New Reloader...big thanks to mstreddy (Pic Heavy)

[Quags]

A big thanks to mstreddy for all the help in getting me into reloading. I've known Eddy for a long time and have fired a lot of his rounds through my pistols with zero issues. He finally convinced me to start reloading. I spent several weeks reading manuals and online content. A couple of weeks ago, had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Eddy for some OJT.

This is the first round I loaded under supervision using his single stage press (I was not allowed near his progressive presse(s)):

38 Special
6.0 gr Blue Dot
1.46" OAL
158 gr LSWC



The intent was to do 50 rounds of 38 that afternoon. We got close. 49 rounds loaded. One round was the casualty of a primer going in sideways into the brass....

This is my first solo batch on my recently acquired Lee Classic:

38 Special
6.0 gr Blue Dot
1.45" OAL (better fit into an SP101)
158 gr LSWC



This week I loaded 38 special, 9mm and 45 ACP using Unique

45 ACP
6.0 gr Unique (I loaded some at 6.2 gr. Loading 5.8 gr next batch.)
1.240" OAL
230 gr Missouri Bullet LRN

I'm not that good a shot.....



9mm
4.2 gr Unique (I loaded some at 4.4 gr. Loading 4.0 gr next batch.)
1.070" OAL (used a CZ SP01 for plunk testing. Super short chamber)
124 gr Missouri Bullet

 

[Walkalong]

Looking good.

 

[ATLDave]

Nice!

Doesn't it fill you with a sense of self-sufficiency and competence to be able to make your own in a process you directly control?

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Looks like the teacher has a good student.

The case with the rotated primer can be decapped and used.

 

[horsemen61]

Good work

 

[Quags]

Thanks. I enjoy the brain exercise. Much better than sitting in my office staring at a computer waiting for the next issue to come up on email....

Jesse: The primer was toast....

 

[mstreddy]

Aaah,
The satisfaction of the teacher passing on wisdom, knowledge and skill to a "young" student.
Quags -- I'm proud of you. You approached this endeavor methodically, and with an open mind ready to learn.
Your attention to detail and analytical thinking will continue helping you along.
And, yeah, ain't it great to go to the range, and shoot the rounds you "made?"

 

[kcofohio]

Congrats, Quags! Welcome to reloading! It is rewarding.

Good job Eddy! Hats off to you for being a reloading mentor!

 

[twofifty]

Like the OP, I too was fortunate that a club member took the time
to give me a solid safe start.

 

[kcofohio]

Yes, nothing beats having an experienced reloader that you can get pointers from in person.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Welcome aboard...

Just curious, were you warned that reloading is a disease for which there is no cure?

 

[FMJBT]

Stages of the addiction.

Stage 1 - reloading
Stage 2 - casting
Stage 3 - bullet swaging.

Welcome to the addiction

 

[bigarm]

My stages were just a little different.
reloading
casting
powder coating

Haven't gotten to swaging yet.

 

[Quags]

Definitely addicting. No doubt. I did 100 rounds of 9mm last night. I'm still trying to figure out the best placement for components to make the process efficient. Getting there. I'll need more OJT for the swaging....

 

[TexasDon]

Quags
Definitely addicting. No doubt.

Isn't it a great feeling to load and shoot the first rounds you made???
Heck, I still remember mine, I had my arms wrapped around a small Oak tree with pistol in front. Couldn't see where the bullet went, but it all went well.
Since that first time...I quit using the "Tree Method" of firing and have gotten a lot better at shooting AND loading...

The addiction just get worse the longer you reload..!!!
You'll be looking online at reloading supply web sites looking for something else to buy.
Pretty soon, you have everything you need or want....RIGHT..!!!!!

Good Job
Keep it going....

TxD

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Well done to both of you guys....

Rolling/shooting one's own ammunition. Fantastic source of satisfaction.

Congrats to teacher and student!

VooDoo