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We have some discussions about reloading and or getting started. I've loaded for 40+ years and concluded that, unless you're shooting competition and lots of rounds, we tend to buy more than we need.
The idea here is to explain what the minimum equipment needed to get rolling. I'll try to walk myself through my process/equipment in my mind. If I miss anything, help me out. I'll attach a photo of my bench/man cave.
For Bottle Neck Rifle Cases.
1, Case prep. Need a lube pad & lube. (unless you're loading pistol ammo and using carbide dies).
2. Size & de-prime the shell using a press with appropriate sizing die. Wipe off excess lube.
3. Use calipers to check case length. If needed, trim to length using the Lee Case Trim System and a battery drill. De-burr the neck, outside first, then inside, using a De-burr tool. This is a 2 part process w/o removing the case from the shell holder.
4. After prepping the shell, place it in a Loading Block. Optional but a time saver.
5. Case cleaning. (optional in my opinion.)
6. Clean the Primer Pocket. Prime the case using the primer attachment on the press or a hand held Auto Primer (optional), insert a primer in each case and return it to the Block.
7. When the block is full or you run out of shells, it's time to add the powder. An adjustable Powder Dispenser is optional. I use a Lee Powder Scoop to get close and top it off with a Powder Trickler. Dispense the powder into the Balance Scales with the preset charge setting. This takes time but every charge is exact. Using a powder funnel, pour the powder into each case. Be careful, one and only one charge per shell. Charge each case in the block.
8. Install the Bullet Seating Die in the press. Set the case in the shell holder on the ram, insert the bullet and seat it to the desired depth. Check Case OAL. Adjust accordingly. I screw the Seating Adjustment down so as to seat w/o crimping the case.
9. After all the cases receive the powder, bullet, and are at the proper OAL. I readjust the Seating plunger up and move the Die down to the proper depth to Crimp each shell as a separate and final step.
Equipment used.
Loading Manual. Recommended, Road Map to success. (on-line data is available)
Lube pad & lube. Hand Towel.
Press with Primer Install Arm & Die Set. (Hand Primer optional.)
Battery Drill with Lee Trimmer Tools & De-burr Tool.
Primer Pocket Reamer. (I prefer a Uniforming Tool)
Powder Scales, Lee Powder Scoops & a Trickler. (Powder Dispenser Optional)
Powder Funnel.
Loading Block.
Calipers.
Straight Case Ammo like Pistol Cases require a third step (and Die) to Flare the mouth of the case neck. Done as part of the "prep" process.
This post is intended to express my opinion of how to keep the loading process simple. In no way is it intended to reflects all the information that is gained from reading about or practicing the reloading process. Learn the basic by reading or being tutored and then build on that with experience. There will always be more to learn. Error on the side of safety.
Did I miss anything.
And if you want, share a photo of your Bench or Man Cave.
If you want an "eye opener", find a Bench Rest Shoot in your are and go see how they do it. Those guys load off of the tailgate of the truck or off of a 3'X3' folding table. Who says you need a 12'X12' room full of all the latest equipment.
Grey
Boy Scout Pop Corn & Hershey Bars are optional.
The idea here is to explain what the minimum equipment needed to get rolling. I'll try to walk myself through my process/equipment in my mind. If I miss anything, help me out. I'll attach a photo of my bench/man cave.
For Bottle Neck Rifle Cases.
1, Case prep. Need a lube pad & lube. (unless you're loading pistol ammo and using carbide dies).
2. Size & de-prime the shell using a press with appropriate sizing die. Wipe off excess lube.
3. Use calipers to check case length. If needed, trim to length using the Lee Case Trim System and a battery drill. De-burr the neck, outside first, then inside, using a De-burr tool. This is a 2 part process w/o removing the case from the shell holder.
4. After prepping the shell, place it in a Loading Block. Optional but a time saver.
5. Case cleaning. (optional in my opinion.)
6. Clean the Primer Pocket. Prime the case using the primer attachment on the press or a hand held Auto Primer (optional), insert a primer in each case and return it to the Block.
7. When the block is full or you run out of shells, it's time to add the powder. An adjustable Powder Dispenser is optional. I use a Lee Powder Scoop to get close and top it off with a Powder Trickler. Dispense the powder into the Balance Scales with the preset charge setting. This takes time but every charge is exact. Using a powder funnel, pour the powder into each case. Be careful, one and only one charge per shell. Charge each case in the block.
8. Install the Bullet Seating Die in the press. Set the case in the shell holder on the ram, insert the bullet and seat it to the desired depth. Check Case OAL. Adjust accordingly. I screw the Seating Adjustment down so as to seat w/o crimping the case.
9. After all the cases receive the powder, bullet, and are at the proper OAL. I readjust the Seating plunger up and move the Die down to the proper depth to Crimp each shell as a separate and final step.
Equipment used.
Loading Manual. Recommended, Road Map to success. (on-line data is available)
Lube pad & lube. Hand Towel.
Press with Primer Install Arm & Die Set. (Hand Primer optional.)
Battery Drill with Lee Trimmer Tools & De-burr Tool.
Primer Pocket Reamer. (I prefer a Uniforming Tool)
Powder Scales, Lee Powder Scoops & a Trickler. (Powder Dispenser Optional)
Powder Funnel.
Loading Block.
Calipers.
Straight Case Ammo like Pistol Cases require a third step (and Die) to Flare the mouth of the case neck. Done as part of the "prep" process.
This post is intended to express my opinion of how to keep the loading process simple. In no way is it intended to reflects all the information that is gained from reading about or practicing the reloading process. Learn the basic by reading or being tutored and then build on that with experience. There will always be more to learn. Error on the side of safety.
Did I miss anything.
And if you want, share a photo of your Bench or Man Cave.
If you want an "eye opener", find a Bench Rest Shoot in your are and go see how they do it. Those guys load off of the tailgate of the truck or off of a 3'X3' folding table. Who says you need a 12'X12' room full of all the latest equipment.
Grey
Boy Scout Pop Corn & Hershey Bars are optional.
