Apprentice Looking for Re-loading Mentor

[rainbowbob]

How many of you experienced well-equipped re-loaders ever take on "apprentices" - non-loaders who would like to give it a try?

I would like to learn the basics of re-loading from somebody that really knows what they are doing...has the tools and work space...and the time and patience to teach this middle-aged "newbie".

I have neither the tools, the skills, or the space to make this a home hobby in the near future. But I am interested in learning how to produce adequate stocks of ammo - hopefully at a cost saving that will allow me to afford more range time.

Money is always an issue these days, but perhaps some arrangement of cost-sharing would be of mutual benefit.

I'm curious how wide-spread such mentor/apprentice collaborations are - or is everyone is pretty much on their own?

General comments would be informative. Any re-loaders in the Seattle area interested in showing me how to get started re-loading .38 special?

 

[coyotehitman]

RCBS has a pretty informative pamplet that they send out with their catalogs. I also suggest getting a reloading book. The process is not hard, and getting started doesn't have to require a large cash outlay. Check out Youtube for some reloading clips.

 

[Powderman]

Where exactly are you, in or near Seattle? PM me if you want.

 

[SASS#23149]

If you're just reloading .38's,you've picked as easy a round as there is.
A die set,press,tumbler,scale,powder measure and calipers is about all the equipment you need.No need to trim .38's,revolvers aren't picky about oal.
Do a little window shopping to get some ideas of cost,the post a Want to Buy..WTB..on this and other boards,and you can save some serious money.
I"m teaching a neighbor to reload .38's right now,and we saved about 70 bucks buying online a little at a time.
for instance;we got a new in box LYman powder measure,for 50 bucks shipped,they are about 80 bucks new.
If you want to come on down to columbia river country,we can talk.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

"Once I was the student, but now Im the master..."
"Only a master of evil, Darth..."

I had my father for this. Once I got into handloading, he helped me out when I got started (he used to handload long ago).

 

[Bush Pilot]

I would suggest learning how to swage primer pockets before going any further, you're lucky, I've got about 30,000 GI cases to practice on. Once you've mastered that process you'll need to learn how to load Dillon primer tubes, there again, I can help you.

Have you learned how to pick-up brass while shooting at the range?

Since you're new to the hobby you probably haven't learned how to sort 5 gallons buckets of mixed caliber range brass, I would be remiss if I didn't ship you several buckets as a home study program.

Since we're both from Washington I feel these steps are the least I could do.

 

[trickyasafox]

its not too bad. I've shown a few friends who are starting to get more interested with the cost of ammo going through the roof. wait till you start casting.

 

[Snapping Twig]

YouTube has some rather nice reloading videos, one in particular is several part and the author uses a Dillon 550B.

If you were in the S.F. Bay Area, I'd offer to show you how live. Casting too.

Good luck, always double check everything and take your time - don't give up. I taught myself and you can too.

 

[snuffy]

I have a standing offer at the factory where I work. That is; I will welcome anyone into my home for a reloading lesson that wants to start reloading. There's maybe 20% of them that are active shooters. Some are just once a year hunters, buying a box or two of shells for their deer rifles. Of the approximate 20%, most are young family men with little or no disposable income. So no takers--YET!

I have mentored 2 young men in the past. Well one was my son, the other is related to my nephew. He watched me go through a complete reload of a .280 shell. He was instantly sold! Within 2 weeks he had a well used Pacific single stage, a used but serviceable scale, and an old pacific powder measure. He's good friends with a local sport shop owner, who had used equipment laying around.

If anyone is in the Oshkosh Wi area that wants to learn, I'd be tickled pink to show you how it's done. (oops, that would mean I'd have to make room for more than one person to be in my loading room, time to clean up!)

 

[Soybomb]

I know its not quite the same but the people here are very helpful and will answer any questions that come up as you get started if you get stuck. Pick up a copy of the ABC's of reloading and some company's loading manual, maybe lee or lyman and read through them. You'll probably feel comfortable giving it a try then. When the parts are all in your hand I think its pretty obvious.

I just put together a reloading kit that except for the scale and optional bullet puller, fits in a .50 ammo can

Its pretty affordable and compact, maybe something like that would get you started. Big bench mounted setups are popular and great but you don't need one to get started.

it really is super easy.