Reloading tools observation

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kestak

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Greetings,

I thought after the frenzy we saw last year this year we would see TONS of reloading tools beeing dumped on the market by the new reloaders quitting the reloading hobby. As of now, I don't see the flood or the bargains I was expecting.

How come I thought it soooo wrong? :banghead:
Am I too soon? :what:

Thank you
 
I know a couple people that bought equipment and supplies, and just packed them away "in case", having no real intention to use them until either they have no other choice, or retirement leaves them looking for a new hobby.
 
What I'm seeing is lots of newbies getting into reloading because the prices of factory ammo are really getting up there. Are you seeing the number of posts from these guys with no idea what they're doing and apparently without a manual to use? It's getting scary at the ranges. Guys seem to be just picking a powder and a bullet and loading up cases without any testing for pressure or velocity. They have no idea what they're doing. Just pick a max load and go for it.
 
It's getting scary at the ranges.
I didn't see you post anything on this? Any stories you care to share?

Guys seem to be just picking a powder and a bullet and loading up cases without any testing for pressure or velocity. They have no idea what they're doing. Just pick a max load and go for it.

You're one of those types that likes to paint with a very broad brush.
We all had to start somewhere. Quite often us newbs already know the answer to the question having read it in our books (yes we have books too) but we come to forums such as this to learn from the pros and confirm what we already know, or think we know. I doubt that there are many re-loaders relying entirely on online load data and forum information to chose their loads. Someone asking a load related question doesn't necessarily mean they don't have a reloading manual.

Forums are funny things that often take on a life of their own. In my experience there are 3-types of people that frequent forums.
1- Those that come to teach and educate the masses
2- Those that come to learn and further their craft (me)
3- Those that come to preach and interject their opinion on all matters, relevant or otherwise.

Which are you medalguy?


kestack.... with regard to your comment. There is a local craigslist type of listing service here in SLC that is really hot when it comes to guns and ammo. www.ksl.com
I have seen many reloading outfits coming through but they have been older singles from reloaders that have upgraded to turrets or AP type presses. Out west we're all going a little nuts still.
I thought I would find a good deal on ksl.com or fleabay but they just don't show up. Projectors get bid up to $300 most days and newer stuff just isn't there either. I finally just bought new.
 
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Over a period of some 40 years I only have personally known of one guy who sold his reloading gear. One may have to wait a long time for 'bargains'.

I agree that an unusually large number of persons have started reloading in the last couple of years (aka: Obama), but most are still in the startup phase, and still have either dreams of really getting started, or are looking for upgrades.

I believe we owe it to them to be civil, and help where we can. A lot of the old dudes on the forum grew up shooting out the bedroom window. A lot of the new guys have to drive an hour just to have a place to shoot.
 
Bobelk99,

Great post. :):)

I've been reloading for 45 years, and even did it commercially for 5 years.

I had a lot of help from "old-timers" in the learning process. ((I'm still learning, BTW! :D )

It saddens me when a knowledgeable person here just "blows off" a question from a newbie.

What seems "obvious" to many of us, really is "rocket science" to the guy/gal just starting out.

I still believe, very sincerely, that the only "stupid question" is the one you didn't ask!

To preserve our hobby, and our rights, get more people involved. One way to do that is to politely, and completely, answer the same old questions for different people every day.

Telling someone to "buy a manual," or "take a class," or "use the search function," may be good advice, but unless it's part of a comprehensive answer to the newbie's question, it reflects poorly on all of us, and on the hobby ion general. :eek::eek:
 
Telling someone to "buy a manual," or "take a class," or "use the search function," may be good advice, but unless it's part of a comprehensive answer to the newbie's question, it reflects poorly on all of us, and on the hobby ion general.
Absolutely we must be civil, and we will be.

But I also understand the frustration of a guy with reloading experience, who can only answer the same question a thousand times in a row. Sometimes it becomes clear that the poster just didn't want to go to the effort of looking it up for himself, when he can make us do the work for him.

Frustration is human, especially when some guy ignores all good sense (not just reloading knowledge, but GOOD SENSE) then demands that we pick up the pieces for him.

Nevertheless, we will all help whenever we can. And hope that everyone forgives us when we lose it.
 
I usually don't do the +1 thing, but I have to say +1 to the post by Cheygriz.

If someone 'new' has a question and is 'afraid to ask', send me a PM.

I don't have the experience of Cheygriz, but I have loaded off and on for over 50 years myself:evil:
 
I had a lot of help from "old-timers" in the learning process. ((I'm still learning, BTW! )

I'll stop learning when I stop loading. Thirty-five years without blowing up anything. If I'm lucky, another 25 or so.

I had been loading about five years when I got I got into long range handgunning. A couple of guys took me under their wings and I quickly realized how much I did NOT know.

Scary stories? I've watched a couple of guys break bolts trying to open the action after testing that new "warm" load. The brass was welded to to bolt face. Seen mags blown out the bottom of 1911s when .38 Super became the latest greatest in USPSA. Saw a guy lodge two bullets in the bore of a Les Baer. A lesser gun would have probably fragged his face. One fellow blew the top three chambers out of a S&W 27. Turns out 15 grains of Bullseye doesn't work as well as 15 grains of H110.
 
I was hoping for a dump also, it may take a while.I, have been slowly putting up stuff for my retierment also, a little here a little there. Some people would call me a hoarder, this is a badge I, would were with pride. WINK, WINK.
 
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hmm... this is interesting topic. I am a newbie but I will share my experience so far.

I got into reloading last year because cost of ammunition was way too high. I asked a local friend what he thought of a lee HAND press to start out. His reply (and to this day I appreciated it) was several pages of paragraphs on how and why I need the right equipment. On top of that he discussed the overall breakdown of what it cost him to cast his lead, load and shoot ($3.50/50 rounds of 9mm/45acp). He is a very knowledgeable reloader. He went over every major and minor detail from pressures to starting loads, etc. etc. He swayed me from progressives at first, which I did and to this day am very appreciative of what he did.

That being said. I have been one of those lucky guys from those "DEALS" that the OP is claiming should be had. But I didn't get the deal from a newbie. I got used complete SS presses and everything that goes with it for $175 including a few thousand primers and 5-6 pounds of powder, from a RETIREE. Not a newbie. Those really are where the deals are, the guys that are simply getting up there in age that reloading is no longer possible. I recently just picked up a Dillon 550 from another retiree plus several dies, conv kits, powders, primers, brass, projectiles, and extras for $300.

I believe once a newbie reloader starts reloading and IS successful it will be a lifelong hobby/pastime. Although I am new, I will make every effort to help to answer questions where I am confident. I will definitely be an advocate of reloading for years to come.

From the savings in money to the accuracy benefits associated in reloading, there really are no negatives other than to STRESS being safe.
 
Bootcamp,

You make a good point about retirees. If you're getting a little too old to shoot 500 rounds per week, or even per month, sell that Dillon 650 or 1050 to a younger person that will be able to get the full potential out of it. Or perhaps give it to your son/daughter/younger brother, etc.

If you're not using it, why let it sit there idle and clutter up your workshop?

I recently gave away my big Dillons, and kept only a little 550, and a Lyman Orange Crusher. Those two fulfill my needs now, and the "big 'uns" are being used again. :):)
 
If you're getting a little too old to shoot 500 rounds per week, or even per month, sell that Dillon 650 or 1050 to a younger person that will be able to get the full potential out of it.

Well I do not have dillon but because I'm getting old and not shooting as much I'm supposed to sell/give away my hobby of reloading or collecting which is numbered in the 3 digits, just isn't going to happen. Mama can sell them at auction some day.
 
Bought first firearm after recent election, now have 7 or 8 including PPC.
Learned how to handload for accuracy/cost. Now .223 .38spc 9mm 6PPC, thousand or so rounds so far.

Taught two more people. One owns a simple Lee press now, the other just dies and uses my press for his .45 (he's just starting)
The guy who bought a Lee kit is now starting to teach another fellow who wants to do .380 and 9mm.

Let's hope this continues to grow, for the good of all.
 
Well I do not have dillon but because I'm getting old and not shooting as much I'm supposed to sell/give away my hobby of reloading or collecting which is numbered in the 3 digits, just isn't going to happen. Mama can sell them at auction some day.
Yeah, that's me. I still have the very first press I bought. A Lyman Spartan, long discontinued. Haven't used it in a couple of decades. I occasionally loan it out to guys who want to try reloading, but I'm very careful who uses it.
 
My first press was a Bair. Came as a complete reloading kit from a salesmans sample that I purchased equipment for the company I worked for. He repped Bair and gace me the kit on memo billing, I still have it.
 
I think this thread turned a little south but I an very thankful for the help I get when I ask a Question...I check this forum and a couple of others every day and hope for answers to questions I have so I dont have to start a new thread because IMO the search function doesnt work very well.
 
I gave my Rock Chucker away to a friend.
I will not give any other equipment away--2 Dillions that I don't use, etc.
My boys are busy with other things---they will get back to shooting someday.
After 46 years the wife decided she needed to have her own weapon & learn how to shoot it---WOW
I just take my time with my Lee 4 hole turret
Have fun...........................................................:)
 
I would like to thank anyone who has ever given a press or reloading equipment to another enthusiast to get them started reloading.

I will never forget the gruff fellow who got me started with a gift of a Lee single stage some years back now. One of the best guys I ever had the chance to know.
 
I will say that I have given away reloading components, and loads of information and help to newbe's. But not presses, sold some dies that were dupes. Best place to find this stuff is under the tables at a gun show.
 
If anything the frenzy is getting stronger. I have purchased quite a bit of reloading equipment on flEbay and gotten some good deals but ever since they stopped selling reloading components to protect us from ourselves reloading equipment prices have gone nuts. Lots of modern/popular equipment is selling for more money on flEbay than you can buy it new from a reputable mail order house.

As to helping the noobs ... I help when I can and am happy to do it but have become somewhat more selective to whom I will respond. The guy (or gal) who has obviously done some up front studying and investigating will get my assistance every time if I am able to provide meaningful input.
 
As to the original ?, I don't think you'll be seeing the deals you are hoping for unless the ammo availability & prices come back to what they were pre osama.:rolleyes: IF that were to happen, you might find the deals you hope to see. I wouldn't hold yer breath though. :(
 
I can't speak for the entire nation but around here components are getting a little tricky. Once fired brass is going through the roof and supply is down, and just when I thought the primer issue was solved the supplies start to dwindle. I hope we don't see the day that reloading costs the same as white box ammo. Off topic I know, I'm just following along.
 
I think that if the prices/supply of ammo stay at present levels for the full 4 year term and beyond, most all the new reloaders will stay with the culture and not stop reloading. That said, if the price of ammo drops to equal or less than reloaded (really:rolleyes:) some of them may get out of the hobby. I did say MAY....:scrutiny: Just glad I started years ago and had a decent amount of stuff accumulated pre-Obama.:D
 
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