Candyman87

So I've got some cash set aside for a reloading press and other equipment. I'm holding off on buying until I can track down some Winchester 231 or HP-38 powder. I can get the rest of the reloading components, just not the powder at the moment. Can't wait to get started!

I've always gotten the question, but never gotten an escort. Up until last week, I was able to walk the ammo myself. Now, I get to walk it myself in one of those plastic security boxes that only the cashier can open. And that question is hard... I feel like if you accidentally answer it incorrectly, ATF agents are going to pop out of the woodwork.

This is new. My last purchase prior was maybe 2-3 weeks ago, and I was able to walk it myself. Sounds like ammo theft is becoming a bit of a problem.

Better than I was able to!

Last weekend I made my semi-regular pilgrimage to Cabela's and am constantly amazed what its like to be in a gun shop in a state other than New Jersey. I'm still astounded that you can: a) Find ammunition on shelves, look at what you're buying. b) Buy ammunition without having your identity logged in a book. c) Not be treated like a criminal when you pay for your ammunition. d) Get a smile and a wave from the lady behind the counter after you buy your ammunition. Flash back to New Jersey, Dick's in Rockaway (on my way home and usually have Winchester White Boxes of .380 in stock) I swung by yesterday to spend a gift card and had the guy behind the counter tell me what he had in stock, log it in his book, and then put it into one of those plastic security bins so only the cashier could open it. If it weren't for that two hour drive each way, I'd make that pilgrimage more often. And if I could only get Winchester 231 or Hodgdon's HP-38 powder reliably, I wouldn't even be purchasing any!

Pennsylvania, here I come.

Anyone seen any 231 or HP38 lately?

magnawing, looks like those are HP... definitely want to stick with FMJ right now. leadunderpressure, I'll let you know. I think I'm going to try to make up some 95 grain with a slightly lighter charge. I don't want to fall in love with 90 grain loads and not be able to get anymore! I'm just trying to find a solution that I can put 200 rounds through my PPK without beating my hands up too badly.

So I took the NRA Metallic Reloading class this weekend and I have to say having everything laid out in an organized manner, as far as checking the brass, what happens during the firing cycle, potential pitfalls, etc. really brought me to have an understanding that I don't think I would have gotten from YouTube or reading reloading manuals. Definitely some of the better $200 I've spent! I also got some hands-on time with a press with a reloading guru who makes his own match grade .308 for competition. I made a few rounds of .308 until I was comfortable with setting up the press and dies. And then I made a bunch of 9mm rounds. So I know what I'm looking for in a kit now, and I know that if I'm going to be doing pistol loads that I'm going to want to invest in a digital scale. Since the difference between bang and (potentially) boom for some of those small loads is as small as a half grain, I'd feel better having a digital scale than a beam-type scale. As a new reloader, I got a bunch out of the class. But even experienced reloaders, I think, could get something out of it too! Highly recommended!

So you're saying it's time to stock up on permits?

I've never taken anyone new to the range who hated it and never wanted to go back. Still working taking my mom to the range... she's the hard sell, anti-gun and all that.

And Kurz... Long story short... 9mm = 9mm Luger = 9mm Parabellum = 9x19mm 9mm Makarov = 9x18mm Then there's 9mm Short = 9mm Kurz = 9mm Corto = 9x17mm = .380 ACP But if it's just labelled 9mm, it's going to be 9x19mm

Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the event. Will similar demos occur at any other time in the future? I'm definitely intrigued and am disappointed that I was already double booked this weekend.

Tonight I ran through a box of 90 grain PMC Bronze .380 ACP and my PPK LOVED it. Shooting tight groups without any issues! I'd like to start reloading .380 but I'd like to see what I can do with 90 grain bullets. If I can't get bulk bullets in 90 grain, I'll have to just shoot more PMC Bronze.

Shot 100 rounds of the reman .380 ACP tonight and the quality was good... however I discovered my PPK (or most likely me) does not do well with 100 grain ammo... shooting groups almost twice the size of shooting 95 grain ammo. I'd buy again, just not for my PPK.

Good to hear you opted for safe. Glad to hear nothing happened, but better safe than sorry. I'll learn from this and keep this in mind when I start learning to reload.

Good to hear your ammo is arriving! I'm taking mine to the range tomorrow to see if my PPK minds the remanufactured ammo (it will feed reliably anything I've fed it except Blazers). I'm hoping I've found a source of less-expensive, reliable ammo that will work for me at the range!

A little expensive but worth it! I agree 100% that the staff is super friendly and the range is nice! Looking forward to taking a few courses there this summer.

It sounds like the course might be overkill as I am pretty handy and can figure most things out. But it's just like shooting... it's easy to figure out... while things are going right. When things don't go right (malfunctions) this is where I'm glad I have formal training. I'm also a scuba diver which is pretty easy when things go right, but I'd rather be overtrained for a situation than not. I've gotten my hands on a load manual, and watched a bunch of YouTube videos... I'm certain I could do this without the training, but a little extra education never hurt anyone but my wallet, did it? So why do you guys reload? Cash savings? Availability of ammo? Personal pride? Custom loads?

Hi guys! I'm looking to learn to reload so I'm actually taking an NRA Metallic Reloading course on Sunday. I'm just curious, how did everyone here learn to reload? Formal training? Handed down tools and knowledge? A video, a book and a large cajones? Would you offer any advice for a newbie? Anything to read/watch before the course?

Yep! A friend of mine is still waiting for his order of 9mm reman. I got my .380 reman right away, I guess I lucked out. When he spoke to Freedom, they were apologetic and got much more business than they had planned for offering free shipping. I guess the sale went viral on gun boards like this! But you know what? It drove trial. I wouldn't have bought reman ammo if it weren't for the free shipping. Good for them! I hope they get more business out of it.

Ha! My town does letters. AND phone calls to confirm what you said on the letters. About a week or two after I submitted, both of my references received letters and sent them back. About two or three weeks later, I got a phone call to confirm everything that was on my application. The next day they got phone calls looking to confirm everything that they wrote in the letter reply. I guess my town is very thorough. This is Madison, by the way.

Just got back from the Hamburg store... There was NO .22LR whatsoever. All other calibers looked readily available. I managed to pick up a bunch of .380 for about 70% of what I pay in NJ. And the big winner... a new magazine for my P22Q! And plenty of Mosin Nagants... one almost came home with me but there isn't enough room in the safe.

I'd start off with my PPK until I find something lighter that's as reliable. May not be the best shooter, but it's what I'm most used to.

RTSP hands down... there hasn't been a time where they didn't have what I wanted in stock. Actually, there's never been something I lusted over they didn't have in stock.