Reloading Customer Service

[nullix34]

First off, I'm pretty new at this reloading thing and got into it a year ago due to California laws. I bought a Dillon 550 press and started reloading ammo for my Glock 21 (45 cal).

Now I bought dies for my new 308 rifle and will start reloading those.

Now, I'm in Santa Clarita, so it seems the closest places for supplies is Oak Tree. (This might be my problem!) Oak Tree has a separate trailer/store for reloading supplies that's ran by one old guy. Everytime I go there, it always seems like I'm interrupting him in his store. And heaven forbid I actually have a question I get the 3rd degree.

My questions are:
1. Is this typical of reloading supply shops?
2. Are there other suppliers near me (Santa Clarita) that are friendlier to newbies?

[jericho89]

I find that you have two types of reloading shops (just like gun shops). The ones that are willing to chew the fat and love what they do and those that feel you should know what you need before you know what you need..

For price and selection online is the place to go. The problem with that is you need to know what will work for you and your firearms. I do not know of any places close to Santa Clarita so I can not help you there, and you may need to suffer that bs while you figure out what powder and other consumables you like. But once you get that dialed in then start the onlinesearches for the best deals and suppliers to deal with. Just remember that the rifle rounds will burn through a lot more powder than the pistol so an 8 lb jug is not un reasonable (4-5lbs per thousand depending on your recipe).

[HBDano]

Angeles Range has a reloading store also, although I'm not going to say the customer service is great... I'm down in Orange County and right next to Angels Stadium there is Reload OC... Brian is the Owner/Operator, and he is great... To the point that he will teach you how to use whatever product your looking at and help you troubleshoot any issues you run into.

I realize that is not close to you, my ex-wife lives in Saugus and so I get to split the difference when exchanging my son.

Camarillo gun store, the other direction, has a good selection of powder, and decent prices. The owner there is Carlton, his brother is Brian... And all the guys that work there are great.

So if you happen to be going either direction an hour or so, there are a couple options for you that I know of... That aren't dbags...

Honestly, I buy probably 90% or more of my supplies online. Watch for free shipping/no hazmat fees for powder and primers, and you can get brass and projectiles cheaper for sure.

I hope that helps...
Dan

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[baih777]

You want to stop buy Angeles and pickup a Dillon case gauge for 308. Depending who's working the counter, what kind of help you get. They just hired a new guy. Powder prices have gone up.
Might want to make the drive to OC to get started.

Or a fellow calgunner might help you up your way.

[Leon75x55]

You are talking about Rolf. He is an a-hole. I don't kow why they still have him work there. He used to be at Angeles range reloading store and enough people complained about him that they finally had to let him go. They were losing business because of him. But once you get to know him he is very knowledgeable, but still an ***. Angeles has a good selection of supplies.

[Malthusian]

The obvious choice is order from Dillon

Not being sarcastic, it's just that Dillion is pretty much more of a mail order model

However
I find Dillon's shipping ridiculous
I go to Ebay for most of the bread and butter small stuff

Also get the spare parts kit

or

When a spring breaks call Dillon and they will ship a new one for free

Wait for part to arrive......

I prefer to have the part and have Dillon ship the broken part and return to my spare parts bin

[CSACANNONEER]

It's not a reloading store thing, it's a personality thing. Rolf is Rolf. He knows his stuff but, he isn't the most personable person. I really doubt he was fired from Angeles. From what I've heard, he use to work at Oaktree. They closed their reloading store so, he found a new job at Angeles. Oaktree Reopened it's reloading store and he was rehired to run it.

[nullix34]

You are talking about Rolf. He is an a-hole.

Rolf is Rolf. He knows his stuff but, he isn't the most personable person.

Yes, that's him.

He was helpful with me before with reloading .45. This time, he was more abrasive. I don't need my hand held and I understand the dangers with reloading, but it almost seemed like I wasn't qualified to be talking to him. Let alone buying from him.

I figured I only need to buy powder and primers locally and I'll get the other stuff online.

[ElDub1950]

Yes, that's him.

He was helpful with me before with reloading .45. This time, he was more abrasive. I don't need my hand held and I understand the dangers with reloading, but it almost seemed like I wasn't qualified to be talking to him. Let alone buying from him.

I figured I only need to buy powder and primers locally and I'll get the other stuff online.

meh. So you caught the old guy when he didn't want to chit chat. Maybe he remembered he had already talked to you a lot and figured you should buy a book. Maybe there were other customers. Maybe he had to go pee and you wanted to talk. Who knows.

He's a clerk at a store. Join a reloading club or ask here if you want reloading advice. If not getting extra time and personal attention one day makes it worth changing stores, then you should do that. Doesn't seem like a big deal.

[acoop101]

If you ever find your self in the Paso Robles area houge has a pro shop with a very well outfitted reloading department, the manager by the name of art is very knowledgeable and willing to help new shooter's get up and running as reloaders.

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[Fastattack]

If you find yourself in Lancaster go see Ron (the owner) at The Gun Shop. The guy is an encyclopedia and easy to talk with. He doesn't sell Dillion parts which might be a problem. The guy has never led me astray. The other employees are hit or miss.

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[bubbala]

I'm in Santa Clarita. P.M. me

[CSACANNONEER]

Yes, that's him.

He was helpful with me before with reloading .45. This time, he was more abrasive. I don't need my hand held and I understand the dangers with reloading, but it almost seemed like I wasn't qualified to be talking to him. Let alone buying from him.

I figured I only need to buy powder and primers locally and I'll get the other stuff online.

He does really try to keep people safe and isn't trying to be rude. It's just his personality so, don't be offended.

I'm in Santa Clarita. P.M. me

This!!!!!! Bubbala is local and a great reloading mentor/instructor!

[tonyjr]

Camarillo
I finally found them . I am in S F / bay area .
Anyway , they were closing - gabbed a couple pounds of powder and was looking at throw away ads on powder .
What I really liked was the fact that while I was looking at throw aways [ waiting ] the guy finished and grabbed about 6 more ads and handed to me . Most places act like you just took the last donut .

[RiskyBusiness]

First off, I'm pretty new at this reloading thing and got into it a year ago due to California laws. I bought a Dillon 550 press and started reloading ammo for my Glock 21 (45 cal).

Now I bought dies for my new 308 rifle and will start reloading those.

Now, I'm in Santa Clarita, so it seems the closest places for supplies is Oak Tree. (This might be my problem!) Oak Tree has a separate trailer/store for reloading supplies that's ran by one old guy. Everytime I go there, it always seems like I'm interrupting him in his store. And heaven forbid I actually have a question I get the 3rd degree.

My questions are:
1. Is this typical of reloading supply shops?
2. Are there other suppliers near me (Santa Clarita) that are friendlier to newbies?

This is typical with the majority of employees of gun related businesses. They could care less for customer service because they've shot guns they think they're high on a pedastool so serving someones needs lowers their self esteem i guess.