reloading
I came into possession of a Pacific DL 150 reloader, but it came with no manual, so I have no Idea what order the shot shell must go thru in order to be reloaded, can someone with the same model or the knowledge help me.
Thanks
Thanks
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Just got some 125 gr slugs for a 30-30 post 1964 Winchester. My data is for 110 or 150 gr loads. I use IMR 4064 powder. Does anyone have data for this type of workup? I bought these when it was impossible to get any type of components. Thanx Obama!
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!
Llama girl0 -
First, you have to find a GOOD reloader, then find one who can TEACH.
Buy a couple of manuals (Hornady is very good and Richard Lee's manual has a lot of information and a large compilation of loading data from various sources) and/or used copies of "Handloading for Handgunners" and "ABCs of Reloading" and see if it makes sense. Don't assume you can't learn by reading and doing.
Start off very simple.
For example, years ago I bought a 10" Meade telescope and had a hard time learning how to use it. I then bought a small Meade and learned with it. Then, I sold it and continued on with my 10". Always start as simple as possible.
If you read some posts, you'll see that most reloaders seem to think that their press is the only good press and their way is the only way. Most had a particular goal in mind (often, action pistol shooting as about their sole reason to reload), and their wants/needs may be quite different from yours.
Likewise, you can start small, learn the operations, and LEARN what YOUR needs and wants are and not simply be told what they are from someone else.
For example, just to LEARN, you can buy a $30 Lee Reloading Press (see http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press ), a $15 Lee Ram Prime, a set of dies for one straightwall handgun cartridge (.45 Auto is about the best to start with), a taper or roll crimp die, a powder scale (at least $50), a powder funnel to pour the powder into the case, and a pound of powder, some bullets, and some primers and work through the process at your own rate. I mention the crimp die as I found that seating and crimping in one step made for a complicated die set-up and the results, for me, weren't as good as separating the two steps.
If you can find them, use the bullet called out in your manual to start with it before branching out to different bullets.
I still have one of the little Lee Reloading Presses on my bench I use for small jobs, Bulge Busting, and Decapping.
Bottleneck cases take more effort (for example, they will generally grow with every shooting, so they have to be measured after sizing and trimmed as required. Likewise, the techniques needed for <1 MOA shooting are different than handguns where 12 MOA is doing darn good.
The process is quite simple with straightwall cases, as they don't grow and you need very little equipment.
I have used the little Lee press for everything up to .30-06 and the ammo was as good as from any other press--just took a bit more effort.
After this, you'll have some idea of what features you really want and whether you would like to go a bigger single-stage or even a progressive.
You can work out the "kinks" in setting up the dies without actually making any loaded rounds.
Tactile, to me, means hands-on, and that is often best done by yourself.
If you really think you need someone to walk you through, you should go to a reloading class (check NRA, ranges, and the reloading stores for such) where the art of reloading is discussed and not opinions of manufacturer's equipment.
Note: .44-40 cases are very thin and easily damaged. Don't start with that cartridge.0 -
Skyman: While you can learn by books and trial and error (which is what I did back in the 60's, no internet or Mentor), I think you are taking the right approach. A good Mentor can guide you around the errors, give you the right places to purchase equipment, evaluate "what type" equipment you will need for the long run, and evaluate any problems you may be having. Local availability to "look" at the problem.
I have done this with numerous new reloaders, most were very successful, and a few failures. Most of the failures were due to the person listening to some gun shop "guy" trying to sell them something or giving them wrong information, then not following the program as we outlined.
Can be done either way, youtube has great information, there are great forums (like this one), trial and error is a great teacher but most times costly. Your not local to me so I can't help except via email. If you don't get response for someone from this group, try other forums as well.
Also, NRA runs reloading schools on weekends. I have not been to one, but have met several people who went though the program and seemed to cover all areas except what type equipment to purchase.
Good luck0
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