Trying to help a THR member get into handloading

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Smaug

Smaug

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Apr 18, 2004
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SE Wisconsin
He whet his appetite with a Lee Loader for 44 Mag/Spl. (I did the same with 45 ACP, once upon a time)

Like me, he found it is not The Way to Go for shooting more than 10 rounds at a time. Richard Lee designed it to help with rifle load development in the field.

He is a middle-aged college student, so money's tight. I am taking it upon myself to get him started on the right foot.

From me, he's got a free powder scale (Lee Safety Scale) and a Lee Auto Disc Pro powder measure.

I thought I would see if others here had some gear they could donate to get a new handloader off to a good start. This is what he needs.

  • Loading trays
  • Dies: He shoots 45-70, 5.56, 7.62x39, 38 Spl, 45 ACP, 375 Win, 9 mm Luger. I'm thinking that since 5.56, 7.62x39 and 9 mm Luger are available cheaply, dies for the other calibers would be a good start. Maybe carbide dies for the straight-walled cases would be a great start.
  • Press: single stage is fine, but something just a bit more beefy than the Lee Reloader that I use, to handle full-length sizing of necked rifle cases for automatic rifles.
  • Loading Manual
  • Powder funnel
  • Powder
  • Primers
  • Bullets
  • Priming tool
  • Powder measure
  • Case lube
  • Case trimming gear for the above necked rifle cases
This is just a paying-it-forward High Road kind of thing. He didn't ask me to do it, but I would've LOVED it if someone had done this for me when I was staring out.

PM me if you want to. We can either have it all shipped to me and then I'll ship it in bulk to him or if he's OK with it, I'll give you his mailing address.

If you want to make sure it's not a scam, PM me, I'll give you my phone number and maybe I can earn your trust. I just hate to think of a middle-aged college student who can't afford to reload and as a result, can't afford to shoot much.

If not, scroll on; no harm, no foul.

Edit: He's got loading manuals already, so I struck that item.
 
Smaug said:
I thought I would see if others here had some gear they could donate to get a new handloader off to a good start.

This is just a paying-it-forward High Road kind of thing. He didn't ask me to do it, but I would've LOVED it if someone had done this for me when I was staring out.
Click to expand...
Awesome!

Over the decades, I have PIF quite many reloading kits and help set up new reloaders. For retirement, wife and I have dedicated PIF fund and we are always looking for PIF recipients.

I can send much of listed items except powder/primer and/or have a new kit shipped to you along with brass.

50th anniversary Lee Challenger breech lock kit would be a good start - https://leeprecision.com/50th-anniversary-breech-lock-challenger-kit.html

PM sent.
 
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Just did a quick check of remaining inventory of reloading equipment after the over 90% liquidation I had to do and found a RCBS Reloader Special 5 press that was earmarked for PIF (Ha ha, with 13 out of 15 presses liquidated/PIF, I forgot about this press).

But I think the 50th Anniversary kit would be a better choice due to breech lock bushng option for caliber change.

index.php
 
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I used Lee Loader when I started and I shot about 100 rounds a week. Once I got used to the Lee Loader I'd just reload a few after work and before dinner, and often went to the range on Saturay. I'd suggest he get started with handgun calibers as there are fewer steps (no case trimming no case measuring/sorting and many dimensions are much less critical, ie; 38 Special). Also K.I.S.S., he's not shooting long range bench rest, so some steps are not necessary (I rarely cleaned primer pockets, never trimmed a case, used dippers, and once I got used to them I could keep powder charges to +/- .5 gr., but I pacticed with my Lee Safety Scale.). I'd push safety habits be etablished right from the start.
 
mdi said:
I used Lee Loader when I started and I shot about 100 rounds a week. Once I got used to the Lee Loader I'd just reload a few after work and before dinner, and often went to the range on Saturay. I'd suggest he get started with handgun calibers as there are fewer steps (no case trimming no case measuring/sorting and many dimensions are much less critical, ie; 38 Special). Also K.I.S.S., he's not shooting long range bench rest, so some steps are not necessary (I rarely cleaned primer pockets, never trimmed a case, used dippers, and once I got used to them I could keep powder charges to +/- .5 gr., but I pacticed with my Lee Safety Scale.). I'd push safety habits be etablished right from the start.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I recommended that too, especially since his most popular rifle calibers are available cheaply in bulk.

I just loaded 100 rounds of 45 ACP, and the 0.5 cc Lee Dipper gives a perfect amount of Win231; 5.2 gr. The 0.3 cc dipper I’d shoot right for lighter 38 Spl loads, and he’s got a set of dippers already.

I recommended holding off on the necked cartridges for now, and once he’s got the press and such, the extra stuff doesn’t so much.
 
LiveLife said:
Awesome!

Over the decades, I have PIF quite many reloading kits and help set up new reloaders. For retirement, wife and I have dedicated PIF fund and we are always looking for PIF recipients.

I can send much of listed items except powder/primer and/or have a new kit shipped to you along with brass.

50th anniversary Lee Challenger breech lock kit would be a good start - https://leeprecision.com/50th-anniversary-breech-lock-challenger-kit.html

PM sent.
Click to expand...
Warm feelings Bro!!

when I get too old and too cool for the Sinner center. I’ll PiP my guns and reloading gears too
 
Although it's something he would have to pay for... in lieu of a powder measure... is a set of Lee dippers. For the cost of 2 upscale coffees ($12) he can load reasonable loads right away. FWIW, they come in VERY handy when hand measuring charges once he gets more equipment... I still use mine. In fact, it is the only piece (pieces...) of Lee equipment I still have on the bench.
 
Smaug said:
He whet his appetite with a Lee Loader for 44 Mag/Spl. (I did the same with 45 ACP, once upon a time)

Like me, he found it is not The Way to Go for shooting more than 10 rounds at a time. Richard Lee designed it to help with rifle load development in the field.

He is a middle-aged college student, so money's tight. I am taking it upon myself to get him started on the right foot.

From me, he's got a free powder scale (Lee Safety Scale) and a Lee Auto Disc Pro powder measure.

I thought I would see if others here had some gear they could donate to get a new handloader off to a good start. This is what he needs.

  • Loading trays
  • Dies: He shoots 45-70, 5.56, 7.62x39, 38 Spl, 45 ACP, 375 Win, 9 mm Luger.QUOTE]
Click to expand...

He shoots 45-70, 5.56, 7.62x39, 38 Spl, 45 ACP, 375 Win, 9 mm

I do not understand how a college student can afford to shoot all those calibers (buying ammo) and have those firearms, yet can not get a reloading kit.? Plus is to proud to request this himself?
When I was in college I could barely afford to eat.?

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0004487472/partner-press-reloading-kit-2
 
Rule3 said:
He shoots 45-70, 5.56, 7.62x39, 38 Spl, 45 ACP, 375 Win, 9 mm

I do not understand how a college student can afford to shoot all those calibers (buying ammo) and have those firearms, yet can not get a reloading kit.? Plus is to proud to request this himself?
When I was in college I could barely afford to eat.?

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0004487472/partner-press-reloading-kit-2
Click to expand...
I look at this way. If it’s in our heart to share & give. and share our blessings with others. It’s not my place to deep into their intentions or motivation or vices.

I would like the give & so you can receive

Who, knows, your act of kindness might bring out some humanity into someone who is jaded with life. That’s a reward on it’s own.
 
The premise of PIF is the seeding/gifting of generosity that is spread by "Paying it forward" to GROW GOODWILL TO MANKIND instead of just repaying the gifter (Which most people do) thereby ending the "goodwill". The seeding/growing part is driven by the seeders/growers/tenders of goodwill and they act independent of the receivers/recipients with no expectation of something in return.

"Pay It Forward" is an act of detachment to something that has served its purpose in one's life and is released to benefit someone else. By spreading the purpose/benefit to others in need, value of something is grown and when sustained by the recipients, continues to propagate.​

And life happens and we all have been there where we set aside our hobbies and interests to address the tasks at hand. During these "Life happens" moments, opportunity is created for those with unneeded/surplus stuff/time/money (That have served their purpose and no longer needed) to seed/PIF "goodwill to mankind/fate/destiny" to the recipients. And when recipients' life situations change to where there is also unneeded/surplus stuff/time/money in their lives, they then can "Pay It Forward" the seeded/PIF goodwill to GROW exponentially throughout the planet (Check out movies Butterfly Effect, Pay It Forward, The Bucket List to get the idea).
 
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LiveLife said:
I think the 50th Anniversary kit would be a better choice due to breech lock bushng option for caliber change.
Click to expand...
50th Anniversary Challenger kit inbound for PIF (It's backordered but anticipated to ship anytime) - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013011111?pid=423081

Smaug said:
I am taking it upon myself to get him started on the right foot.

This is just a paying-it-forward High Road kind of thing. He didn't ask me to do it, but I would've LOVED it if someone had done this for me when I was staring out.
Click to expand...
As we discussed in PMs, I will check my inventory of reloading "stuff" I won't need and let you know.

It's great that you are doing this (Becoming a seeder of PIF). :thumbup:
 
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wow this is why i love this forum as there is still great people outhere who care about others and like me i live on a small fixed income and are trying to figure out how to raise the money to purchase my first lee progressive reloader so i can speed up making my pistol rounds as doing this single stage is slow not to mention i have a bad back and i get to hurting sitting in this chair at long intervals trying to make 380acp ammo! the high road is a wonderful place to learn from!!
 
LiveLife said:
You obviously do not understand the notion of "Pay It Forward".

The premise of PIF is the seeding/gifting of generosity that is spread by "Paying it forward" to GROW GOODWILL TO MANKIND instead of just repaying the gifter (Which most people do) thereby ending the "goodwill". The seeding/growing part is driven by the seeders/growers/tenders of goodwill and they act independent of the receivers/recipients with no expectation of something in return.

"Pay It Forward" is an act of detachment to something that has served its purpose in one's life and is released to benefit someone else. By spreading the purpose/benefit to others in need, value of something is grown and when sustained by the recipients, continues to propagate.​

And life happens and we all have been there where we set aside our hobbies and interests to address the tasks at hand. During these "Life happens" moments, opportunity is created for those with unneeded/surplus stuff/time/money (That have served their purpose and no longer needed) to seed/PIF "goodwill to mankind/fate/destiny" to the recipients. And when recipients' life situations change to where there is also unneeded/surplus stuff/time/money in their lives, they then can "Pay It Forward" the seeded/PIF goodwill to GROW exponentially throughout the planet (Check out movies Butterfly Effect, Pay It Forward, The Bucket List to get the idea).

I am a recipient of PIF, initially introduced to the notion of PIF by a seasoned bullseye match shooter who mentored me in the "passion" of reloading and match shooting with focus on precision and handcraft work of match pistol gunsmithing. When my introduction to match shooting and reloading to produce match grade ammunition was complete (Took several weeks of all day/late night sessions to include countless range trips), he didn't ask anything in return rather that I "Pay It Forward" later in my life when the opportunities presented themselves as he himself was recipient of PIF. My bullet caster who ran a transmission shop in Clovis, CA also took the time and we spent many evenings and nights sharing the virtues of match grade ammunition and what enhances accuracy. Before he retired, he gifted me with about 10 year supply of bullets at cost and also asked me to "Pay It Forward" because he was also recipient of PIF.

The regional USPSA match shooters who mentored me in the "Zen" of shooting all seemingly knew about the notion of PIF and after teaching me to "make holes appear anywhere on target, fast" and my defensive shooting instructor/range owner/SWAT instructor who taught me the art of point shooting with eyes closed after range hours all simply asked me to PIF the knowledge they have passed on to me. And I have indeed to hundreds of others over the decades without asking anything in return (I always supplied the ammunition for training) and asked them to do the same, "Pay It Forward" - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...or-her-first-time-today.908729/#post-12369077

Funny thing about PIF is that, seeding/PIF eventually turns into something more for the participants in ways/manners not imagined.
Click to expand...
or you just accumulate way to much crap and don’t need money.

it’s like a yard sale vs. free stuff sign

fyi, the free stuff sign has the good stuff
 
LiveLife said:
You obviously do not understand the notion of "Pay It Forward".

.
Click to expand...


Sure I do,and do not need a moral explanation from you.especially when you selective quote and chop off half the sentence,
There is a long ongoing PIF thread and it's not by proxy.
Will not get into a discussion with you over this particular thread.
 
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Rule3 said:
Sure I do,and do not need a moral explanation from you.especially when you selective quote and chop off half the sentence,
There is a long ongoing PIF thread and it's not by proxy.
Will not get into a discussion with you over this particular thread.
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it’s beer o’clock bud… when you let someone get under your skin ( not saying that’s the case ) you let them have power over you and they win.

A wise man once told me, just brush it off
 
LiveLife said:
One of many things I have learned from the "Pay It Forward" butterfly effect notion during my brief life of 56 years is that we are going to leave this life with nothing but some takeaways. And all the things of this world is just "stuff", even money. So if we choose to accumulate things, we end up hoarders of "stuff", even money ... that which we can't take with us.

So the truer notion of PIF is sharing stuff/things of this world we really don't own and can't take with us, to benefit others while we are still in this life. ;)


So true.

When I had to liquidate over 90% of my worldly "stuff" in anticipation of moving to another state to support my aging parents, I ran yard sales with "Free with any purchase". When people asked what they had to buy, I told them anything, even a $1 item. :p Some people could not understand spending $1 to get something worth $50-$100 for "free". :)

When wife and I REALLY looked at our "stuff" we accumulated over 28 years, we realized they already fulfilled their purpose and was just collecting dust. If someone had use for these items, they would be better served instead of collecting dust. (How many things you have collecting dust that someone else could really use? And will they still be collecting dust 10-20 years from now? ;))

And the proceeds of the yard sales ended up being PIF. :D

You know, "Thing is the way" ... :cool:
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when I become Super wealthy, I want to give away everything so I can buy more stuff!!!
 
You know that we don't really truly "own" anything of this world? Even money is just pieces of paper with pictures of dead presidents. Even "free and clear" land is not yours if taxes due aren't paid.

To me, life is like a day at the amusement park ... We don't own the rides but get to enjoy the rides.

After 30 years of shooting and reloading, the amount of guns/equipment I own don't define my "wealth" rather "wealth of knowledge" from 30 years of experience is far more valuable to me.

Give me just about any "O" ring single stage press and I can produce match grade ammunition. And that's what I am hoping we/OP are "Paying it forward" ... The combined goodwill of THR members to another new reloader to spread the "joy" of reloading and handloading that may grow into a passion.
 
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LiveLife said:
You know that we don't really truly "own" anything of this world? Even money is just pieces of paper with pictures of dead presidents. Even "free and clear" land is not yours if taxes due aren't paid.

To me, life is like a day at the amusement park ... We don't own the rides but get to enjoy the rides.

After 30 years of shooting and reloading, the amount of guns/equipment I own don't define my "wealth" rather "wealth of knowledge" from 30 years of experience is far more valuable to me.

Give me just about any "O" ring single stage press and I can produce match grade ammunition. And that's what I am hoping we/OP are "Paying it forward" ... The combined goodwill of THR members to another new reloader to spread the "joy" of reloading and handloading that may grow into a passion.
Click to expand...
I like you philosophy man!
 
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