The initial 9-hour classroom sessions will be offered at the OSC clubhouse. This room can easily accommodate 20 students, but I may limit class size to less than 10 at a time. This permits some flexibility in scheduling the class sessions and encourages individual participation.
After the initial classroom session, optional bench instruction can be scheduled over the following weeks for 1 or 2 students at a time, at my loading bench. (That's where my 400-lb loading bench and presses are set up, and it’s far easier for you to come to them rather than for them to come to you!) You are not required to to take advantage of this opportunity for individual instruction.
Each student will schedule a date and time, within a month after the initial class session, for their final classroom session. This should give you plenty of time to read the massive textbook. At this final session we will wrap up the paperwork (review the course, take the exam, and distribute certificates).
With the course now formally completed, I would hope that everyone sticks around to test fire their new rounds of ammo out on the range.
The textbook is the NRA Guide to Reloading. This book is an excellent introduction to reloading for the beginner. It is not complete in the sense that it covers every aspect of reloading in detail. Other references attempt to do that. There is a vast literature on the subject, not all of it useful to the beginner; much of it is out of date. Reloading is a constantly changing activity. This book will get you started, and it will set you up in the correct way to acquire more knowledge. It is not a loading manual; it will not give you recipes for your favorite loads. There are many good loading manuals available with thousands of tested loadings; this textbook will help you to understand the data in these manuals.
(Don't rush out and order a copy of this book. I have your copy; it's included with the student packet when you enroll in the course.)
Reloading is a complex activity; it is not for everyone. It requires your constant attention to details and safety. You must be committed to acquiring knowledge and developing skills. You must have a healthy respect for the limitations of the information, equipment, and processes that you will use. And most of all, you must have the discipline to follow instructions to the letter. The reloading bench is no place to be sloppy or to experiment.
Is reloading for you? If you cannot follow directions, then you have no business trying to make ammo!
A comment on safety: Just as no live ammo is permitted in the room during an NRA Firearms course, NO FIREARMS will be permitted in the classroom or at the loading bench during an NRA Reloading course.
As currently planned, the metallic cartridge reloading course will emphasize pistol cartridges over rifle cartridges since this is where your instructor has the most experience. The specific cartridge caliber(s) we use can be based on student preferences which will be surveyed during course registration. I'm currently set up to reload the following pistol calibers:
| 9 mm | .40 S&W |
| .38 Special | .45 ACP |
| .357 Magnum | .45 Long Colt |
Tools for following pistol calibers are available, but you will have to supply your own components (brass and bullets):
.380 ACP Currently I'm set up to reload only the following rifle cartridges:
| .223 Rem | .308 Win |
The following popular rifle cartridges will be reloadable soon, but you will have to supply your own components (brass and bullets):
.30-30 Win .30-06 Spr I can reload the following shot shells:
12 gauge 20 gauge If you insist on learning how to reload using another cartridge, I can try to accommodate provided that you can supply your own reloading dies and components (brass, primers, powder, and bullets). Contact me to discuss this issue before you enroll.
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On my reloading bench I have 3 presses set up permanently. One is a single-stage Lee Challenger press (left) which is great for learning the reloading process. The second is a Lee Turret press (center) which is a little more complicated and better suited for the reloader with more experienced. (I do the bulk of my own reloading on this press.) The turret press can (and will) be set up to function as a single-stage press. The third is a very simple single-stage Lee Reloader press (right) which I use almost exclusively for cast bullet preparation, lead hardness testing, and bullet pulling. I do not use a progressive press; they are fairly complicated and are definitely not for beginners. |
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I have 2 very simple Lee Load All II shot shell reloading presses (right), one for 12-gauge and one for 20-gauge, but there is space to use only one press at a time. |
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Conditions and time permitting, I may demonstrate the use of the ballistic chronograph during the ammo testing session. It's a very relevant supplement to the course since it provides important measurements to evaluate the quality of your ammo.
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Time permitting after the loading bench exercises, students may have an opportunity for an extremely brief introduction to bullet casting. (This is a completely separate activity involving a totally different set of experience-based skills). |
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I must emphasize, these are courses for beginners. If you have extensive experience producing your own ammo, then these courses are not for you. (I am not prepared at this time to break all your bad habits or to deal with the more advanced issues you'll raise!)
However, if you have been reloading for a few years and want to brush up on the basics or go back and fill in some of the gaps in your training, then by all means contact your instructor to discuss your needs and interests. Every time I offer the course I get feedback and gradually incorporate some "advanced" material into the course to benefit the more experienced students.
The cost of the NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course is currently $60 ; this fee is subject to change. If you'll be supplying your own components, I can lower the price by $10. (I'm trying to keep the costs down, but unfortunately, prices on ammo components continue to go through the roof, and there is no end in sight to this trend.) This price includes all course materials, student textbook, certificate, supplied reloading components, and any range fees.
The cost of the NRA Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading course is currently $45 ; this fee is subject to change. This price include all course materials, student textbook, certificate, supplied reloading components, and any range fees.
Students taking both courses receive a $10 discount. (You don't have to sign up and take both courses at the same time to receive this benefit.)
All students must supply their own eye protection at the loading bench, just as on the firing range. We'll be working around mechanical equipment with parts under spring tension and handling components which can go bang if mistreated. I also recommend a shop apron or something to protect your clothing; you may inadvertently come into contact with some greasy or oily parts on the presses, and some of the components may by dirty.
For visitors to my home reloading bench a light jacket or sweater is also recommended if you are prone to getting chilled, as I don't keep the room very warm. My home is not child-proof, so don't bring your kids.
If interest is very high, either course will be offered again as soon as possible. It is my goal to offer these courses on a regular schedule, at least annually, more frequently if interest permits, as long as we have enough to justify reserving the clubhouse.
From all of the experienced reloaders in the club, I'm still collecting donations of all kinds of components to use as examples:
bullets, especially jacketed varieties
cases, especially a variety of basic rifle types (rimmed, rimless, belted, etc.)
good examples of classic mistakes, defects, and problems
examples of overpressure
incredibly bad bullet seatings
vials of different powers (contact me first)
outstanding examples of things you would normally hide away or quietly dispose of
Reloading is a great way to enhance your enjoyment of the shooting sports, and it’s a great indoor activity to pursue when bad weather drives you off the range. Most reloaders derive as much pride and satisfaction producing their own ammo as they do shooting it. I would invite you to explore this aspect of our firearms heritage.
Visit this web site for the latest information.
Enrollment is now open for the next class. You can take and submit the registration survey via e-mail.
If I don't see you regularly at the club and you are interested in taking one of these courses. contact me (Eric) to arrange payment and to pick up your textbook.