We've only had the Lee Turret setup for a year. Or so. We looked at it, thought about it, got busy with other stuff, went and bought a ranch, you name it.
And this past weekend, finally started handloading.
We both own 1911's, so we started with .45acp. Bullseye, 5 grains, with a 230gr FMJ. I figure that's about as basic as we can get.
What I learned:
1) it takes time. I'm already wishing for a progressive press.
2) I'm probably more OCD than I need to be, but then, I didn't screw anything up too badly either
3) when we did screw up, if we THINK before we ACT, we can still end up ok
4) when I don't think quite quickly enough, sometimes I get lucky (ended up decapping a live primer. Don't ask. But it didn't pop...)
5) my next purchase, my VERY next purchase, is something other than that irritating little Lee powder scale. You can actually sit there for 15 minutes and the bloody arm will not quit swinging. And once it does, if it's not quite right, and you move the slide, you can wait another 15 minutes. Did I mention I hate the Lee powder scale???? REALLY hate the Lee powder scale?
6) we should have done this a year ago. It's fun and even I'm rather unlikely to blow anything up.
I think.
Off to the doc, then hopefully off later to try out the handloads.
Springmom
And this past weekend, finally started handloading.
We both own 1911's, so we started with .45acp. Bullseye, 5 grains, with a 230gr FMJ. I figure that's about as basic as we can get.
What I learned:
1) it takes time. I'm already wishing for a progressive press.
2) I'm probably more OCD than I need to be, but then, I didn't screw anything up too badly either
3) when we did screw up, if we THINK before we ACT, we can still end up ok
4) when I don't think quite quickly enough, sometimes I get lucky (ended up decapping a live primer. Don't ask. But it didn't pop...)
5) my next purchase, my VERY next purchase, is something other than that irritating little Lee powder scale. You can actually sit there for 15 minutes and the bloody arm will not quit swinging. And once it does, if it's not quite right, and you move the slide, you can wait another 15 minutes. Did I mention I hate the Lee powder scale???? REALLY hate the Lee powder scale?
6) we should have done this a year ago. It's fun and even I'm rather unlikely to blow anything up.
I think.
Off to the doc, then hopefully off later to try out the handloads.
Springmom