Zendude
Member
It’s good to see that more people are getting into reloading. It encourages the reloading equipment companies to come up with new products and to upgrade their existing products.
For New Reloaders
- Thread starter Hondo 60
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whughett
Member
Good advice.
One added piece. Clearly label the powder hopper with powder name and current weight. Better yet return powder to original container at end of session, even if planning to reload same later.
Excellent thread:
I ask what sounds like common sense questions, things that everyone should already know, however
there are various ways to look at many things, like how many rounds to use when you test a load.
I have told my son -MANY- times just try about 5 rounds with the lead sled for every powder weight.
Yet he shows up with --- 60 --- rounds already made for an old 30-30 and they are ROTTEN, I mean
all over the target.
This is the best place to LEARN, just listen & apply what you hear. You may have to filter out just a
little noise, but the Highroad is full of intelligent experienced people.
I tuned in to ask one of those crazy question myself when I found this thread.
I ask what sounds like common sense questions, things that everyone should already know, however
there are various ways to look at many things, like how many rounds to use when you test a load.
I have told my son -MANY- times just try about 5 rounds with the lead sled for every powder weight.
Yet he shows up with --- 60 --- rounds already made for an old 30-30 and they are ROTTEN, I mean
all over the target.
This is the best place to LEARN, just listen & apply what you hear. You may have to filter out just a
little noise, but the Highroad is full of intelligent experienced people.
I tuned in to ask one of those crazy question myself when I found this thread.
SCC
Member
The four stages of competence:
1. Unconscious incompetence
2. Conscious incompetence
3. Conscious competence
4. Unconscious competence
Stage 1 is the guy you need to watch out for, because he doesn't know what he doesn't know and will blindly move forward into disaster. Stage 2 is the person who knows that he is lacking knowledge and needs to acquire it. Stage 3 knows he has the knowledge he needs for the particular application. Finally, stage 4 is where you want to be when under pressure to perform. Those at stage 3 or 4 must always be aware that at any moment they may be presented with a problem that moves them back to stage 1 or 2.
By asking questions, no matter how "stupid", one is well on their way to stage 3 then 4.
For reloading it would probably be prudent to remain conscious during the process and stay away from stage 4. (pun intended)
1. Unconscious incompetence
2. Conscious incompetence
3. Conscious competence
4. Unconscious competence
Stage 1 is the guy you need to watch out for, because he doesn't know what he doesn't know and will blindly move forward into disaster. Stage 2 is the person who knows that he is lacking knowledge and needs to acquire it. Stage 3 knows he has the knowledge he needs for the particular application. Finally, stage 4 is where you want to be when under pressure to perform. Those at stage 3 or 4 must always be aware that at any moment they may be presented with a problem that moves them back to stage 1 or 2.
By asking questions, no matter how "stupid", one is well on their way to stage 3 then 4.
For reloading it would probably be prudent to remain conscious during the process and stay away from stage 4. (pun intended)
rfwobbly
Member
Yup. "Standing on the shoulders of giants" as it were.
The only dumb question is that which was asked without doing any research about it first. It is amazing how many new reloaders have no manuals and what to learn on internet forums. At least try to do some of the work, There is a really good article about that somewhere. To much instant gratification going on. So flame away!
Even without a manual there are LOTS of FREE info available from the Press makers, Powder Makers if new folks want to learn from the internet
Now whats the BEST powder for 38 Special??
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Circa 2012 another forum
Please realize that this is not directed to any specific individual.
There seems to be a lot of posts looking for basic information or data which can easily be found in a manual or even a thread search or Google and the OP has not even attempted to look for it.
Use the search function, it really does work. Most topics have been discussed many times.
What's a good powder for xyz? What load will work in my Wingding 38 special? and similar posts.
There are many experienced re-loaders here and all offer their help and advice. Rarely does the original poster respond back or even offer a thank you.
All the manuals , powder companies and reloading company websites offer FREE information and how to instructions, they will mail you stuff.
So please try to do some background research, get some information, then if you have a problem, by all means ask. There are no dumb questions just ones that have not even been researched first.
Read the link in the post.
"Do The Work"--Or At Least Some Of It, Anyway
Even without a manual there are LOTS of FREE info available from the Press makers, Powder Makers if new folks want to learn from the internet
Now whats the BEST powder for 38 Special??
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Circa 2012 another forum
Please realize that this is not directed to any specific individual.
There seems to be a lot of posts looking for basic information or data which can easily be found in a manual or even a thread search or Google and the OP has not even attempted to look for it.
Use the search function, it really does work. Most topics have been discussed many times.
What's a good powder for xyz? What load will work in my Wingding 38 special? and similar posts.
There are many experienced re-loaders here and all offer their help and advice. Rarely does the original poster respond back or even offer a thank you.
All the manuals , powder companies and reloading company websites offer FREE information and how to instructions, they will mail you stuff.
So please try to do some background research, get some information, then if you have a problem, by all means ask. There are no dumb questions just ones that have not even been researched first.
Read the link in the post.
"Do The Work"--Or At Least Some Of It, Anyway
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Virginia Jim
Member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2017
- Messages
- 359
Back in the 70’s, I learned reloading by reading the Speer #9 manual. I followed it to the letter. There was no one to ask questions. No forums, no websites, no internet. Then I got a job at a large factory and met some other reloaders. I only loaded for .270 Winchester.
Then the internet came along and I expanded my operations 10 fold.
Thanks, Al Gore!
Then the internet came along and I expanded my operations 10 fold.
Thanks, Al Gore!
I lurked on numerous sites over the last year but only joined THR because it has the most adults in the room. Especially in the reloading forum.
ballman6711
Member
I agree that there are no stupid "sincere" questions.
I have been reloading for about a year and a half, have kept records on my 1600 or so rounds (would have to look at my book for an exact number), and am self taught since nobody I know reloads.
I have had to pull twelve bullets, have made mistakes, and have asked questions here and elsewhere.
This is not dangerous if done properly, but it's also no game. ASK questions if you're not sure.
The responses I have gotten have led me to research area's and idea's I hadn't thought of. Lot's of knowledge to be gained by asking.
Just my .02.
I have been reloading for about a year and a half, have kept records on my 1600 or so rounds (would have to look at my book for an exact number), and am self taught since nobody I know reloads.
I have had to pull twelve bullets, have made mistakes, and have asked questions here and elsewhere.
This is not dangerous if done properly, but it's also no game. ASK questions if you're not sure.
The responses I have gotten have led me to research area's and idea's I hadn't thought of. Lot's of knowledge to be gained by asking.
Just my .02.
Waterboy3313
Member
This has been a great topic and I have enjoyed reading it. I've been reloading since October of this year. I load for .45 acp, 38 special and 9mm. I'm self taught and do not know anyone else personally the reloads. Without looking at my notebooks I've probably loaded about 650-700 rounds so far. I'm still on my first 1 pound container of Tight group and that's all I have tried so far. I know there are a lot of people that either love it or hate it. So far I can say without any other powder experience it's been great and I like it.
I have been wanting to start reloading for the past couple of years and saved all of my brass since then. I also live in CA. I bought ammo one time since the law was passed requiring a background check with the purchase of ammo. I waited for about 45 minutes to pass the background check and I was the only one in the store at the time. This is what pushed me over the edge and when I got home I started looking into buying the tools and equipment required to reload.
I really don't have much money invested into it so far. I bought a Lee 25 year anniversary kit off of eBay for $130 and a no namer ultrasonic cleaner for $50 and paid about $35-40 per set of dies at a total of 3 sets of dies. I go out and shoot at paper almost every weekend. I know I don't have the best equipment and it takes a while for me to load 100 rounds because I am ocd and scale every powder drop and measure just about every part of every step. I try to be consistent and accurate on every finished round even though I'm not a competition shooter.
So far I have dialed in a pretty good recipe for my 45 and my 38 special. Much more accurate than locally bought cheap factory ammo and it cost me less. I fit it in when I can and it's been a good alternative to watching TV. I have really been thinking about stepped up to a progressive press so I can get more done in a shorter amount of time.
I have started slow and spent the majority of my time working up loads. This website has been a great help and I appreciate all of the tips and pointers I have learned from here.
I have been wanting to start reloading for the past couple of years and saved all of my brass since then. I also live in CA. I bought ammo one time since the law was passed requiring a background check with the purchase of ammo. I waited for about 45 minutes to pass the background check and I was the only one in the store at the time. This is what pushed me over the edge and when I got home I started looking into buying the tools and equipment required to reload.
I really don't have much money invested into it so far. I bought a Lee 25 year anniversary kit off of eBay for $130 and a no namer ultrasonic cleaner for $50 and paid about $35-40 per set of dies at a total of 3 sets of dies. I go out and shoot at paper almost every weekend. I know I don't have the best equipment and it takes a while for me to load 100 rounds because I am ocd and scale every powder drop and measure just about every part of every step. I try to be consistent and accurate on every finished round even though I'm not a competition shooter.
So far I have dialed in a pretty good recipe for my 45 and my 38 special. Much more accurate than locally bought cheap factory ammo and it cost me less. I fit it in when I can and it's been a good alternative to watching TV. I have really been thinking about stepped up to a progressive press so I can get more done in a shorter amount of time.
I have started slow and spent the majority of my time working up loads. This website has been a great help and I appreciate all of the tips and pointers I have learned from here.
refuse2bafool
Member
Love that kind of stuff! Self awareness is one of the most important qualities a person can have. Clint Eastwood in Magnum Force "A man's got to know his limitations"
- After a long career as both an engineer and a manager I get really nervous dealing with someone who gives quick, casual answers to every question, or when I get the sense their ego is preventing them from admitting they have any more to learn.
- Numerous studies have shown the most confident people are often the ones who are too clueless to know they are screwups.
- I have too much (actually too little left) grey hair to get this now, but if I had a dime for every old fud that started his lecture with "Listen sonny, I've been doin' this for 4,645 years" and then proceeded to tell me some version of "the earth is flat"...
- I only ask that my staffs do their research, gather all the data and then at least try to solve the problem before they come to me.
- Once they do that I will bend over backwards to help them.
- I think all those posing questions on the high road should do the same.
- If they have not at least read a reloading manual (latest Speer is great) they are not doing their due diligence, as well as short changing themselves.
- Even at this stage I like to think of myself as just starting the journey instead of arriving at the destination.
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OP
OP
Hondo 60
Member
You & I know that the information is here, but the newbie doesn't know that.
Heck, when I decided to reload I had NO idea that I didn't know that I didn't know.
So what sounds like a dumb question to you & me, is like trying to learn a whole new language.
I firmly believe my original assertion.
When someone posts a question, if they really want an answer, I'm happy to help.
I wish thr had existed (or that I had known that a thr type website existed) when I started.
I'da been one of those iritating noobs - constantly asking questions.
Just my 2¢ worth YMMV
CptnAwesome
Member
For those of you who remember
RCMODEL was so good about answering any question on any level with respect and sincerity. I really miss his comments and advice.
In honor of him and the respect he treated mine and other newbie questions with, I vowed I'd always so the same when I had a little knowledge to share
Ask anything folks, even if you think you might know the answer. That's why this forum is here.
RCMODEL was so good about answering any question on any level with respect and sincerity. I really miss his comments and advice.
In honor of him and the respect he treated mine and other newbie questions with, I vowed I'd always so the same when I had a little knowledge to share
Ask anything folks, even if you think you might know the answer. That's why this forum is here.
Type in "Best Powder for 38 Special" into any search engine. How may "hits do you get? Just as easy as typing out a question on a forum.
I am talking basic questions, not specific intricate stuff. Amazing how many people learned and excel at reloading pre Internet. Buy some Manuals, read, do some research.Lots of new reloaders buy all kinds of expensive equipment but don't want to pay $30 for a manual. As I said before all the presses, powder company's have LOTS of free stuff just for the asking.
So lets discuss the best way to clean brass or make lube!
"Hope this Helps, JMHO, YMMV, Just my .03 cents
JimKirk
Member
If I have a "distaste" of new reloaders questions ....it would be that ....they only apply what us seasoned loaders have suggested as a "last" effort !!!!
Dummy .....I have been THERE .... "You can't put a 1" square peg into a 1" round hole" . ....but go ahead and give all the other thoughts a try and save the good info for the last ditch effort ..... "IT IS NOT going to fit"!!!I
This is a common problem on several gun related forums that I visit ..... If RC told you it ain't gonna work .....it ain't gonna work ....
Sure do miss old RC!
Dummy .....I have been THERE .... "You can't put a 1" square peg into a 1" round hole" . ....but go ahead and give all the other thoughts a try and save the good info for the last ditch effort ..... "IT IS NOT going to fit"!!!I
This is a common problem on several gun related forums that I visit ..... If RC told you it ain't gonna work .....it ain't gonna work ....
Sure do miss old RC!
I only have the Lyman and Hornady manuals right now... I'm getting the Nosler one later this week, I'm sure.... I've been researching this for a long time and will eventually start piecing together equipment as I've been scouring the sale ads here in Utah... Helps to have friends I can go to, as well as my father in law, for reloading questions.. in addition to the knowledge I've been gleaning from this awesome resource!
I'll go back to lurking now
I'll go back to lurking now
refuse2bafool
Member
I think it's great that you offer help to those who ask for it without talking down. However, I have found that in any field of expertise when do your own reserach for an answer to a specific question, you run across all kinds of vital, though unrelated, info. I would not want to deny them that opportunity. I think that as Rule 3 implies, a $30 manual is about the best dollar for dollar inventment a new reloader can make. Personally I would recommend more than one as they all offer different points of view and info. Maybe an answer to a super basic question might include something like this along with our specific advice...
"However, I am concerned that this is a pretty basic question. If you haven't already, I think you would benefit from purchasing and reading at least one good manual such as (place your recommendation here). It's important to understand the whole process, and its far safer and more satisfying when you do!"
OP
OP
Hondo 60
Member
I learned LOTS from RC!
And that's why I will defend the newbie.
Cuz he answered my noob questions.
Mr_Flintstone
Member
Perhaps we need a “Beginning Reloader” sub forum where those new to reloading can ask novice questions without the fear of being chastised for not already knowing everything.
Those internet experts who think they know everything can then just peruse the regular handloading forum without feeling like they need to preach at the newbies.
I know i might come off as being facetious, but I really do think we need a newbie reloader forum.
Those internet experts who think they know everything can then just peruse the regular handloading forum without feeling like they need to preach at the newbies.
I know i might come off as being facetious, but I really do think we need a newbie reloader forum.
I wonder how many new reloaders access just this one website for FREE information before asking a question that just might be there??
No one is saying don't ask questions, everyone has questions, ask questions if you have tried and can't find it. A Prof at College once said,
"No, a lot of this stuff you are taught will mean nothing out in the job world. what College teaches you is to ask intelligent questions". We didn't have the Internet and Instant gratification back then, you had to study and look things up in books, No smart phones or computers either. Somehow we learned.
https://www.rcbs.com/handloading-basics.html
Lots of sub categories.
https://www.rcbs.com/step-by-step-reloading.html
OH look!
https://www.rcbs.com/on/demandware....fFiles/RCBS-Introduction-To-Handloading_1.pdf
No one is saying don't ask questions, everyone has questions, ask questions if you have tried and can't find it. A Prof at College once said,
"No, a lot of this stuff you are taught will mean nothing out in the job world. what College teaches you is to ask intelligent questions". We didn't have the Internet and Instant gratification back then, you had to study and look things up in books, No smart phones or computers either. Somehow we learned.
https://www.rcbs.com/handloading-basics.html
Lots of sub categories.
https://www.rcbs.com/step-by-step-reloading.html
OH look!
https://www.rcbs.com/on/demandware....fFiles/RCBS-Introduction-To-Handloading_1.pdf
Waterboy3313
Member
I definitely like to ask questions before buying new reloading equipment. If you Google a product you are going to get reviews. Do you really trust some random person that may or may not know what they are doing? I would rather put it out here where most people that will answer a question is not some random person that may not have a clue on what they are doing or what the intended use of a certain product might even be. Load data between certain powder and bullet combinations in different manuals can kind of leave some questions depending on how conservative they really are. Not saying pick the hottest load and start high or anything like that. One can get several different answers depending on where he or she looks whether it is the internet, several different manuals or some Billy Bob posting garbage on the internet.
I like to shoot my pistols more than anything else I currently do as a hobby at this point in my life. Reloading for me is kind of a secondary hobby that gives back. I wasn't born into a family that has been reloading for generations as something that was passed down. As a matter of fact I don't know anyone else in person that knows anything about this topic.
I try to do my research and figure things out on my own. I start small and do several work ups for what I shoot and find what works best for me, my pistols and my equipment. I am very new to reloading and sometimes reaching out to people on a forum that have similar interests with a lot more skill, knowledge and experience can answer what might be a simple question or make me think of something I have not yet thought about. For the most part I don't feel like I ask stupid questions but sometimes it just might take something I can't figure out to be explained in a slightly different way and then the light clicks on.
I guess if you feel like someone is asking a stupid question you are not obligated to give an answer. I know some highly educated people that can't manage to do some of the simplest tasks and I know some high school drop out people that manage to get some things done and do things very well. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go around.
I like to shoot my pistols more than anything else I currently do as a hobby at this point in my life. Reloading for me is kind of a secondary hobby that gives back. I wasn't born into a family that has been reloading for generations as something that was passed down. As a matter of fact I don't know anyone else in person that knows anything about this topic.
I try to do my research and figure things out on my own. I start small and do several work ups for what I shoot and find what works best for me, my pistols and my equipment. I am very new to reloading and sometimes reaching out to people on a forum that have similar interests with a lot more skill, knowledge and experience can answer what might be a simple question or make me think of something I have not yet thought about. For the most part I don't feel like I ask stupid questions but sometimes it just might take something I can't figure out to be explained in a slightly different way and then the light clicks on.
I guess if you feel like someone is asking a stupid question you are not obligated to give an answer. I know some highly educated people that can't manage to do some of the simplest tasks and I know some high school drop out people that manage to get some things done and do things very well. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go around.
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