Hello Group; Each one of us has been affected by the shortage of loaded ammo and reloading components. But those who have learned how to reload can continue to see savings over the cost of factory new or factory reloads.
The point is folks NOW is a great time to learn the how to to make your own ammo. IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE--- All you need is to be able to follow simple instructions and focus on the task at hand. We do not have to pay those high ammo prices.
My point is this each of us are responsible for our ammo supply, and unless You are well off or have a ammo tree in your back yard :bow: **).. You owe it to yourself to learn how to reload. Think of it as a skill you need to keep your marksmanship tool sharp.
WHAT AM I WILLING TO DO,, I pledge to guide you through getting you started.
WHAT will you gain!!! YOU will have the chance to shoot a better score with your center fire rifle with ammo you made yourself. Will you shoot more---- YES---- will your scores improve ----YES, So now its up to you!!!! You can sit and whine about ammo prices or tool up and make your own... The choice is yours.
If you would like to get started PM ME.... Pappy
You know Pappy, you keep this up, folks are gonna think your a real nice feller :cool2:
They will never think that, say did you ever notice----There is always a bird that finds your car after a wash. And I am always without a shotgun or a clown bat, Yes there is a down side it takes a bit of WORK and for those who are not adverse to a little, you will reap the fruits of your labor. Pappy
What a great offer by Pappy, I checked his post carefully to see if he said you would save money. He did not.The man speaks the truth.
When you start reloading you can make better ammo cheaper, but the result is MORE SHOOTING!!!! Better shooting! A life long, rewarding, hobby.
It is also possible to make worse ammo cheaper, this is where having a mentor like Pappy around for advice on problems is so good.
You can start modestly with a sturdy box to keep your tools stored safely away until you can devote space to a reloading bench.
Many of us reloaders recall the time when our press was bolted to a 2X6 and then C-clamped to the kitchen table after the kids went to bed. Now there are hand presses that do not need to be bolted down. Bolt action shooters can get by with a Lee loader, a simple neck size set powered by a 'not included' plastic hammer.
The job can get done very well with some simple inexpensive tools.
For you new reloaders, go get a nice reloading manual they are avaliabe where tools and componets are sold, Speer, Seirra, Hornady, Lee, and more sell comprehinsive books on the subject, each touts their products, but each also give a clear method to safely reload ammo.
There are many forums on the net that deal with reloading, they are brimming with some good info and ideas. But info overload can be a distraction early in the journey to become a reloader.
Pappy,
What are your recommendation for a progressive rifle round press? I've done pistol rounds before, however Rifle is going to be new to me.
I'll be starting with 308, 5.56 and maybe some 30-06.
Thanks,
G.B.
Pappy,
You are awesome!! Thank you :bow:
Ratchett
Pappy- I'm interested in a guide if you make it.
I bought some casted .309s from you a while back, but I've been discouraged by a couple things:
first, lack of knowledge.
second, the bullets i did make shot well (2moa) but wayyy high.. My m1a sights don't adjust low enough to zero with the stuff.
third, the bolt won't cycle, making an m1a a bolt action.
If you write up a manual, please send it my way!
Hello Whisker; I will not be publishing any such loading manual, we will be using a standad manual from RCBS or Lyman. This is just a step by step process. Hands on for those who can make it I will limit and clinic size to 4 people, per clinic... that way folks will get more out of it and it will be easy to set up the few presses that we will use.
As far as your M1A only working single shot that would tell me that your loading on the light side. The data that I listed was a starting point with a BIG thought on safety you willl need to increase the powder to the point where the bolt just works, these loads are for seeding and each rifle will be a smidge different, you may find that you get better action at 39 grn of H4831 with the cast bullets that you have. My rifle feeds these in semi auto well, but its had a few rounds throuh it and its not as tight as it once was... I wish you had asked me about this sooner... Pappy
Thanks, for them... I haven't been able to find the powder or the time to make it right. Everything should work once I get that accomplished. I didn't mean to make it sound like I was disappointed with your stuff! Cause I'm not.
Quote from: Whisker on January 31, 2010, 10:57:14 PM
Thanks, for them... I haven't been able to find the powder or the time to make it right. Everything should work once I get that accomplished. I didn't mean to make it sound like I was disappointed with your stuff! Cause I'm not.
Thanks for the compliment. You will like them much better when they cycle the action. Jon Papineau
Quote from: Gopher Boy on January 31, 2010, 10:46:19 AM
Pappy,
What are your recommendation for a progressive rifle round press? I've done pistol rounds before, however Rifle is going to be new to me.
I'll be starting with 308, 5.56 and maybe some 30-06.
Thanks,
G.B.
In my opinion, don't bother with progessives for rifle ammo unless you are willing to resize, then trim, then hand prime before putting those prepped case into a progressive press for powder charging and bullet seating/crimping. I use a single stage press for all my rifle ammo because I experienced way to many inadequately sized cases and tipped primers with well known and advertised progressives.
Quality control takes on a whole new meaning when 50,000 psi is going off an inch in front of your face. Again, just my opinion.....
For what it's worth, I second Dean's opinion on progressives for rifle. My reason is uneven powder charges.
Any Central New Mexico Appleseeders are welcome to come over to my casa sometime and learn how to reload. As folks have said, it's not rocket science but it does make it easier to have someone to show you the steps and get you off on the right foot.
For me, reloading is a hobby all in itself. Other than defensive carry gun ammo (liability) and 22 LR, I reload everything I shoot.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Edited to Add:
I load the following calibers so I have dies for all of the following:
223 REM, 308 WIN, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPRG, 6.8 SPC, 338 Lapua, 45-70 GOVT, 50 BMG as well as for pistols in 380 ACP, 9x18 Makarov 9x19mm, 38 Special, 357 Mag, & 44 Mag.
Quote from: NMMI9100 on February 02, 2010, 12:43:52 AMOther than defensive carry gun ammo (liability) and 22 LR, I reload everything I shoot.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Why this concern over liability with defensive ammo? I have not heard of any court cases wherein an attackers family successfully sued because the home-made defensive ammunition was more likely to kill than todays top-of-the-line self-defense ammunition...
I load all of my own ammunition now, self-defense rounds included. (.22lr excluded, of course)
Quote from: ItsanSKS on February 02, 2010, 02:13:41 AM
Why this concern over liability with defensive ammo? I have not heard of any court cases wherein an attackers family successfully sued because the home-made defensive ammunition was more likely to kill than todays top-of-the-line self-defense ammunition...
I load all of my own ammunition now, self-defense rounds included. (.22lr excluded, of course)
While I haven't personally heard of any successful lawsuits either, I've been advised by three successful (and very pro-gun) lawyers, one a criminal defense lawyer, the other two personal injury lawyers, to use factory ammo in defensive lethal-force situations. While there may never have been a
successful lawsuit, if you can avoid a lawsuit altogether you'll be better off financially (remember a fight avoided is a fight won?)
Let's stay on track Folks,
Pappy Has offered to host a Intro to Reloading Clinic or two in Illinois, and now NMMI9100 has graciously offered to do the same in New Mexico.
So let's stick with this concept rather than adding a whole bunch of opinion to the mix. I believe this is most certainly a very important skill for the Appleseeder to learn. It will allow them to shoot their centerfire Rifle more often at Appleseeds and of course it is a skill all shooters should learn.
So what region is next? What other skilled reloaders with the patience to teach newbies, are out there willing to help fellow Appleseeders get going down the right path???
Quote from: Garand69 on February 02, 2010, 12:16:06 PM
Let's stay on track Folks,
So what region is next? What other skilled reloaders with the patience to teach newbies, are out there willing to help fellow Appleseeders get going down the right path???
Quite Right!
I hereby offer up my services to any Appleseeder in Central Florida (Tampa), though I myself am fairly new to the reloading game. Anyone interested in learning along side me is welcome to join me at the reloading bench.
I reload (or will be soon)the following:
.223
7.62x39
7.62x54r
.303
9x18
.38spl
.45 ACP
I utilize a Lyman T-Mag II press, which is a 'turret' style press, essentially a cross-breed between a single stage and progressive.
Hello, Pappy -
PM inbound from this Buckeye... O0
FB
Quote from: Pappy on January 30, 2010, 06:14:41 PM
Hello Group; Each one of us has been affected by the shortage of loaded ammo and reloading components. But those who have learned how to reload can continue to see savings over the cost of factory new or factory reloads.
The point is folks NOW is a great time to learn the how to to make your own ammo. IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE--- All you need is to be able to follow simple instructions and focus on the task at hand. We do not have to pay those high ammo prices.
My point is this each of us are responsible for our ammo supply, and unless You are well off or have a ammo tree in your back yard :bow: **).. You owe it to yourself to learn how to reload. Think of it as a skill you need to keep your marksmanship tool sharp.
WHAT AM I WILLING TO DO,, I pledge to guide you through getting you started.
WHAT will you gain!!! YOU will have the chance to shoot a better score with your center fire rifle with ammo you made yourself. Will you shoot more---- YES---- will your scores improve ----YES, So now its up to you!!!! You can sit and whine about ammo prices or tool up and make your own... The choice is yours.
If you would like to get started PM ME.... Pappy
Here's how it goes in the criminal case where the public prosecutor wants to paint you as a vigilante or the civil case where the "victim's" lawyer is fishing for money...
"So you shot him with bullets you made yourself. You spend how many hours making bullets. You spend hours drooling over catalogs selecting only the finest components for their deadliest effect..."
In other words while in the shooting world its nothing to us, to a jury you'll pretty soon sound like Hannibal Lecter... so no you won't hear about prosecutions for using handloads, you'll just be scratching your head about jury decisions where a self-defense situation is found to be "excessive".
Now back to bailing... and what are pistols doing on my rifle board...
Quote from: ashrn03 on February 02, 2010, 10:42:41 AM
Quote from: ItsanSKS on February 02, 2010, 02:13:41 AM
Why this concern over liability with defensive ammo? I have not heard of any court cases wherein an attackers family successfully sued because the home-made defensive ammunition was more likely to kill than todays top-of-the-line self-defense ammunition...
I load all of my own ammunition now, self-defense rounds included. (.22lr excluded, of course)
While I haven't personally heard of any successful lawsuits either, I've been advised by three successful (and very pro-gun) lawyers, one a criminal defense lawyer, the other two personal injury lawyers, to use factory ammo in defensive lethal-force situations. While there may never have been a successful lawsuit, if you can avoid a lawsuit altogether you'll be better off financially (remember a fight avoided is a fight won?)
Quote from: Garand69 on February 02, 2010, 12:16:06 PM
Let's stay on track Folks,
So what region is next? What other skilled reloaders with the patience to teach newbies, are out there willing to help fellow Appleseeders get going down the right path???
Any Appleseeders in the PHX-AZ area needing to learn some safe basics of reloading may contact me. I run a progressive for handgun ammo, and a single stage for my rifle ammo.
Hello Group; There seems to some interest in this SO jump on in ther folks and do what you can in your area, OR sign up for a clinic near you O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 :--- :~ ..:.. Pappy
I've only been reloading for about a year. I find it very rewarding and feel like I have a much more intimate knowledge of my rifles, ammo, chambers, etc... and how this works together. As mentioned, it's not rocket science, but it's a great learning experience. Definitely a good thing for a Rifleman to have in his knowledge bank.
Having a mentor will be a great way for people to get started. If someone is interested, but don't have someone local to help them, I would recommend "The ABC's of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier as a primer. Less than $20 and worth every penny.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=safari&rls=en&q=The+ABC's+of+Reloading&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4354951614830721682&ei=tWZoS-G0Dca0tgecgbncBg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBkQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers
oh.. and if any one in the DFW metro needs help, give me a shout. I'll be glad to share what I know.
Now back to bailing... and what are pistols doing on my rifle board...
Hunh?!? Who said it had to be pistols for self/lawn defense??
But seriously, the DA/ADA that "doesn't like guns in general", can hang you out to dry on the witness stand, and make your life very miserable for having hand loaded rounds in your "defense piece"....best answer is that you were using "the exact same type of ammo as your local police purchase & use."
end of the argument with the DA....
Inland Empire portion of SoCal, stop on by....I've only been doing this about 40+ yrs.....have some "tools to use"..... ^-^
LLP
Anyone needing some hands on training in Mid-MO can give me a shout. Have lots of equipment and quite a few calibers. Have been reloading for 30 years(Dad started us at a very young age ~~:) ).
I could always use a little help processing .308 ::) , any takers?
TH
Jason
Any body in my area need help, contact me. I will even get you casting bullets if you hang around long enough!
That's Bozeman MT
Hello Group; Here is the start of a list of fellow Appleseeders who have Volunteered to help you with the Basics of reloading.. The list will be added to as folks step up to the Reloading bench. Its just the basics to get them started.
WHO ELSE WILL STEP UP ???
There are Appleseeders who need your help in your area.
ONLY 40 states left.. Thanks, Pappy
Cowboy--- Central Colorado, Gunnison
Wade --- Washington State.
echodog--- Orlando-- Fla
Splitstickler--- Dallas-- Ft Worth Texas area
Clodhopper--- Bozeman MT
David - NMMI9100 in NM, Edgewood
ItsanSKS-- FLA
AZRedhawk44--- AZ- PHX
LayloPro--- So. Cal
Thor`s Hammer, Jason --- MO, Osage Beach central MO
MisterAnderson-- Erik. KC Area and west MO
Jon Papineau, Pappy ---- Ottawa Illinois.
Hello Group; We will be holding our first Reloading Basics Clinic in Ottawa Illinois Feb 20-21. We would like to limit the class size to four. RSVP me by Feb 13 VIA PM Each student will be responsible for reading the the step by step die set up process PRIOR to the class. Each student will need there own press and dies with shell holder to match. You will also need (cleaned brass) 100, primers 100, powder 1 pound or less, bullets 100. Same for pistol if your doing that.
Scales and measures, if you have your own great-- bring it, IF not, I will loan what I can for the class. Set up/ bolt down press`s at 0700, class starts then.
Each one of you who has contacted me has made a commitment to learning this new skill. There will be more of these in the future, I will try one per month. Pick one that fits your time frame.. If you have questions PM me See you Soon. Pappy
Hey Pappy,
I have everything except a press and small pistol primers. What's your advice for a press?
Mogs
Quote from: Mogget on February 08, 2010, 09:51:56 PM
Hey Pappy,
I have everything except a press and small pistol primers. What's your advice for a press?
Mogs
.
Well, I'm not Pappy but I suggest if you have the cash, go with a Redding T-7. It's the press I use. It gives you single stage precision with the ability to leave your dies setup and run pistol ammo in as a semi-progressive. You can even buy extra turret heads and stay setup for quite a number of calibers with only a couple turret heads.
I've owned the RCBS Rockchucker, Lee Classic Cast, and a Lyman Turret press. The T-7 is by far my favorite and the most precise of turrets.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Quote from: Pappy on February 03, 2010, 08:26:13 PM
WHO ELSE WILL STEP UP ???
Since Thor is a good 3.5 hrs away in the middle of the state, I'll volunteer for MO on the KC side of things. If anyone from the area wants reloading lessons, contact me via PM. When there's enough interest (2-4 ppl), we'll schedule a class at my house (South Lee's Summit).
I am in the Orlando area ,have been reloading about 6 years,and would love to give help or advice to anyone who is in need.As far as a press recomendation I would stake everything on a Dillon RL550 ,rock solid with a no bs warranty.I load big rifle .308, 30-06, 8mm, 30-30 on a Lyman T-mag mainly because of prep and their size, but for .556 is on the Dillon(after case prep of course)All pistol is on the Dillon .380, 9mm, 38sp, .357 mag, .40s&m, .44 mag .45acp, .45 lc. I also reload shotgun shells, .410 &12 ga on a Pondness warren or MEC . Its a great hobby and gives you an edge to be able to make your own ammo.
Ok so no one else has stepped up in my state so here I am catch me at home when ya can other then when there is an appleseed shoot at my place ( kinda busy then) I don't know when I will be home but what the heck send me a pm and we will see when we can get to my place and put some brass bullets and powder and primer togather.
Wade
Anybody who needs to learn reloading, come by, been doing this for forty years. Central Colorado(Gunnison).
Cowboy
Hello Group: Only 40 states left. Well done folks.. Pappy
Tampa, FL here...
I am still new at reloading, but nothing has blown up in my face yet either...
in fact the chrono says I am pretty damned good at it...
if anyone needs help, I can either give it or know who to send ya to...
I suggest taking a look at Hornady presses and dies because of the "Get Loaded" deal.
http://www.hornady.com/promotions/get-loaded (http://www.hornady.com/promotions/get-loaded)
Hello Group; Looks like Fla. is well covered. What about the other 40 States!!! You fellows got AMMO trees in your yard.. Pappy
Quote from: Pappy on March 17, 2010, 07:49:14 PM
Hello Group; Looks like Fla. is well covered. What about the other 40 States!!! You fellows got AMMO trees in your yard.. Pappy
Close, I'm casting my own projectiles and reloading my saved brass. Sadly I'm a novice that should not be providing training to anyone at this point.
Do we have any reloaders in middle TN?
Quote from: TN_Dadx5 on February 24, 2011, 03:44:22 PM
Do we have any reloaders in middle TN?
Hi TN_Dadx5,
Just shotgun reloading right now but I have been saving 9mm and .223 cases as well as primers and powder. Just not real sure which reloader or how to get started. I've been told to start with a dillon 550 for hand gun loads. Hopefully I'll get started this year.
Armalite
Hello Group; The SEASON (appleseed ) is about to realy get going here in ILLINOIS, and the RELOADING season will be on the back burner for many folks.... This is realy one of the best times to get started. Pick ONE rifle to start with, the size realy does not matter.
Buy a good quality press, USED or NEW.... It realy does not matter as much as some would lead you to believe with a single stage press. The dies should be full length. Good quality tooling makes a big ... Do not buy Cheap. As you will pay in the long run...
I can and will help any Reloader with getting started and making the most from the least.
Shoot More, Miss Less.. Pappy
Pappy, in the off chance you see this, can you give us a run down your your favorite equipment or setup? I know its personal preference and all but any information is probably useful to somebody like me without any equipment at all. Don't know if I will find anybody in Central California (Fresno) to learn to reload with so will probably have to gather it all myself based off of recommendations rather than figuring out what I like before I buy equipment.
Can I stand in for Pappy? I have been reloading for 38 years, and fire lead bullets I cast myself.
You are right Towed Jumper, personal prefrence plays a big role.
I use a RCBS single stage press because many years ago it was given to me, it still works.
I have a Dillon 650
and a Lyman turret press.
The RCBS does the seious loading,
The Dillon loads pistol ammo, AR and M1 loads. For rifle loads, the brass is cleaned,then sized on the RCBS, cleaned again, trimmed, deburred, primer pocket reamed. Then assembled on the Dillon.
The Lyman turret press bought used seems unprecise, it holds a lee lead hardness tester, a decaping die and has 4 empty holes, I do not trust it to resize or seat bullets, but does odd jobs instead.
So that's my personal prefrence I got there by useing what I have not through long trial and error.
Lee makes very good die sets I have never used a lee press but if cost is an issue take a look, you can always upgrade later. The lee hand press would be a good choice for a shooter with very limited room.
I firmly belive in the lee hand held primer seater, the short stroke makes it handy.
Hornady, Lyman, Redding, Forester, RCBS all have good products and a reputation to up hold.
So you are on your own choosing.
Good luck, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
TJ, what really helped me when I first started reloading was get a Sinclair catalog and have somebody that knows their stuff go through it with you marking what you need as well as what brand of which items work better than others and why. I've found some things are better form some companies than others and having that edge can save $$$ and frustration....O.L.
My $0.02...Lee Classic Cast Press has done well by me and all my rifle loads i.e. .250 Savage, .300 Savage, .308 Win, .30/06 Bolts and Garand, .30/40 Krag, .45/70 and .300 Wby Mag. Tried Lee Classic Turret and it died after loading 1,000 rounds of .45 ACP. Got rid of it. Most all loads with Lee dies problem free. Happy reloading. PM me if I can add anything else.
So, ummm, where do I mail this sinclair catalog off to? O0
Through the years, when someone expressed interest in reloading, I would suggest some classroom work first. Get a book on the subject , and read it. The fast track to not only 'how' but 'why' is through someone else' expierience. I think you'll be better prepared for when you first up to that reloading bench. With an expierienced reloader standing next to you, you'll be ready to solo in no time.
A quick search turned up this resource :
http://www.snipercountry.com/Bookstore/HandLoading.htm