Newb questions on reloading

[fat but funky]

Hi Guys,

Just got an RCBS reloading starter kit, and need some knowledgable advice. I guess I believed the box when it said is is everything I need to start reloading save consumables and cartridge holder and dies.

1.) Ok, so the case has to be clean and lubed before it goes into the resizing die. Book advises that the primer be punched out before the case is cleaned (no tumbler, would have to use hot water). But the only way I have to punch out the primer is with the forming die. So, what is a guy to do who doesn't have or want to buy a tumbler.

2.) Seating the bullet. The instructions say to adjust the seating die such that the bullet is seated to the correct depth. I don't have calipers - so how do I know when the bullet is at the right depth if I don't have a crimping band around the bullet to tell me where the edge of the case mouth should be.

3.) Crimping the case. How necessary is this? I intend to reload for my Norinco m-14s (.308 Win).

4.) Trimming. If I should crimp, then the instructions say to make sure the cases are a uniform length (i.e. trim a bit off the case mouth prior to crimping). Again, if a guy doesn't have calipers, how do you know how much to trim off. Even if I did buy the calipers, how do I make a nice clean and straight trim without buying one of the $150 little mini-lathe trimmers.

Thanks

Fat

 

[Busta Capp]

Even if I did buy the calipers, how do I make a nice clean and straight trim without buying one of the $150 little mini-lathe trimmers.

For cheap trimming you can use the Lee case trimmer, costs about $20 all-in. Attachs to a drill and works great.

You need the lock stud/shellholder, and the case length guage (about $10 each). The chamfer tool might have been included with the RCBS kit.

As for the caliper, you will need this. Have you received a reloading manual with the press? It should explain all this.

 

[Fall Guy]

You need a caliper and this shouldn't break the bank. Hurry, sale ends tomorrow.

Canadian Tire
Product #58-6800-4
$17.49

 

[cosmic]

The resizing die can/will punch out the primer. "Clean" doesnt necessarily mean tumbled. You can wipe them down with a paper towel, or wash rinse and bake dry (20 mins at 230 F)
The crimper function in the bullet seating die depends upon uniform case length to give a uniform crimp. Crimping is a good idea for your M14 - just bear in mind most (all?) seating dies can only crimp if a cannelure is present. If you dont want to use cannelured bullets, get a Lee factory crimp die.
Trimming also ensures that the case does not become too elongated after several cycles of firing/ resizing - this can cause the case to jam - not a good thing! The Lee style of trimmer is convenient because it automatically trims to the correct length - no need to measure/check.

Good Luck!