Is there a reloading "class" that you could sign up for somewhere? I'd love to learn to do this and I'd really like to get my f-i-l into it because he has a nice, big shop and lots of time to do it, but I'll admit to the fact that I'm chicken and would want to learn to do it right (aka avoid killing myself with a round a created myself).

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?

No, but there are some very good books out there.

I have seen a couple flyer type things out there. It seems the NRA does these here and there, but I've never seen anything in Texas.

My dad has been trying to teach me but I have not had the time. He tried to give me all the stuff. We even have a lead pot and hundreds of pounds of lead to mold bullets. It is really something I should learn to do. When I was little, he had a whole out building devoted to reloading. He had a tv in there and on rainy days, he would sit out there and load.

Reloading isn't too difficult and safe if you are attentive to what you are doing. I was a little worried when I got started as well but once I got into it I realized it was no big deal. As long as you are paying attention while you reload and follow the recommended loads in the loading handbooks you shouldn't blow yourself up. Find an experienced reloader near you if you want some first hand experience before you start yourself. I started off with a Dillon 650 and absolutely no experience. It took two hours to set it up and start loading ammmo just from reading the instruction manual and the Lee reloading handbook. In the last two years I've cranked out well over 20,000 rounds with no squibs, double charges, or kabooms.

Years ago, when I had more time than money, I learned to reload by reading some very good books. It's actually quite easy to learn, so I doubt that you will have any problem as long as you can follow written instructions and have a tiny bit of mechanical ability.

Now I have more money than time, so I don't reload. However, I now shoot more expensive calibers, and recent events have me thinking differently.....

There's also a good deal of information you can find on the web (articles, forums, etc.) and most reloading manuals have well-illustrated how-to sections. You really can't have too many reload manuals.

I guess I'm just more of a face-to-face, ask questions as I go kind of guy.

If anyone runs across a class, I'd appreciate a heads up.

if you don't find a class there are a bunch of good reloading forums out there where you could ask all the questions you want.

The NRA offers metalic and shotgun reloading classes. I'm looking into being certified as an instructor. I'll see what I can dig up. Where are you located. PM me with some contact info and I'll see if I can't help you out.

I let my star go a while back. jaykson@hotmail.com. I'm in San Antonio, but I make it to B/CS fairly often and I've got a couple buddies that live in Houston.

For this, I'd be willing to make a trip.

I'd be interested as well if it is Houston.

Maybe we should have a "group beer, BBQ and reloading" afternoon in BCS or Houston or something. get people to bring some of their reloading stuff, and those of us noobs buy the beer and learn.

Of course, beer in moderation while reloading.

Don't know where you live, but you might check with some of the retail outlets near you that sell reloading supplies and ask them.

Many years ago, when I was living in Tulsa, I bought all of my reloading equipment from a sporting goods store specializing in guns, reloading supplies and hunting equipment. I could have purchased the stuff from Cabela's or some other mail-order outfit for less, but I was able to attend some classes they gave on reloading.

As others have said, the information can be acquired from reloading manuals and the internet, but I learned a lot the easy way by "hands on" training. It pulled me way up the "learning curve" faster and allowed me to avoid a lot of mistakes.

I like Mouth's idea. I'd provide some food and beer in exchange for good company and some reloading knowledge.

I think there was a shop on 290 that was supposed to have quite a bit of reloading supplies.

I'd be up for that party!

And while we're at it, I'll ask the obvious question: what kit should you buy if you want to load rifle and pistol loads (30-06, 223, 7.62, 40, 45, 357, and probably more if I think about it)?

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit ($269)
Lee Challenger ($79.99)
Lee Deluxe Turret Press Reloading Kit ($81.99)
Others?

lee classic not deluxe

If anybody wants a used RCBS RS single stage press in excellent condition, make me an offer. My email is in my profile. I have no idea what it's worth, but I don't use it, and it's been sitting around for over a year. Dad got it on a trade for a gun or something. There's one on Ebay in worse condition going for $31 right now. Will be out of town till next Wednesday. Whoever buys it here in Houston can get a free reloading class on the bench with me, so figure that into your offer if you want.

I got the picture off the web. It looks like the one on the right. Comes with the green tray, Shellholder #3 (45ACP, .270, 30-06, .243, 6mm Rem) and the primer loader thingie, which I wouldn't use anyway.

RCBS has some videos on their website. I cannot attest of the usefulness of them as I have not watched them. They my be of some use.

I'd be more than happy to show you how to reload. It is generally easier to show you on your own equipment as that is what you'll be using to reload. Reloading is working with explosives...no alcohol during, before class. Drink as you want afterwards. I will have to look at possible dates as I am going to be building my own rifle with a gunsmith in Georgia soon.

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I think there was a shop on 290 that was supposed to have quite a bit of reloading supplies.

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Shop is called 10 ring. It's a little north of 290 on Cypress N. Houston between Eldridge and Jones.
http://www.10ring.com/

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what kit should you buy if you want to load rifle and pistol loads (30-06, 223, 7.62, 40, 45, 357, and probably more if I think about it)?

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit ($269)
Lee Challenger ($79.99)
Lee Deluxe Turret Press Reloading Kit ($81.99)
Others?

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RCBS is the highest quality of the three listed but all will do the job. I've seen pics of Lee's frames breaking, especially loading rifle rounds, but Lee will replace your press if that happens. Benefit of the turret press is you won't have to reset your dies each time. Although I do think Lee makes quick change mounts for their single stage presses as well now that hold the dies in position when you change them.

tx4guns,
How about $50 plus a six pack of Newcastle Brown Ale?