NFOA MEMBERS FORUM
General Categories => Firearms Training and Education => Topic started by: SemperFiGuy on November 07, 2012, 04:04:39 PM
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So-----Is there any interest among any Newbies or Non-Reloaders on this Forum for a Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course in the Omaha area???
I'm talking about the basic NRA Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course. Starts out something like, a cartridge has four components: Case, Powder, Bullet, Primer.
Really Basic Stuff. Just to get the Hesitant started in reloading.
Met a Guy at the range the other day. He said, "I learned reloading from YouTube." Worked for him. Didn't need a class. But maybe some folks do.
I'm thinking of a small class, maybe 5 people. Load some pistol stuff, say.....9mm. Nice, shiny cases. Moderate loads: 4.+gr. Win231. Some 115-124gr gilded Berrysbullets. Make 'em' and shoot 'em.
Your comments are invited.
sfg
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I picked up my reloading skills from reading, youtube (manufacturer's how to setup machines, basic process, etc.... as well as more advanced stuff submitted by joe schmoes), and just thinking about the whole process.
There's been a guy on craigslist wanting someone's help (and apparently willing to pay)... and... it would seem that there have been plenty of questions around here from people that want to learn or understand more about what's going on.
I think the idea of a class is a great idea, personally. I dunno if there's any $$$ to be made in it, but as a community support thing, it's definitely a great idea.
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I would have been interested a year ago. I found someone local who got me started, and took off from there using the precision hand-loading guide on SH. If I come across anyone, I'll point them in your direction.
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I want to start, but i'm not in a situation financially right now to dive in. I'll keep it in mind.
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As a business prospective, it's kinda not so great. Once ya teach people who to load their own, they'll go on their way. No 'repeat customers' as it were.
Granted, you can have a few different versions of the class... generic pistol, generic rifle, competition pistol, competition rifle... but I'd venture anyone who gets the 'generic' done will automatically start reading more about fine tuned ammo and such... and experimenting on their own... making the competition grade ammo classes moot.
If there was some way to roll this into some kind of workshop at some semi-frequently "gun event", that'd be awesome.
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Also, I will second the small class size of 5 people or less. If these folks are going to get load their own 10-50 rounds to shoot, having a tiny class so that you can watch their powder charges and seating depth like a hawk is a great idea. Don't need any over pressure or bore obstruction problems occurring.
I'll assume SFG has a rock chucker of some sort ... for a class or something, picking up a lee press or a turret press or something as well for demonstrating different presses might not be a bad idea. Still a $100-$150 initial outlay on your part, though. Showing how an 'economy grade' press works seems like a possible option for those who don't wanna spend the $500-$1200 to get started.
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Paragon Training Systems............
is a modest little operation with which I'm in cahoots. Its mainstream thrust is continuing education in the building trades.
I'm helping my two partners branch into firearms training. They got so enthusiastic that they bought a complete RCBS reloading kit, with most of the accoutrements [you never get ALL the accoutrements in reloading gear. Always one more gadget to buy and fiddle with.]
I don't want to make any money in reloading [For verification, I just completed a CHP class of 24 newbies on Sunday. Gave the entire proceeds to my gun club to improve the club. My pay was in the joy of meeting and teaching shooters.]
Budget for what I have in mind would be something like:
Hornady Reloading Manual $30
Materials 20
Total $50
which shouldn't break the bank for anyone.
So that's the story.
And Youtube does a pretty good job, as well, provided you skip over the few Yahooooooos.
sfg
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ammosmith on youtube tends to a decent job. just realize that any of the advanced topics he discusses is prolly out of your league until you've been reloading for a year or five hehehe.
re: hornady reloading manual
I was going to voice a concern over pushing one reloading manual over the rest ... but...
I like my Hornady manual, I really do. I like my Speer's manual as well. There was another one I thumbed through but found it lacking... can't recall which. Pushing Hornady, since it seems to be a decent book... and by a local company... I guess I can't complain.
Forcing them to buy a manual is also awesome in that it sends them home with a wealth of information.
re: materials
$20 in materials fee sounds fine. Lighting some powder on fire to show what it does, hitting a primer with a hammer, etc. Destroying a case or two on purpose, or possibly denting one and then showing how to 'repair it'. Bullet pullers demonstration (kinetic hammer i suppose)... etc. And if they get to make a full box of 50 rounds - then $20 in materials might seem easier to swallow.
I kept a couple of my failed inspection brass. I'll hand them over when we meet up for the great brass caper :D. I don't have any rifle brass to demonstrate head separation or head/web bulge failures though.
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Tell Hornady your plans, maybe they will donate a manual and some supplies.
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SFG I have been thinking about starting to reload so I would be interested.
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Talked with SFG a bit about it today. Was a pleasure to meet in person.
I'd gladly sit in on the class as a sounding board or extra pair of watchful eyes or whatever is deemed necessary.
Our approaches to the class are definitely different hehehe. His is prolly more friendly and gun-ho, mine was a fair bit of info up front heh. I think his initial approach is definitely better. It can be done safely, demonstrates stuff easily, and then can get into the nitty gritty details later if need be :). My approach was more like a lecture heh.
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As indicated in November, Unfy and I..............
are going to offer a 9mm pistol metallic cartridge reloading clinic sometime this month at the Paragon Training Center in Papillion, NE.
We're thinking maybe five (5) newbie, neophyte reloaders in attendance at a nominal cost of, say.......$20/person. More for fun than profit. The proceeds will be plowed right back into more equipment and stuff for the next clinic session.
We're thinking of starting out 6-6:30pm first evening, going until 9:00pm or so. Seeing how far we get first night and then probably picking up again the next evening.
Comments from the Forum are invited, including anyone who is interested. If we get 3-5 people, we'll hold it. If we get oversubscribed on the first one, we'll do another one.
So there you are. You are welcome to pass the word.
sfg
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Depending on when, I would be interested. Are you still planning on handing out the Hornady book? I thought $50 per person was reasonable enough, if you got the book and a box to shoot as well as some basic knowledge on how to not make rounds go Kaboom.
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Neeco:
Upon reflection, rather than push any one reloading manual, it seems like a better idea to mention some good ones during the clinic and let the users make their own choice. And purchase. Also, good idea to have more than one reloading manual; no one manual is complete.
Present thinking is to hold the reloading clinic first night on either Monday, January 14 or Monday, January 21 [MLK Day]. Sorta depends on availability of Forum attendees. Start at 6-6:30pm; go 'til 9pm or so. Continue for a while the next evening, if needed.
So there you have it. Anyone interested can reply through this Forum or by pm.
Safety Glasses are a must [Not regular reading glasses.]
Cost is $20. [Customer must be convinced of value received, or no charge.]
sfg
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SFG count me in, I will try to juggle my schedual for whenever it is.
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OK, Andy...........
You are the First Firm Commitment to the reloading clinic.
You'll get a seat in the Front Row.
Looks like both dates [Jan. 14 or Jan 21] will work for you. Let's lean toward Jan. 14 and see what happens.
sfg
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Add me to the list, Thanks.
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Either date works for me, so count me in.
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OK, Andy...........
You are the First Firm Commitment to the reloading clinic.
You'll get a seat in the Front Row.
Looks like both dates [Jan. 14 or Jan 21] will work for you. Let's lean toward Jan. 14 and see what happens.
sfg
Unfortunately, I will be in class during those time frames on both dates (and every Monday of the quarter).
I will have to back out and wait for the next one (hopefully your first class is a success).
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OK........Here We Go:
Metallic Cartridge Reloading Clinic:
Caliber: 9mm
Day/Date: Monday evening, January 14, 2013 [May continue to next evening, as well.]
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Paragon Training Center, 731 N. Frontier, Suite #1 Papillion, NE
[Clear, specific directions to PTC will be given once class list fills up.]
Class List So Far:
1) Andy Allen
2) kozball
3) whatsit
4) ???
5) ???
More to Come.
sfg/unfy
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Count me in
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Mudnrox:
Per Your Request............
OK........Here We Go:
Metallic Cartridge Reloading Clinic:
Caliber: 9mm
Day/Date: Monday evening, January 14, 2013 [May continue to next evening, as well.]
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Paragon Training Center, 731 N. Frontier, Suite #1 Papillion, NE
[Clear, specific directions to PTC will be given once class list fills up.]
Class List So Far:
1) Andy Allen
2) kozball
3) whatsit
4) Mudnrox
5) ???
One More Member, this Session Will be Fully Subscribed:
sfg/unfy
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OK........Latest--and Final--Status:
Metallic Cartridge Reloading Clinic:
Caliber: 9mm
Day/Date: Monday evening, January 14, 2013 [May continue to next evening, as well.]
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Paragon Training Center, 731 N. Frontier, Suite #1 Papillion, NE
Final Class List:
1) Andy Allen
2) kozball
3) whatsit
4) Mudnrox
5) Abbafandr
So....The January 14 session has filled up at this point. Next session is Monday, January 21. None planned after that date at this time. We'll see how it goes.
I'll pm the above folks w/some specific information.
[DONE: All pm's are now sent.]
sfg/unfy
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To cross post a comment from the reloading subforum and how infectious reloading is...
Just what we need, infectious zombies that make their own ammo.
>:D
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If anyone is willing to teach in the Lincoln area, I need a mentor. I bought the Hornady AP Lock and Load kit from scheels today and have been reading the manual. I shoot 5.56 and .40 cal. I will simply try to learn on the 223 first but really, I don't know squat about reloading. It just seems that as much as I shoot it will eventually save me money and then there is the possibility of limited ammunition availability either by the influx of new shooters or legislative restrictions. I have wanted to start for a few years, but now seems to be the time.
Anyway, anyone share their knowledge in the Lincoln area?
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in for the next one, with a possible + 2 from work. I'll have em post replies to this
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Clinic appears to have gone well from what I saw.... with possibly the exception of my oopsie of using the wrong shell holder causing a few min of torment for myself heh.
If attendees have any questions, feel free to bug SFG or myself and we'll do our best to help out.
If there's anything you felt the clinic was missing or you would have liked, be sure to let us know.
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Oh, for students at the clinic...
I did forget to mention that the vibrating tumbler such as what Ken has brought in is one of the easiest methods of case cleaning (and cost effective). Especially if you're doing primarily only plinking rounds.
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As a student in the class I wish to say well done. I have thought about reloading for a long time now but never been around it so I had no idea about safety, what was needed or the basic process. Leaving the class I feel that I can now look at the various pieces of equipment on the market and make informed decisions about what i need and feel comfortable in starting to reload without blowing myself up, at least not until I decide to release the mad scientist in me. :)
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I was there :o We had a total of 5 students, SemperFiGuy, and the mad scientist, Unfy.
Overall, I felt the class went very well. Was taught at the very basic level with a commom caliber and a very conservative load. Everyone got to take their own brass and complete every process to complete 10 rounds. Used the RCBS Rock Chucker single stage with decapper/ sizer, then neck expand, then hand prime, then powder charge and bullet seating. Used some calipers to measure various dimensions during the process. Hands-on experience with a couple of oops. We all got to see what could go wrong and how to correct.
Discussed the various types of equipment that could be used and some of the differences of powders, bullets, and reloading books.
Everyone left with all their fingers, 10 fresh rounds of 9mm, and new found knowledge.
I would recomend this class to anyone that is thinking of reloading. The information that was covered and the hands-on feel and experience makes it worth the $20 donation. Kinda like test driving a car, now you know how it drives.
Koz
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Sorry I missed it. Keep us posted when the next one will be. Thanks
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The reloading clinic was a most enjoyable event for me last night.
>Got to meet five Loyal NFOA shooter-members. Meeting Gun Guys is always great stuff.
>Got to work with UNFY, which is a prime professional privilege.
>Got five more folks started into reloading, which will (a) save them money and (b) keep them out of bars in the evening. A very Positive Double Whammy Outcome.
>Nobody asked for their money back. [So I'll probably use it to buy a decent electronic powder scale or a better hand priming tool.]
The event was one of those in the category of the Most Fun You Can Have Without Wimmen.
sfg
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I was also one of the students. Good job SemperFiGuy and Unfy. The hands-on part of the class was great. The other great part was learning some of the terminology. For instance, if someone told me that I need to de-prime, bell, and re-prime the case, I would be lost -- much less would I know how to do those steps. From a total re-loading newbie's perspective, that was great and I feel much more informed. It was a unique and very-useful class.
It was also great to meet some of you in person and I look forward to seeing you again, sometime.
Now, I just need to save up for a press (maybe progressive??) and carve out a whole bunch of time so I can get addicted to something else, now. :-\ ;D
Thanks again guys!
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I was there :o We had a total of 5 students, SemperFiGuy, and the mad scientist, Unfy.
Overall, I felt the class went very well. Was taught at the very basic level with a commom caliber and a very conservative load. Everyone got to take their own brass and complete every process to complete 10 rounds. Used the RCBS Rock Chucker single stage with decapper/ sizer, then neck expand, then hand prime, then powder charge and bullet seating. Used some calipers to measure various dimensions during the process. Hands-on experience with a couple of oops. We all got to see what could go wrong and how to correct.
Discussed the various types of equipment that could be used and some of the differences of powders, bullets, and reloading books.
Everyone left with all their fingers, 10 fresh rounds of 9mm, and new found knowledge.
I would recomend this class to anyone that is thinking of reloading. The information that was covered and the hands-on feel and experience makes it worth the $20 donation. Kinda like test driving a car, now you know how it drives.
Koz
I was there also and agree
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I thought the class was well worth the donation, and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about reloading or even if you are not wanting to reload, but just want to understand what goes into making a loaded round.
It is nice to learn from the experience of others on what to do and what not to do (unfy).
I look forward to creating many 9mm rounds.
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I just had a brilliant idea? Does anybody want to stop over and learn how to trim rifle cases! Just kidding. Good job to those who put this class on for those interested!
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It is nice to learn from the experience of others on what to do and what not to do (unfy).
Hehehe.
Meticulousness and paying attention to detail is important.... as illustrated :)
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is this still on for monday ?
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it was an either this past monday or this coming monday, not both afaik....
i dunno when next class will be ?
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Well.......
Right now there's so much buzz over the Million Shooter March in Lincoln, it's probably hard to get anybody's attention for another 9mm reloading class.
However, from what I saw at Guns Unlimited for the past two days, reloading spent brass may be the only way anyone is ever going to get any more 9mm ammunition. The shelves at GU are CLEAN of 9mm. Swept totally clean.
And..........the handgun cases [both new and used] at GU had only about 50% of their usual inventory. Some the leftover guns are not the creme de la creme, either.
Now is definitely not the time to buy handguns. Not much selection. Prices are soaring. Maybe it's a good time to drag out all of our Old Orphans and Clunkers and put them up for auction.
Even the Gunbroker.com stuff is getting bids.
Back to 9mm Handloading Class: If there's demand, we'll do it again.
Make Unfy work hard, this time.
sfg
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I'm with Gigabelly... I plan on buying the Hornady AP Lock and Load and am a total newbie to reloading. I'd be very interested in a class that was local (Lincoln).
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I've got a Hornady LNL AP.
Everything taught in the class still has a direct bearing on the LNL AP.
There are some things that the class won't cover concerning the LNL AP, but the process and other stuff is *mostly* the same.
And safety is safety. Components are components, etc.
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I'm with Gigabelly... I plan on buying the Hornady AP Lock and Load and am a total newbie to reloading. I'd be very interested in a class that was local (Lincoln).
^x2
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are you looking to these classes during weeknights only? I have myself plus 3 interested but not very flexible on time.
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dukduk
What time periods are needed by your group in order that all can attend??
gigabelly
oleshome
I know that both of you are in Lincoln. We'd like to accomodate you, but hauling the reloading bench and equipment items to Lincoln is a bit of a task. Now---I frequently drive from Omaha to shoot at Thunder Alley [Worth it to support Randy Lauer's efforts]. Not really a big deal.
Have you considered the possibility of driving to Papillion to attend?? About 40 minutes or so. A thought for your consideration.
[BTW....we teach single-stage reloading to newbies. Better to start there, load a few 1000 rounds and then move to turret or progressive presses. Not at all impossible to start on the fast stuff, but more complex for new folks. Plus....it helps early on to develop kind of a Reloader's "Feel" at each stage.]
sfg
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Well, driving to Papillion is not that big of a challenge, if the time is not too late. We could carpool. I have a Yukon XL (suburban) that can haul everyone. Another idea, just thinking out-loud here, would be to use our equipment, down here. The flaw in that plan is that though we have a press, we, or at least I, don't have the dies, primers, powder, or bullets. Brass, I have. Everything else is impossible to find and I have them on backorder. I would prefer a weekend. Weeknights are kinda tough for me.
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Sorry should have been checking back more often. I can do week nights or weekends. I just need to plan. Lincoln is more convenient but if push comes to shove i'd drive to Omaha too I guess. If someone wants to email me if/when more information is available i'd appreciate it. ChrisO@oleshome.com
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Info on Scheduling Next Reloading Clinic
I am working just right now on several Concealed Carry and Hunter Ed classes that will be mostly finished by the end of next week.
Unfy and I then will get back on this Forum and come up with a schedule for another weekday evening 9mm cartridge reloading clinic at the Paragon Training Center in Papillion, NE.
We'll post the class right here as soon as we have a firm date. Probably another Monday evening event. Pretty much will be a reprise of the previous clinic.
Unfy has been working on his Lee press setup. He can show it at the clinic.
unfy and sfg
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Mondays are good for me. Tuesdays and Thursdays are out.
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Unfy has been working on his Lee press setup. He can show it at the clinic.
LOL!
Stud-ly stupid stuff out of wood with great looking knobs.
*cough*
It's a great example of building your own tools and stuff to make your life easier... and doing it on a budget :). After the clinic, I'll prolly put pictures on the forum for people to laugh at :)
Anyhoo...
Things you have to bring to the class:
* Safety glasses or regular sturdy prescription glasses
* 10-15 empty / already fired 9mm brass cases
* Note taking stuff if you're into taking notes
* $20 cash
We'll supply everything else.