Ever since I learned how to use tools I've been of the mindset why buy what I can make. And it's no different with reloading. Where I live makes it a pita to get simple supplies and I'm sure the case is the same in many rural communities. I guess I could shop online, but I think my way is more fun. So i thought I would post a couple things that I've found handy that anybody with some simple tools can make.
First is my primer pocket reamer. I had always found it very difficult to get pockets clean with cheap handheld tools and didn't want to get too fancy so I made one from a 1/4" bolt by first grinding off the threads smooth, then filing the tip flat and grinding a tristar"ish" blade on to the end. I have found simple grade 5 steel to be hard enough to scrape brass for a long time. I have also found using hand turned drillbits of appropriate size to be extremly effective for uniforming and de-burring the flash holes.
Works very well
This is a bullet length comparitor I made from an old 3/8" drive extention. Notched it to fit the caliper, bored the hole with a 19/64" bit and used a dremel to bevel out the mouth at the ogive contact. A 10/32 setscrew holds it on to the vernier.
And lastly a tumbler which serves double duty as my nuts and bolts cleaner at work ( in separate drums and media of course, my hardware prefers a media blend of cat litter and sand with a splash of dexronIII for good measure). Its made from old greensmower rollers and other obsolete parts, bushings, bearings, etc... and utilizes the motor from my back-lapping machine, albeit rigged slightly to achieve proper RPM of the drum.
First is my primer pocket reamer. I had always found it very difficult to get pockets clean with cheap handheld tools and didn't want to get too fancy so I made one from a 1/4" bolt by first grinding off the threads smooth, then filing the tip flat and grinding a tristar"ish" blade on to the end. I have found simple grade 5 steel to be hard enough to scrape brass for a long time. I have also found using hand turned drillbits of appropriate size to be extremly effective for uniforming and de-burring the flash holes.
Works very well
This is a bullet length comparitor I made from an old 3/8" drive extention. Notched it to fit the caliper, bored the hole with a 19/64" bit and used a dremel to bevel out the mouth at the ogive contact. A 10/32 setscrew holds it on to the vernier.
And lastly a tumbler which serves double duty as my nuts and bolts cleaner at work ( in separate drums and media of course, my hardware prefers a media blend of cat litter and sand with a splash of dexronIII for good measure). Its made from old greensmower rollers and other obsolete parts, bushings, bearings, etc... and utilizes the motor from my back-lapping machine, albeit rigged slightly to achieve proper RPM of the drum.
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