texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,029
Posts9,719,585
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Beginning Reloading #5747425 05/17/15 04:26 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
This week I decided I'm going to start reloading. I'm going as cheap as possible at this time just to get into it. I bought a Lee Classic Loader for the .243, Lee Dipper Set, imr4350 powder, cci 200 primers, and .243 Sierra 100gr BTSP bullets. I got a Lyman's Reloading Manual as well.

Should I buy the deburing and case trimmer? What is deburing? Do I need to clean my cases? How can I cheaply clean them? Soap and water?

I plan to buy things in time, I just wanted to go as cheap as possible at first. I'm sure in a few years I'll have most of everything.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5747442 05/17/15 05:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
I was reading different Lyman Roload data manuals. One said min 36gr and max 42.3gr and an older one says min 40gr and max 44.5gr. Why is this? I planned to start at 38gr.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5747474 05/17/15 10:44 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Case trimmer first. When you trim cases on the lathe style trimmers a bur occurs on the outside and inside of the case mouth where it was cut. The first time you trim a case you will see it. The deburring tool bevels the inside and outside of that trim cut. Add a flash hole deburring tool to the list. The flash hole is punched out at the factory and lots of inconsistent brass is left behind. Deburring the flash hole helps more consitent ignition.

Brass prep is first so get the brass prep tools.

Manuals have to be made lawyer resistent. The newer one being more conservative is not surprising.

Look at hodgdon.com/reloading for their data. They make the powder, so I care what they publish. Check as many sources as you can foe powder charge weights.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5747653 05/17/15 02:27 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Check technical reference sticky in this section.

In the Tips and tricks one IIRC there are some cleaning tips and lots of others.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5747700 05/17/15 03:06 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,010
B
bluetopper Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,010
Different testing labs and equipment yield different results. Different brands and shapes of bullets in the same weight will yield a different result and so on.

As I like to say, reloading data is more than a guide and much less than a Bible.


Uprisings started or quelled, tornadoes rerouted, elections rigged.
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: bluetopper] #5747837 05/17/15 04:57 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted By: parisite


As I like to say, reloading data is more than a guide and much less than a Bible.


Exactly right.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5748460 05/18/15 01:30 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 919
G
Gemlin Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
G
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 919
Originally Posted By: MathMan
This week I decided I'm going to start reloading. I'm going as cheap as possible at this time just to get into it. I bought a Lee Classic Loader for the .243, Lee Dipper Set, imr4350 powder, cci 200 primers, and .243 Sierra 100gr BTSP bullets. I got a Lyman's Reloading Manual as well.

Should I buy the deburing and case trimmer? What is deburing? Do I need to clean my cases? How can I cheaply clean them? Soap and water?

I plan to buy things in time, I just wanted to go as cheap as possible at first. I'm sure in a few years I'll have most of everything.


Yes, you need to trim brass for all bottleneck brass. Everytime you fire it, it will grow slightly.

If you are on a budget, buy the Lee Cutter & Rod for the .243, also buy the Lee Champer Tool. I think you can get it for under 20 dollars? (I'm not 100% on that, as I don't use that system).

As for cleaning brass, I'd recommend you buy a tumbler and use media to clean the brass. BUT use something like Flitz and cloth and polish them by hand (Don't use ammonia based polish). Eventually you will use a tumbler just like everyone else, so just go buy one.

You'll also want a digital scale to check your powder weights. Trust me on this one. You'll also need calipers so you can measure your cases and your COAL.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5748631 05/18/15 03:19 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,918
B
bigjoe8565 Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,918
I'd throw in a vote for the Lee trimmer and case prep tools. I used them when I started reloading to save money, but they work just fine.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5751577 05/20/15 02:59 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
Thanks. I'll be buying the lee case trimmer and prep tools, some calipers for measuring, and a digital scale. Not at first though. I think I'm good with what I have for the first reloading at least.

For cleaning I'll be doing the vinegar, water, soap soak. Then I'll dry then in the dryer in a cloth bag. In time I'll get a case tumbler.

I'm not needing to shoot super accurately. Just good enough to shoot a deer or hog at about 200 yards max.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5751627 05/20/15 03:44 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768
jeh7mmmag Offline
gramps
Offline
gramps
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768
If you go with the Lee trim tools get the Lee stud so you can use a drill to trim, chamfer OD ID, and then polish the case with steel wool. Lee is simple and fool proof and work pretty good.
Good luck


�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: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5751821 05/20/15 01:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,176
K
Korean Redneck Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
K
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,176
Disclaimer: I've yet to reload a single shot yet, but in the process of teaching myself.

I unknowingly bought the Worlds Finest Trimmer from a thf member and just set it up to use it last night and it works brilliantly. I just have to figure out what to do with the flying brass shaving. Seems lien the biggest draw back to this system is that it tends to be caliber specific. But it don't bother me too much at this point. I even now own the Worlds Finest Trimmer 2 with a 223 insert. This second generation allows for more calibers.

It might be worth looking into. I really don't know since I've only trimmed about 125 cases so far. But seeing how other do it online I'm totally convinced this is at least the fastest way to trim a bunch of cases.

Last edited by Korean Redneck; 05/20/15 01:05 PM.

I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5759006 05/25/15 08:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
I reloaded 20 bullets today. Was fun! I marked the cases with a line to show they have been reloaded once and wrote my load data on the box that I put them in.

Will the sharpie line stay on the case after its fired?

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5759107 05/25/15 10:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 919
G
Gemlin Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
G
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 919
Yes

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5759256 05/25/15 11:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 35
S
Simmer down Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
S
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 35
You don't know it at this point, of course, but you will get so sucked into this "money saving" adventure. You'll have a Lyman on your toilet tank pretty soon. You'll bring home brass for guns you don't have. You'll scan intersections while you're waiting for the light to change for lead weights.

You aren't the first so don't feel bad.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5761302 05/27/15 04:47 AM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416
T
tenyearsgone Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
T
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416
Originally Posted By: MathMan
Thanks. I'll be buying the lee case trimmer and prep tools, some calipers for measuring, and a digital scale. Not at first though. I think I'm good with what I have for the first reloading at least.

For cleaning I'll be doing the vinegar, water, soap soak. Then I'll dry then in the dryer in a cloth bag. In time I'll get a case tumbler.

I'm not needing to shoot super accurately. Just good enough to shoot a deer or hog at about 200 yards max.




So a dipper is all you have for now? How are you going to know if 4350 even works unless you try different weights? It may throw the bullet all over the paper with one charge or any. A scale is about $40. A trickler is about $20. Surely you can afford that.

Are you using the Lee loader that you hammer?

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5761320 05/27/15 07:38 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
I started out reloading for a 30-30 with a Lee Classic Loader. You can load some decent ammo with one and is a good way to get your feet wet in reloading for not that much $ layout. The main thing with the scoops is consistency with your process, and get a powder funnel, it will make getting the powder in the case so much easier.

My reloads for the 30-30 were as accurate as Winchester factory loads and kept me reloading and shooting for as long as I had the 30-30.

One thing about the Lee Classic Loader is you are not full length sizing.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: Simmer down] #5763345 05/28/15 04:18 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Originally Posted By: MathMan
Thanks. I'll be buying the lee case trimmer and prep tools, some calipers for measuring, and a digital scale. Not at first though. I think I'm good with what I have for the first reloading at least.

For cleaning I'll be doing the vinegar, water, soap soak. Then I'll dry then in the dryer in a cloth bag. In time I'll get a case tumbler.

I'm not needing to shoot super accurately. Just good enough to shoot a deer or hog at about 200 yards max.




So a dipper is all you have for now? How are you going to know if 4350 even works unless you try different weights? It may throw the bullet all over the paper with one charge or any. A scale is about $40. A trickler is about $20. Surely you can afford that.

Are you using the Lee loader that you hammer?


Yes im using the lee loader that i hammer.

I can afford it but wanted to start out as cheap as possible.

Once i shoot it ill know how it does.

Ill be buying a scale and trickler one day, again i just wanted to start as cheap as possible.

Originally Posted By: Simmer down
You don't know it at this point, of course, but you will get so sucked into this "money saving" adventure. You'll have a Lyman on your toilet tank pretty soon. You'll bring home brass for guns you don't have. You'll scan intersections while you're waiting for the light to change for lead weights.

You aren't the first so don't feel bad.


Im almost already sucked into it. Im planning what i will buy next. Im thinking of making a coyote round.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5766352 05/30/15 05:13 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
I shot it this morning. It shot a 2" group at 125 yards. Part of it was because I shake so I figure it was about 1.5" actually. I'll be getting a scale next week and trying again. But I'm happy with it. It was fun and is accurate enough for my hunting needs but I'd like better. I know my powder charges were off. I wasn't too careful in measuring.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5766445 05/30/15 06:51 PM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416
T
tenyearsgone Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
T
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416
Could be the type of powder. You really need at least a Lee Challenger kit. It's about $125.

Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5766616 05/30/15 10:06 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,606
6
603Country Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
6
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,606
Ooooooooo...it begins. Welcome to the addiction, Mathman. I can't imagine not reloading. I wonder how many years it's been since I shot a factory rifle round out of one of my rifles.


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5766656 05/30/15 10:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,981
pertnear Online Content
"Demolition Man"
Online Content
"Demolition Man"
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,981
Originally Posted By: MathMan
I reloaded 20 bullets today. Was fun! I marked the cases with a line to show they have been reloaded once and wrote my load data on the box that I put them in.

Will the sharpie line stay on the case after its fired?

Another trick is to use colored markers on the primers. Reference your loads on the box label by primer color. The next time you reload the fired case, the primer is removed & you can start over. Simple & effective for tracking things.

FWIW...


"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” - George Orwell
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: tenyearsgone] #5767055 05/31/15 03:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
Turns out my FIL has a balance scale. I'll test it and see if it's still good and use it next.
Originally Posted By: tenyearsgone
Could be the type of powder. You really need at least a Lee Challenger kit. It's about $125.


I don't see why it would be needed? I figure all I really need is a scale to weigh the powder charge and bullets. The Challenger would be easier, but how would it be more accurate?

You may be correct though. I just want an explanation.


Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5767088 05/31/15 04:01 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Your loader does not do true full length resizing and at some point the cases will stretch enough, chambering problems will arise with the reloads from one. Or at least that is my experience but if only reloading brass a few times you can get away with one for years, I did.

The Lee loader in my experience will load serviceable ammo that is fine for hunting at the most common distances most critters are shot. A scale can sure help in getting the powder charges more consistent but with the dippers you can get pretty good being consistent with the scooping the powder helps a lot. When you get your scale you can scoop into the pan then trickle a little more powder in to get to your load (choose a scoop a little under the load you want then trickle up to your load in the scale pan). Even though I have powder tricklers now I have used a 45-70 case for a trickler long enough that I still use one sometimes to trickle in a little powder.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: jeh7mmmag] #5774231 06/04/15 08:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,469
V
vanguard Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,469
Originally Posted By: jeh7mmmag
If you go with the Lee trim tools get the Lee stud so you can use a drill to trim, chamfer OD ID, and then polish the case with steel wool. Lee is simple and fool proof and work pretty good.
Good luck


this....
i have other trim tools but this is how i do it . but i use eagle one wheel polish, its a can stuffed with cotton, rip a piece off and apply to spinning case then use a rag on spinning case, wha la super polished brass.



Re: Beginning Reloading [Re: MathMan] #5776025 06/06/15 02:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
M
MathMan Offline OP
Pro Tracker
OP Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
I tried his balance scale. I didn't like it. It took too long. I ended up buying a Frankford Arsenol Digital Scale.

I tried it today and love it. I tested lee dippers and they were almost right on the money to be what they said but me doing it was +- .4 grains. I got better at it while testing the weights and then I became +-.2 grains.

I weighed my bullets and they are off up to 1 grain difference. I'll be grouping them when loading them.

I'll be reloading again tomorrow.

Thanks for the help.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3