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Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

Peepaw

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 6, 2010
72
1
51
Pearland, TX USA
Hey guys, getting started in handloading finally. I've procastinated long enough, and Im hopping in. I pretty much put it off because originally I only had my .308, and well, ammo is pretty cheap for it. Plus, never really got into anything that really would warrant handloads.

Well, now that I've got a custom 7MM Rem Mag underway, I figure it's time to get my feet wet.

So, my question is, is there anyone local to me that handloads, that wouldn't mind me coming over and watching them? I'm more of a visual type of guy, and reading manuals/instructions, isnt my thing. I build Hot Rods/Race Cars for a living, so I know I can start handloading and figure it out, BUT, I keep thinking about chambering a round that Im not sure if I handloaded correctly, and some bad shit happening! Safe to assume, I dont want that happening! LOL!

So, I would like to be able to watch someone do it, and pick up some tips, if I could.

So, anyone in the Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, Clear Lake, League City area that wouldnt mind me coming over and watching you go to work and pick your brain for alittle bit?

Not talking about today or anything..,but maybe next weekend? or weekend after???

I know it's a long shot, but figured I would at least ask.

Thanks


Oh, if you are not local, but have some tips/info that you want to add, by all means, feel free to do so. I'm all ears.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

I was exactly like you, and if I was close enough Id let you come over and watch me anytime.

When I first wanted to get in to it I was so worried you would have though I aimed the cartridge right back at myself, but after those first couple pulls of the arm you will be rockin.

Now, even though I started off watching a local guy do it, I still like to read when I can. Everyone is different, and some do it to the max, and the thing about a reloading manual, it will give you the safest load data to start with so you dont go and max out your powder and blow something up.

What all have you purchased yet or have you not gotten anything?
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

What part of Pearland do you live in? I just moved from Missouri City to Manvel last week. Southfork Rd and 288, just one exit down from FM518. For the most part have finished up setting everything up to reload again. Just let me know, as I have some .308 and 7WSM that I need to load up.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

Unfortunately, I'm in the Katy area, but if you are willing to meet somewhere in between, I would be willing to help you out.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CleanMoostang</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was exactly like you, and if I was close enough Id let you come over and watch me anytime.

When I first wanted to get in to it I was so worried you would have though I aimed the cartridge right back at myself, but after those first couple pulls of the arm you will be rockin.

Now, even though I started off watching a local guy do it, I still like to read when I can. Everyone is different, and some do it to the max, and the thing about a reloading manual, it will give you the safest load data to start with so you dont go and max out your powder and blow something up.

What all have you purchased yet or have you not gotten anything? </div></div>


No, I have not purchased anything. I looked into equipment, got advice, etc...but then I was like, well, would be nice to be able to SEE how it's done that way I know EXACTLY what it is I need.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What part of Pearland do you live in? I just moved from Missouri City to Manvel last week. Southfork Rd and 288, just one exit down from FM518. For the most part have finished up setting everything up to reload again. Just let me know, as I have some .308 and 7WSM that I need to load up. </div></div>

I am in Pearland, closer to Friendswood side of it, but I live right off of 518 (basically down here by Dixie Farm Road and FM 2351)

But, that drive (to where you live) is no big deal, as for what it is I am wanting, I would consider that an extremely short drive for me.

PM coming
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: uracowman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unfortunately, I'm in the Katy area, but if you are willing to meet somewhere in between, I would be willing to help you out. </div></div>



Katy area...well, I went to High School out in Cypress (Barker Cypress and FM 529....Langham Creek, Class Of '90)

I woudl actually want to drive to you, and watch you reload and have you walk me through it. But, a Katy drive, even though it's @ 40 miles one way from where I am, is not unreasonably far, and I would/will do it, if I need to.

However, at this time, it appears I have an offer from someone a little bit closer, so if we can work it out, then I will make that drive.
If however, we can't get our schedule together, if your offer is out there, i will gladly take you up on it. I will let you know.

Thanks for the offer.
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Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">THIS is how it is done correctly gentlemen.

Someone help this guy out. </div></div>


Thanks!

I've been a member here on the hide for couple years now, and I have found that (for most part) that the guys are normally a huge help, and a wealth of information.

I've got one guy in particular, that has literally held my hand since I became a member here, and walked me through everything from glass and what mil-dot is, to why a "smaller" bullet like a 7MM Rem Mag requires a longer action than a "bigger" bullet like the .308, to what an actual action is, why you can use the same action for a bunch of different calibers, what carbine, mid length, rifle means, and on and on and on and on.
Basically, when I first joined up, I had never shot long range, AT ALL, and aside from taking the occasional hunting trip, I couldnt have told you that the actual bullet and the case are referred to as 2 different things, HAHAHAHA!!!

I'm being serious...I was COMPLETELY wet behind the ears, clueless, a rookie of epic proportions. However, I was eager to learn, so, I've been all ears, and this member was all to kind and helped out. And I mean, I have asked some rather obvious questions, that most would've shook thier head and not bothered answering.
Anyways, the guy has been a HUGE help, and in doing so, my collection of arms is slowly getting bigger, and my groups are getting smaller, and my range is getting further.

The AR is a Del-Ton, 16" .223 that I assembled myself. I bought it from Cold Hand Arms...stripped lower, lower parts kit, upper assembly (already head spaced). So, just really had to assemble lower and hinge it with upper. But, for never having disassembled/assembled a weapon, had to start somewhere! It's got a Vortex Sparc Red Dot on it.
Ended up being way to easy to be honest with you.

Rifle above AR is the 7MM in question. Rem 700 ADL 26" I bought it just for the action, and is now already taken down waiting on my "good parts"...barrel, trigger, stock, etc..

1911 is a SA Mil-Spec.

The empty stock being the B&C M40 that is now on my .308.

Rem 700 SPS .308 26" HB. Absolute blast to shoot. Love it, and especially now with teh B&C on it. It's got Vortex glas on it as well, Viper 6.5-20x44 on EGW base, and Warne lows. Yeah, by far it's my favorite. I'm hoping the 7MM ends up being my favorite, but time will tell.



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Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

I wish you luck my friend. By getting hands on experience from a accomplished reloader you will be miles ahead in short order. A neighbor taught me how to handload when I was 13 and that has been beyond value in 30 years.

You tube videos are great and forums are great but nothing will ever trump having a mentor. Besides that it is a great way to make friends in this electronic jungle which we live.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish you luck my friend. By getting hands on experience from a accomplished reloader you will be miles ahead in short order. A neighbor taught me how to handload when I was 13 and that has been beyond value in 30 years.

You tube videos are great and forums are great but nothing will ever trump having a mentor. Besides that it is a great way to make friends in this electronic jungle which we live. </div></div>


Thanks. I hear ya loud and clear! You know, my wife and I were talking about "life" in general, and how the "electronic jungle" has had an effect on it.
Then, my 13 year old niece came over the same evening, and I was like BAM! Just what Im talking about!
She came over (and is still here withus actually..3 days now) and was telling us about one of her teachers as I asked how she ended up doing in school.
(Oh, BTW, my brother in law and sister in law got my niece a cell phone when she wasnt even 10 yet!)

She tells me that one of her teachers, reads to them (straight from the history book), gives them "homework", but they dont take it home. They do the work right then and there in class, and they do it OUT LOUD, so everyone has same answer.
Test? Yep, SAME way!

My point? Is that it seems everyone is looking for the quick and easy way to handle shit these days. IN the case of this "teacher", to me, he is reading to them, so at least he knows they are getting SOMETHING out of it, even though they all might be sleeping in class.
The reason for his in class homework? Again, to me, it's because so he doesnt have to actually teach them anything. By all teh kids having the same passing grades, he looks "brilliant" in teh eye's of the school district. Same goes for his "test".

Basically, a very lazy teacher, that is looking/taking the easy way out of something, instead of wanting to put in the work.

So, my point on top of that is, to me that is one of teh BIGGEST problems with society today...everyone wanting something, but no one wants to work to achieve it.

You know, when I signed my son up for baseball, that there is an actual league (and Im POSITIVE there are lots just like it) around here, that at teh end of the season EVERY TEAM AND PLAYER GETS THE EXACT SAME TROPHY!!!!
There are no "winners" or 1st place finishers, or 2nd place/3rd place, etc..

When I played baseball growing up, my very first year, playing Tee-Ball, age 5, we came in last place, and no trophy was handed out to us. We were horrible, and teh fact is, we didnt deserve one,and we didnt get one.

BUt now, today, it seems they are more worried about hurting a kids feelings, than they are about competeting and kids EARNING that trophy.
Needless to say, we didnt stay. I found a league that rewards the teams that play good, and doesnt for the teams that dont. Of course, there are also All Star selections for individuals starting at age 9 and older. AS IT SHOULD BE!

My daughter (1st grade)...class field day. There is no more 50 yard dash. No more high jump. No more 100 yard dash. No more shuttle relays. And hence, no more 1st place ribbons to be handed out.
They have got "carrying an egg on a spoon.. drop in a sand box...run back to the line...tag the other kid standing in line...but there are no winners or losers..only having "fun" playing this game" things.

When I was a kid, we ran 50 yard dash (then became 40 yard dash), and there were 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons. I fyo uwere not top 3, NO RIBBON!
If feelings got hurt, then try harder or dont play!


Same thing went for my daughter and son's gymnastics class I had them in. At the end of the "season" the ENTIRE class got trophies.
Really? You've got kids that can't do this or that, or are goofing off in class, then you have got kids that are busting thier tail, trying to better themselves, and yet, EVERYONE gets a trophy?

Are you kidding me or what?

I managed my sons baseball team, and I had a kid that NEVER showed up for practice, and most times, would be late for teh game (and in doing so, would miss pre-game warm up).

So, after a couple weeks, Itold parents if they couldnt make practice/be on time, then I was going to bench thier son. hate to do that to the kid, all because his parents are dead beats because cant get thier kid to baseball practice, but, I had to do what i had to do.
I've got kids out there working thier ass off, even attending my "optional" practice's that I held, and then I've got this one kid (because of his parents) not putting in the work, and they expect me to play him? No way.

So, parents to the league director and complains...actually complain about it, that I was treating thier son unfairly. They complained enough that the director told me to play the boy. Oh man, I was hot! So, was either play the boy, or relenquish control of the team. If my son wasn't playing, I would've.
Best part? IN THE RULE BOOK, IT CLEARLY SAYS THAT IF A PLAYER DOES NOT ATTEND PRACTICE, THE MANAGER HAS OPTION OF BENCHING THE PLAYER.
So, even though it said it in the rule book, #6 up front and personal, NOT in small fine print, that I was in teh right for benching player, they still caved in to the parents demands.
The worst part is that these parents actually believed thier son DESERVED to play. When I told the parents taht I was benching him because it was only fair to the other kids. The Mom's response was this.."I dont care about whats fair to the other kids. We paid money for our son to play baseball, and he needs to play."


Yeah man, our world has become a "I dont want to work for anything, I want a free handout" scenario that I see day in and day out. it's a crying shame.
Our nation in general has become LAZY and technology has been a huge reason behind it.
technology has allowed us to do this and that easier and faster than before, without it taking any effort fro person doing it.

And, in doing so, our nation has become less creative. Think of what our country accomplished/invented/made possible from say @ late 1800's until around the 1970's or so. From inventing of the steam engine, to the internal combustion engine, Atom bomb, automobile, airplane, put a man on the moon, breaking sound barrier, etc...there were 1000's of things that we accomplished invented during tha ttime. What have we done since the 70's?
You think all the "intelligent and creative" people were born prior to the 1950's/1960's?
Why do you think that is? Kids grow up, not having to work for anything, everything handed to them, so they are not literally FORCED into thinking for themselves.
When you think for yourself, you are forced into being creative, come up with solutions, working problems, coming up with answers, invent something, blah blah blah.

Now...just lazy, waiting for next handout, everything being done for us.

Makes me glad (in a way of course), that I basically grew up without parents..Dad an alcoholic and split. Mom remarried and moved out of teh country. I stayed behind and moved in with an Aunt and Uncle..once I hit 18, I was on my own. My Mom sent checks to pay for a year in College. With no supervision. I flunked out of college (I was being handed something for nothing...didnt have to work while going to school...became lazy. All party/fun/no work). Mom cut me off. had to take care of myself. Lived in my car for a few months, got a job, saved up some money. Got my own apartment, and I've been at it since, taking care of myself.
12+ years ago, started my own business and went to work for myself.
All because I was literally "forced" into either working/doing for myself and trying to succeed, OR, not work, become a bum. I went to work!


Sorry, long rant and ramble. I just get frustrated sometimes by teh laziness I see. Sorry for long post. Hahahaha
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

OK guys, update:

I am now offically a PROFESSIONAL handloader, that knows ALL!

OK, now that we can laugh about that, and know Im not being serious, I do want to give out a BIG thanks to Bacarrat, one of the Hide members from above that offered thier assistance to me.
Bacarrat was closest to me, and really for that reason alone is why I took him up on it. I wanted to put that out there, as I dont want anyone to feel disrespected by me not taking you up on your offer, to those that did.
That being said, I would like to add, that I will PROBALY, and in fact, would say chances are pretty good that I will, take you other's up on your offers as well.

Why? Well, I would just like to see how other's are doing it, and to just get another perspective.
Even though I pretty much knew squat about handloading (Im sure Bacarrat was laughing at me when I left) before I went over to his house, I left MUCH more knowledgeable with a MUCH better understanding of what is involved in the process. Bacarrat has a very nice setup, with some very nice equipment to say the least, and I have no doubt he knows what he is doing, and does it very well.

Now, of course, there is much more for me to learn, and even the things I did learn today, it would not hurt being told those same steps over again by someone else, if anything, as a simple refresher as I get closer to doing actual handloading myself.

So, those that put up offer's, if you don't mind, you can probaly expect a PM asking for your assistance in helping me out.


Anyways, this post was to let you guys know that Bacarrat was great in helping me out, and I wanted to thank him publicly as well for his assistance today. So, THANKS Bacarrat!


Edit:
I re-read my post, and wanted to make sure there is no misunderstanding. Bacarrat explained handloading to me in very good detail, going over every step from cleaning brass, punching out primers, annealing, sizing neck, coating brass, seating depth, working up loads, etc...just a WHOLE heck of a lot of info. He took his time, answered all my questions very patiently, and I can't say thanks enough for him inviting me over on a Sunday, taking up his time, all to teach some stranger how to handload.
Just, really, wow! Thanks Bacarrat!
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Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

I live off of Scarsdale blvd about a mile and half from Pearland. I've been reloading for about 13 years. If you're interested i can show you how i reload. I mostly reload pistol but have reloaded my share of rifle as well.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

Thanks Peepaw,it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope it wasn't too much information to process.
 
Re: Newbie handloader, anyone local to Pearland, TX

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Peepaw,it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope it wasn't too much information to process. </div></div>



Well, it WAS too much info to process/digest all at once, but I asked for it, and you simply shared it. I can only say thanks again, and very much appreciated for it.
The good thing in taking in "too much" is that, since it has been thrown out there already, I won't be as clueless when it is gone over again with me, as I'll have some idea on what is being talked about.
Many, many thanks!



Now, I just need to pick up some equipment (got my list going on, thanks to Bacarrat), and get someone else to let me bug them while I watch them handload and go over it with me (as I mentioned above, some of you will get a PM from me).

Yep, I'm pretty pumped about it.
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