Reloading workshop/communal reloading workspace

[flyboy3394]

Are there any places in Northern California where one could go, pay for a session, and use the tools to reload ammo?

Im sure people will just tell me to get all my own stuff, but right now its not financially possible, so I am just curious.

[milotrain]

The problem is liability. Your solution is to make a friend with reloading kit.

Alternatively you could buy a really basic kit for less than the price of gas to said friend's house. What cartridge do you want to reload?

Here is a stab at the cheapest setup:
Scale $18
RCBS Partner Press $66
Lee dies $30
Hand Primer $30 (buy a used Lee one, they are the best anyway)
Die Wax $9
Lee Perfect Powder Measure $26
RCBS Bullet Puller $17
Lee Delux case trimmer with die $30

~$250 for a nearly complete setup. Use old ammo trays as loading trays, clean your brass by hand with 000 wool and a bronze brush.

[Capybara]

The other problem, that is becoming apparent, is that the ATF has now taken the same stance with reloading clubs and instruction as they have with AK build parties and AR CNC parties. If someone takes money from you for using their reloading equipment for you to make ammunition, the ATF wants you to have an FFL06 and become a licensed ammo manufacturer. We are having to come up with alternate methods of teaching reloading with our reloading clubs.

Not mention that under Prop 63, even though it is not specifically addressed, it leaves a question and a gray area about what if you bring your own components to a reloading class/instructor and then leave with finished ammunition? You have then acquired ammunition without going through the process with a licensed ammunition dealer. Not good as far as the CADOJ will be concerned.

Basically, the forces that be are making things we have all taken for granted for decades illegal. It's California.

[tvfreakarms]

Steel wool and clean brass by hand????
Bro u will never get anything. I say save up for a brass cleaner

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[flyboy3394]

The problem is liability. Your solution is to make a friend with reloading kit.

Alternatively you could buy a really basic kit for less than the price of gas to said friend's house. What cartridge do you want to reload?

Here is a stab at the cheapest setup:
Scale $18
RCBS Partner Press $66
Lee dies $30
Hand Primer $30 (buy a used Lee one, they are the best anyway)
Die Wax $9
Lee Perfect Powder Measure $26
RCBS Bullet Puller $17
Lee Delux case trimmer with die $30

~$250 for a nearly complete setup. Use old ammo trays as loading trays, clean your brass by hand with 000 wool and a bronze brush.

Looking to reload both .223/556 and .30-06

[dwalker]

What part of the Bay are you in? I have some spare stuff I could probably let go of for cheap.

[stevec223]

Lots of calguns members who would partner up with you on reloading 223 and 06.... Bulk bullet and primer-powder buys... Share the labor of brass prep and learn the ins and outs of reloading... Bring a pizza and have a private clinic,,, win-win... Someone close to your location will step up to help out a newb... Where are you located ??..(on my phone-dosnt show your upper left ).. Cheers..

[dwalker]

I really do not see reloading as a group activity. Lots of attention needs to be paid and small mistakes can be big issues.

I have a friend in CO that has a few Dillons and he will let people who want to reload 9mm and 223 come up and load using his machines as long as they bring thier own brass/powder/etc.. Works out for him but its one person with another person who knows what they are doing watching like a hawk. Not a clubhouse.

[Joezamboni]

Truthfully I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing reloading equipment. It can be as simple as a single hair in a powder drop to really ruin your day.

[BigBronco]

I really do not see reloading as a group activity. Lots of attention needs to be paid and small mistakes can be big issues.

I have a friend in CO that has a few Dillons and he will let people who want to reload 9mm and 223 come up and load using his machines as long as they bring thier own brass/powder/etc.. Works out for him but its one person with another person who knows what they are doing watching like a hawk. Not a clubhouse.

We have successfully done just that for a a couple years now. However as Capybara noted, the powers that are enslaving California make it difficult.

[G-Man WC]

Make a friend with someone that reloads. That's what I did.
A lot of people would be happy to show you the process.
The fine art of tumbling brass, depriming\resizing, priming cases, setting up dies, dropping power, and seating bullets to OAL.
My teacher was more than happy to have me come over and pull the lever for a few hours on a single stage for him.
It's well worth your time to get a perspective on different methods people use and the equipment. Then see what works best for you before you buy.
I went gung ho and don't use half the crap I bought years before knew what I really needed.
-g

[milotrain]

Steel wool and clean brass by hand????
Bro u will never get anything. I say save up for a brass cleaner

I did 40 rounds of 308 a few weeks back this way, it was fine. Not fun but more fun than digging out the tumbler for 40 rounds. Took less time than waiting for the tumbler too.

I agree that a tumbler is worth it but OP can't justify the cost of reloading so we are going to have to get him to commit to the idea first.

$350 gets you all you need to start reloading both 223 and 30-06. Use Varget, 4895, or 4064 and you only need one powder (including for the garand). You'll spend more on your first stockpile of reloading supplies (powder, primers, bullets) than the $350 on your setup.

[flyboy3394]

I did 40 rounds of 308 a few weeks back this way, it was fine. Not fun but more fun than digging out the tumbler for 40 rounds. Took less time than waiting for the tumbler too.

I agree that a tumbler is worth it but OP can't justify the cost of reloading so we are going to have to get him to commit to the idea first.

$350 gets you all you need to start reloading both 223 and 30-06. Use Varget, 4895, or 4064 and you only need one powder (including for the garand). You'll spend more on your first stockpile of reloading supplies (powder, primers, bullets) than the $350 on your setup.

Good to know. I have reloaded some .45acp and shotgun shells before and would eventually like to get into it myself, but currently I have no funds (paying off student loans) and no place to set up a workspace.

[357manny]

The other problem, that is becoming apparent, is that the ATF has now taken the same stance with reloading clubs and instruction as they have with AK build parties and AR CNC parties. If someone takes money from you for using their reloading equipment for you to make ammunition, the ATF wants you to have an FFL06 and become a licensed ammo manufacturer. We are having to come up with alternate methods of teaching reloading with our reloading clubs.

Not mention that under Prop 63, even though it is not specifically addressed, it leaves a question and a gray area about what if you bring your own components to a reloading class/instructor and then leave with finished ammunition? You have then acquired ammunition without going through the process with a licensed ammunition dealer. Not good as far as the CADOJ will be concerned.

Basically, the forces that be are making things we have all taken for granted for decades illegal. It's California.

So that's why there was big talk about reloading a few years ago (in old threads), but I don't see as much group activity now... frustrating!!! I want to learn to reload as well, but YouTube and reading books only go so far. Thanks, CADOJ... not!

[milotrain]

Good to know. I have reloaded some .45acp and shotgun shells before and would eventually like to get into it myself, but currently I have no funds (paying off student loans) and no place to set up a workspace.

Paying off student loans is important so good on you for committing to that. Just save a little at a time and you'll be able to get setup fairly soon. You don't need a workspace, you just need the edge of a counter that you can quickclamp your press to.