Best time saving techniques in your reloading process
- Thread starter The_Champ
- Start date
- Location
- West Quebec
Chargemaster for sure..
Used to run two Charges Masters and sold them when I bought the FX120i with the Auto Trickler. Faster, more accurate. Have to add the Giraud trimmer and the RCBS case prep center to the list.
An earlier post mentioned the progression of time saving items and I've seen that. Certainly powder handling is one of those progressions - starting off with a beam scale, then an electronic scale, then a Charge Master ... then a second one ... then the Auto Trickler. Guess it comes down to how much time do you need to save? Made good loads at each stage of the progression, just saved a lot more time with each step.
I completely refined my process so I can load up 200-300 rnds in a pinch and still maintain good accuracy. I tumble brass in green corn media for however long it takes, then after separating brass and media, put brass in a large towel and roll back and forth to remove the film left from polishing compounds. Put the brass in container for when needed. Then I use a rcbs trimmer lathe with 3 way cutter head, and trim and chamfer brass in one step. Then I lube cases on a rcbs pad and start loading through the Dillon 550c. The trimming and chamfering doesn't really take that long, I can probably do 200rnds in 1/2hr with the 3 way cutter. I don't clean primer pockets anymore or brush case necks. From clean brass, I can do over 200 rounds in just over an hour. Once ammo is loaded through the Dillon, I just roll them in a towel again to remove the lube. This gives me 1/2-3/4moa ammo.
If I'm chasing small groups, the process goes back to single stage and time consuming.
If I'm chasing small groups, the process goes back to single stage and time consuming.
For good (rather than bulk) rifle ammo, the ChareMaster has been great.
For both rifle and pistol brass, the bulk lubing is not only faster, but does a better job, because it puts a tiny dab on the case moth, that keeps the expander lubed.
If you are sizing a few cases, the case lube technique does not matter very much. If you have a bucket or two of brass to size, there is a fast efficient way to lube the cases. I lube 100 or so cases (rifle) at a time. Takes about 30 seconds.
I use Lee case lube. It is a water soluble cream that is easy to clean off.
Dump brass in a plastic pail that has a lid.
Then take a 1" worm of lube and smear it around the top inside wall of the pail.
Put lid on and swirl and shake for 15 seconds. This will lube all the cases and deposit a tiny dab on the case mouth, to lube the expander button.
Tried this a few weeks back after stumbling upon an earlier post by Ganderite- BRILLIANT!
I also use a case prep centre but prefer after using various trim methods to use the very simple Lee cutters- I chuck them in the drill press however , and after investing in a Harrell powder measure years ago sold my electronic scale- measuring systems .
Cat
This except I don`t use the bullet feeder. I use a Loadmaster and the bullet feeder is just not consistent enough. I find I can do it just as fast by hand. The case feeder is a God send (and dirt cheap...).
me too
For me, neck dies or neck bushing bump dies with dry lube, except on hunting ammo, all in one trim/prep center has really helped timewise, well worth the investment. Hand priming tool with a tray. Chargemaster is ok, not faster, just less exercise on the arms, powder choice to suit using a powder thrower is preferred, where it'll work on a load with adequate accuracy node. No good way to speed up bullet seating. I only load rifle on a single stage, I've used a progressive shotshell press, takes time to get setup, but once it is working right, a progressive is just fine. More than I want to fuss with for rifles though.
1) know what you want to do before you try to start doing it.
2) do more than one thing at once (i.e.: you can clean brass while sizing cases).
3) do everything in larger batches (I.e.: trim all your brass, prime all your cases, etc...). That said I seat the bullets right after I load the charge (while the powder dispenser is throwing the next charge).
4) only apply the level of OCD required for the ammo’s intended purpose. No need to apply benchrest processes to IPSC ammo.
5) use a progressive press for handgun ammo.
6) set your bench up for efficient processes (I.e. left to right not back and forth).
7) use a quick change die set up and/or have locking die collars adjusted for the press you use them in. I use either Hornady L-n-L or Forster collars but there are others. Witness marking the dies doesn’t hurt either.
7) use an electronic powder measure. I use an RCBS Chargemaster Light but lots to choose from.
8) a case prep center. I use a Lyman but lots on the market.
9) use a power trimmer, I like the Lee quick trim system used with a power drill.
10) have a clean work area.
11) when all else fails, have a collet bullet puller.
2) do more than one thing at once (i.e.: you can clean brass while sizing cases).
3) do everything in larger batches (I.e.: trim all your brass, prime all your cases, etc...). That said I seat the bullets right after I load the charge (while the powder dispenser is throwing the next charge).
4) only apply the level of OCD required for the ammo’s intended purpose. No need to apply benchrest processes to IPSC ammo.
5) use a progressive press for handgun ammo.
6) set your bench up for efficient processes (I.e. left to right not back and forth).
7) use a quick change die set up and/or have locking die collars adjusted for the press you use them in. I use either Hornady L-n-L or Forster collars but there are others. Witness marking the dies doesn’t hurt either.
7) use an electronic powder measure. I use an RCBS Chargemaster Light but lots to choose from.
8) a case prep center. I use a Lyman but lots on the market.
9) use a power trimmer, I like the Lee quick trim system used with a power drill.
10) have a clean work area.
11) when all else fails, have a collet bullet puller.
I use a similar method. Mix 1 part Lee lube with 10 parts 70% alcohol. Put in spritz bottle. Shake well.
Spray a couple spritz's into pail with brass. Cover and shake.
Let stand 5 min or so for alcohol to evaporate.
I'd say a 2oz tube of lube would do 8000-10000 brass. (I'm at about 4500 and my jug is half gone)
If you can’t have two chargemasters; at least reprogram the one you have for speed, and run two matching trays( Scoops, powder thingies).
Or go old school and go back to quality powder measure. That might requre a few extra range trips to assure yourself that for most uses weighing charges is a waste of time.
Or go old school and go back to quality powder measure. That might requre a few extra range trips to assure yourself that for most uses weighing charges is a waste of time.
