Hand Loading/Reloading Training Needed

I'm trying to give someone some help in getting started hand loading. But, I'm 1500 miles away! He has no zero knowledge, so, what would be a couple of manuals that will offer some good basic, beginner's information.

I'm thinking that a Lyman Manual and maybe a Sierra Manual. The old Lyman book appeared to be structured toward the raw novice while the older Sierra books seemed to have a bit more technical info.

So, how can I try to help a raw novice get started and not be overwhelmed?
All advice readily accepted and appreciated! Thanks memtb

There are several youtube videos that helped me, along with a lot of phone calls to some old crusty reloaders that were keen to teach me and get me started. I started with 308Win, and once I got over how to set my dies, I slowly went from there.

I agree on the on the Lyman and Sierra Manuals, and also recommend that they pick one cartridge and get the sizer setup. Get them sizing brass, priming it, and then after they have selected a powder and bullet, have them slowly setup their bullet seater dies.

Do they know how to use & read calipers? They will need to know C.O.L and O.A.L.

I say find the easiest thing to do, have them do it, and then have them fire their first load. Once they do that, they'll be hooked.

It's very very difficult to teach from afar.

Video chat works very well.

You have to start with the very basics. Put a primer in. Charge with powder. Seat a bullet. Watch it go bang.

Start ultra safe. Do not start talking about technical stuff until they've mastered the simple steps.

Only load ten at a time so they can get the repetition down of going thru a process, setting and adjusting dies, learning to use calipers....etc

Allow the student to ask questions and allow them to speak their thoughts.

If they are willing to learn and are humble about it, it can be done.

Don't waste your time if they are hard headed, impatient, don't have the time, or are super distracted with work/ life/ kids/ stress...etc

Start with one cartridge, one powder, one bullet.

During my schooling I would have gaps where I couldn't reload. I only used one powder for everything. That way I couldn't screw anything up powder charge-wise.

Encourage them that you aren't focused on the accuracy part yet. You are focused on learning the process and bring consistent.

Thanks Pastor! He's an older guy, pretty knowledgeable about tools…..just not reloading tools or terminology! memtb

memtb said:

Thanks Pastor! He's an older guy, pretty knowledgeable about tools…..just not reloading tools or terminology! memtb

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The terminology does take some getting used to.

nwmnbowhunter, It will be a bit of a challenge. I think that he'll be a bit impatient with his progress. Plus, to complicate matters, he inherited (so to speak) a handgun from his grandfather, which is a hand load proposition "only"! This is what is prompting him to get started loading! memtb

Where's he located? Someone on here might be close to him that can lend a hand...
Good luck

old_heli_logger said:

Where's he located? Someone on here might be close to him that can lend a hand...
Good luck

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Thanks……that's a thought! Though, while I was born and raised there…..I don't know anyone that is a knowledgeable hand loader, that's still alive!

The gentleman showed now interest until he's beyond the half-century mark. He's hunted most of his life…..but showed no interest in getting involved in hand loading! memtb

@memtb the two manuals that you have mentioned I believe are very good suggestions. Lyman make equipment but not projectiles where Sierra make projectiles but no equipment so it is a great combination.
The other resource that I have found helpful for beginners is ABC of Reloading.
It is always great to see an experienced reloader help a novice!

kiwikid said:

@memtb the two manuals that you have mentioned I believe are very good suggestions. Lyman make equipment but not projectiles where Sierra make projectiles but no equipment so it is a great combination.
The other resource that I have found helpful for beginners is ABC of Reloading.
It is always great to see an experienced reloader help a novice!

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I forgot about the ABC's of Reloading…….Thanks!

I know that you guys would step up to the plate! memtb

memtb said:

Thanks……that's a thought! Though, while I was born and raised there…..I don't know anyone that is a knowledgeable hand loader, that's still alive!

The gentleman showed now interest until he's beyond the half-century mark. He's hunted most of his life…..but showed no interest in getting involved in hand loading! memtb

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I offer free reloading lessons for anyone that is interested and willing to learn, and yet, very few take me up on it.

I have several wildcats and cartridges that are reload only, and I make my children (all 7 of them) learn how to load if they ever want a chance of inheriting any one of them hahaha. I have some sons that could easily load 223rem and 9mm right now, but I doubt that they could load 7mm Valkyrie at the moment

The ABCs of Reloading by Philip Massaro and Metallic Cartridge Handloading; Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge by Mic McPherson. Have him read ABCs first.

Came here to suggest - The ABC's of Reloading, 10th Edition

https://www.amazon.com/dp/195111527..._apan_dp_XGRS2K8HG77EKSS7SJTE&skipTwisterOG=1

memtb said:

I'm trying to give someone some help in getting started hand loading. But, I'm 1500 miles away! He has no zero knowledge, so, what would be a couple of manuals that will offer some good basic, beginner's information.

I'm thinking that a Lyman Manual and maybe a Sierra Manual. The old Lyman book appeared to be structured toward the raw novice while the older Sierra books seemed to have a bit more technical info.

So, how can I try to help a raw novice get started and not be overwhelmed?
All advice readily accepted and appreciated! Thanks memtb

Click to expand...

There are some great write ups on Snipers Hide that I used years ago when I got started. The one I found most helpful is a 5 part series (I even printed them and still have them in my binder today). Here are the links.