I've been reloading Rifle cartridges for many years, mostly for .308 Winchester, .307 Winchester, .303 British, .30-30 Winchester, .32 Winchester Special, .222 Remington, .300 Savage.
I got started because I found it was the only way to get ammunition for my model 1876 .45-75. It took me a few years to find the brass and dies for it, but it finally all came together. The end result was well worth the wait, it is very cool being able to fire the hunting rifle originally owned by my great great grandfather made in 1883. Nobody else in my family ever thought it would be revived after laying silently in the back of a closet without ammo for 60 or more years.
Reloading
Moderator: Ridgerunner665
47 posts
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Awesome reply Skinner. I share your passion |
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Awesome story thanks for sharing
"Im just a Peckerwood who lives in the hills with too many guns"
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I've been casting and handloading for almost 40 years now, the two go hand in hand. Shotshell reloading, I'm fairly new at, I've only been at that for about 5 years. I cast for everything I own .30 and over, rifle as well as handgun.
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Copper BB
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:20 am Location: Long Island, New York |
I've been reloading since 2009. 30-30, 45-70, and 30-06. Very relaxing and keeps me in ammo.
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Krag96,
Chicken - egg question Lube 1st, gas check/size 2nd, final lube 3rd Sincerely, newbie |
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Well, it depends on your method. Using a lubrisizer such as a Lyman 450 the gas check goes on, then rammed down into the die, lube applied in the die under pressure, and punched back up. The LEE dies that only require a reloading press, the lube has to be applied before the gas check, run straight through the die and captured in a container provided with the die. Currently the only cast bullets I gas check are what I cast for .30 rifle with muzzle velocities over 1,600fps. Gas checks are expensive really not needed IF the bullet is properly cast and lubricated. Lyman's "Orange Magic" is one of the best lubes I've ever used, but does require a heater under the lubrisizer to flow into the grooves. There are several methods for applying lube, pan lubing, tumble lubing, and die lubing. For all you need to know about casting and related topics check out castboolits.com Lots of friendly helpful folks to guide you along, and no question is a dumb question there. |
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I'm using lee lube and size kit with gas check, I finished the 1st batch with lee alox, I'll using IMR-3031 with 22gr. - 1595 (low) to 29.5 - 2181 (high) I'll find out this weekend which will be the sweet spot
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I have a few of those myself and think they work very well for the price. I don't use the liquid alox that comes with them though, I prefer to pan lube with SPG as the bullets I run through them are plain base low speed. What cartridge are you loading for? If a .30-06 I've had very good luck with IMR 4227 under a Lyman 311332, 180gr cast bullet with gas check. IMR 4227 is my favorite cast powder for rifles, it just works so very well with them. Good luck on your venture this week-end. |
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Ok, problem is when I set depth it's good, but on occasion the neck gets disfigured from the edge of the gas check. What is up ? help !!
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Are you flaring the cases before loading powder and bullet? If not, LEE makes a universal expander die, or you could buy a long Lyman M die, or RCBS makes a very nice one with different size inserts. I have the Lyman M and the RCBS, but have not tried the LEE yet. The LEE can be had for under $15.00 and most likely works fine.
How was your accuracy? Did the cartridges feed and chamber okay? Another solution could be a larger expander ball in your sizing/de-capping die, (changing a .30 to .303 may work) before flaring. |
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When I bought lee die set it had decapper/seat/cripper only. I figured it was like my 270 set, I found/order an expander die that will be here this Wednesday. I'll be going to the range this week and see which groups best/fps. Thank for the information
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Loading cast bullet rifle loads requires a different set of rules and sometimes tools.
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You might try backing the seating die out a bit farther, and also make sure your cases are all trimmed the same. It looks like you have way too much crimp in the picture, that car cause issues with shoulders and necks.
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Have been loading and casting for nearly 40 years. Extends my time spent with my hobby, but does NOT save me money. Costs just as much to shoot, only putting more rounds down range for the $. This, however, is not a bad thing. Cast and load for 38/357. 44 mag, 45ACP, 243 and 30/06. Load for 9mm, 32 WS, 223, 300 Win Mag and 223 WSSM.
Pic above looks like you need a Lyman M die or the RCBS version. The Lee only flares the mouth, does not expand the neck, and depending on the size of the expander button in your sizer die you may be sizing your bullets down when seating them. There have been discussions of this on other forums and the rule seems to be .002-.004 smaller inside neck diameter than bullet diameter. |
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I have both the Lyman "M" die and the RCBS expander die, of the two I like the RCBS. Seems smoother and different size "plugs" can be used in the same die body.
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Myself as well. I have a number of older bullet molds for several different calibers .22, .25, .30, .32, .38, .44 & .45. I sent you a pm regarding the 299153. w30wcf aka w44wcf (black powder)
aka Jack Christian - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13 NRA Life member .22 W.C.F.; .30 W.C.F. ; .44 W.C.F. cartridge historian |
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47 posts
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