How many have mentored a prospective reloader that actually took up the hobby?

[tightgroup tiger]

I've taught 2 people in person and they are still loading and calling once in a while to ask questions.
I had them both start on a progressive presses. They took to them really well, no problems.
One of them I was really impressed with how fast he picked up the mechanics of the press.
But he should have, he was one of my maintenance employees on my last job where I was supervisor.
They both understood what a single stage press was and said if they wanted one, they would buy it later.
When I left western Pa, everyone I knew up there reloaded, down here in NC, very few people do so I don't get a lot of people asking.

I did have a pretty good looking lady ask me to teach her reloading, then I found out she was divorced and on the hunt.
I told her I wasn't teacher anyone at this time because of all the Covid 19 that was going around. She wasn't very happy with me but I didn't care, I've been married for 43 years now and plan on keeping it that way.

 

[FROGO207]

Awesome!!!

As noted when ammo becomes scarce there are many that want an easy out. Those that truly want to master the craft wether for accuracy or supply stability will show their true intent. Those are the ones that I will spend my time helping the most. Not the one that offers to sell me their setup when ammo appears back on the shelves with regularity only to come back next shortage and ask to reload some on my setup with my supplies. This has happened more than once sadly.

 

[9mmepiphany]

But about the last 2 years, I got a lot of people asking me about reloading. I never, ever BS anybody. So the initial coat dissuaded them. I quoted them current (2020) costs.

Funny, because when I start talking to folks the issue of price never comes up. All they want to know is how hard it is and want they'll need to get started...they go home on do their own price research on the internet.

The largest hurdle is to get their mindset over buying powder in 1lb bottles, bullets in 1k count, or primers in less than 1k counts. When reloading handguns, they need to think in terms of 8lb jugs, 3-5k bags of bullets and 5k primers when making a purchase

 

[kalielkslayer]

Funny, because when I start talking to folks the issue of price never comes up. All they want to know is how hard it is and want they'll need to get started...they go home on do their own price research on the internet.

The largest hurdle is to get their mindset over buying powder in 1lb bottles, bullets in 1k count, or primers in less than 1k counts. When reloading handguns, they need to think in terms of 8lb jugs, 3-5k bags of bullets and 5k primers when making a purchase

I bring it up if they don’t. It’s a huge part of the equation. Showing someone how to prep a case is no more important than explaining what equipment they’ll need, and cost of that equipment.

 

[illinoisburt]

I've helped a few people try their hand at reloading. To the best of my knowledge none of them took up the hobby. Honestly the start up costs don't have to be very high, maybe $200 for a basic press, scale, dies, loading block, and manual. There are lots of 1-caliber kits from Lee around or under that price point. I think the argument against the cost is that people are mostly plinking (non-competition paper, steel plates, etc.) with FMJ bulk ammo like 9mm and 223. Component cost is not really that much less than factory assuming you can find it (maybe save 3 cents), so it would take a huge volume of reloads to make up the press without getting to the time commitment. Other people who recently asked me about it is are really low volume hunters using two different WSM and a 7SWT rifles. A set of dies cost more than either plan to shoot in the next decade so that was a no go.

 

[Bugster]

I have a friend who works part time at Wally World who hand loads for 223/5.56mm. He and I helped another part timer out there to get started. So I guess I'm credited with an assist. Although, another friend is coming over to get reacquainted with hand loading, but he used to hand load so I'm not getting him to begin but I love to get folks interested in the hobby. And like you, with every shortage of ammo on the shelves friends and relatives come out of the woodwork asking me to make them some ammo. The answer is always the same, " sorry but it's against the law". Even if it weren't I can't afford to deplete my components.

 

[Otto]

^^^ Its not against the law to make ammo for others and profit from it as long as it isn’t part of your livelihood.

 

[rdinga]

I have mentored a few. Still have one loading buddy that has stuck with it for a few years.

 

[Varminterror]

^^^ Its not against the law to make ammo for others and profit from it as long as it isn’t part of your livelihood.

The ATF guidance says an FFL is required if reloading for the “purpose of livelihood AND profit.”

Getting into the definition of “AND,” in my experience, errs on the side of having a license. It’s been many years ago now, but I was approached by ATF agents about my “illegal operation,” and instructed - despite the fact the revenue volume couldn’t be considered my livelihood - the fact I was manufacturing ammunition for profit was sufficient to require a license.

In my experience, the consequence was “cease and desist, or get an FFL,” so it wasn’t quite as scary as it COULD have been - but considering the potential consequences of a firearms related felony, I wouldn’t recommend that folks make a habit or side hustle out of manufacturing ammunition for profit without an FFL.

 

[Varminterror]

I used to instruct the NRA Metallic Reloading course, but always found it to be rather unsatisfying and didn’t offer the differentiated value of “mentorship” rather than simply instruction. So I’ve INSTRUCTED a lot of folks, a few dozen, through that course and a similar non-sanctioned course, with varying outcomes for whether the students remain to reload thereafter or not.

I have also mentored - a sustained relationship of guidance, collaboration, and development - many other “students,” maybe a dozen to 15. In that relationship, organically, they have to stick to it, otherwise the mentorship couldn’t have happened. In those instances, I’ve typically had the luxury of taking folks through the process of defining their wants and needs, designing their process to meet the needs, defining their budget, then purchasing equipment to meet their needs and budget; all before finally instructing them on the operation and further providing continued support as issues or ideas arise over time.

I imagine a few of those folks would no longer be reloading, as some only took on the task as a means to produce ammunition for competition, and they aren’t competing any more, so maybe they’re also not reloading any more either.

 

[Seedy Character]

I have mentored 2, 1 friend and 1 grandson. Both reload. 2 grandsons are slowly being involved, not they know. 16 yo does resizing. 11 yo deprimes, polishes, sorts brass. He is an expert at gun cleaning. And ammo usage.

 

[Thomasss]

I would say about 5% continued to do it. I started because my uncle was doing it with his kids. They slacked off after 10 years, but I got my own set-up because I could double the shooting for half or less the cost.
Now my 5% were all reloaders who didn't really know how to realize the cost savings and do improvements. So, we started to buy in bulk together and split the cost. Then we shared recipes. I seemed to be the mentor most of the time and the others saw my results and wanted to duplicate them. On occasion, the others would come up with their own recipes and show the rest of us their "improvements". To each their own, I guess.

 

[refuse2bafool]

I should say that I don't know how
anybody today starting from zero
with new tools could ever amortize
their expense of getting set up unless
they're loading in the thousands yearly
until they're too old to load and shoot.
Components are way way higher and
many times more scarce than when I
started loading.

I think ammo has gone up more. At least here in the Peoples Republic of California.

Store bought 45 acp per box = $35 or $700 per 1000


Reloading per thousand.

Bullets $130
Powder $40
Primers $100. (if you can find them)
-----------------
$270 per thousand.

If you are shooting even 100+ rounds per week that $430/1000 adds up pretty fast,.

Finding LPP is my problem.

 

[FROGO207]

I think ammo has gone up more. At least here in the Peoples Republic of California.

Store bought 45 acp per box = $35 or $700 per 1000


Reloading per thousand.

Bullets $130
Powder $40
Primers $100. (if you can find them)
-----------------
$270 per thousand.

If you are shooting even 100+ rounds per week that $430/1000 adds up pretty fast,.

Finding LPP is my problem.

Finding the cash to purchase those primers was a struggle for a lot of years for me. Over time I added to my stock. So far this latest mess has not impacted my shooting. If things don't change in a couple more years I will need to slow down some. So hang in there and eventually things will stabilize and hopefully at that time you are able to stock up some.

 

[mstreddy]

I've mentored several. Some of them took up the hobby and have continued on, some of them are occasional loaders and one was going strong for a while, but then quit and sold everything off. Other hobbies got his attention.
One buddy I mentored reloads his 5.56/223 for NRA High Power matches and has made the President's 100. So, I can say, that was successful!

 

[Lovetofix]

Are any of you willing mentors in middle TN?
I’ve been interested in reloading for several years but my overseas work made it impractical. Now I’m here full time and a Dillon 550C came up local with an almost complete setup for my .38 special so I got it.
I’m halfway through the ABC’s of reloading 10th edition, and would love to be someone’s mentee.

 

[koni]

Neighbors son found out i was reloading he asked of after the holidays if I wouldn’t mind showing him how its done. From what I know about him, he likes to build AR’s and is starting to teach pistol marksmanship class for the state troopers. And had another friend help with brass prep. I don’t know if they will follow up, but the shop is open if someone wants to learn.

 

[Remington1911]

I talked about it a little bit in the "will you reload this for me" thread.....but will go deeper into the story here.

To tie in with the other thread, will you reload this for me, and the standard answer I give is no, but I will teach you how to do it, almost every single time it is an ahhhh ok. One guy was over the top tickled that I offered. YOU WOULD DO THAT FOR ME.....yea sure.

Story time.

After telling him that I would not reload for him but teach him how he was over the top happy. This guy in into these HUGE shoulder canon things.....the bigger the better.....I guess this guy hates his shoulder or something. He also has a few "normal" old things like a Garand. This is what we did together. He wanted 3006 (IMHO a mini magnum anyway) for the garand as soon as he found out that all 3006 is not the same and some of it could hurt his rifle.

We loaded up 20 (a box) went out back and shot them. Brought down the entire rig with the chrono, books to record numbers. We really did not do load development we just used my powder charge and the SAMI spec for the bullets we used. But we did go over making a cases so he could measure his rifles (other bolt rifles) so he had that info as well.

To cut a long story short, he offered to pay me for the supplies used, we used my primers, powder, bullets....I told him don't worry about it, I had fun teaching you how to do it, and just buy me lunch sometime.....and that cheap SOB never bought me lunch.

He has now gone off the deep end with dillon this and that, and several presses. He still loads that canon stuff, but a bit softer, seems when you get old that starts to really hurt. We go in halfies on things like powder primers and such when we buy in bulk.

 

[.38 Special]

There's one guy in particular...

He had no real interest in guns beyond the usual, but for some reason became completely obsessed with the .50 BMG. He bought himself a rifle and then discovered he couldn't afford to shoot it! After speaking to me about handloading he got fizzed up about it, and I guided him through his first purchases (learning as I went, as I had no experience loading for the cannon) and then getting set up and producing cartridges. Many years later he is now expert in all aspects of the .50 BMG, and still has never loaded a single round of anything else!

 

[NMexJim]

Over 40 years, I've had a handful that really took to it including a couple that turned into long-range shooters and are kicking my butt. All were buying their own equipment as they progressed, and it was interesting to watch them make decisions on what manufacturers to buy. Fun stuff.

 

[KY DAN]

The cream rises to the top in all avenues of life either you have a interest or you don't.

Every hobby/interest I ever had no one in my life had ever heard of so I had to figure out my problems and adapt. I have been active in reloading since I was 13, I found a book at the local library and read and re read and saved money until I could buy 100 rounds of components and a lee loader. No internet or anyone to hold my hand, just parents that said he got to learn some how lol.

Trying to mentor an adult is a lost cause unless that adult in question is actually open minded, think of the people in your concealed carry permit course, gun training courses, etc that said actually your wrong this is how I do it....

 

[Bazoo]

Are any of you willing mentors in middle TN?
I’ve been interested in reloading for several years but my overseas work made it impractical. Now I’m here full time and a Dillon 550C came up local with an almost complete setup for my .38 special so I got it.
I’m halfway through the ABC’s of reloading 10th edition, and would love to be someone’s mentee.

One state too low for me. Middle Kentucky here. I’d say if ya put a new thread with want a mentor in tn you will get someone close.

 

[Thomasss]

I should say that I don't know how anybody today starting from zero with new tools could ever amortize their expense of getting set up unless they're loading in the thousands yearly until they're too old to load and shoot.
Components are way way higher and many times more scarce than when I
started loading.

I would say depreciation is the same way it always has been done; slowly and over time. I started on a MEC Junior, loading both 12 and 20 gauge trap shells. We could load them for half price and they were as good as any AA Win. shell ever was. Granted, at that time a brand new Junior was selling for $65. And we figured at half price per box, we could pay off everything when we matched that press price with the savings.
Now today was the first time I saw .357 mag shells in a store since 2018. And the price was $54/box of 50. My reloads right now is $14.25/box of 50. I still have primers at the 2017 prices but have purchased bullets and powder lately. I figured buying all new supplies for 12 gauge trap to be 7.88/box. In the store, $10 to 12/box for AA and $8.50 if bought by the case. Deer ammo is the same, half price. Reloading is a hobby, it will cost you something and you will get satisfaction for making your own. In depreciation, you will get ahead eventually. In Rifle and Pistol you are correct, on a $600 investment in a press and supplies, you will break even at 2000 rounds. But I load both rifles and pistols for myself and also for each of my kids, so it doesn't take too long.
Do you depreciate your guns too? If you do, it might not be worth it to even shoot! It depends how you look at it.

 

[Charlie98]

My mentor was my brother. He showed me the basics of reloading .45ACP on a single-stage press, and let me at it. I quickly took that ball and ran with it... as a hobby, as a way to shoot more, and as a way to shoot the obscure cartridges I wanted to shoot. My brother... as I opine, was dropped on his head as a child... took up boating as a pastime, and let reloading fade (mostly because I stole all his reloading stuff, and was willing to reload whatever he wanted or needed.) I actually bought him a Hornady single-stage reloading setup about 15 years ago, as a present, to get him back into reloading... but I wound up getting all that back from him, eventually. Fast forward to today... and he has shown more interest in reloading, yet again. I have given him back his original press (I 'borrowed' from him for 25 years...) and bought him a NOS 5-0-5 scale. I'll have to gauge how interested he really is, however. I'm willing to buy him the whole enchilada (dies, bullets, primers, brass... etc...) if that's what he wants.... IF he's really interested. Hopefully... everything will come full circle, and he will want to load his basic handgun loads... .45ACP, .41MAG, and .380. I built him a new AR upper for Thanksgiving, so he may even be interested in loading 5.56mm... but we will see about that.

 

[refuse2bafool]

Finding the cash to purchase those primers was a struggle for a lot of years for me. Over time I added to my stock. So far this latest mess has not impacted my shooting. If things don't change in a couple more years I will need to slow down some. So hang in there and eventually things will stabilize and hopefully at that time you are able to stock up some.

I'm good for a while too. I mainly due bullseye type shooting, though I am not competing. Shooting a lot of .22 now. I do have about 5000 LPP on hand and am limiting 45acp to about 50-100 rounds per week so I am good for at least a year. But like you say, if it goes on long enough many more of us will run dry eventually.