7mmmountaineer
Member
Time to face it I am a workaholic............
Posts: 521 
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Post by 7mmmountaineer on Jul 30, 2014 10:55:25 GMT -5
Here are a few tips for those of you that join our little community that are new to this great hobby:
1) READ and READ some more all you can find bullets manufactures loading books, THE ABC'S OF RELOADING and anything else you can find. 2) Ask questions about any problems or issues you come across any experienced loader worth knowing will guide you forms like this are included. 3) Start out slow and with a plan learn the basics first before you worry to much about more advanced thing like neck turning, neck reaming, necking up or down. Get your basic foundation and get good with them before trying new things. 4) Never stop reading and never stop asking questions here on this forum you have a ton of knowledge and I would bet every member has learned something new from the members of this forum or our old home The Reloader Hub. 5) Use only published data from reliable sources never take someone's word about a load being safe. 6) Always start low and work up slowly when working on a load. 7) NEVER EVER LOAD TIRED OR DISTRACTED this is a hobby that requires and demands complete focus on what you are doing. 8) Never take chances weight twice measure twice this hobby gives fools no accord.
Their are a few I am sure others will chime in with more. Remember the only dumb question is one that goes unasked, never take chances.
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Post by hacker54 on Jul 30, 2014 11:46:01 GMT -5
I'll add to Chuck's list for first timers and experienced as well. Inspect before-during-after each step. You and only you are your own Quality Control Manager.
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7mmmountaineer
Member
Time to face it I am a workaholic............
Posts: 521
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Post by 7mmmountaineer on Jul 30, 2014 11:56:24 GMT -5
I'll add to Chuck's list for first timers and experienced as well. Inspect before-during-after each step. You and only you are your own Quality Control Manager. Good add Gary I was breezing along and just thought about that one but you beat me to it. |
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Post by merdoc357 on Jul 31, 2014 20:13:56 GMT -5
In addition: NEVER GET IN A RUSH. Be sure you are in good spirits, and in a feeling fine. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, and good surroundings. You might even take a stretch break after loading about 25-50 rounds. Make sure the temperature is comfortable for you. You don't want to load when you are hot. If for any reason you are upset or become upset in any way, or if something is on your mind and it wont go away, just discontinue loading and get away from it for a few hours, or even a day or two at your own discresion, because you are most likely to make a simple, but critical mistake. Stay focused on what you are doing at all times. Make sure you have plenty of light so you can see what is going on. Make sure you are not thirsty or dehydrated. You can even turn off the cell phone. If you feel like you are not sure about a powder charge, weigh it several times to be sure. If you are unsure about a load, ALWAYS go and check it in the book. Keep your equipment clean. Reloading is beneficial and pleasurable and an educational experience. Always be safe in the construction of ammo. Over time you will get proficient and you will learn about your self. Don't get over confident, it takes lots of patients and practice. If you have a question, check the book, ask other reloaders, as well as use this forum, because somebody somewhere will help you. As I have found this forum is helpful and a very valuable resource. Happy reloading from merdoc357
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Post by krwada on Jul 31, 2014 20:26:13 GMT -5
In addition: NEVER GET IN A RUSH. Be sure you are in good spirits, and in a feeling fine. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, and good surroundings. You might even take a stretch break after loading about 25-50 rounds. Make sure the temperature is comfortable for you. You don't want to load when you are hot. If for any reason you are upset or become upset in any way, or if something is on your mind and it wont go away, just discontinue loading and get away from it for a few hours, or even a day or two at your own discresion, because you are most likely to make a simple, but critical mistake. Stay focused on what you are doing at all times. Make sure you have plenty of light so you can see what is going on. Make sure you are not thirsty or dehydrated. You can even turn off the cell phone. If you feel like you are not sure about a powder charge, weigh it several times to be sure. If you are unsure about a load, ALWAYS go and check it in the book. Keep your equipment clean. Reloading is beneficial and pleasurable and an educational experience. Always be safe in the construction of ammo. Over time you will get proficient and you will learn about your self. Don't get over confident, it takes lots of patients and practice. If you have a question, check the book, ask other reloaders, as well as use this forum, because somebody somewhere will help you. As I have found this forum is helpful and a very valuable resource. Happy reloading from merdoc357 This ... this is the most excellent advice. Along with this; one can say ... Always, I mean always make your reloading time open-ended. From this; I mean one should not have any activities planned for "after reloading" ... for example, Dr. appointment, kid's birthday, date with wife etc.... Having an open-ended session means you can take your time and make absolutely sure you can double check and reload in a stress free environment. This open-ended also means going to bed at a decent hour. It is not a very good idea to be stressed out because you started reloading at 10:00pm ... and finding that you are seating those rounds at 3:00am in the morning! This is also not a good idea. |
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Aug 2, 2014 19:34:07 GMT -5
Regarding this topic, a similar thread was created on another forum and not one respondent mentioned books as an intial (first) purchase, this was a bit of a suprise.
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Post by krwada on Aug 2, 2014 20:37:24 GMT -5
Regarding this topic, a similar thread was created on another forum and not one respondent mentioned books as an intial (first) purchase, this was a bit of a suprise. Hello Bob; A lot of forums on the Internets are that way. The advice is usually. 1. Get a Dillon ... The biggest baddest largest Dillon with all the automated case and bullet feeders. 2. Get the dies 3. Get a bunch of components 4. Set 'er up and start cranking away!!! No surprise here.... I just cannot believe that most folks think this way. Actually, to be fair ... in these types of "getting started" threads ... there are some folks who would recommend getting books and instructional materials and make sure you understand what reloading is all about. |
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Post by hacker54 on Aug 2, 2014 22:00:34 GMT -5
Bob,
Take a look at Chuck's list and see #1. He dose mention about load manuals and the book The ABC's OF RELOADING. As you know that is usually my first response but he beat me to it.
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Aug 2, 2014 22:59:52 GMT -5
Gary & Ken: Well to be fair,which I'm not, I know this group preaches learning before leaping and when a beginner stumbles upon this forum or it's predecesser "the Hub" books have always been among the very first,if not the first and most important, suggested aquisition. Basically what we have preached,and not in the "church", is Knowledge is Power! In our hobby knowledge is more than power it adds too the enjoyment by instilling confidence and safety.
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dangun
Member
I love the smell of burnt gun powder.
Posts: 517
Location: SW Florida
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Post by dangun on Aug 3, 2014 10:25:30 GMT -5
Well said Bob! I wish the internet had been around when I first started reloading. All I had back then was the info from reloaders from the gun club, the Library and a few ads in the back of magazines. Today if anyone wants to learn about reloading before plunking down the cash there are so many resources that if not approached with a discerning attitude a beginner can be overwhelmed with information. I see many recommendations as mentioned above and have to shake my head at the total lack of thought that goes into them. Not from the folks on this forum but those that think the only way is their way.
Offering up the high dollar reloading equipment isn't always the best choice for someone that may only be a occasional reloader but the manuals are a must. In my opinion the absolute most important first purchase is manuals and several of them at that.
I have had many high dollar progressive press as well as the single stage presses over the last 35+ years of reloading. Many are surprised when I tell them my hands down favorite still to this day is the Lee Load Master second would be the Lee Pro 1000. Why? That is easy cost! For less than $300 for the Load Master and less than $200 for the Pro 1000 I can turn out ammo that is as good as any ammo produced by any other press on the market.
As the beginner gains the knowledge and skills and wants to progress from standard reloading to more precision ammo then that is when the recommendations for all the sweat little gadgets that we all love to play with comes in.
Hey I'm going to go shoot!!!! Bye
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7mmmountaineer
Member
Time to face it I am a workaholic............
Posts: 521
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Post by 7mmmountaineer on Aug 3, 2014 13:18:02 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing and adding to this thread fellas. The person that got me started preached knowledge first, basics second his favorite saying was " BOY YOU NEED TO CRAWL BEFORE YOU CAN WALK " I followed that too. When I moved here and found out my brother-in-law and his family loaded I figured I was in heaven. Then I saw how they did things and ran straight to the computer and bought all my own stuff. The time I spent with real mentors that think like us were the best thing I could ever have done. I do know a few grab the big expensive stuff, a room full of components and have at it types and I always do my best to avoid if necessary teach when possible. In the last few years I have shared what I have learned with others and have learned from those that I met at The Hub. It is important for the new loader to know that their are people out their and resources out their to help GUIDE them.
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Post by erjdriver on Aug 5, 2014 11:12:02 GMT -5
I'm glad to see the emphasis in this thread is being placed on READING.....and rightfully so!!! When I wanted to get back into reloading after a hiatus of YEARS, the first thing I did was buy "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" and read up on what I didn't know...which was a lot. Now I'm reading the Spear manual. When I decided to get back into reloading, I had no idea about progressive presses, auto-priming in the press, lock-out dies, etc. Now add rifle/necked brass reloading to this and I'm in brand new territory. And not to "plug" any one person on the internet, but just about the best person I've seen and learned a lot from is Gavin from Ultimate Reloader[dot]com. He's done some quality work with his videos. So with that said, is there a magazine on the market that targets (no pun intended  ) specifically reloading? I'd like to get a subscription to a publication to keep learning. Of course the absolute BEST learning I've gotten is from all of y'all.....thanks! |
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Post by krwada on Aug 5, 2014 12:17:41 GMT -5
I'm glad to see the emphasis in this thread is being placed on READING.....and rightfully so!!! When I wanted to get back into reloading after a hiatus of YEARS, the first thing I did was buy "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" and read up on what I didn't know...which was a lot. Now I'm reading the Spear manual. When I decided to get back into reloading, I had no idea about progressive presses, auto-priming in the press, lock-out dies, etc. Now add rifle/necked brass reloading to this and I'm in brand new territory. And not to "plug" any one person on the internet, but just about the best person I've seen and learned a lot from is Gavin from Ultimate Reloader[dot]com. He's done some quality work with his videos. So with that said, is there a magazine on the market that targets (no pun intended ) specifically reloading? I'd like to get a subscription to a publication to keep learning. Of course the absolute BEST learning I've gotten is from all of y'all.....thanks! Yes ... Get the Wolfe Publishing Handloader Magazine. It is very good. I usually get the dual subscription to Handloader and Rifle Magazines. The primary reason for me to do this is that there are ONLY 6 issues of either one per year. That means you will only get 1 magazine every two months. If you subscribe to both Handloader and Rifle, then these magazines get sent out via mail every other month. So, therefore, you will get 1 magazine per month. I do not do the electronic subscription. I like having the rag. I really enjoy reading these things when I am having breakfast or lunch on the weekends. |
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Aug 5, 2014 16:18:30 GMT -5
I'm glad to see the emphasis in this thread is being placed on READING.....and rightfully so!!! When I wanted to get back into reloading after a hiatus of YEARS, the first thing I did was buy "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" and read up on what I didn't know...which was a lot. Now I'm reading the Spear manual. When I decided to get back into reloading, I had no idea about progressive presses, auto-priming in the press, lock-out dies, etc. Now add rifle/necked brass reloading to this and I'm in brand new territory. And not to "plug" any one person on the internet, but just about the best person I've seen and learned a lot from is Gavin from Ultimate Reloader[dot]com. He's done some quality work with his videos. So with that said, is there a magazine on the market that targets (no pun intended ) specifically reloading? I'd like to get a subscription to a publication to keep learning. Of course the absolute BEST learning I've gotten is from all of y'all.....thanks! Yes ... Get the Wolfe Publishing Handloader Magazine. It is very good. I usually get the dual subscription to Handloader and Rifle Magazines. The primary reason for me to do this is that there are ONLY 6 issues of either one per year. That means you will only get 1 magazine every two months. If you subscribe to both Handloader and Rifle, then these magazines get sent out via mail every other month. So, therefore, you will get 1 magazine per month. I do not do the electronic subscription. I like having the rag. I really enjoy reading these things when I am having breakfast or lunch on the weekends. Have to agree with both of you, and I like Gavin......he only made one mistake in all his videos.  When he did his first one on the RCBS Pro 2000 he kept feeding primers in mid air.....it was funny as hell. I explained to him what he was doing wrong, and he said he'd redo the vid.....but he never did. Too busy making more. I think he's made a little money at it too besides getting free review equipment....pretty sure....or else he has pockets as deep as Dangun!  (I've been reading Handloader for 40 years.....or if not it's predecessor.) |
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SnapShot
Member
Jeep & Mocha "Remembering Patches, always"
Posts: 699
Location: Finally free from the Republic of Kalifornia!
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Post by SnapShot on Aug 24, 2014 17:54:47 GMT -5
I'd like to add a note here to us "experienced" reloaders and shooters. Many years ago I stepped away from our hobby for a few years. When I choose to get back into it I went out and bought the latest editions of reloading manuals form Hornady, Speer and Sierra before reassembling my bench and equipment. There were a lot of things that had not changed but there were a lot of new things too. The refresher was great but the "new" technology was amazing. I still have all the old manuals but the bookshelf above this computer has 11 current manuals from powder manufactures, bullet manufactures and equipment manufactures. Of course there is the information-world of the internet as well. I cross reference information all the time, the differences in load information often causes hours of research. A new powder or bullet or firearm (or digging up an old one) leads to the book shelf and internet. Heck, I even read the safety manual that comes with new guns and equipment. I learned about that little yellow lever in the mag-well of S&W's M&P9 that needs to be pushed down to disassemble the weapon BEFORE I tried to take it apart. I read the information exchange here on this site (and others) because you guys come up with some interesting and educational tidbits from time to time (and some of you are really entertaining too).
What I want to add is: Once you've read the books and actually started to reload . . . keep reading and refreshing and learning. To paraphrase 7mm in his opening remarks here, NEVER STOP LEARNING. It makes the hobby more fun and safer.
~ Just thinking out-loud, Keep you powder dry, SnapShot
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) specifically reloading? I'd like to get a subscription to a publication to keep learning. Of course the absolute BEST learning I've gotten is from all of y'all.....thanks!
When he did his first one on the RCBS Pro 2000 he kept feeding primers in mid air.....it was funny as hell. I explained to him what he was doing wrong, and he said he'd redo the vid.....but he never did. Too busy making more. I think he's made a little money at it too besides getting free review equipment....pretty sure....or else he has pockets as deep as Dangun! 
(I've been reading Handloader for 40 years.....or if not it's predecessor.)
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
