What did you do in the reloading room today?
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FatboyFlash
Senior Member
It THUMPS but it is straight up and down and not much up. It’s going to take a few thousand rounds to get used to it
FatboyFlash
Senior Member
Yep. I’ve put about 600 rounds through it since yesterday. Picked it up at the FFL around 9am
Slappy McTrigger
My Own Safe Space
Mine should be any day now. .40 limited though.
FatboyFlash
Senior Member
Ain’t nothing like a new blaster to put a smile on your face!
Wet tumbled then separated my range pick ups from last weekend. Mostly .223/5.56 with some 9mm and .45.
Now to deprime/resize and tumble with pins to get them looking shiny and new.
Now to deprime/resize and tumble with pins to get them looking shiny and new.
I kinda went nuts loading 9mm the past couple weeks, so today was roll sizing 9mm day to have brass ready to go for the next session. Ran through a 50cal ammo can. With luck I’ll have the last of my 115g FMJ bullets loaded by the end of the month.
Decapped, tumbled & measured headspace of the brass from my seating depth testing for the .338LM. It looks like 2.273" might be fully expanded. This was the second firing on new Lapua brass.
I've gotten a .608 MOA and a couple .655 MOA from the RPR but I'm not finished yet.
I've gotten a .608 MOA and a couple .655 MOA from the RPR but I'm not finished yet.
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Loaded the last 700 9-115 bullets. Retooling for .45acp, have a bunch of 200g SWC’s to load.
Finally bought a brass dryer/dehydrator. Got it unpacked and sorted a 5 gal bucket of brass by caliber, will deprime and tumble it this week to try the dryer. Don’t expect to stop drying most of my brass on a towel with a fan, but when I need a modest amount quickly I hope it delivers.
Finally bought a brass dryer/dehydrator. Got it unpacked and sorted a 5 gal bucket of brass by caliber, will deprime and tumble it this week to try the dryer. Don’t expect to stop drying most of my brass on a towel with a fan, but when I need a modest amount quickly I hope it delivers.
After starting reload before my trip my head was not in it. Tonight I figured I would try again to reload some 308s. Much better then a couple weeks ago.
Did 60 rounds all using Varget and Hornady 150 FMJ and Hornady 168 Match bullets. Kept the load to 2,500 ft/sec. Last range trip I was having some flatten primers when running the bullets at 2,650 ft/sec.
Next up will be some 223s using 62 grn Hornady bullets with a variety of powders.
Did 60 rounds all using Varget and Hornady 150 FMJ and Hornady 168 Match bullets. Kept the load to 2,500 ft/sec. Last range trip I was having some flatten primers when running the bullets at 2,650 ft/sec.
Next up will be some 223s using 62 grn Hornady bullets with a variety of powders.
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FatboyFlash
Senior Member
Loaded and case gauged 1500 rounds of 9mm.
Waited for the weekend (was suppose to rain all weekend) to start reloading some 300 BO and 9 mm.
200 9 mm: 4.6 gn of Unique under a X-treme 124 RN bullet. Est 1,100 ft/sec
300 BO: 100 Hornady 150 SP over 14.7 gn of H110 Est 1,700 ft/sec
300 BO: 75 Hornady 150 FMJ over 14.7 gn of H110 Est 1,700 ft/sec
300 BO: 20 Missouri 165 gn coated 165 FP over 15.0 of H4198 Est.1,440 ft/sec
The Missouri bullet was shaving when seating the bullets. I am using RCBS SB dies. I have a Lyman M-die to expand my 30-30 bullets. What do you use with the 30 Black Out bullets?
200 9 mm: 4.6 gn of Unique under a X-treme 124 RN bullet. Est 1,100 ft/sec
300 BO: 100 Hornady 150 SP over 14.7 gn of H110 Est 1,700 ft/sec
300 BO: 75 Hornady 150 FMJ over 14.7 gn of H110 Est 1,700 ft/sec
300 BO: 20 Missouri 165 gn coated 165 FP over 15.0 of H4198 Est.1,440 ft/sec
The Missouri bullet was shaving when seating the bullets. I am using RCBS SB dies. I have a Lyman M-die to expand my 30-30 bullets. What do you use with the 30 Black Out bullets?
@KnotRight have you tried the 30-30 expander? I haven’t loaded any coated bullets in 300blk so that’s my only idea.
Today I disassembled 2,350 cartridges. No fun.
Today I disassembled 2,350 cartridges. No fun.
Loaded another batch of test loads for .338LM load development.
OCW results were; best group at the low range, hardly any POI change in the middle even at 200 yards and low velocity ES at the higher end.
Did seating depth testing at all three indicated points.
Still the low charge gave the best group, actually the exact same MOA despite horrible ES - until the deepest seating depth.
I theorized insufficient neck tension until case capacity was reduced enough to allow enough pressure to build to ensure proper ignition. Case neck thickness was a full thou less after first firing than new and bushing size was the largest available, .366".
This batch will test .366", .365" & .364" bushings with and without the .336" expander ball.
OCW results were; best group at the low range, hardly any POI change in the middle even at 200 yards and low velocity ES at the higher end.
Did seating depth testing at all three indicated points.
Still the low charge gave the best group, actually the exact same MOA despite horrible ES - until the deepest seating depth.
I theorized insufficient neck tension until case capacity was reduced enough to allow enough pressure to build to ensure proper ignition. Case neck thickness was a full thou less after first firing than new and bushing size was the largest available, .366".
This batch will test .366", .365" & .364" bushings with and without the .336" expander ball.
WOrked off and on all day, cleaning up, organizing and storing brass and bullets. Swept up powder, carbon, spent primers, bullets and brass. Two trips to home depot to buy storage containers. Homer buckets are great for brass. Drinking some well deserved Manhattens now.
You just jealous because I cast and save BIG money.Will look even better with some FMJ bullets seated in them!
I save money by not shooting those howitzer rounds.
Anyway, an acquaintance through work casts these:
So, you cast bullets that weigh 530 grains, he casts bullets that weigh 84000 grains.
If I were going to be jealous, I would be jealous of him!
I might need to get one of those!I save money by not shooting those howitzer rounds.
Anyway, an acquaintance through work casts these:
View attachment 121351
View attachment 121352
So, you cast bullets that weigh 530 grains, he casts bullets that weigh 84000 grains.
If I were going to be jealous, I would be jealous of him!
View attachment 121353
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Got my replacement window AC installed in my Reloading shack. Now I am just sitting here enjoying the coolness.
Normally I don’t get extended warranties, but with the luck I’ve had with ACs in the past few years, I decided to get one with the last unit I had. The refrigerant leaked out after less than 2 years, so I am glad I got it! The new unit (Frigidaire) has 5 year on the pressure system. We will see how long this one lasts.
Normally I don’t get extended warranties, but with the luck I’ve had with ACs in the past few years, I decided to get one with the last unit I had. The refrigerant leaked out after less than 2 years, so I am glad I got it! The new unit (Frigidaire) has 5 year on the pressure system. We will see how long this one lasts.
Metalliman27055
Insert title here:
Ran 1 sleeve of primers through the 650. Got one sideways primer. Then went through 1000 pieces of brass I got from @Cue. Separated the 18 or so crimped primers and ran another 100 through stupid fast. Didn’t even make it through 1 Led Zeppelin song. Glad I bought extra primer tubes. Lol.
In unrelated news.....Anybody looking for a deal on a loadmaster?
In unrelated news.....Anybody looking for a deal on a loadmaster?
My casting mold that I got from a friend had to be sent back. So found some bullets on sale and loaded up these little biddy nasty rounds. Waiting for the crimp die Monday and they will be finish. 405 Winchester ....Big Medicine
Went to BPS today looking for some 115 - 125 grn 30 caliber bullets. Nothing below 150 grn. Ended up getting a box of Speer 165 grn SPBT bullets. Loaded 20 in the 300 BO with 1680 and 20 in 308 with 748 powder. Went to Speer's website looking for the BCs for this bullet and there was nothing. I am sure that within 100 yards it is not going to matter that much.
Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
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Renovating...not today (at work), but have been working on it whenever I've a day off from either of my jobs.
Have a 14x14 room in the basement that serves as a workroom / reloading room / gun room / "man cave".
Built a new bench. Older one was 3' x8' with a 3/4" top. New one is "L"-shaped, 7' and has a 1.5" top. I set it up where I can temporarily remove my presses should I need the benchtop space. Other than that, built a cabinet around my safe and tweaked my tool storage a bit.
Have a 14x14 room in the basement that serves as a workroom / reloading room / gun room / "man cave".
Built a new bench. Older one was 3' x8' with a 3/4" top. New one is "L"-shaped, 7' and has a 1.5" top. I set it up where I can temporarily remove my presses should I need the benchtop space. Other than that, built a cabinet around my safe and tweaked my tool storage a bit.
Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
Charter Member
Supporting Member
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Done.
Took me about three weeks of working on and off, whenever I could find the time to work on it.
Took me about three weeks of working on and off, whenever I could find the time to work on it.
JustKeepSwimming
AKA dingleberry
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
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^^^^One hell of a slick set up there my friend! Very nicely done^^^^
Picked up some brass today at the range, tumbled and resized some 9, 38, 45 ACP, 223 and 300 BO.
Reloaded 50 rounds of 300 BO with some Hornady 150 grn FMJ.
Reloaded 50 rounds of 300 BO with some Hornady 150 grn FMJ.
Completely disassembled my Redding #3 powder measure, cleaned and polished with #000 steel wool. Ordered a pistol micrometer chamber from Midway. Hopefully, this will improve consistency of small CFE powder charges.
ThomasC.
Well-Known Member
Loaded 200+ 44m & 38sp. Had completed the “Poor Man’s ERGO” upgrade for my RCBS Jr II press. Press is probably 45 - 50 years old. Friend of mine and fellow poster saw a Rock Chucker with the ERGO (Inline Fabrication) handle and made one out of spare parts. He decided it was a bit “overkill” for some operations as he only loads pistol. He then found a ball and fabed up an alternative which he switches as needed.
I looked at the ERGO handle for the Jr. Some of the reviews had said it was overkill and they choked up or held it by the shaft and not the ball for some steps.
Bottom Line. I made an adapter (4” sleeve) with a 2” Bakelite ball for mine. I ordered a bunch of different balls and the concept has evolved as most mods or redesigns do, My handle is slightly longer...maybe 2”. That would be good if you were forming brass or running bottle neck cartridges. The Jr. is OK for that, but the 2” would help here. I necked down a LOT of 30-06 brass to .270W many years ago on this press. Have now loaded almost 500 rounds and love the ball.
I have since figured out HOW to adapt one using the extra 2” balls to the existing handle. I may try that. I have also ordered a 7/8” plastic “bicycle handle bar” grip to go on mine. I find that half the time I just put my hand around the grip.
I have also got some extra balls for 1/2” shafts....that might be used on other presses.
IF anyone is interested in upgrading their press (Jr. or one with a 5/8” or 1/2” shaft), I will make a custom one and ship it for my material cost. The single ball can be attached via a recessed Allen screw....and if you don’t care to make it removable....a dab of Gorilla glue will permanently affix it. My sleeve is overkill as I have TWO Allen screws in it. If someone wants my sleeved ball, I might part with it and stay with. Single ball. You can ALSO use the existing grip handle with the single, non sleeved ball.
BTW....my original intent was ALSO to add a counter weight to the toggle arm so that the ram would stay DOWN. This would be an aid when seating bullets or swapping cases. Worked GREAT....until I added the weight of the sleeve.
If you want a picture of the counter weight and a $1.25 fix (you provide the flat stock for the weight), I will describe off line. The attaching bolt for $1.25 from Ace or Lowes is all you need.
Really cool setup. I don’t have any shoulder or arthritis issues, but if some do, this might be a God send.
I looked at the ERGO handle for the Jr. Some of the reviews had said it was overkill and they choked up or held it by the shaft and not the ball for some steps.
Bottom Line. I made an adapter (4” sleeve) with a 2” Bakelite ball for mine. I ordered a bunch of different balls and the concept has evolved as most mods or redesigns do, My handle is slightly longer...maybe 2”. That would be good if you were forming brass or running bottle neck cartridges. The Jr. is OK for that, but the 2” would help here. I necked down a LOT of 30-06 brass to .270W many years ago on this press. Have now loaded almost 500 rounds and love the ball.
I have since figured out HOW to adapt one using the extra 2” balls to the existing handle. I may try that. I have also ordered a 7/8” plastic “bicycle handle bar” grip to go on mine. I find that half the time I just put my hand around the grip.
I have also got some extra balls for 1/2” shafts....that might be used on other presses.
IF anyone is interested in upgrading their press (Jr. or one with a 5/8” or 1/2” shaft), I will make a custom one and ship it for my material cost. The single ball can be attached via a recessed Allen screw....and if you don’t care to make it removable....a dab of Gorilla glue will permanently affix it. My sleeve is overkill as I have TWO Allen screws in it. If someone wants my sleeved ball, I might part with it and stay with. Single ball. You can ALSO use the existing grip handle with the single, non sleeved ball.
BTW....my original intent was ALSO to add a counter weight to the toggle arm so that the ram would stay DOWN. This would be an aid when seating bullets or swapping cases. Worked GREAT....until I added the weight of the sleeve.
If you want a picture of the counter weight and a $1.25 fix (you provide the flat stock for the weight), I will describe off line. The attaching bolt for $1.25 from Ace or Lowes is all you need.
Really cool setup. I don’t have any shoulder or arthritis issues, but if some do, this might be a God send.
Attachments
@TomGCherry you have given me the idea the add a counter weight to the toggle on the handle. Also like the handle hook to keep the ram in the down position.
I picked up a Jr 2 press that was 50 years old. No one will ever wear out those cast iron presses.
Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk
I picked up a Jr 2 press that was 50 years old. No one will ever wear out those cast iron presses.
Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk