Your only as good as your --- Ammo Supply.

[Pappy]

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  .. 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

[Garand69]

You know Pappy, you keep this up, folks are gonna think your a real nice feller

[Pappy]

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

[Mark Davis]

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.

[Gopher Boy]

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.

[Ratchett]

Pappy,

You are awesome!! Thank you

Ratchett

[Whisker]

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!

[Pappy]

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

[Whisker]

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.

[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.

Thanks for the compliment. You will like them much better when they cycle the action.  Jon Papineau

[dean]

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.....

[Colorado Pete]

For what it's worth, I second Dean's opinion on progressives for rifle. My reason is uneven powder charges.

[nmmi9100]

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.

[ItsanSKS]

Other 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)

[ashrn03]

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?)      

[Garand69]

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???

[ItsanSKS]

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.  

[FiremanBill]

Hello, Pappy -



PM inbound from this Buckeye...     

FB

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  .. 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

[V]

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...

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?)      

[AZRedhawk44]

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.

[Pappy]

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  Pappy

[spitstickler]

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.

[LayloPro]

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

[Thor's Hammer]

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

[Mark Davis]

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

[Pappy]

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.

[Pappy]

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

[Mogget]

Hey Pappy,

I have everything except a press and small pistol primers.  What's your advice for a press?

Mogs

[nmmi9100]

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

[ErikAnderson]

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).