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01-24-2010, 02:30 PM | #1 |
restorer of the original
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zionsville,PA
Moto: '93 ZR1100 &'73 Kawasaki H1 500
Posts: 1,331
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{ How To } Reloading center fire pistol ammo
Here's step by step instruction ( with pics ) on how to load center fire ammo. I'm doing .357 plinking ammo . The press is a single stage RCBC Rock Chucker, part of the Master Kit I got about 17 years ago.
No cliffs, details are too important to skim over. Also, safety glasses would be good to wear at all times. Click the pictures for large view. Above is the once fired cases, a set of reloading dies and in the orange case, shell holders. Notice the titanium ring on the left die. If you have titanium nitride or carbide insert resizing dies, you do NOT have to lube the cases for resizing. Pick the correct size shell holder ( from the chart and place that in the press ram. Screw in the resizing die until it almost touches and resize you cases. Check for overall length after resizing. Trim and deburr if necessary. Next step is to make a slight bell in the case opening. All you need is just enough for the bullet to start. The left and middle cases are belled while the right case is resized only. Also during this time, check your cases for any defects ( cracks etc ). If in doubt, throw it out ( like the case below- the end looks funny and it got tossed) Using a primer pocket brush, clean the primer pocket to remove any burnt residue from the previous primer. Above is the easiest way I've found to load the primer tool. Open pack to the required amount ( I usually do no more than 50 primers myself ), place the tray over it and while holding them together, turn it over. Remove primer package and make sure all are facing the correct way ( explosive primer compound UP ). ( note-these are large pistol primers which are not correct for .357 cases-- I primed some .44 mag cases ) After you have verified the correct powder, weight of charge for the bullet weight, throw and adjust the charge until it weighs correctly on the scale. I have found the best way to get a more consistent charge on my powder throw is to "click" the handle twice ( lightly ) where it picks up the powder charge. I put the primed, bell case under the powder throw and place a charge. I check ever 10th charge on the scale. If it varies , I dump those previous 10 and do it again. I always work from one tray to another. My primed, belled cases are in the blue tray. I pick one up, place it under the powder throw, place and charge and it goes in the wooden tray. This way if they are handled, they get powder. :thumbs: Look into each and every case for the same powder level. If it doesn't look right, dump the powder back in the powder throw and do it again. A missing/light charge could lodge a bullet in the barrel and the next round fired could blow up the gun. A double charge could blow up the gun in your hands. Neither is a good thing Now you will be seating bullets. The main die section height controls the crimping of the bullet and the threaded portion controls the bullet height ( and overall length) Too much crimp with smash/crinkle the case and not enough crimp will let the bullet move in the case. In the case of a revolver, too light a crimp will allow the bullet during the firing of the other rounds and it may jam the cylinder ( keep it from turning ) Here we are after loading 50 rounds Be safe, have fun and enjoy Jeff |
01-25-2010, 12:28 PM | #2 | |
DefenderOfTheBuelliverse
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Parts Unknown
Moto: Buell XB12R
Posts: 18,585
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This thread is an ENORMOUS let down when you cant view the pics. FML.
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04-01-2010, 10:38 PM | #3 |
AMA Supersport
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR
Posts: 3,392
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What kind of bench are you using for this? I'm looking for ideas.
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04-02-2010, 11:34 AM | #4 | |
restorer of the original
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zionsville,PA
Moto: '93 ZR1100 &'73 Kawasaki H1 500
Posts: 1,331
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Quote:
I made the bench myself and designed it so it comes apart easily. ( I made it when I lived at my other house and knew we were going to purchase a different home) The top is a solid core door about 30" deep and 60" long. The frame is made of 2x4 sides with six 4x4 posts. The posts sit 1-5/8" ( actual thickness of a 2x4) below the top 2x4 with a 2x4 screwed down into the top of the 4x4. This way the top is screwed from the bottom so there are no fasteners from the top. The shelving is made from 5/4 x 8 white pine. Would you like me to draw up dimensions of mine? Jeff |
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04-02-2010, 01:46 PM | #5 | |
Hopster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Moto: 2009 Buell 1125R
Posts: 4,743
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Quote:
Also... nice collection there. Looks like a 700 BDL Deluxe, 2 Garands, an AR, and a FAL But no Schmidt Rubin K31?
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“Well, obviously before; after was all gendarmes and dick stitches.” |
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04-02-2010, 02:00 PM | #6 | |
restorer of the original
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zionsville,PA
Moto: '93 ZR1100 &'73 Kawasaki H1 500
Posts: 1,331
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Quote:
The remington is in the middle Ruger MK II in .330 Win Mag Rem 700 in 7mm Rem Mag Win 70 in .270 WBY |
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04-02-2010, 10:07 PM | #7 | |
Hopster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Moto: 2009 Buell 1125R
Posts: 4,743
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Quote:
Still, nice collection. I'd kill for just one of the Garands (maybe the other so I could trade it for a M1903A1)
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“Well, obviously before; after was all gendarmes and dick stitches.” |
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06-21-2010, 09:22 PM | #8 |
AMA Supersport
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR
Posts: 3,392
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Well, I finally got my reloading bench. It is an old dresser. Something my Dad used as his bench back when he started so it seemed kind of fitting. I just got it in here this weekend, still trying to organize how I want things. I have so little stuff and so much room (right now) that I have plenty of options.
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06-21-2010, 09:54 PM | #9 | |
Hopster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Moto: 2009 Buell 1125R
Posts: 4,743
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Quote:
Wow... practicality and style!
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“Well, obviously before; after was all gendarmes and dick stitches.” |
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06-21-2010, 11:13 PM | #10 |
AMA Supersport
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR
Posts: 3,392
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My first reloads. The very first one crimped so I had to back that die off. The rest turned out perfect. Now to shoot them!
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