reloading

[shep243]

Hi ( just starting out )
i am just getting into reloading what would be some of the most common mistakes i mite make ,, and how to then get it right ..:

 

[hancjamk]

Take your time... Triple check everything. Pay extra close attention to powder charging. Common mistakes are double charge, or no charge, or using the wrong powder. Keep only one can of powder at your bench at a time... Over crimping is my most common mistake. Happened last night. One shell had a slightly longer neck than the others. When I crimped the bullet, it crushed the shoulder. I could have prevented this by simply checking the length of the shell with my calipers and trimming...

 

[Shoney]

shep243

WELCOME TO THR!

The most common mistake is not to read and understand at least two manuals before attempting to start loading.

Just remember not only are you getting involved in a fun and rewarding hobby, but your inattention or ignorance can jeopardize and/or damage your equipment, your weapon, your body parts, but it could also endanger your life.

READ, ask questions here, reload safely, have fun!

Good Shooting!

 

[JimKirk]

Worst mistake is reloading only to save money... you must enjoy the art of reloading along the way... if you enjoy this hobby ... then the mistakes will be least likely to happen ... study the manuals .... study them some more and more... don't be the blind man in the middle of the interstate ....Never rush when beginning a new project ... all the time you saved will be spent correcting the hurry....never guess always know!!

Jimmy K

 

[MtnCreek]

The above posts are great advice; I’ll add my 2 cents.

Keep your loading area very clean and very well organized. Only the components that you are using at that time should be on the table (everything else neatly organized in it’s usual spot).

Keep very detailed records. You cannot include too much information in your records. Also, you cannot remember long enough to write in your notes latter; I don’t care how good your memory is!

When I try a new load, I start a new page in my book and all pertinent information regarding data specifications are included on that page; TRIPLE checked vs manual and components. After I’ve developed a load, I make a load card with all pertinent information and that is used to check components, then hung on the wall in front of the press (only one load card out at a time).

Evil creatures change the settings on all your equipment as soon as you leave your loading area!!! Laugh if you want to, but I’m positive it’s true.

I have a light over my press and a BudLight neon sign in the room where I load. If the press light is on, the BudLight sign is off and visa versa.

If you don’t have time to load without distractions, you don’t have time to load.

Some mistakes make bad ammo and some mistakes make for a trip to the ER. Identify which ones have to potential to send you to the ER and don’t do those.

As you learn, you’ll develop a rhythm. Once established, stick to it.

 

[mbruce]

develop a process and stick with it and do not change unless you find one better. Safe and Sound processes/procedures = safe reloading.

for example -- I look at every case after the powder has dropped. I do not touch a bullet with my hands until I have verified that powder is in the case and the volume of powder is consistent. this process may take an additional 5-10 seconds per bullet -- but who cares...i'm not in a race and the zombie war is still a few years away...

And welcome to THR.

 

[Sunray]

Hi. Reloading isn't rocket science. If you can, buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Don't know if it's available in Australian gun shops, but you can get it on Amazon for about $30US. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=596190
You do need to be paying attention and not have any distractions when loading(kids, pets, telephone, etc,) though. Don't load when you're tired, hungry, etc. either. Or try to set a speed record. Loading quickly depends on your press, but you can load fairly fast on a single stage press if your technique is good. Mostly about using both hands, doing one step to all your cases then changing dies and having a bin on either side of the press. You can get all your cases to the point they're ready for powder and store 'em too. Plastic bins/coffee cans with a lid are good for storing brass. And record the loads you develope.

 

[Walkalong]

read and understand at least two manuals before attempting to start loading

You do need to be paying attention and not have any distractions when loading

Keep your loading area very clean and very well organized. Only the components that you are using at that time should be on the table

develop a process and stick with it

All excellent advise. Welcome to THR

 

[Cop Bob]

READ...........

And READ SOME MORE.........

Get as many loading manuals as you can get your hands on... ones by both bullet and powder manufacturers. The Reloaders Bible is a good one too, if it is still in publication.

Read through them several times BEFORE you crank out your 1st round.

Reloading in a very gadget intensive hobby, you don't really need EVERYTHING that is out there. But there are basics that you can't do without. I'm not going to give you a list, it's in the books... that is where the beginning knowledge will come from.

Re-read Walkalong's Post,..... print it out and tape it over your bedpost.. staple it to your forearm... it is SOLID ADVISE.

Reload alone at first, unless the other person there is a seasoned reloader there to teach you. It is NOT a TEAM SPORT

Alcohol and gunpowder do not mix in a loading room either.

Good luck, work smart. You are about to have a lot of fun, and if you shoot enough, save a bunch of money too...

Web Experts are, well we are are a good beginning source for beginning information, however, before you run it through a press and stuff in in a chamber, make sure that it falls withing the parameters of of KNOWN PUBLISHED DATA

Take the Regan approach, Trust but Verify....

 

[zxcvbob]

Have only one container of gunpowder on the bench at a time -- the one that matches what's in the powder measure.

Get one of those plastic hammer bullet pullers. Pulling bullets from bad loads is good for you. It reminds you not to load so many of a brand new load until you've tried out a few rounds.

 

[HowardC]

Welcome, Shep!

That said, a few comments:

What the above all said is good for starters.

If you haven't already, find a mentor to hold your hand for a bit and directly answer Q's. You may already go there, but go to the forums at AHN, at the risk of linking another site:

http://www.australianhunting.net/index.php

and see if there is someone close to you to commiserate with. MadMick is a good guy, among others.

Like the above noted:

develop a set pattern/procedure for the basic steps and keep it. Always return to it after a problem breaks the rythym.

Don't charge powder when you're tired.

Get the Lyman # 49, or #48 books and digest them.

Do keep meticulous records, and LABEL EACH LOT of ammo produced.

Above all, have fun!!

Howard

 

[altitude_19]

Primer seating...been my bain since I started this hobby back in June. High primers are unreliable at best and dangerous at worst. Make sure they are at least flush (or below), and don't CRUSH them (assuming you have a tool capable of doing so). I have a Pro 2000 progressive with an APS priming system and it will readily crush a primer making a dud round if not set up properly.

 

[cheygriz]

My advice is to heed all of the above.

But in addition to that, take an NRA approved reloading class if a gun shop or gun club in your area offers it.

Another good idea, if you have a friend that reloads, ask him/her if you could come over some evening and reload a couple of boxes of ammo on their equipment, under their supervision.

Manuals are wondeful things, and you can learn to reload safely with nothing but a manual, but it's damn hard to beat hands-on experience under direct supervision.

 

[rfwobbly]

Welcome to THR and Reloading !

I'd like to visit Australia one day. I may visit Woomba, but I'm afraid Toowoomba might be a tad too much for me old heart.


I'd check any local gun clubs, ranges and such. Often times you can buy used equipment cheaply from someone who's aging out or simply has spare equipment left over from an "upgrade". That way you get a good price AND meet someone who can mentor you.

Worth a try!

 

[O C]

Welcome to the board, now go out and get a higher paying job, you're going to need it.