorrismetal]

$130 for a Square Deal...memories for sure!

I had actually though it was less than that but the only thing I could find on prices back then was this ad. Sure seems like I remember black an white ads but that's been 30 years or so ago now.

 

[Skins_Brew]

It really isn't that hard to learn yourself, but I think it varies from people to people, and how a person's mind works.

Me for example, I looked at each step of the process and was able to quickly determine what each step was doing exactly. I was also able to quickly learn from reading and thinking why the proper headspace is important, why bullet seating is important, etc. etc.

 

[byf43]

Started with reading, two Lee Loaders (the use a hammer type, 50 rounds a hour!). Speer and Hornady were my first manuals. Pamphlets from Hercules, Hohgdon and Winchester graced my bench as well. I remember reading Bob Milek, PO Ackley, Mike Venturino, John Taffin and others whose names evade me right now.

Same here.

Speer Reloading Manual. (Read it cover to cover.)
Guns & Ammo Magazine. Bob Milek. Bill Jordan. Elmer Keith.
American Rifleman Magazine.


Started out on an RCBS RockChucker (still have it and use it!).

I didn't have a powder measure (working with a VERY strict budget!), so, EVERY cartridge (.357 magnum) was charged using a Powder Trickler and a scale.

That was a LOT of twisting of the Trickler, using 2400!!!!!!!!

 

[Rockzilla]

Started with reading, two Lee Loaders (the use a hammer type, 50 rounds a hour!). Speer and Hornady were my first manuals. Pamphlets from Hercules, Hohgdon and Winchester graced my bench as well. I remember reading Bob Milek, PO Ackley, Mike Venturino, John Taffin and others whose names evade me right now.

Ditto here.. had Lyman manuals, Cast manuals, Still got them laying around
a friend loaded for bench-rest in the ole .222 rem. first time reloading was for .38 special 148gr LWC, then SWC..on to .22 hornet, then .30 Herrett / .357 Herrett, 12ga Trap /skeet loads, downhill from there...Elmer Keith loads turned down a notch...the hardest back then was the .17 Rem that little .25gr rice size bullet...
then on to bullet swagging (Corbin) .22 boolits from .22 Rimfire cases

still got my Rock-chuckers and use them, 2 ole Pro 7 presses, P/W re-loader, matter fact
still got all my ole reloading stuff..

-Rock

 

[BradMacc82]

Mostly self-taught, since I was too hard-headed to take lessons from willing members here.

Made a lot of mistakes on the way, and learned how to NOT make them again. Still using my first press too, the old Pro1000 is still cranking them out.

 

[Magnumite]

You guys ever try the round ball gallery loads for 44 Special/Magnum? They are a trip. Just a little 'pop'. I did the shotshell thing too for handgun.

 

[Overboost44]

Of course, getting intro reloading has also turned me into a brass scrounger. After every centerfire shooting session, I'll be on my hands and knees picking up my own brass, as well as any range brass in the calibers I either currently reload or will in the future. So far the only brass I regularly toss is "fow-tay".

JoeR

Save the "fow-tay" for me, Joe. I may have some .45 for you.

 

[Traveler]

Save the "fow-tay" for me, Joe. I may have some .45 for you.

I have fow-tay for days for you man. Just drop by to get it.

 

[Oskerspap12]

I started reloading in '71......................Self taught ..........Couldn't afford store bought at $6-7.00 a box......,But I do recall finding a deal on 7.62 x51 for $4.50/100(bought about 1000 of 'em) .........been doing it ever since.............Still can't afford store bought to this day......Ha. I've found you really don't save money you just shoot alot more.............God bless America

 

[hawkeye86]

I picked up a cheap Lee single stage when I bought my SW 586. My dad and I figured out a good load. 1.5 grains of 231 and a wadcutter. Dad made a powder dipper by trimming a spent .22 cartridge and soldering on a wire handle. I started shooting in a club league and ended up loading many many rounds with that setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ibang1]

YouTube is where I got started. Then got load data straight from the manufactures.

 

[Tracker]

I started back in the 90's. I had bought a few 45 ACPs and 45LC's from a local pawn/gun shop and was beginning to shoot often. One of the guys at the shop said it would be cheaper to reload and suggested I try it. They had a LEE turret press for sale but the salesman said I should start slow with a single stage press and a loading manual. After awhile I moved on to a turret press but still use the SS press to work up new loads. As someone else commented I didn't save any money but could afford to shoot a heck of alot more. For me, reloading brings a whole new level of enjoyment to the gun hobby.

 

[John from MD]

Self taught in the sixties when you couldn't by ammo for comm block bring backs and WWII German sporting rifles. Ammo for American guns was pretty reasonable and available but, if you wanted to shoot a 9.3 x 57 or 7.62x25 you had to learn to make brass and reload.

John

 

[spencerprs]

I bought the ABC's of reloading. Bought the nosler and hornady loading manuals. then when I needed/wanted clarification I watched youtube videos for opinions and different techniques