Reloading Club-LA County Chapter***see post 439 for next clinic Jan or Feb 2018***

[CSACANNONEER]

Sorry guys. I've dropped the ball a bit and need to set a date for this. Damn personal life. Anyway, let me get with the member who has offered us a location and find a date that'll work for him.

[Vaguayo90]

Hey brother man I'm down to learn how to relode next time you have a class let me know I have a 9mm and 45 long colt I would like to relode pm and we can go from there thanks

[CSACANNONEER]

Originally Posted by Lifeon2whls

I'm interested in reloading but don't have any equipment yet and am curious if its better to try and get to one of these classes before I go out and buy anything so I have a better idea of what I should be getting. I'm looking to start reloading 30-06 for the Garand and then move into .45 / 9mm and .223.

That's what these classes are for. You'll get some experience and instruction instead of just blindly buying stuff that you don't fully understand.

Originally Posted by Vaguayo90

Hey brother man I'm down to learn how to relode next time you have a class let me know I have a 9mm and 45 long colt I would like to relode pm and we can go from there thanks

I suggest subscribing to this thread and keeping an eye out for an announcement of the next basic class. I'm going to wait until after the precision reloading class on the 17th to announce a date for the next starter class. That way, we'll have a better idea of what the new location can accommodate.

[tujungatoes]

My brother just dropped some dies in my lap that I either (A)dont need or (B)already have. So.....The LA chapter just inherited a few die sets. .40 s&w, 7.62x39, and(I believe) 300 Win mag.

[pitbull30]

Subscribed.

Someone PM me if possible when you have your next beginner class. I'd like to join the group.

And on a side note in reference to the OP I'm willing to donate to get it going.

[pmrsino]

I'm paying the fee along for the membership with the xtreme bullet group buy. I need to know who to pay.
Thanks

[Bumslie]

Originally Posted by pmrsino

I'm paying the fee along for the membership with the xtreme bullet group buy. I need to know who to pay.
Thanks

I responded to you in the extreme buy.

Btw CSA I'm going to keep a log for anyone that says they join LA chapter and will send you the dues for your club so you can buy componets. I just need a list of who has paid dues for you, so no one can say they are a member but never really paid dues.

[BruinGuy]

I hope you've been keeping good records, CSA!

Now this is the kind of thing I would volunteer to do for the club, since I don't have the knowledge to help others with reloading yet.

[CSACANNONEER]

Records? Yea, I keep good records. I have a mint condition Dark Side of the Moon album and a picture disk of Barnes and Barnes's "Fish Heads" around here.

OK guys, we are having a small precision reloading class today at bubbala's shop. It'll be a good way to test the location from larger parties in the future. Also, I'm moving to Westlake Village soon and, in a few months, I might be able to have classes there. But, we are still in need of other locations around the county.

Bumslie,

I've already started the long process of moving from here. I figure it'll take me a couple months or more and my records are already lost in the mess. I'll try to dig them up but, not many have paid yet so, it shouldn't be hard for me to figure out who has and who hasn't.

[bgoldber]

Interested/Subscribed

I just purchased an M1a so I'd be interested in 9mm .38special and .308Win.

Keep me posted on classes, dues/membership, whatnot. I'm all novice, with no gear to my name so this will be a good way to break into reloading.

[CSACANNONEER]

I just got home from the precision rifle reloading class at bubbala's shop and it looks like a good place to hold classes with up to 8 students at a time. I'll talk to him tomorrow about setting a date for the next class.

[SmokeWagon]

Originally Posted by CSACANNONEER

I just got home from the precision rifle reloading class at bubbala's shop and it looks like a good place to hold classes with up to 8 students at a time. I'll talk to him tomorrow about setting a date for the next class.

Yep, will work out great. Easy to get to and NO dirt roads

[CSACANNONEER]

OK, the next class will be held on Sept 15th. Class will start at 9am and Instructors should arrive at 8am to set up. I'm not going to hold hands and send PMs to anyone announcing the class. So, sign up here in and PM me your calgun's name, real name, what cartridge you want to load and if you have any equipment or experience. The cost will be $20 for a year's club dues, $40 for the class, some form of lunch and components for one 20 round box of bottle necked cartridges or 50 rounds of straight walled pistol cartridges. This assumes that I have the components and dies for your cartridge of choice. If not, we'll have to figure something out. The class will be held at bubbala's shop's parking lot within walking distance of the Saugus Cafe in the Santa Clarita area and will be outside for the most part. The address will be sent out to those who have committed to come just prior to the event. There is only room for 8 students so sign up asap or wait until the next one. We also need at least 4 instructors (certified or just experienced reloaders) to come help. There are no dirt roads, open carry, un-permitted CCW or live fire at this location. Anyone with a LTC will need to keep it holstered and concealed at all times. This location is within city limits. So, who's in?

Students:


Lifeon2whls.....................30-06
fifT7...............................357 (if we can come up with some plated or jacketed bullets)
goesfaster.......................38 (own press, dies and components)
gofaster +1 ....................unknown
satcon805.......................unknown at this time
mound............................308
lp3056.............................458 socom if he has dies otherwise ??????
Gigantor..........................unknown

Instructors:

Me (I hope)
bubbala (as an instructor in training and possibly as a returning student too?)
Toes
BruinGuy

[Lifeon2whls]

I'm in...pm inbound.

[tujungatoes]

I'll be there.

[fifT7]

My backyard. I'm in. PM inbound

[BruinGuy]

I'd like to attend to observe and help out where I can. I can also bring some tools for people to try out, like my zip trim, if anyone is interested.

[CSACANNONEER]

Originally Posted by BruinGuy

I'd like to attend to observe and help out where I can. I can also bring some tools for people to try out, like my zip trim, if anyone is interested.

I've never used or seen a zip trim in use. So, I'd like to watch/try one.

[BruinGuy]

Originally Posted by CSACANNONEER

I've never used or seen a zip trim in use. So, I'd like to watch/try one.

I've got the gauges to trim .223, 7.62x39, 7.62x54r, 30-06, 7.5swiss, .303, and 8mm

I'm willing to pick up gauges for pistol calibers too, if you think anyone would like to use it for those. Just let me know what people want to reload.

[Goesfaster]

PM inbound. I will be there.

[satcom805]

PM inbound. I will be there.

[Goesfaster]

I can bring and donate some Extreme 158g copper plated SWC.

[CSACANNONEER]

OK, I'm surprised this class hasn't filled up yet. I know there are a bunch of people who've previously expressed interest. I'm not going to hold their hands by going through the thread and PM each one. I've done that too many times for AK Build Parties and I don't feel like doing it anymore. There are 4 spots left and I'll take two more on a standby basis. So, who wants to learn to reload?


I just went up to Oxnard tonight and picked up a set of calipers and a set of dies from TacticalPlinker. He threw in a trickler, lube pad, some powder and some brass for the club!

Originally Posted by BruinGuy

I've got the gauges to trim .223, 7.62x39, 7.62x54r, 30-06, 7.5swiss, .303, and 8mm

I'm willing to pick up gauges for pistol calibers too, if you think anyone would like to use it for those. Just let me know what people want to reload.

Don't go buying them for this class. A quick demo with the zip-trim and a .223 cartridge should be all we need.

Originally Posted by Goesfaster

I can bring and donate some Extreme 158g copper plated SWC.

AWESOME!!!!!

[CSACANNONEER]

Bump

[Not a Cook]

Originally Posted by CSACANNONEER

OK, I'm surprised this class hasn't filled up yet. I know there are a bunch of people who've previously expressed interest.

Any plans for a Saturday class? Sundays just won't work for some of us.

[RS4_Driver]

Sorry can't make it to the Sept. 15th class due to family commitments. Will try to make it next time.

[CSACANNONEER]

Originally Posted by Not a Cook

Any plans for a Saturday class? Sundays just won't work for some of us.

Sure, we can have a Saturday class sometime. Actually, the last class we had was on Saturday.

[mound]

I'm interested in the Sept 15 class, are there any spots left?

.308 win for me or 12 gauge...not sure if you guys will have this available or not though.

Thanks!

[CSACANNONEER]

Originally Posted by mound

I'm interested in the Sept 15 class, are there any spots left?

.308 win for me or 12 gauge...not sure if you guys will have this available or not though.

Thanks!

Yes, there's a spot for you. Not shotshell reloading yet. But, it is coming in the future. I hope to be able to teach .410, 28g, 20g, 16g and 12g within the next year or so. I just need a more MEC 600s.

[kkp]

Very interested, but can't make it on 9/15. Are these generally held monthly, or more often than that? (I haven't read everything here, obviously, just post #1 and then went to #176 to the end, as referred for current info.)

I have started assembling a low end setup for .223, and eventually will add 9mm to the mix (but starting with 223 only for now). Some day I may spend the money for a nice Dillon rig but it's just not possible right now. I have a brand new still-in-box Lee single stage Anniversary kit, a Lee .223 die set, and Lee case gauge and shellholder for .223. I'm sure there are a few more things I'll need to pick up, most importantly a manual and brass tumbler (and of course primers and powder, and I have some brass but could use more), but I didn't want to move farther forward with anything else without being certain of the right things to get, and why.

I know there are lots of far superior reloading kits out there, but they cost a lot more, and this one was recommended to me by a fellow CalGunner as an inexpensive way to get started, and that seemed good enough for now, so I decided to jump on it. Gotta get your feet wet at some point, right? Even if I end up selling it all off for better gear, a year or two down the road, as long as I can knock out enough .223 to pay for it, it's money well-spent.

[bubbala]

this will be the 2nd meeting. the 1st was 8 to 10 weeks ago, i think.
right now we're trying to judge the response to the classes and schedule from there.

[kkp]

Originally Posted by bubbala

this will be the 2nd meeting. the 1st was 8 to 10 weeks ago, i think.
right now we're trying to judge the response to the classes and schedule from there.

Ok, thx. I'm subbed to the thread, so next time there's a class hopefully I can join in the fun.

[CSACANNONEER]

Originally Posted by bubbala

this will be the 2nd meeting. the 1st was 8 to 10 weeks ago, i think.
right now we're trying to judge the response to the classes and schedule from there.

Well, we had the "advanced class" and, I had a test class at my place with only two students and two instructors before we had the bigger class there. Then, I also went and helped at the Ventura class. With all that and the fact that I'm going to be slowly moving for the next few months, I can only spread myself so thin. But, hopefully we will do them every month or two.

[lp3056]

PM inbound...

[BruinGuy]

KKP -

Don't worry about your Lee Anniversary kit - it's a great kit at a bargain price! It's what I'm using, and while some other presses may be made of heavier cast iron, the Lee is plenty sturdy and works well. The priming system works fine, and the powder drop is easy to use as well. I've made at least 700 rounds of rifle ammo on mine since I took the class in July.

I would suggest you invest in a digital scale; the one that comes with the kit is fine, but much slower to use than a digital.

For trimming your brass, you can get the Lee Zip Trim for about $20. Much quicker than doing it by hand. Or you can use the chuck and a hand drill. There are more precise trimmers, but see what your requirements are before investing in one.

For .223 brass, check the reloading marketplace - I picked up 1,000 for $50 from another Calgunner here, and I've seen similar prices for range brass ($50-60/1k). And don't forget to pick up all you can when you go to the range.

Hopefully we'll see you at a future class!

[kkp]

Originally Posted by BruinGuy

KKP -

Don't worry about your Lee Anniversary kit - it's a great kit at a bargain price! It's what I'm using, and while some other presses may be made of heavier cast iron, the Lee is plenty sturdy and works well. The priming system works fine, and the powder drop is easy to use as well. I've made at least 700 rounds of rifle ammo on mine since I took the class in July.

I would suggest you invest in a digital scale; the one that comes with the kit is fine, but much slower to use than a digital.

For trimming your brass, you can get the Lee Zip Trim for about $20. Much quicker than doing it by hand. Or you can use the chuck and a hand drill. There are more precise trimmers, but see what your requirements are before investing in one.

For .223 brass, check the reloading marketplace - I picked up 1,000 for $50 from another Calgunner here, and I've seen similar prices for range brass ($50-60/1k). And don't forget to pick up all you can when you go to the range.

Hopefully we'll see you at a future class!

Thanks for the info! (I got your PM as well)

I was looking at electronic scales at Amazon, actually. What do you think of the Frankford scale? Frankford Arsenal Reloading Scale ($30, 750 grn max, +/- 0.1 grn, includes calibration weight, runs on two AAA)

I have had the Frankford tumber kit in my cart for a while, just hadn't pulled the trigger yet. Will shortly, since my Lee kit finally arrived.

Re manuals, I keep seeing references to the Lyman Reloading Handbook, and was also planning to grab the Lee manual (always seems like a good idea to own the book written by the people who made your equipment, right?). I'll keep the Hornady manual in mind.

The Lee kit I bought comes with "Lee Large and Small Safety Prime", are you recommending (in your PM) passing on that and using the Lee Auto Prime (XR?) or Lee Ergo Prime instead? (also, isn't a shell holder needed for those?)

Finally, re powder and primers, thanks for the recommendations of Varget and CCI. Does it make sense to buy locally or pick it up online? "Hogdon Varget" is what you mean, right? Midway carries CCI Small Rifle and CCI Military Small Rifle primers, would one be better for a Mini14 and AR15? I actually had both in my cart at one point, but hadn't committed yet since I wanted to take the class first.

Good idea on the marketplace, for brass. I do have a couple hundred or so cases from my last trips to the range to play with, and I also have about 2000 rounds of factory ammo (various brands) that I'll be going through before long, so that should keep me in brass for a bit, hopefully.

One question though: What about 5.56? Most reloading posts and websites I've read always seem to refer to .223, but can one reload 5.56 at home as well? Obviously both work fine in my ARs and in my Mini14, so .223 is fine, but I was wondering about the distinction. Particularly with regard to brass, I suppose... can you take a 5.56 shell and reload it with a .223 press and die?

[BruinGuy]

First, sorry CSA - the thread is going off-topic a bit!

kkp - I don't know about that scale; it's probably fine, although not likely super accurate it'll get you within .1 or .2 grains.

Almost any tumbler is going to work the same, so if the reviews don't say it's a POS that broke within a week, buy by best price.

The Lyman manual is a good reference. Most of the bullet manufacturer manuals tend to concentrate on their bullets. Hornady makes a lot of popular .223 bullets, which is why I suggested it especially.

The Lee safety prime works great. The reason I suggested the hand primers is because they allow you to get away from the press for a bit. I use both my on the press priming system and the hand primer.

Hogdon Varget is a very popular powder for .223 and works well in a number of other rifle cartridges. There are plenty of other powders that are great for .223, though, and given how tough it is to get hold of powder, you might do well to try a few options out and see which one you like best. The CCI "Military" small rifle primers are great, but either will work. The "military" ones are a little harder, which is better for safety in auto-loading rifles, although I think AR-15 slamfires are pretty rare.

5.56 brass can be trimmed and loaded as .223. Some 5.56 brass, like LC, also has a crimped primer pocket, which will have to be swaged before it can be re-primed.

I know a lot of the folks that visit the reloading forum here have a lot of experience and even more gear, so if you want tons of feedback on what you're planning to get, I'd suggest starting a new thread in the forum. You will get plenty of useful feedback and advice.

[CSACANNONEER]

Everyone needs an analog scale. Electronic scales can be nice but, they have their issues. Invest in a good analog scale before getting an electronic one.

[CSACANNONEER]

Only one week left until the next beginners clinic and there are still a couple spots left!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gigantor]

Pm sent