Any reloaders here?

[Hale on wheels]

I just bought a Rock Chucker and I'm going to start reloading my shells. I was curious how many of you reload also and any special tips you wish to share would be appreciated. First on my agenda is to build a suitable table to hold the press and all the other stuff. Do you think a 3'X4' is a good size to hold everything?

 

[cmonroe]

Only if you have several shelves above the bench would a 3'x4' be large enough. As far as the "tips" are concerned we will need to know what you are to be loading. I would recommend several books to you however I need to know what your loading for first ie rifle, pistol ect. Also need to know if you are match shooting and how your guns are built, ie stock chamber, match chamber neck turn only ect. My three presses take up a bench about 4'x8'. Glad to see you are getting into it, have fun.

 

[Hale on wheels]

Nah, no matches, just like to shoot. I am reloading my new . 300 SAUM since buying them is very expensive (~$2/shot). I will also buy some . 308 Win dies sometime, so to answer your question, mostly rifle and no match shooting, just targets for fun. Although shooting the . 300 a lot sure hurts my shoulder, so I plan to get a 25-06 or a 243 to shoot. I also duck hunt so I will reload shotshells. Does the RCBS 12ga converter thing work well, or should I buy a MEC for that?

 

[muddyboots]

3' X 4' is OK, but you will want more space if you really get into reloading. Make sure the table is very sturdy - heavy with no flex in the table top. Surface should be smooth. Smokeless powder is pretty safe, but it is flammable. Keep a fire extinguisher in the room.



Inspect your brass carefully, especially if you are going for high-power loads. Check primers for excess pressure before you punch them out. Be meticulous. Work out a step-by-step loading scheme and don't vary it. Check your powder weight every so often to make sure it's right. Don't let yourself be distracted. Even a radio playing bothers me. Finally, make sure you are stone cold sober.

 

[TXRam]

Just started about 4 months ago ...

Another member, 243, talked (read: CONNED) me into it. I'm loving it. I bought a Rockchucker with a bunch of other stuff (all new) off Ebay - for reloading rifle ammo. Then he and I built a bench (about 4' wide by 3' deep w/ 1-1' deep shelf at eye level and an 18" shelf below for storage of stuff - I wouldn't want it any smaller) - welded frame with wood table top and shelves, mounted a small fluorescent lamp under the top shelf, 2X12's for table top w/ 1/2 plywood over that. I've since spent enough $ on it that my wife would divorce me if she found out.



Seriously though, this is an awesome hobby. I think I've caught on and am learning alot very quick - not benchrest type stuff, mainly hunting/varmint/target stuff. If you would like to e-mail or call to discuss anything with a fellow rookie (not an expert, but I am learning fast), just shoot me an e-mail. There are several sites that I check out frequently - www.accuratereloading.com and www.huntamerica.com . Both of these sites can be very informative and helpful. Another helpful piece of advice, get with someone else that reloads to walk through everything the first time - this helped me alot.



later,

Clint

 

[NETim]

reloading

First of all, get a scale if you don't already have one. Absolutely essential. You can dump powder with a dipper and/or a spoon. A powder measure is nice but not essential.



A vernier or dial caliper is next. You have to watch the case length.



Good case lube. Lots of brands and variety here. Spray on, wipe on, whatever. I like the Hornady "paste" kind. Don't put it on heavy or on the case shoulders, just the body. Lube every 2 to 3 cases.



Be careful with the full length sizer die adjustment. You don't want to set the shoulders back on your cases. Size the cases just enough so that the bolt closes fairly easily, but no more. Or if you're shooting bolt guns, you can neck size the cases for plinking. Most authorities though advise FL sizing for serious hunting loads and using only once fired cases for serious hunting scenarios.



Get a good reloading book or two. Hornady's is good. So are Nosler's and Sierra's.



Subscribe to "Handloader Magazine" (Wolfe Publishing, Prescott AZ) I'd also heartily recommend Ken Waters' "Pet Loads" book. Fun reading and very informative. You'll learn lots of good stuff there for sure.



I don't know that I'd want to load shotshells on a single stage Rockchucker conversion, especially if you do any amount of shotgun shooting. I'm sure it works OK though. A MEC 600 JR will turn out an absolutely fantastic product and are easy to use. I load on a MEC 9000H hydraulic progressive reloader myself. I shoot a fair amount of trap, both registered and league and so does my wife, so I go through some bullets. That thing is fast and like most all MEC's, does a heck of a job.



There are lots and lots of toys involved with this hobby naturally, but this will get you started. If you shoot much and stick with reloading, there will be more you'll want/need. A good case trimmer, powder measure. Better dies (like Bonanza Benchrest dies).



Oh yeah, Redding dies are pretty good. I'd recommend them over RCBS anytime.



Tim

 

[smartineau]

The bad part of reloading is that you will spend lots more money!!

But you will get to shoot more!!!



A 3' x 4' table would be a minimum, mine is 3 x5 with drawers and 10" wide shelve on top. Then I have a large rubbermaid plastic box full of stuff and several ammo cans of brass/bullets.



As said before read several books on reloading.



If you go to a range, several people will say you can exceed the tables, of max charges. DON'T DO IT!!!!!! A friend of mine had another friend load some 30-06 ammo for him it worked fine in his 06', but when we were out shooting, I heard a weird bang sound and looked over to see lots of smoke and my mine friend removing his safety glasses holding his face. Luckily not hurt mostly just scared, the shell had ruptured. The gun was unhurt also, it just took 10 minutes to get the case out.



A sizing Mic can be a good idea especially if you reload pistol ammo.



Have fun, take your time and be safe.



steve

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Definitely make ssure the table is heavy. The larger straight-wall cases that are loaded hot take a bit to size. Check out Midway for reloading stuff. they have some good deals and they have good wservice.

 

[Hale on wheels]

I figured there would be quite a few guys on here that did this. I bought the Master Kit, so I am getting the Speer manual and a trimmer, lube tray, press, scale and powder measure, and whatever else comes with it. I have been talking to two guys at work that reload (people that believe in the 2nd Amendment in my business are few and far between too). I will take into advisement the table size, and due to the responses I may make it a little larger. I will be doing this in the garage... my truck won't fit and the wife won't let me do it in the house anyway! So far, RCBS is the only company I've found that make dies for the Rem. 300 SAUM, so I bought them. I won't be trying to max the loads, the gun hurts to shoot as it is! Glad everyone enjoys it.

 

[cmonroe]

RCBS makes great dies dont second guess that. As all the other members have mentioned a very sterdy as well as heavy bench is needed. The kit you bought is a good kit as well. That is the one my brother uses. If you get into loading that . 308 win pm me and I'll give you load data for what your doing. I have around 12 pet loads for . 308 win. As for the . 300 SAUM I don't have any information for you. Some excellent reading for the begainner would be Nosler #4, this is an excellent book to read BEFORE starting to handload. Lots of luck and happy shooting.

 

[Hale on wheels]

OK, what is a pet load?

 

[Straight6Jeff]

I started out with the master kit. It is a great startin gplace. Just liek with our trucks, you will add accessories and BOMB's to the reloading station. A couple of tumblers, guages, primer tubes for different types. Ah yes, soon yould have a dedicated brass brush for each caliber. Oo.

 

[NETim]

Pet Loads

Say you've got a cat that isn't behaving... well you get your rifle, a box of "'pet loads and ...



Actually "pet loads" is reloadin' vernacular for favorite or best performing loads in your rifle or pistol.



For example, an all time classic load for the great . 270 Winchester would be 60 grains of Hodgdon 4831 behind a Nosler 130 grain Partition. That was Jack O'Conner's "Pet Load" for the . 270. This load performs well in most . 270's. It's hot though! I usually load 59 grs in my . 270. Hodgdon 's 4831 is a little warmer now than it was in O'Conner's day. It was mil surplus back then. Now it's "newly manufactured. " Pays to read and keep up to date in this game.



Ken Water's book "Pet Loads" is a fairly comprehensive listing of various loads he's tried over the years in all sorts of calibers. It's a compilation of articles he's written for "Handloader" magazine over the years.



RCBS stuff is OK. I just happen to think that Redding dies are a little better is all. Bonanza BR dies are a little ahead of that. A very good bullet seating die for one thing.



Tim

 

[cmonroe]

NEtim I could have not said it better. Great description of pet loads. Remember he is not loading match loads here. I agree about the Redding match dies, I own several sets with micro adjust turrents. However I have a rifle that shoots in the ones with a set of Lee dies, go figure. For thoes that don't know in the ones means shooting 5 different five shoot groups for score none of the five shoot groups are larger than . 199 of an inch per minute of angle (or 100 yards).

 

[LSMITH]

Definately skip the 12ga attachment for the RCBS press. Buy a MEC for your shotgun needs.

 

[moparguy]

Lots of good advise. Remember, you can't overbuild your table. And as others have mentioned, NO BEER or Whisky while loading.



A old timer once told me "Son, you won't save any money, but you sure will shoot more. " And that's how it worked for me.



Good Luck, RJR

 

[RBSOB]

Ditto, LSMITH . I don't shoot any of my rifles enough to justify reloading and I buy cheap 7. 62x39s for the kids SKS but we go thru approx. 200 shotshells/week, so these I reload, many times . 12,20 &28 gauge. Get a single stage MEC for most uses at under $100, a good fast progressive if you compete, for about $300. Be safe, lots of fun building your own... . Jim G.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Pandora's box !

Man, you opened it! Ain't much more fun (with shoes on) than reloading. You already got lots of good advice. Here's more. Get a good reloading manual, mine is a Speer. The more info, the better. A good manual will give you maximum case length and maximum overall cartridge length. These are the most critical dimensions for safe shooting. Then buy a dial caliper in 0. 001 graduations, and a case trimmer. My favorite . 270 load uses Sierra bullets and 4831 powder. Best I've tried, and deadly.

Enjoy!!

Ron

 

[Deezul1]

Theres no such thing as too big a bench and you will find that owning several manuals is handy as they all dont list the same powders so when the chance comes to pick up a 2nd or 3rd its handy. Powder Mfgs have give away manuals that you can usually get at your local gun store. Alsi a lot of the powder and other component web sites have a lot of good info also.



http://www.reloadammo.com/

 

[Okie-Go]

I also reload. Although I have other dies I do the 300 Weatherby and 222. I haven't shot a factory bullet in at lest 15 years that I can recall. Lots of fun.