First Reloads

[Wes]

Wait, so y'all are saying it IS possible for enough powder to be in a round to rack the slide but not enough to force the bullet out of the barrel?! That's definitely a little worry some to say the least. I'm planning on the locking die cop personally, how big of a problem would over under be on a progressive press with this die? Obviously you still have to be cautious and pay attention but with a powder cop of any sort you should be able to easily see the powder level. If you get distracted or walk away, a manual check of all stations before starting back up would seem appropriate.

[urnoodle]

WHAT???

Where I come from, teaching a woman how to handload ENHANCES a man-card!.

Yea the guys definitely gave him a hard time. I appeared to be an anomaly because I was actually willing to learn. I think it was all in good fun. They realized it was a good thing. Now if I can get some of my female friends to reload. So far no takers but I think they are turning the corner. While I am falling back on reloading during this ammo shortage, they are scrambling trying to find it at their LGS.

Wait, so y'all are saying it IS possible for enough powder to be in a round to rack the slide but not enough to force the bullet out of the barrel?! That's definitely a little worry some to say the least. I'm planning on the locking die cop personally, how big of a problem would over under be on a progressive press with this die? Obviously you still have to be cautious and pay attention but with a powder cop of any sort you should be able to easily see the powder level. If you get distracted or walk away, a manual check of all stations before starting back up would seem appropriate.

I was worried about squibs so I rigged up some really bright led lights on my turret press to make it really easy to look down in the case. I also have a piece of tape on the the side of the press to show the powder level should be. Makes it really easy for me to confirm the appropriate amount of powder is in the case.

[lfinsr]

If I hadn't stopped to check why the round sounded funny (too light) and simply pulled the trigger a second time, I would have had two bullets in the barrel with probable negative results.

That is advice that should be used anytime you're firing a weapon. If it didn't sound/feel right, STOP and check your firearm. I've had a couple of bad factory loads over the years. Neither of them caused a stuck bullet but could have caused damage nonetheless.

Regards
Larry

[lfinsr]

I have the RCBS locking die on my progressive - and same as urnoodle, I have LED lights on the press and still visually check before putting a bullet on top.

If either of you could post a pic of these lights, and the source of the lights also, it would be appreciated. I'm looking for ideas on how to do this.

Thanks,
Larry

[urnoodle]

Mine are bootlegged. I made them from parts I bought on ebay. Used the remaining lights to put in my gun safe.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cool-White-5M-1 ... 19d830da41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-100-240V-D-C ... 25686f2c92" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/led-strip-light ... 2a2159d0d0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These are examples of the pieces I bought. You can cut the led strip every 3 leds so you can use only what you need. I used 6 leds on my press and then used the remaining 200+ in my safe with another power adapter. I also installed an open loop magnetic switch in the safe so when the safe door opens the lights turn on and it closes they turn off.

[lfinsr]

If either of you could post a pic of these lights, and the source of the lights also, it would be appreciated. I'm looking for ideas on how to do this.

Thanks,
Larry

Sure, Larry: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=57832" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you sir! Exactly what I was looking for.

[RX8er]

I'm starting to get my process down, and yes, I am looking at each case to see the powder level.

Jumping Frog, here's what I did with your mental process. It slows me down, as needed, because I am reading each line, one at a time and then pulling the handle.



It's really easy to see the powder level in the case but I'm going to put an LED over it and maybe a mirror. I'm also going add a buzzer/micro switch to the decapper so it sets off the buzzer if it raises. A couple of your shells you sent had those funny primers that can't be removed and it caused the pin to push up. The buzzer would just be one more catch!!!

[RX8er]

If either of you could post a pic of these lights, and the source of the lights also, it would be appreciated. I'm looking for ideas on how to do this.

Thanks,
Larry

Sure, Larry: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=57832" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you sir! Exactly what I was looking for.

That's great. I was looking at the one they sell at Fry's that looks very similar. I didn't buy it because I wanted to take measurements first.

[tarbe]

I am thrilled for you new hand loaders. Your excitement is well founded.

I have been loading my own since 1974 and I still find it fascinating, rewarding, fun, etc.

And with new powders, bullets, cartridges coming out all the time, there is always something new to try.

I have a whole room in my house full of shelves and benches bursting (no pun intended) with ammo, powder, primers, equipment and bullets. It can become an addiction!