I have graduated as a new reloader :) - XDTalk Forums

CdnInAz · 11-05-2009, 05:19 PM

After a lot of reading past few months - several useful threads here on XD, elsewhere on the net, and of course several books - I got all the supplies and equipment gathered - some new, some used. Took my time loading my first 20. Worked way through each step at a very slow methodical pace, in fact three different days past week. I really enjoyed each step and learned a lot more once I put all the reading to actual hands on.

Shot the first 20, and here I am A OK - the gun did not blow up in my hands, nor did I have any squibs. Nice crisp snaps on each shot - in fact I loaded a few with factory fresh to get a one after the other comparison - could not tell any difference in sound nor feel. I am probably biased but did think my groupings were tighter at 15 yards then have been with factory ammo.

So next step is to get the "factory" going - I know should start slow, but based on 20 all working great, guess I'll step up to about a hundred for next batch. Can't find 9 mm anywhere near home, so going to focus on filling empty boxes with reloads for range practice.

To all those who have written advice here on XD - thank you.

To those who are thinking of getting into reloading - go for it - it is fun to learn, and the slow methodical processes are a nice break from daily rush that most of us have in our lives these days.

fredj338 · 11-05-2009, 06:17 PM

Well done! Welcome to the fraternity of the handloader.

StrangerDanger · 11-05-2009, 06:19 PM

Good job. Don't start rushing though. Write down and establish methods to act as a checksum for your work. Such as case gauging every complete round. Careful when you add powder to the hopper. This act will change the weight of the next few powder drops.

XD FANATIC · 11-05-2009, 06:22 PM

Congrats and be sure to pay attention to every detail of what you're doing at all times and you should be fine.

panther308 · 11-05-2009, 07:48 PM

Welcome to the Club, be safe

Mike in VA · 11-05-2009, 08:26 PM

If you have not done it already, keep a log book of all your load data. After you've been at it for a while, it's fun to look back and see how you've progressed, (especially after several decades. DAMHIKT

).

I use a form that I made up in Excel to record my load data. I segregate them by caliber and keep them in a three ring binder.

swift · 11-06-2009, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Good job. Don't start rushing though. Write down and establish methods to act as a checksum for your work. Such as case gauging every complete round. Careful when you add powder to the hopper. This act will change the weight of the next few powder drops.

Consistency is key. Get yourself into safe sensible habits, have a reason for everything you do. I've been loading my own for 30 years, it's as much fun now as the day I started. You'll have relaxing & productive fun.

Dave007 · 11-06-2009, 12:11 PM

Congrats! Sounds like you are going about it in the right way. It seems overwhelming at first, when you're doing your initial research on presses, dies, primers, OAL, etc., but like you saw, once you make and fire off those first 20 rounds, you're hooked.

Take it slow, consistency and repeatability is the key. Nice job on the first 20!

fltbed · 11-06-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredj338

Well done! Welcome to the fraternity of the handloader.

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike in VA

If you have not done it already, keep a log book of all your load data. After you've been at it for a while, it's fun to look back and see how you've progressed, (especially after several decades. DAMHIKT

).

+1!!!

I wish I'd kept better records back when I started.

Jeff

**Wasinger12** · 11-06-2009, 06:19 PM

Congrats!

Reloading is a great hobby....I love it as much as shooting!

11-05-2009, 05:19 PM	#1
CdnInAz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: northern edge of greater Phoenix, Az Posts: 125	I have graduated as a new reloader :) After a lot of reading past few months - several useful threads here on XD, elsewhere on the net, and of course several books - I got all the supplies and equipment gathered - some new, some used. Took my time loading my first 20. Worked way through each step at a very slow methodical pace, in fact three different days past week. I really enjoyed each step and learned a lot more once I put all the reading to actual hands on. Shot the first 20, and here I am A OK - the gun did not blow up in my hands, nor did I have any squibs. Nice crisp snaps on each shot - in fact I loaded a few with factory fresh to get a one after the other comparison - could not tell any difference in sound nor feel. I am probably biased but did think my groupings were tighter at 15 yards then have been with factory ammo. So next step is to get the "factory" going - I know should start slow, but based on 20 all working great, guess I'll step up to about a hundred for next batch. Can't find 9 mm anywhere near home, so going to focus on filling empty boxes with reloads for range practice. To all those who have written advice here on XD - thank you. To those who are thinking of getting into reloading - go for it - it is fun to learn, and the slow methodical processes are a nice break from daily rush that most of us have in our lives these days. __________________ A proud Canadian, proudly residing in the United States of America, and happily living in Arizona Springfield XD 9 mm Ruger 10/22 - well my son calls that one his my wish list - 45 revolver, decisions decisions Last edited by CdnInAz; 11-05-2009 at 05:27 PM.
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11-05-2009, 06:17 PM	#2
fredj338 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,753	Well done! Welcome to the fraternity of the handloader. __________________ EVERY GOOD SHOOTER SHOULD BE A HANDLOADER!
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11-05-2009, 06:19 PM	#3
StrangerDanger XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bullhead City, Az Posts: 405	Good job. Don't start rushing though. Write down and establish methods to act as a checksum for your work. Such as case gauging every complete round. Careful when you add powder to the hopper. This act will change the weight of the next few powder drops.
	Share

11-05-2009, 06:22 PM	#4
XD FANATIC XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 448	Congrats and be sure to pay attention to every detail of what you're doing at all times and you should be fine. __________________ Wisconsin gun owners group
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11-05-2009, 07:48 PM	#5
panther308 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cypress Texas Posts: 849	Welcome to the Club, be safe __________________ panther308 Always Remember: A firearm is only an instrument. It contains no evil, no conscience, and no ability. It is strictly the intent, competence, and character of its user that decide the outcome of any and all actions taken with it.
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11-05-2009, 08:26 PM	#6
Mike in VA XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 173	If you have not done it already, keep a log book of all your load data. After you've been at it for a while, it's fun to look back and see how you've progressed, (especially after several decades. DAMHIKT). I use a form that I made up in Excel to record my load data. I segregate them by caliber and keep them in a three ring binder.
	Share

11-06-2009, 12:11 PM	#8
Dave007 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central/West NJ Posts: 129	Congrats! Sounds like you are going about it in the right way. It seems overwhelming at first, when you're doing your initial research on presses, dies, primers, OAL, etc., but like you saw, once you make and fire off those first 20 rounds, you're hooked. Take it slow, consistency and repeatability is the key. Nice job on the first 20! __________________ XD40 Tactical Sig P226 9mm & .22 Taurus 1911 .45 S&W .357 Highway Patrolman Savage MKII .22 Beretta Neos U22 Inox
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11-06-2009, 06:19 PM	#10
Wasinger12 XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 87	Congrats! Reloading is a great hobby....I love it as much as shooting! __________________ -When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.
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