Thread: Any Hawke's Bay reloaders open to having an apprentice?

Hi All.

Moved to Hawke's Bay not that long ago (from BOP). Grew up on a family farm overseas, hunted around eastern BOP bush for a years (.243 red deer), and always rabbit/possum/wallaby controlling (.22LR). Interested in learning (beginning) reloading practically rather than via youtube (funny how middle-aged degenerates are that way inclined), meeting some likeminded individuals, and exploring capabilities of (in first instance) 6.5x55 swede. Like long walks on the beach and pretty sunsets....

(is anybody else reading this like a dating profile?!? - crikey! )

Appreciate your insights.

safa95

Good move! Some of us old parts enjoy having younger blood around. Not so certain about the sunsets and beach walks....

Open to doing some reloading tutoring if you need some, just moved (locally) so not quite setup again but wouldn't take too long. Can reload, 223, 308, 7mm RM, .270, 357, 38, 45-70, 38-55, 12g, 9mm, 300blk, 30-30 probably a few more if I have a dig around the die draw.

Based Crownthorpe ways.

Originally Posted by NZ32

Open to doing some reloading tutoring if you need some, just moved (locally) so not quite setup again but wouldn't take too long. Can reload, 223, 308, 7mm RM, .270, 357, 38, 45-70, 38-55, 12g, 9mm, 300blk, 30-30 probably a few more if I have a dig around the die draw.

Based Crownthorpe ways.

Thanks NZ32. Yes, I'm interested to explore that with you. PLUS, we might share interest on old landcruisers.... the question tho: is the bezzle (in your profile photo) the right way around?A?

Greetings @SAFFA95,
Would be happy to help. Have been loading the 6.5x55 for years. The cartridge has some interesting quirks and needs careful sizing and sorting of load data. Please let us know what kit you currently have and what projectile you wish to load if known.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @SAFFA95,
Would be happy to help. Have been loading the 6.5x55 for years. The cartridge has some interesting quirks and needs careful sizing and sorting of load data. Please let us know what kit you currently have and what projectile you wish to load if known.
Regards Grandpamac.

Thanks for your reply @grandpamac - was hoping you might pop in a comment, as your input on various threads has been valuable. Is there a direct message option on this forum? Or am i too new?

At this stage collecting info, load-specs & advice, a list of essential gear & which is preferred manufacturer & model (that's where practical learning from a master will be best help at this stage), etc.

Thanks in advance for any/all direction.

Originally Posted by safa95

Thanks for your reply @grandpamac - was hoping you might pop in a comment, as your input on various threads has been valuable. Is there a direct message option on this forum? Or am i too new?

At this stage collecting info, load-specs & advice, a list of essential gear & which is preferred manufacturer & model (that's where practical learning from a master will be best help at this stage), etc.

Thanks in advance for any/all direction.

Greetings again,
There is a Private messages tab on the lower tool bar at the top of the page. I suspect there is a time before you can use it.
The first step in handloading is to decide what kind of hunting you want to do with the rifle. Are you a bush hobbit, open country hunter or a long ranger. This will determine what kind of projectile may be best (although any projectile can be used even though not ideal). Next step is to prepare some cases and assemble some test loads. I can help you with this. It is best to put of buying a whole heap of kit right at the beginning. It is best to load on a mentors kit and I can help with that too. Finally you can assemble your own kit based on the type of handloading you do and ammo you load. This saves buying a whole lot of stuff you never use.
Regards GPM.

Originally Posted by safa95

Thanks NZ32. Yes, I'm interested to explore that with you. PLUS, we might share interest on old landcruisers.... the question tho: is the bezzle (in your profile photo) the right way around?A?

Thick part at the top, only wany to have the bezzle

Flick me a PM and we can arrange a catchup

Originally Posted by safa95

Thanks for your reply @grandpamac - was hoping you might pop in a comment, as your input on various threads has been valuable. Is there a direct message option on this forum? Or am i too new?

At this stage collecting info, load-specs & advice, a list of essential gear & which is preferred manufacturer & model (that's where practical learning from a master will be best help at this stage), etc.

Thanks in advance for any/all direction.

or you can just click on his name and it will appear.

Originally Posted by HUNTY

or you can just click on his name and it will appear.

@HUNTY that's handy advice, thanks. This method gives an option to email you, but not available on the other repliers.

Very happy to help you, can lend you a press and dies. Have a wide variety of projectiles and powders. I am in Napier.

Originally Posted by garyp

Very happy to help you, can lend you a press and dies. Have a wide variety of projectiles and powders. I am in Napier.

@garyp thank you muchly! Will be in contact once that feature is enabled for me. Otherwise, I'm contactable via email

@safa95
Here's a list. But everyone will have an opinion.
Should get you on track.


You need:
Reloading Manual/Instructions.
Powder load data. (On line)
Press. "O" type or solid "C" type
Solid bench or table to mount press
Dies. "Lee RGB" are cheap & cheerful
Shell holder(s).
Case lube. (grease or STP works)
Beam balance/Scale.
Powder scoops/dippers. (diy)
Trickler. (diy)
Powder funnel.
Priming tool. (often on press)
Loading block(s) (diy)
Vernier caliper. (Cheapy is OK)

Later:

Case trimming tool. (Lee)
Case chamfering tool(s) (diy)
Primer pocket cleaner. (diy)
Powder thrower/measure.

Great thread. Wouldn't get one like this in AU

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

@safa95
Here's a list. But everyone will have an opinion.
Should get you on track.


You need:
Reloading Manual/Instructions.
Powder load data. (On line)
Press. "O" type or solid "C" type
Solid bench or table to mount press
Dies. "Lee RGB" are cheap & cheerful
Shell holder(s).
Case lube. (grease or STP works)
Beam balance/Scale.
Powder scoops/dippers. (diy)
Trickler. (diy)
Powder funnel.
Priming tool. (often on press)
Loading block(s) (diy)
Vernier caliper. (Cheapy is OK)

Later:

Case trimming tool. (Lee)
Case chamfering tool(s) (diy)
Primer pocket cleaner. (diy)
Powder thrower/measure.

Great thread. Wouldn't get one like this in AU

Thanks @Oldbloke .
Agreed - I'm blown away by the great community here. have been around 5mins, and the interactions with a newbie have been positive & supportive - very cool!
Thanks for the concise list - great direction.

Greetings All,
There is one serious pitfall for newbies handloading for the 6.5x55 which may be a problem with other non US cartridges. Both FL sizing dies I have set the shoulder back way to far for any of the 4 rifles I have measured. Even the Redding die sets the shoulder back 0.012" (ideal is 0.002") for the shortest chamber in my T3. The situation in a Ruger was even worse and worse again with my old Lyman dies. The FL die can be adjusted to get over this problem but this is tricky without decent measuring kit. If the die is adjusted hard down on the shell holder case life will be short and head separations likely. Misfires and failure to extract a loaded round may also be a problem as may poor accuracy due to ragged ignition.
That said the 6.5x55 is a great cartridge and my personal favourite. It just needs a bit more knowledge to get the best out of it.
Regards Grandpamac.