Reloading basics

[Headlight]

Take Bigsaints offer. Free is always good. You can invest what you saved in Bombing! This is also good!

 

[RAMalama]

I SECOND VeeTenJeff!

RCBS's Master Reloading Kit (it includes the famous Rock Chucker press) is the way to go for all of V10Jeff's reasons. It's real important to learn and master each step BEFORE going to a progressive press. RCBS is guaranteed for life. They'll even remove stuck cases from RCBS dies for free!



Also know that when it comes to straight wall cartridges, CARBIDE dies eliminates the need to lube. A real convenience.



Once you find brass you can expect it to go at least 5 or 6 times through. Next to bullets, this is the most expensive component(sometimes it's the most). What you'll learn is, how nice it is to choose to load low power plinkers or load to 90% max to really make that 41 bark!



Having more than one reloading manual is nice as well. You can always look up a "second opinion". I have many manuals and am allways grateful for the additional info. SPEER reloading manuals are always a great source for REDUCED loads, and reduced loads merit just as much caution as normal loads for different reasons.



Just take your time and be careful. A double load of gun powder will easily fit in the magnums case and will most certainly injure you and those around you!



R/ Ian.

 

[Karl2500]

I was given a lee 1000 progressive loader it works but I could see a higher quality unit working much better. I also have a lee single stage…. it works. I have the lee scale I’ll buy a better one before I start reloading again. Midway has always been good to me both with prices and service. For brass you might also want to check out the advertisers in Shotgun News. I’ve seen some reloading sites on the Internet some are good others I would not trust. The powder maker’s websites usually have lots of good info. Think Safety!

 

[Mr. Brewski]

I've got both an RCBS Rockchucker and a Dillon Precision RL 550B. For all the high usage rounds (. 45acp, 9mm, 5. 56NATO) I use the Dillon Pregressive http://dillonprecision.com/ . Their customer service is unbelievable. Prices for a progressive is on par with RCBS progressive presses. I've loaded 1000 rounds of . 45 acp in a bit over 2. 5 hours so it is fast! I use the Rockchucker for all my hunting rounds (. 338 win mag, . 450 marlin, 30-06, etc... ). The Dillon will do these calibers, but its a pain in the rear to set it up for 50 rounds. If your thinking about one press, I'd got with the Rockchucker Master kit as everyone has mentioned. But if your shooting 250-500 rounds at a sitting - The Dillon is hard to beat I do have a Lee press also - It is know where near the quality of the RCBS - Mine is set up with a power case trimmer for 5. 56NATO only. Lee though is a good choice if your not sure your gonna like reloading. You wont be into a Lee press for nearly as much $$ as the others.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Mr Brewski, what kind of loads are you making up for the 450 Marlin. I've made a few up with Reloader7 (63. 5gr, with a Hornady 350 gr interlock fp). They shot decent, but not great. Haven't had a bunch of time to experiment with the 450.



Speer manual is just one of many manuals that can and should be consulted. No matter how many rounds i've made, I ALWAYS look at the manuals for proper powders and charges. It's easy to get things mixed up once you get a few different powders and projectiles.

 

[Mr. Brewski]

VTJ,



I havent loaded any since last year - I'll have to check when I get home. I couldnt find load specs in any book, but Hornady gladly faxed one of their hand written sheets to me via Speer (I call the Speer hotline for all my reloading questions). I didnt catch what flavor of powder your using?? IMR? Viht? Accurate? I havent expirimented much yet either as I got the gun late in the season last year.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Mr Brewski,



I have an issue of Shooting Times that has about 17 different load combos for the 450, ranging from mild to "what-the he&*" loads. Do you have that issue? I can make a copy of it and send it if you'd like. The tests are with a 24" barrel, not our 18" production. Testing all fo the different combos would be VERY time consuming. So if we split it up... ...

 

[Mr. Brewski]

Sounds like a deal to me! Email me - -- email address removed --

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Mr. Brewski, I'll bring in the articel tomorrow and scan and email it.