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Post your reloading tips, trick, shortcuts, suggestions #1233816 02/11/10 12:07 AM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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Share some of those special tip, tricks, suggestions, money saver, etc, you have picked up along the way. cheers


Last edited by jeh7mmmag; 09/24/13 08:13 PM.

�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1233849 02/11/10 12:26 AM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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1. CHANGING CALIBER AND RESETTING YOUR TRIMMER.
Quote:
I always make standard to set my trimmer out of a piece of brass that I trimmed to correct length. Mark it with the "trim to" and "maximum length" and spray paint red.
Makes setting trimmer easy and fast -just put brass standard in trimmer and slide cutter up against neck and set lock collars. Standard can also be used to set caliper for checking case length.
.

2. PRESOAKING TARNISHED BRASS
Quote:
Tumbling dirty and tarnished brass. I like deprime with universal deprimer, and presoak tarnished brass in a solution of:
1 gallon of water
1 quart of cider vinegar (might even add some fruit fresh [citric acid])
2 spoons full of laundry soap
1 spoon of table salt(helpsto keep from turning brass pink)

Soak in plastic jug (make sure they are fully submerged)for 1 to 12 hours. Drain on collander, dump on towel, roll around to remove excess liquid and tumble. Primer pocket Carbon is easily removed when you presoak.




�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1234261 02/11/10 03:04 AM
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Because I have a single stage press. I will deprime and resize as many pieces as I can. I rarely leave once fired brass that hasn't been resized and deprimed laying in the drawer.

I'll trim, chamfer and deburr, and reprime all of it. Put it in the box it came in if it's once fired brass from ammo I purchased. I do have some brass that I purchased that came in a bag. I went to Academy and bought some of their ammunition carriers (50 round) to neatly hold the new brass that has been primed and is awaiting a load. I'll go ahead and put a label on it with the necessary information and leave the bullet, powder info, OAL, and date blank. That way when I know I'm about to have a day to go do some shooting I can load up what ever I need to experiment with or load up an already proven load to try at differnet ranges.

I've only been doing this for about 6 months now and love learning more about it. It is a bunch of fun.



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Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: J.G.] #1234394 02/11/10 03:49 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Because I have a single stage press. I will deprime and resize as many pieces as I can. I rarely leave once fired brass that hasn't been resized and deprimed laying in the drawer.



Been considering doing this - I have a single stage as well but use two different primers so I would definately have to keep organized - gonna watch for ya'lls tips because I haven't been doing this long enough to offer any up grin


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: catfishatc] #1234875 02/11/10 01:18 PM
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WHen using a single stage press. After brass has ben prepped and primed, I drop my powder charge and seat bullet befoer moving to the next piece. I never drop powder in multiple cases then seat multiple bullets. I have left powder out befoer.

When loading pistol ammo. I have a dowel rod that fits int the brass. When I get my powder charge right, I put the dowel into the brass and mark my level on the dowel rod. Then I check each piece after that to ensure I have not double charged any.



Those of you who do not stand behind our millitary, please stand in front of it!!!
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: fastliberator] #1235053 02/11/10 02:50 PM
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I started using spary lube for my rifle cases. This product really speed up the process.

Ronnie


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: bigjoe8565] #1235573 02/11/10 05:54 PM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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I have heard using spray lubes on cases in a zip lock bag works good. up
I have used mink oil boot wax and neuteral shoe wax (lanolin), and it also work very well if you apply by rubbing some on fingers.

LUBING RIFLE CASE NECKS:
Quote:
I have a small 35mm film canister that has bird shot and motor mica (white graphite or plain graphite) mixed in with shot. I just stick neck of brass down in shot and the graphite adheres to inside and outside of neck.








�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1237044 02/12/10 02:15 AM
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I primarily resize with Lee Collet dies. With these dies it is not neccessary to lube cases thus I dont have to spend a bunch of time cleaning lube from cases. Also, I dont have to trim as often when sizing with the collet die. As a bonus, my groups tightened up.


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: elkhunter7x6] #1237094 02/12/10 02:26 AM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: elkhunter7x6
I primarily resize with Lee Collet dies. With these dies it is not neccessary to lube cases thus I dont have to spend a bunch of time cleaning lube from cases. Also, I dont have to trim as often when sizing with the collet die. As a bonus, my groups tightened up.
up

And necks are not worked as hard (expand, resize, expand), Rounds are more concentric because they are sized around a dead center mandrel. They are some good dies. up
Are you also using LFC dies on rifle loads?



�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1237142 02/12/10 02:37 AM
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PRINTING TARGET:
Quote:
You can make up you own target from scratch with some of the free CAD programs. Or goggle "free target". There are numerous site that have 100's of different designs. Here is one. http://www.gun-shots.net/free-printable-targets.shtml




�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1237826 02/12/10 12:30 PM
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Yeah I built my own with Autocad.


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: elkhunter7x6] #1244288 02/15/10 05:45 PM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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THE BEST, LATEST, RELOADING DATA, AND MANUALs (FREE)

Quote:
Goggle your powder manufacture and browse their webpage for Reloading Data. Most can be downloaded, copied, and printed. Also put you name on there mailing list for free Hard copy of Loading Guide, or pick one up at your supplies store. Check there newsletter for latest.

Example:
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
(Hodgdon, IMR Dupont, Winchester Western, VV Finland)

http://www.alliantpowder.com/

http://www.thalesgroup.com.au/handloaders-guide/powder.asp

http://www.nosler.com/Reloading-Data.aspx




�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1248673 02/17/10 04:31 AM
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BRASS CARTRIDGE CASE WEIGHTS

Feel free to add to to the list.
Weights are average of mixed head stamp with primer.

Quote:
9mm, 59.46gr/ea, 117.7cases/#, 8.5#/1000

38spl, 68.06gr/ea, 102.8cases/#, 9.7#/1000

40s&w, 70.1gr/ea, 99.9cases/#, 10#/1000

.357mag, 78.3gr/ea, 89.4cases/#, 11.2#/1000

.45acp, 89.58gr/ea, 78.1cases/#, 12.8#/1000

.223, 95.28gr/ea , 73.5cases/#, 13.6#/1000

.44mag, 114.38gr/ea, 61.2cases/#, 16.3#/1000

50bmg, 865.26gr/ea, 8.1cases/#, 123.5#/1000

DISCLAIMER: Above list is not my original work and was found on the internet. Citation to the originator would be given except that the exact same list shows up on multiple forums posted by different people. Kudos to whoever did the original. My own work confirms that 9mm, .40, .45, and .223 were all well within expected margin of error for these stated weights. Due to manufacturing variances found with different head stamps, the larger a sample size that is counted and weighed will yield results closer to a universal average. Due to the limits of my scale, I checked 10 random batches of 100 9mm and found they all weighed different amounts. I then averaged to a weight/thousand and found the stated 117/lb average to be accurate for a random mixed lot of 1000 9mm cases. Somewhat smaller batches of .40, .45, and .223 yielded very similar but not absolute matching results. I have not checked the entire list, but based on the ones I did check, I believe the weights listed are more than close enough for use when buying, selling, or trading brass to determine count/lb. or weight/thousand. I suppose I could have simply said Source: the Internet, but thought an explanation of how sample size can effect the resulting average weights might be helpful. Probably splitting hairs if considering 1000 case quantities but maybe not to all. Most of the time, a weight of only 10 or 20 averaged should probably get a close enough estimate for a person just wanting to get some reasonable idea when looking at buying brass by the lb. Most people selling or trading in bulk always throw in extras anyway but who the heck is going to count 1K-5K cases which is why bulk is often sold by the lb. YMMV ...Jon



Last edited by Jon; 02/17/10 05:47 PM. Reason: added disclaimer
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: Jon] #1283033 03/04/10 02:32 AM
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Any more tips?


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: catfishatc] #1284664 03/04/10 07:46 PM
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I don't think anyone mentioned keeping a log
I feel that is the single most important thing to
do when you reload regardless of the kind of tools
or components you use
The fellow that showed me how to reload many years
ago said to keep a log and I'll always have something
to refer to if I had any questions come up about a batch
of ammo I loaded,or I could refer back if I came up with
a "magic" load,etc.
I didn't do it for a while until I caught myself on some
ammo I accidentally overloaded.
if I hadn't had a note to refer back to I might have injured
or killed myself or someone else.
You might load something that works great in your own
firearm that might work for someone else,or may be too
hot for another firearm,etc.

keep a log! ! !


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: maximum] #1284673 03/04/10 07:49 PM
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I should make it clear I meant a WRITTEN log in
addition to whatever computer files you may have

I also put a slip of paper in the box of ammo with
load info regardless of outside box markings


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: maximum] #1285468 03/05/10 12:50 AM
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I'll second that. I also color code my brass whenever I get new stuff. I just take a Sharpie and color them blue, black, or red. Then, everytime I load those, I make note of it in the log. That way, I know exactly how many times my brass has been loaded, no guesswork...


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: KC] #1285485 03/05/10 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted By: KC
I'll second that. I also color code my brass whenever I get new stuff. I just take a Sharpie and color them blue, black, or red. Then, everytime I load those, I make note of it in the log. That way, I know exactly how many times my brass has been loaded, no guesswork...


I have just been writing the number of loads on them with a sharpie - colors sounds more fun!


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: catfishatc] #1286971 03/05/10 05:20 PM
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a Giraud Trimmer will drastically reduce your brass prep time. I can trim, chamfer, and debur 200 pieces of brass in 15 minutes taking my time.


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: NTRP] #1287498 03/05/10 08:42 PM
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jeh7mmmag Offline OP
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Giraud Trimmer up Wished I had one. Thanks and Keep them coming.



�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1292983 03/08/10 02:15 PM
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James, my favorite trick is to call you and ask.



Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: Dave Davidson] #1311974 03/17/10 12:00 AM
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Originally Posted By: Dave Davidson
James, my favorite trick is to call you and ask.

Thanks for all the brass Dave. I still owe you a coffee.



�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1312016 03/17/10 12:26 AM
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Thumbling, Walnut, and Corn Cobb Media discussion




�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: jeh7mmmag] #1312047 03/17/10 12:44 AM
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Only keep one can of powder on the bench at a time. I mixed win. 231 and 748 while loading 40 s&w. I threw the whole bunch away. Lesson learned.


Re: POST YOUR RELOADING TIPS, TRICKS, SHORTCUTS, SUGGESTIONS [Re: 686ppp] #1312079 03/17/10 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted By: 686ppp
Only keep one can of powder on the bench at a time. I mixed win. 231 and 748 while loading 40 s&w. I threw the whole bunch away. Lesson learned.

Excellent Rule Ruined some powder myself. up

Also: Alway keep your powder in original well marked container with lot number.




�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.�
~ John Muir
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