I'm relatively new to reloading and have a question regarding equipment used. In looking at the pistol brass from Midway USA, they say that bulk brass should be full lenght sized, trimmed, and chamfered. What tools do I need to do all this? What is chamfering? I'm going to order a digital caliper and a powder scale, and the caliper may help me on the sizing part, but I'm not 100% sure. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank ya'll.
Reloading equipment question (beginner)
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capbuster
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By bulk brass I am assuming that you are referring to factory new brass. Checking the overall case lenght,with a caliper, would be a good move. Most cases will be within the correct lenght. If you do find a case that is bit off,set it asside for future correction with a trimmer.Your loading manual should supply you with the correct case dimensions. If it does not, ask the members of this forum for assistence. New cases or cases that are trimmed tend to have rough edges at the neck.You can buy a deburring took for a few bucks or use the blade of a pocket knife to lightly scap the inside and outside edge of the case neck. buy a deburrer.
if they say it needs to be "full length sized" then they're probably talking about once-fired brass. There's no reason to size new brass.
the first thing you should do is get a case gauge (dillon sells good ones). You just drop the case in, and if it sticks out, you need to trim it. if it's sticky or won't fit, it needs to be sized. (i.e. you may need to screw your sizing die farther down)
the first thing you should do is get a case gauge (dillon sells good ones). You just drop the case in, and if it sticks out, you need to trim it. if it's sticky or won't fit, it needs to be sized. (i.e. you may need to screw your sizing die farther down)
Strongbad
Member
They are in fact talking about new bulk brass, not once fired brass when they're saying you should full length size (although the same would still apply for once fired). The reason they recommend doing that is because the brass is mass produced and can vary from case to case. Doing a full length resize, ensures that all of your cases are all the same, also the other reason for this is to true up the case mouths so that they're round. Bulk brass that usually comes in a plastic bag will usually have a bunch of cases that have dented or out of round case necks/mouths. Trimming obviously is taking that a step further and making sure that they're all the same length after you do the resize.
Chamfering is basically using a tool to bevel the inside of the case mouth so that it resizes easier and so that the bullet seats easier. Deburring is essentially the same thing only on the outside (usually on the other end of the tool).
You should probably look into getting a reloading kit, it'll be cheaper for you in the long run. If you don't have the money to invest in a big kit like one of the Rockchucker kits, RCBS also has a Jr. press kit that is pretty good and would serve your needs for light duty reloading. It comes with the press, scale and deburring tool as well as some other stuff but you'd need a powder dispenser, trimmer, and calipers. The RCBS Master kit used to come with all of that except for the calipers, now what you usually see is the Supreme kit which comes with an electronic scale etc. I'd look around and see which kit best fits your budget. Eventually if you're loading a lot of pistol rounds you'll probably want to step up to a progressive press but we'll save that discussion for another time.
Anyway, back to the resizing thing one more time. Depending on the brass it's not always required, but many times with bulk brass it is.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Tom
Chamfering is basically using a tool to bevel the inside of the case mouth so that it resizes easier and so that the bullet seats easier. Deburring is essentially the same thing only on the outside (usually on the other end of the tool).
You should probably look into getting a reloading kit, it'll be cheaper for you in the long run. If you don't have the money to invest in a big kit like one of the Rockchucker kits, RCBS also has a Jr. press kit that is pretty good and would serve your needs for light duty reloading. It comes with the press, scale and deburring tool as well as some other stuff but you'd need a powder dispenser, trimmer, and calipers. The RCBS Master kit used to come with all of that except for the calipers, now what you usually see is the Supreme kit which comes with an electronic scale etc. I'd look around and see which kit best fits your budget. Eventually if you're loading a lot of pistol rounds you'll probably want to step up to a progressive press but we'll save that discussion for another time.
Anyway, back to the resizing thing one more time. Depending on the brass it's not always required, but many times with bulk brass it is.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Tom
armoredman
Member
I had 150 7.62x39mm brass, new unprimed, given to me some time ago. 90% of them needed trimming....and the non-ball handle Lee trimmer is effective, but painful for that much!
Sunray
Member
Every time you buy new brass or trim fired brass you need to chamfer the case mouth and deburr the outside. Chamfering cuts the sharp edge on the inside of the case mouth. Deburring clean off any burrs left by the trimmer. Both are essential and it applies to rifle brass too. Relax. Reloading is far simpler than it appears.
Like Strongbad says, have a look at the RCBS Beginner's kits. Gives you everything you need, including a manual(but buy a Lyman manual. More loads for more bullet weights and types than a manufacturer's book), sans dies, shell holder and components(bullets, brass, powder and primers) for $259.99 plus shipping at Cabelas(go talk to your local gun shop). The dies and shell holder will be about another $50 or so. http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=2&s3=7
Go buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop should have it. Amaozon, if they're out of stock. And remember we're here for you too.
Read the book and don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.
Like Strongbad says, have a look at the RCBS Beginner's kits. Gives you everything you need, including a manual(but buy a Lyman manual. More loads for more bullet weights and types than a manufacturer's book), sans dies, shell holder and components(bullets, brass, powder and primers) for $259.99 plus shipping at Cabelas(go talk to your local gun shop). The dies and shell holder will be about another $50 or so. http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=2&s3=7
Go buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop should have it. Amaozon, if they're out of stock. And remember we're here for you too.
Read the book and don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.
SASS#23149
Member
new brass DOES need to be sized
I tried loading new brass ONCE w/out sizing it.bullet just about fell in when I set it on the case mouth.Happens it was pistol brass.
as to trimming,I"d mike 'me first and see how close to tolerance they are.pistol brass seldome needs trimming.
inside chamfering....lightly...could be a good idea.2 schools of thought on chamfering.do it,and don't do it.may weaken the case mouth.
I tried loading new brass ONCE w/out sizing it.bullet just about fell in when I set it on the case mouth.Happens it was pistol brass.
as to trimming,I"d mike 'me first and see how close to tolerance they are.pistol brass seldome needs trimming.
inside chamfering....lightly...could be a good idea.2 schools of thought on chamfering.do it,and don't do it.may weaken the case mouth.
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