For New Reloaders

Good advice, no matter how misdirected, is still good advice.

"Measure twice, cut once"

I've been loading only a decade and still have a bunch of questions.

I agree 100% Hondo.

Hondo 60 wins the internet this week.

Hondo 60 said:

Usually they start with ... "This may be a dumb question" ...

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I think many times folks used to the internet and social media are used to seeing folks chastised for asking questions that some folks deem "dumb' or "stupid". I sometimes think that the word "stupid" is the most widely used word on some of these types of forums. "Stupid guy at Walmart", "Stupid guy at the range","Stupid clerk at the LGS", "Stupid neighbor during deer season", "Can you believe what my stupid buddy did?", etc, etc.

I agree with you tho Hondo, there are no stupid questions as long as the question is being asked sincerely and with a desire for a answer. Especially when it comes to things like reloading. While there is this fallacy that reloading is a dangerous hobby, it really isn't, as long as folks follow directions and know the answers.

I'm new to reloading. I spent along time thinking about if I even wanted to attempt it. Then I spent a lot of time doing research and trying to find someone local that I know that reloads. I have several reasons to do it not just that I'm cheap. I've probably loaded about 600 rounds in the last few months. So far I've been able to load great ammo for 3 different pistols that is accurate and cost less than store bought junk. It's been a great new hobby that gives me something to do when I don't have anything going on and I actually get something back for my time. It's been very rewarding and I find it somewhat relaxing.

Research projectiles and powdering terms of availability of data before you buy.

Small batches to start with.

Double and triple check BEFORE seating.

Take careful notes.

Mark your brass with a sharpie so you know which load you're using.

No dumb questions but plenty of dumb answers.

Here is kind of a dumb question.

What is your least favorite cartridge to reload?

9mm is mine.

Waterboy3313 said:

Here is kind of a dumb question.

What is your least favorite cartridge to reload?

9mm is mine.

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Time is money. I’ve been reloading for almost 40 years and I like to shoot more than spend hours at my bench. All my pistol ammo I buy in bulk....and ammo for my AR. It’s just a financial and time value equation for me. I do load for my revolvers and rifles, but shoot them far less than the pistols. To each his own. YMMV.

Waterboy3313 said:

What is your least favorite cartridge to reload?

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I enjoy reloading and find it relaxing. I focus on what I'm doing and forget about the day’s problems.

That being said, as of now I only load straight walled revolver and semiauto pistol cartridges. So I enjoy loading them all equally.

Throw in some bottlenecked cartridges, and that may change.

25 ACP would be my least favorite. BIG fingers versus small components and charges. It does keep one on their toes. I also like that when you are in your reloading zone you tend to shut your problems as well as the world out. Best kind of therapy and it pays YOU to participate.

Now 38 SPL SWC I can do those in my sleep I have done so many. They are my fave.

Back in 1980 when I started reloading books and reloading manuals were the main source of information available besides the store employees where you purchased supplies. A lot of trial and error. I have learned much more much faster in the years since I have been online. All the topics covered in fourms is a wealth of information.

My $0.02 and 37 years of pulling the handle of various loading presses...

Be wary of internet advice, especially forum load data. Except of course the powder suppliers’ web sites.
Buy and read manuals: Speer, Hornady, Lyman etc.
Check more than one reliable source for data.
One bottle of powder on the bench at a time.
Keep written records.
Label ammo boxes.
No distractions, no alcohol or the like.
Like most things in life to keep safe: Pay attention and don’t be stupid.
Etc.

Least favorite cartridge to reload: that would be the .380.

Most favorite cartridge to reload: .38 Special.

I started loading when I was in high school over 40 years ago because it was the only way I could afford to shoot as much as I wanted to. My parents didn't have much money but they did help me buy some supplies to buy shot and wads so I could shoot skeet every Sunday at our gun club. When I got my first revolver, I was on my own for ammo and some of us members got together and cast bullets and loaded 148gr wadcutters by the thousands. We split the labor and cost and when we had a bunch loaded, we divided them up and everyone shot until the supply was exhausted and started the process over again. Every so often I could spare enough money to load 100 jacketed .357 magnum bullets which I shot sparingly because it might be a month or 2 before I could afford another 100. After I got out of school things go a little better after I had a full time job. These days I still load to save money somewhat, but the main reason is to load better ammo and shoot what is most accurate in my guns. I love to develop loads and wring out the accuracy in a gun.

I have to agree with the 38 special being one of my favorite. It's also one of my favorite to shoot. I'm actually really considering buying a new 357 in the next couple of weeks.

biquer said:

My $0.02 and 37 years of pulling the handle of various loading presses...

Be wary of internet advice, especially forum load data. Except of course the powder suppliers’ web sites.
Buy and read manuals: Speer, Hornady, Lyman etc.
Check more than one reliable source for data.
One bottle of powder on the bench at a time.
Keep written records.
Label ammo boxes.
No distractions, no alcohol or the like.
Like most things in life to keep safe: Pay attention and don’t be stupid.
Etc.

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I don't understand your member name, but you have provided sage advice.

I love it when you ask a question and get way more than expected.

Very recently I asked a pretty simple question on a 45acp swc load I've been working on.

The outpouring of responses is not only leading me to a possible remedy (waiting on materials to implement) but the conversation led me to a bit better understanding of the firearm itself. Good times!

Keep asking questions

Hondo 60 said:

Maybe it's just me but I've seen several "new reloader" headers.

Usually they start with ... "This may be a dumb question" ...

M<y thought is, "Nope".
The "dumb question" is the one NOT asked that gets someone killed or worse.

So PLEASE don't feel embarrassed.
We were all in your boots at one time.

Just my 2¢ worth
Of course YMMV

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Excellent advice!

I can't agree 100% with Hondo. I believe there are stupid questions; some are just blurted out without any thought. Some don't do any research (like reading their manuals' data). Some repeat questions already current, didn't bother to read the thread titles, like 3 or 4 threads down (I have seen the exact same question just one hour apart on a forum). In other words, I think stupid questions are the ones asked without a half second of thought.

I'm not talking about legitimate simple questions (there are many questions that sound "simple" to members with a bunch of experience but those are not what I'm talking about).

Yep, and I'll prolly get flamed for my post, but most questions asked can be answered by just paging through a manual. Perhaps I formed this opinion from years of teaching apprentices in automotive/heavy equipment electronics...

Yep, and I'll prolly get flamed for my post, but most questions asked can be answered by just paging through a manual. Perhaps I formed this opinion from years of teaching apprentices in automotive/heavy equipment electronics...

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I might not be the smartest book smart guy in the world but I feel like have a decent mechanical aptitude. I can read something in a manual over and over again and maybe not pick up exactly what is being explained. If someone rewords the same thing more or less in a slightly different way it can definitely make the bulb light up.

Most things I pick up quickly and in some cases I am self taught 100% there are some learning experiences that I have paid the price to learn the hard way. Something like reloading the hardway can be dangerous and expensive. Especially when you don't have anyone experienced to help guide you. I hate to ask questions for several reasons so I do as much research as possible and err on the side of caution. Sometimes it's nice to be able to ask questions even if you don't personally know someone who is qualified or experienced.