REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
WEAPONS => Ammo & Reloading => Topic started by: Atkinsmatt on August 09, 2016, 02:10:31 PM
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I am collecting some new equipment to get started reloading for the AR. Eventually probably will expand to .308.
I had some borrowed equipment to let me test the waters and decided that after I got some reloaded I liked doing it and would invest some in my own equipment. The borrowed stuff was Lee hand presses and Lee pace setter dies. There was also some small stuff but I replaced most of that with my own equipment fast. I already had a set of calipers. I have spent time in the reloading manual as well.
My first purchases were a Lee universal decapping die and a Lee Ram prime. I also got a couple tools to process brass, neck chamfer and pocket cleaner, along with a couple trays and a funnel.
A lot of Lee stuff I know. But I am on a budget and have used the equipment before and have been happy with it.
The press that I decided to buy is the Lee breech lock Challenger. I decided to go with the single stage press so that I can concentrate on doing one step at a time.
I also purchased the Lee quick trim and quick trim die and a set of pace setter .223 dies.
I haven't gotten a scale yet or a way to clean the brass. I am leaning towards a wet tumbler from harbor freight but open to suggestions.
So far, on the hand press I have loaded about 95 rounds and made a couple mistakes. The AR likes them.
Any recommendations would be appreciated as I know there are a few on here that have this hobby/affliction as well.
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The powder that I have been using for the AR is the Hodgdon CFE 223, 27.5 grains to start. Winchester small rifle primers and Hornady 55 gr bullets round out the load for now. Just getting up some plinking loads for My son and I.
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Don't knock Lee stuff. Yes it's not Dillon,but you have a single stage.
I used Lee for years, wore it out and replaced with a too good to pass deal on an RCBS unit.
Once you get the swing of things, I've been near 100 per hour, hand measuring match grade.
The biggest thing is take your time and take lots of notes to go back on.
I have a dedicated hard cover notebook for all load data I load.
COL, which primer, breed of brass, etc.
It all is something to fall back to when you can't find primer X or powder Y.
Enjoy your new hobby, it leads so often to gunpowder therapy. 8)
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Not knocking Lee. I have used a hand loader for years. I have one for the British 303 and one for the '06. You know the one you hit with a hammer. It is good for cooking up a few of the favorite hunting loads but not like I and my son can go through the AR ammo.
Great tip on the notebook.
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I separate reloading into two categories. Low volume high precision and high volume and decent precision.
Low Volume High Precision:
Forster CoAx single stage press
RCBS micrometer adjustable dies
Hornady COAL guage (its a modified case with rod that allows you to set the amount of bullet jump to the lands)
A rotary trimmer and hand chamfer
RCBS chargemaster and manual scale to double check
RCBS Hand operated primer press
High volume:
Dillon 650 with case feeder
Dillon RT1200 Trimmer Die
RCBS standard dies
Dillon hand swager for crimped primers on military brass
For cleaning I have a Thumbler Tumber and use walnut media with a dryer sheet in it (cuts down on dust) and polish additive
A RCBS rotary case and media separator.
a set of Brown and Sharpe swiss dial caliper and a 0-1 inch micrometer
That's what I can remember at the moment
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I have got the first 100 under my belt. It went great and much smoother process than the hand press. Looking to empty some of them this weekend.
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Things are going fine. Both of the rifles like the recipe. Just got my own tumbler and the first batch is going right now.
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Pics??
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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(http://imgur.com/T8ZBqLM.jpg)
Doing some case prep.
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(http://imgur.com/CyZUjDU.jpg)
Sizing and priming.
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Darn, that is nice using the living room area for reloading. Me, well it is all out in the garage. That is fine, just have to remember to turn up the propane furnace and plug in the scales well in advance. Takes a while for the air movement to slow down enough to not raise heck with the scales and powder thrower.
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On the living room coffee table...Are you freakin nutz?
Either that or:
1. You're single
2. The wife is on vacation
3. This is a secret bachelor pad
4. Your buddy's house
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OR, he's cut from similar cloth as my father - single and has been known to assemble motors in the living room - engine stand and all!
Nice set-up by the way!
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OR, he's cut from similar cloth as my father - single and has been known to assemble motors in the living room - engine stand and all!
Nice set-up by the way!
When I was a teenager the local drag racing guy ( he won fall winter nationals once in the 70's so he was a rock star in our minds ) we would stop by his house occasionally and he had a million car parts strung out thru the interior of his house and a parts washing bin sitting in the middle of his kitchen. He refurbished a couple of carbs for me in that kitchen, he was a bachelor no doubt.....
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I work out of town and that is all yard sale furniture that the boss furnished the apartments with. It is on clamps so I can grab and go. If I was at home, I would be out in the shed.
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It appears I'm finally winning the real estate battle in my basement.
The bowflex coat rack has now left my old workshop room.
It is currently down to a parka rack for winter attire, a boot rack, shelving unit and my gun safes.
HH6 said I can have my workshop back kind of as a joke.
I said, no it will turn into my gun room and loading room.
She didn't argue, and it will help to declutter the garage.
Now I just need to sort it all out and make it happen.
On the latest derail, I once rebuilt a TH400 on my kitchen table.
And yes I was single then. Something about the fairer sex smartening us up...
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Got to go shoot a couple hundred today. My rifle and I sure do like them. Defiantly adds in the amount of group therapy I can attend.
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Here is my new reloading bench. All that remains is to permanently mount the press
(http://i.imgur.com/OyJk0EB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/QGtwc3g.jpg)
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If you wake up during a restless night, you can roll over, punch out a couple boxes of M193, then roll back up cocoon style!
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Just got this new addition to the reloading bench. Franklin Arsenal case prep center. Let's see how this speeds up case prep. Trims, primer pocket and deburrs inside and outside all rotating at the same time.
(http://i.imgur.com/JytV5fb.png)
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Just got this new addition to the reloading bench. Franklin Arsenal case prep center. Let's see how this speeds up case prep. Trims, primer pocket and deburrs inside and outside all rotating at the same time.
(http://i.imgur.com/JytV5fb.png)
I have that very one.
Became important with the military brass I have.
I took a Lyman primer crimp remover and put it on one of the stations.
Way better for bulk prepping.
It's currently set up for 5.56, and is a dream.
I have 15k or so rounds to do when I find a lot of bored time.
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I managed to ruin around 200 cases trying to prep the primer pockets. After I was finished they were all just to loose to feel good about using them. Maybe I should look into setting one of those on the bench, sure would speed things up for sure.
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I have the Lyman pocket reamer installed. Getting the trimmer adjusted now.
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I think you'll be happy with it.
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So far I have about a thousand cases through the prep center. It works as advertised and is quick. The trimmer is very consistent once set, which didn't take long.