My Crazy Uncle Jim first peaked my interest in reload when I was a pre teen. But he was not the kinda fella you wanted to learn safety from. My first experience was him loading his 45-70.
I remember him bustin' open a battery melting part of the lead from it, with battery terminal clamps and I believe wheel weights. Cooking it outdoors, fluxing it with beeswax. Spitting in the pot to make it explode,to scare me. Laughing about it ,while he downed another Old Milwaukee.
Then pouring the lead into a 45 caliber mold he then smacked it splashing the spru back into the cast Iron pot.
Then cooling them off by dropping them straight into a can of lube.
I can also remember him loading them with a tablespoon to the brim then shaking back out just enough powder to let the bullet seat,and using a lee whack a mole type set up. He also smacked a few primers right there on the table with the powder out and all, just to see me jump.
After that I figured only crazy people like my uncle Jim reloaded their own ammo and let any notion of it pass for years.
Then I met a fellow by the handle of
Gandog56 on another forum. He became a great friend thru a little horse trading, internet conversations, written communication, and a few phone calls.
I was Interested in shooting something besides a 9mm or a .22 regularly, that I could afford. He introduced me to the world of reduced load wad cutters, the budget lee turret press, and the .38 special. Walked me thru a lot of my firsts.
At the time I did not have much money at all. Had just gotten over about 5 years of sickness, that took about everything I owned. I was just then, physically recovering enough to get back to work part time.
A lot of others made suggestions that were way beyond my ability to obtain.
He helped me chose a decent revolver in .357 so I would have a little mistake room. Then helped me pick my first press, powder and die set. He passed away finally succumbing to his battle with cancer, about a year ago, I will miss him.
The 3rd and current influence and mentor is
Fiver. He started mentoring me a bit while I was still under Gandog56's wing. Helped me expand my horizons. Safely guided me thru my learning curve.
So now I can confidently share my hobbie with my son.
He has helped in so many ways expecting nothing in return. I wish their was a way I could repay him.
Then lastly he brought me here. Introducing my to a whole roomful of Crazy Uncles.