Question for reloaders

[dustoffer]

Got the trinkets set to 2.484. First three cuts went to far. I can see this is a learn by mistakes hobby.

Been reloading 40+ years and I still hate the case trimming job. Can never seem to get it consistent.

Fun hobby, but you ain't gonna save any money--just shoot a lot more for the same cost.

And, rule #1--never have more than one component (bullet, propellant, primer) or caliber on the bench at once. Do all your .270 work before you go to your .280, etc.

I'd throw the digital scale away and stick to a beam/balance scale. But, remember, can't have a ceiling fan running while weighing charges.

[RemMan700]

Also plug in your digital scale and let it sit turned on for 20 minutes before using. This will help with getting irregular readings and drift.

[M16]

Also plug in your digital scale and let it sit turned on for 20 minutes before using. This will help with getting irregular readings and drift.

Plug in your digital scale and never unplug it again. This keeps moisture from attacking the electrical components. I have a pact that has been plugged in for around 20 years and it still works great.

[muzzlebrake]

I use an RCBS 1500 Chargemaster and have checked it against a triple beam balance scale many times and mine is always spot on. I also calibrate it with weights each time I use it just because I am sort of anahl about such things.
A/C air outlet or ceiling fan blowing at it is a no-no as is breathing heavy over the top of the scale. They are very sensitive but when used right are dead nuts accurate. I also recommend having them on a dead level solid surface when throwing powder.

[muzzlebrake]

Case trimming is a PIA and I think the case trimming dies are maybe a better way to go. I use a Lyman trimmer and it works OK but takes some effort.
Getting all the dies for all the different calibers I have is an expense I haven't justified----yet.

[rcjunky007]

Case trimming is a PIA and I think the case trimming dies are maybe a better way to go. I use a Lyman trimmer and it works OK but takes some effort.
Getting all the dies for all the different calibers I have is an expense I haven't justified----yet.

I got the lyman t-mag II deluxe expert kit. It wasn't the best on the market but the reviews said it isn't the worst. Weighing powder charges with this scale takes too long. I weigh each charge atleast three times. I want a rcbs chargemaster but I will wait a while to see how this goes. It has taken me two days to build eighteen reloads. Only five of them are useable. I had my crimp too tight on the first thirteen and bowed the case out. Live and learn. I own eleven different calibers. I bought three sets of dies to start with. .223, .308, and 30.06. My next set will be 300rum. Want to learn a little before loading magnums.

[M16]

I got the lyman t-mag II deluxe expert kit. It wasn't the best on the market but the reviews said it isn't the worst. Weighing powder charges with this scale takes too long. I weigh each charge atleast three times. I want a rcbs chargemaster but I will wait a while to see how this goes. It has taken me two days to build eighteen reloads. Only five of them are useable. I had my crimp too tight on the first thirteen and bowed the case out. Live and learn. I own eleven different calibers. I bought three sets of dies to start with. .223, .308, and 30.06. My next set will be 300rum. Want to learn a little before loading magnums.

Crimping bottleneck catridges is usually not necessary. If you do want to crimp I would suggest you do it in a seperate operation. Adjust your seating die where it does not crimp. Seat all your bullets. Then back off your seating stem. Screw your seating die a little at a time until you get the desired crimp. Lee makes a
"factory crimp" die that works really well. If the ammo is not used in a tubular magazine or a semi or fully automatic there really is no need to crimp. Also if you are going to crimp you need to trim all cases to the same length.

[rcjunky007]

I read that calibers with high recoil should be crimped. I think I'm only slightly crimping them.

[rcjunky007]

I am loading military brass. With the thicker case, how much should I cut my charge down.

[Texas Grown]

Congrats on the new hobby Spence . If I can help ya out, just ask.

[M16]

I read that calibers with high recoil should be crimped. I think I'm only slightly crimping them.

That has not been my experience.

[M16]

I am loading military brass. With the thicker case, how much should I cut my charge down.

The rule of thumb is 5%.

[rcjunky007]

Congrats on the new hobby Spence . If I can help ya out, just ask.

You shouldn't open that door TG. I put way to much thought into even the simplest things.

[RemMan700]

I am loading military brass. With the thicker case, how much should I cut my charge down.

I would start out 2% lower then starting.

[Mike D]

I always crimp all of my rifle loads. I do not use the factory crimp, I always use the Lee factory crimp die. Biggest thing I noticed was that it kept my velocities more consistent. Less deviation and ES. It seems to help keep tension closer to the same much like a bushing style resizing die does.