DrDavidM
New member
Here are the very basic steps of reloading.
I have a single stage press. Which means each step must be done separately. Each step requires a change in the die you are using. Therefore, I will process about ten rounds through each step before I change dies for the next step.
1. Prepare you cases. Visually inspect each piece of brass for cracks or defects. If they are slightly out of round sizing the brass may correct this. If you are not using carbide dies you must lubricate them. I use Lee Lube. It's inexpensive and works well.
2. Insert sizing die into press. The height is adjustable. Initially set it high. You can lower it if needed. Place your brass in the press and feed it into the sizer die. This puts it into the correct shape and size. It will also deprime used brass.
3. I clean the primer pocket at this point. There are small tools you just insert into the primer pocket and spin. I also debur the mouth of the brass. A similar tool is available for this.
4. Insert the expanding die. This flares the mouth of the shell somewhat to help in placing the bullet. Again adjusting the height of the die effects the amount of flare. Start high. You can lower the die for more expansion, but you cannot raise the die to lesson expansion once you have already done it.
5. Prime the brass. I use a hand held priming tool. Insert primer slowly and point it away from your face. Many presses have a priming option with them instead of using the hand held primer.
4. Adjust powder trickler if you have one. Slowly adjust allowing more powder to drop. Each time weigh your charge until you have the correct powder weight. As I load every ten rounds or so I reweigh the powder to insure the powder trickler is providing the correct amount of powder.
5. Charge the brass with powder. I will set the empty brass on one side of my bench. As I charge them I move them to the other side of the bench. Before setting the bullet visually inspect each to insure powder has been charged.
6. Insert the bullet seating die. Again start high and adjust to the correct depth. Preferably measure the bullet length with a caliper. This will set the bullet and provide some amount of crimp.
7. Some die sets come with a crimping die. If so insert and crimp the bullet in.
These are the basic steps. Not so hard is it?
I have a single stage press. Which means each step must be done separately. Each step requires a change in the die you are using. Therefore, I will process about ten rounds through each step before I change dies for the next step.
1. Prepare you cases. Visually inspect each piece of brass for cracks or defects. If they are slightly out of round sizing the brass may correct this. If you are not using carbide dies you must lubricate them. I use Lee Lube. It's inexpensive and works well.
2. Insert sizing die into press. The height is adjustable. Initially set it high. You can lower it if needed. Place your brass in the press and feed it into the sizer die. This puts it into the correct shape and size. It will also deprime used brass.
3. I clean the primer pocket at this point. There are small tools you just insert into the primer pocket and spin. I also debur the mouth of the brass. A similar tool is available for this.
4. Insert the expanding die. This flares the mouth of the shell somewhat to help in placing the bullet. Again adjusting the height of the die effects the amount of flare. Start high. You can lower the die for more expansion, but you cannot raise the die to lesson expansion once you have already done it.
5. Prime the brass. I use a hand held priming tool. Insert primer slowly and point it away from your face. Many presses have a priming option with them instead of using the hand held primer.
4. Adjust powder trickler if you have one. Slowly adjust allowing more powder to drop. Each time weigh your charge until you have the correct powder weight. As I load every ten rounds or so I reweigh the powder to insure the powder trickler is providing the correct amount of powder.
5. Charge the brass with powder. I will set the empty brass on one side of my bench. As I charge them I move them to the other side of the bench. Before setting the bullet visually inspect each to insure powder has been charged.
6. Insert the bullet seating die. Again start high and adjust to the correct depth. Preferably measure the bullet length with a caliper. This will set the bullet and provide some amount of crimp.
7. Some die sets come with a crimping die. If so insert and crimp the bullet in.
These are the basic steps. Not so hard is it?
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