by cavok » 12 Dec 2014, 11:01 pm
This is a good/great topic started obviously by an honest re-loader. Traps and pit falls for those about to enter the domain of reloading. Remedies and pit falls.
So you want to start reloading, a bit apprehensive? mistakes could blow apart you favourite toy? You will save a heap of money by reloading, Proviso, unless you shoot .22, LOL. Or you load less than most weekend shooters in a year, hunters who already are great shot.
Rules to observe, not negotiable. Some rules, you complete the list.
1. Wear eye protection.
2. No smoking or flame.
3. Clear and clean working area, with minimum distractions.
4. Good ventilation.
5. If reloading Black Powder for some matches, BE extra careful.
6. Triple check the powder type against what you need to load, is it the correct powder, is it the correct amount of powder according to known data???
7. Is it the correct projectile weight for the powder load??
8. Are all your primers in a safe and secure location, and out of humidity, dry and useable.
9. Is you powder dry, and secure and useable.
10. Is your press clean and in good operating condition, set to deliver the right load and your scales tested if needed? Is there a calliper to set correct length?
1.Cracked cases 1a. Check before beginning, grab a handful, hold loose, roll around, any cracked case will sound differently when handled.
2.Cases dented by sizing lube 2a. Not something I have experienced, in either rifle or pistol reloads.
3.Excessive powder charge 3a. Unforgivable, weigh each load on a single stage press, or weigh 1/5 loads on a 3/4/5/ stage press. Lee/Dillon
4.Inadequate Primer Seating 4a. Not sure what this means, if not flush, examine each loaded round prior to placing in ammo bag.
5.Overzealous Primer Seating 5a. primers must be just below flush with the case rim, if not, redo.
6.Untrimmed Cases 6a. Not applicable in any pistol reloading, only rifle. Prior to reloading, measure each case and trim if required.
7.Bullets Seated Too Far Out 7a. Unforgivable, each round has a correct length with seated projectile, NEVER vary, measure each if required.
8.Bullets Shaved by Case Mouths 8a. Make certain that prior to loading the belling of mouth on case is correct.
9.Excessive Crimping 9a. Find out what the correct crimp for each load is and use that. Test each round till you are certain. Can be very embarrassing.
10.Inadequate Crimping 10a. Again, test to make certain the crimp is adequate. If not, reset crimp till it's correct.
“When all about you have lost their heads and you remain calm, perhaps you do not understand the problem”.
Per ardua ad astra.