Anyone take reloading equipment to the range?
- Thread starter Lead hammer
- Start date
So you could in theory go with one shell casing and shoot all day.
Shoot
Find casing
reload
shoot
repeat....
Still for all the effort I think doing your homework the night/days before for more rounds loaded and bringing those to the range would serve your time better. As a conversation piece and opportunity to do something else at the range for the day then sure, still all the effort seems rather futile. Unless your going for a complete mobile rig, then I suggest looking into what Blacksmiths(horse ferriers) use light pickups or old ambulances filled with gear. You could even rent your services truck and time.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvZeTf5Y_jEAk.gnnIlQ?p=blacksmith+truck&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&fr2=piv-web&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002#id=21&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.georgiafarriersupply.com%2Fcw4%2Fimages%2Fproduct_expanded%2FFlatBed2007Medium.jpg&action=click
Shoot
Find casing
reload
shoot
repeat....
Still for all the effort I think doing your homework the night/days before for more rounds loaded and bringing those to the range would serve your time better. As a conversation piece and opportunity to do something else at the range for the day then sure, still all the effort seems rather futile. Unless your going for a complete mobile rig, then I suggest looking into what Blacksmiths(horse ferriers) use light pickups or old ambulances filled with gear. You could even rent your services truck and time.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvZeTf5Y_jEAk.gnnIlQ?p=blacksmith+truck&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&fr2=piv-web&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002#id=21&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.georgiafarriersupply.com%2Fcw4%2Fimages%2Fproduct_expanded%2FFlatBed2007Medium.jpg&action=click
Note the point. The point is if I wanna test 4 to 6 grains of powder, I need to make, say 10 rounds of each 4, 4.2, 4.4 [...] 5.8, and 6 grains of a given powder. That's 200 rounds, which I would normally make on the single stage. If I see sign of overpressure at 4.4, then I wasted time making all the other bullets and I'm gonna waste some more pulling the bullets. On the other hand, I could make only 4, 4.2 and 4.4 grains and head to the range, but then I get there and 4.4 doesn't cut it, I wanna test 4.6 and 4.8, I'm bummed. So either I make large amounts of rounds that will either not cycle a pistol or be overpressured then I get to unmake them, or I need a bazilion trips to the range with days between them. It's a conundrum.
If I had access to my press at the range (or if I could shoot in my backyard), then I would make them 10 rounds at a time, test them, do 10 more, test them, etc...
We'll like Vinny mentioned, repeated rips to the range sometimes is hard to find time for, especially when working up new loads, and making use of a calm day. Sure you can prep somewhat for the range trip, but things like replacing a flyer, or small changes to seating depth would be nice to do on the spot. Much better than pulling bullets back at the house.
I think a hitch mounted press and powder thrower would be good. Just throw the charge in a plastic vial that I use for my muzzle loader, then weigh/trickle it in the truck out of the wind.
The only problem might be possibly getting dirt and dust in the press, wish I had a topper.
I think a hitch mounted press and powder thrower would be good. Just throw the charge in a plastic vial that I use for my muzzle loader, then weigh/trickle it in the truck out of the wind.
The only problem might be possibly getting dirt and dust in the press, wish I had a topper.
I have Lee Classic kits for a number of chamberings. I bring them to the range whenever I'm working up pressures, fire-forming new brass, etc. I pre-weigh charges and store them in cut sections of fat plastic straws with their ends bent over and stapled - marked with the charge weight. Also bring along different kinds of bullets in case one type isn't performing very well, and whatever primers I need. I keep a Bionic Wrench in my shooty box for pulling bullets.
I use a long screwdriver instead of a hammer so the bullets can be seated by carefully tapping them. It helps avoid inconsistant seating depth because a hammer adds impetus even with light strikes and results in widely varied COLs.
I use a long screwdriver instead of a hammer so the bullets can be seated by carefully tapping them. It helps avoid inconsistant seating depth because a hammer adds impetus even with light strikes and results in widely varied COLs.
I just happen to have 2 cube vans for sale that would be perfect loading station range trucks. Hell they're big enough you could even set up your own shooting bench in there out of the wind, as well as a complete loading set up with full inventory of powder, primers, dies presses..........the whole 9 yards. Add some heat and you're good for all winter as well, a bunk and a refrigerator and you won't have to go home from Fri night to Sun night...........
However let me forewarn you that this will inevitably lead to divorce, and if you're not married, you're not likely going to be any time soon.............engaged? You can quite likely kiss that goodbye after the summer at the range too........Don't ask me how I have become so wise and can accurately predict the future like this.........suffice it to say that wisdom is gained through experience !!
However let me forewarn you that this will inevitably lead to divorce, and if you're not married, you're not likely going to be any time soon.............engaged? You can quite likely kiss that goodbye after the summer at the range too........Don't ask me how I have become so wise and can accurately predict the future like this.........suffice it to say that wisdom is gained through experience !!
if I had half the money I pissed away in divorce I would have retired 5 years ago......
I have a setup using a Lee turret press, couple of short 2x6's and some clamps. Box for the scale and trickeler. It's handy and fits in a small toolbox, with the necessary accessories. Works well. - dan
I just tested out a 24" x 8.5" piece of 3/4" plywood. Set it right on the dash. Leveled the board, put my 5-0-5 on it and got the same readings 5 times in a row on a quarter. Should work if it's not windy. When zeroed I squirmed in the seat, the beam just wiggled and was just fine.
I have a nice very solid portable bench with a wood top. I could use that for the press, but I'm a welder, so a hitch mounted bracket will be easy. I will find a way to shim the play out of the receiver tube though, that will drive me bonkers. Maybe a drop leg with an adjustable foot on it to push up on the hitch.
I have a nice very solid portable bench with a wood top. I could use that for the press, but I'm a welder, so a hitch mounted bracket will be easy. I will find a way to shim the play out of the receiver tube though, that will drive me bonkers. Maybe a drop leg with an adjustable foot on it to push up on the hitch.
. I've taken a Lee hand-press on a culling trip when I needed more ammo then the airlines would let me fly. That, a hand primer, extra scale I had around, shell block and a set of Lee scoops (way lighter than a powder measure) only weighed a couple pounds and saved me thousands. There's no particular reason why the same couldn't be done for load development. You could have a
pile of cases sized and primed in advance, it doesn't take much to seat some bullets. That way you only have one die to
adjust.
pile of cases sized and primed in advance, it doesn't take much to seat some bullets. That way you only have one die to
adjust.
