Looking to start reloading

[wpod]

I've noticed more threads on reloading,it is something I've considered getting in to.

I was wondering if there is a reloading club, or an individual, in or around Modesto that might be willing to let me watch the process.

Primarily looking to start with 9mm, later expanding to other pistol calibers.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Mot Mi]

Research and gather a list of what you want to purchase. Get a manual and read it from the front to back. Id really suggest with a single stage for learning but if you have money to dish out go progressive. Either a rockchucker or a lee turret press and for progressive a 650xl from dillon.

[stilly]

I've noticed more threads on reloading,it is something I've considered getting in to.

I was wondering if there is a reloading club, or an individual, in or around Modesto that might be willing to let me watch the process.

Primarily looking to start with 9mm, later expanding to other pistol calibers.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

So now that you have assessed WHAT you want to start on, why have you considered it in the first place? Modesto is up near Stockton and Merced or is it lower? There is going to be a reloading clinic between San Diego and San Bernardino on the 12th of April. Are you available to make the drive? You will get to see first hand what it will consider doing and for a price you will even get to make your own rounds to give them a try...

The first thing I would do would be to make a small investment and buy either the Book of Lyman or the Book of Lee (Lyman 49th edition or Modern Reloading by Richard Lee 2nd edition) and start reading it.

By starting out reading a reloading manual you are infusing your mind with the techniques and vernacular associated with reloading. Once you get to see the things in real life after that you will be like, DAMN I thought that was what that was.. It is crazy...

Once you are done reading the book, and BTW, the part you gotta read is not real big, only a few chapters or so, the rest of the book is all about different loads and recipes. You like Emeril Well BAM! Now you can make your OWN ammo! :O

THAT is where you should start. If you want to secure a press then you should determine how many rounds you will need to make to shoot or so a month. Unless you are needed to stock up for the end of days or have a competition that needs 4000 rounds by next week, I think you should start on a Lee Classic Turret. That is the fastest turret that you can buy for the LEAST AMOUNT OF MONEY that will make great ammo for you. I do not know you so I think you should not even start on a progressive until you learn good habits and what to look for. If you think that you FOR SURE are going to go through with this then go buy the Modern Reloading book by Richard Lee and then buy a Lee Classic Turret from FSRELOADING. Your total investment will be about $140 and you will have the machine that the book talks about AND you will be able to see it in real life and decide where you want to mount it (HINT: somewhere sturdy).

Once you have done all of that you will be ready to start and then pick up components and equipment and be on your way.

[wpod]

Thanks for the replies

[mu9en]

If you get the chance. I highly recommend the reloading clinics. You'll meet a bunch of great guys who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

[toddh]

I'd like to ask the OP something....

How many threads have you read from all the previously posted "learning to reload" threads that you can read right here in reloading area of the forum ??
And how many of the youtube videos, all the other reloading forums, all the books and manuals that are available, and all the information that manufacturers put out there, and all the other info available on the interweb have you read ??

You should be looking at all that stuff that is currently available and educating yourself to what you need to learn.


.

[wpod]

I have read threads and watched many videos.
I was just asking if there was a group or individual to watch someone do it live where I might be able to ask questions.
Thanks for the replies

[Capybara]

You should spend the time and watch these, they are amongst the best produced, most straightforward reloading videos I have seen. Can't believe how lucky we are that companies post useful stuff like this on YouTube for free.

[BigBronco]

I have read threads and watched many videos.
I was just asking if there was a group or individual to watch someone do it live where I might be able to ask questions.
Thanks for the replies

Excellent answer. Many of us got started with little or next to no guidance.

Though today there is much media available than when, lets say I got started reloading. It is nice to have a reloading mentor or a class to see and experience first hand just what cam over feels like. To learn what mistakes to avoid.

Trust me when I say it is one of the best feelings to mentor and teach someone a useful skill.

To the OP or any one else wanting to learn by being shown hands on. If there is not a reloading club holding a class in your area, here is a link to searching for NRA instructors and courses in your area.

http://nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

[bigbossman]

OP - if you ever make it over the hill into the Diablo Valley, I can show what I do with my presses.

[wpod]

I think someone that read this post PMed me and we later talked on the phone about your reloading equipment for sale.
Please check your inbox.

[slopoke]

If you don't mind driving out to Livermore. J&R Sports Supply has reloading classes from time to time. Call them at (925) 443-9691. They also list their class dates in the vendor section and the last one they had was back in December of last year.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1010208

[ricksOe]

Midwayusa has the Lee Classic Turret Press Delux Kit back in stock for $209... its definitely the best bang for a reloading start up kit.. plus all the goodies you get will save you a few bucks to get you a nice die set.. im in Merced and can be of some service.

[wpod]

This deal was someone that had tried their hand at reloading and it wasn't for them. It was the Lee kit, a tumbler, media, bunch brass... everything needed.
I bought 9mm die set, bullets, powder, primers... everything to add to the kit.
Just getting ready. I'm still going to watch someone else, then have them watch me. I don't want to just jump-in and potentially have an accident.
The bad part for me is my days off are (partial) Tue & Wed.

[hambam105]

The most expensive reloading press selection error is having to buy twice.

About your scale selection;
I'd physically handle any scale prior to buying one. I'd visit one of the big electronic box store and take a look. I use both electronic and balance beam scales.

One unnamed reloading company should be ashamed of themselves for offering junk that is supposed to pass for a balance beam scale. I digress.