Reloading Club Eastbay

[maylebox]

Hi, I'm not sure if you guys have picked a spot and/or time for a meeting but I'd like to add myself to the list of potential newbie reloaders. Last week I reloaded my 1st rounds ever, 50 each of .45 cal pistol on a RCBS turret press owned and set up by my buddy. I have been researching reloading presses and saving a bit of brass from the range. I plan to reload 9 and 45 pistol and 223 and 308 rifle. I've also ordered some consumables (9mm bullets and primers, 223 and 308 bullets, military 308 brass which I'll need to trim/swage etc, 1 lb imr rifle powder) I have access to my buddy's set up and can buy some powder and primers from him to get started but I'm starting to gather my own stuff to set up a press in my garage. I also ordered a set of 4 Lee 9mm dies since my buddy does not reload 9mm he does not have those dies for his press. I'm leaning very heavily toward the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit for my entry into reloading but will learn on his RBCS. I like the idea of running the press in single stage for the 308 ammo since I wont be in any hurry while producing those rounds. I'm in Oakland and would love to meet up with the group whenever/wherever. Sorry I dont have a good suggestion for a meeting spot. Steve

[evol ways]

My reloading bench is a double thick sheet of plywood (24x30ish inch) with a single stage press bolted on. I then clamp the plywood to a workmate collapsible bench. I couldn't wait to make room and build a real bench, was too anxious to get to loading.

I might have to take this idea from you and go this route untill i have some extra money/space/tools to build me a bench. Thanks for the idea though man!

[testpress]

I'm in!!

[james29]

Would love to be apart of this.

Maybe have a small swap meet type bit? I've got a bunch of powders an other stuff I've collected, would love to swap or pass on.

[Trgt]

Would love to be apart of this.

Maybe have a small swap meet type bit? I've got a bunch of powders an other stuff I've collected, would love to swap or pass on.

+1!

[B.A.]

Im in....I am in east bay Dublin\Castro Valley\San Leandro....send me a PM if someone organizes, my schedule is flexible (just not during NFL games please)

[ghettojet]

I think a swap meet would be cool. I have a bunch of Dillon stuff I don't use.

[fizux]

USI is a NO.
The insurance policy expressly forbids anyone from reclaiming lead, or ANY KIND of RELOADING, or similar. I looked it up a couple months ago when Ivan asked me.

The politics of reloading USI are complicated because at least one of the VIPs there is knee-jerk irrational about reloading. The ban is a fiat declaration due to the fact that we all reload super hot, unsafe, blah, and blah.

One day I was shooting .40 minor and was asked to chrono my "super hot" reloads vs factory .40 (which is major PF) to prove how dangerous the reloads were. Needless to say, the anti-reloading argument persists despite being thoroughly debunked.

I think the action pistol range bldg is an ideal place, but someone has to step up to the plate and initiate an official WTF inquiry on the reloading policy. I am happy to help, but my political skills suck.

[AAShooter]

The politics of reloading USI are complicated because at least one of the VIPs there is knee-jerk irrational about reloading. The ban is a fiat declaration due to the fact that we all reload super hot, unsafe, blah, and blah.

One day I was shooting .40 minor and was asked to chrono my "super hot" reloads vs factory .40 (which is major PF) to prove how dangerous the reloads were. Needless to say, the anti-reloading argument persists despite being thoroughly debunked.

I think the action pistol range bldg is an ideal place, but someone has to step up to the plate and initiate an official WTF inquiry on the reloading policy. I am happy to help, but my political skills suck.

That would be a nice location and good facility for such a meeting.

[Motor Man]

Would we still not be allowed to hold a class at USI if no actual reloading was taking place, perhaps no powder being present? Would we be allowed to go through the process of reloading (case trimming, sizing and seating) resulting in dummy rounds. We could leave out the primers even. This would give us the opportunity to learn the procedures and practical applications. Would this still be a no go from the insurance stand point?

[Andykev]

Would we still not be allowed to hold a class at USI if no actual reloading was taking place, perhaps no powder being present? Would we be allowed to go through the process of reloading (case trimming, sizing and seating) resulting in dummy rounds. We could leave out the primers even. This would give us the opportunity to learn the procedures and practical applications. Would this still be a no go from the insurance stand point?

NO. Item #3 specifically says it's not covered.

[fizux]

That is not true. That "VIP"'s opinion was not acted upon by the USI Board, nor management. It was an advisory from one person..so don't paint everyone with the same brush.

No, but that individual attempted to disrupt ongoing club activities, under the color of authority as your agent. I didn't say "everyone," just folks that are as irrational about reloading as our friends in Sacto are about the 2A.

It does NOT say we cannot shoot reloaded ammo.

Neither does it prohibit reloading classes; however, it purports to exclude coverage for one's own handloaded ammo right above the reloading instruction exclusion that you cited. Without the complete document, or at least a bit more of the exclusions section, I can't tell if the exclusions only apply to commercial activity (which is the typical exclusion language).

If the insurance company says "NO", and it's allowed anyway....we are not covered.

Unless, of course, you request the policy be updated to cover non-commercial reloading... or the course instructor is NRA certified and teaches using NRA materials, in which case the course is covered by NRA's insurance (premium is included within the cost of the materials).

There is NO "official policy"

Correct, which is why there shouldn't be a problem

there was no "knee jerk".

I respectfully disagree.

...insurance, and they said we are NOT covered. That is all it is.

So, once the insurance issue is resolved, we can count on your full support? Or will you continue implement your unofficial policy that you cited in your PM:

None of that will happen under my watch,...

Has anyone been told not to shoot their reloads?

Yes, me.

How do we do that?

Simple, you have your Chief RSO declare reloads unsafe by fiat, and threaten to expel any dues-paying members for committing "unsafe acts" on the range.

How do you tell?

Its pretty easy to distinguish reloads from factory ammo. I usually can tell because the guy pulling the trigger is wearing a Dillon Precision hat or something similar. A dead giveaway is the mixed headstamps in MTM boxes, or some jerk with sorting trays and a 5 gallon bucket whoring for brass (that's me -- Hi Mom!).

Lastly, YOU CANNOT MINE OR HANDLE OR RECLAIM LEAD. We have professional people do that every so many years.

I'm not sure why you keep bringing up lead mining. No one is suggesting that the proposed reloading course will include mining USI's lead for casting. "Handling" lead is processing, mining, or casting, not reloading copper jacketed projectiles, inserting cartridges into magazines, or charging a lead-acid car battery.

Your insurance policy exclusion language is quite outdated; most policies have updated that exclusion to cover injuries (including emotional distress) caused as a result of the SALE of remanufactured or reloaded ammunition. [emphasis in canned policy language]. Of course, the exclusion may be eliminated if the insured has a valid 06 or 07 FFL.

You should be able to contact your insurance agent and obtain a revised policy at little or no cost.

Assuming that this insurance issue is resolved, what other reason(s), if any, would remain so as to preclude one of the clubs from conducting a reloading class?

As I responded via PM, I'm happy to meet to discuss this IRL, because I'm confident that all of your stated concerns can be addressed to everyone's satisfaction. If, of course, there are ulterior motives because someone in the chain of command just doesn't like reloading, then I guess I'm not going to solve that over lunch.

[POINTMANDDT]

I know this may be a crazy question. But why can't we learn how to reload at USI by making dummy rounds instead? No powder or primers? Also is there a substitute we could use instead of powder? So we can learn how to properly measure, like sand or something?

[fizux]

I know this may be a crazy question. But why can't we learn how to reload at USI by making dummy rounds instead? No powder or primers? Also is there a substitute we could use instead of powder? So we can learn how to properly measure, like sand or something?

That is still "instruction." ... and you are trying to solve the problem rationally.

I am going to sit back, let the adults discuss this offline, and see what happens. Either there will be another roadblock, or the insurance issue will be resolved and they will let us know we can schedule a class.

BusBoy, can you pass the popcorn if there is any left?

[SeaDooRider68]

I would be interested. I am still looking for powder for 9mm and 45, I have brass, bullets and primers (and a press).

I am in Livermore.