Revamping the bench and press(s?) Input please

Wilson Trimmer.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=RECTACWI&item=05-475&type=store

More expensive and takes a little bit longer than using the Lyman (Lathe Style) but it sure is a great piece of kit.

05-475.jpg

WXCH.jpg



$148US for the trimmer and the shellholders are $7.65/ea
 
How do you like that set up on your drill press looch? That is the one I was thinking of getting.
What drill press are you using?

I like having the drill press at the reloading bench. I use it with my primer pocket uniformer and also with a nut-driver socket stuffed with steel wool to deburr case mouths.

I picked up a used Job-Mate POS for $30. One thing you must ensure is the sturdiness of the depth-stop. The bracket that held the plunger to the column on my Job-Mate was plastic - I could vary the depth by .030" just by applying slightly more pressure. I made a new one out of 3/8" aluminum plate.

I am happy with the trimmer - it does nice job and is quick to operate.
 
Wilson Trimmer.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=RECTACWI&item=05-475&type=store

More expensive and takes a little bit longer than using the Lyman (Lathe Style) but it sure is a great piece of kit.

05-475.jpg

WXCH.jpg



$148US for the trimmer and the shellholders are $7.65/ea

Now there is a dandy little tool!:cool: A centering bit for lathe work could be fit to that one for hollow pointing easy enough too. :)

Looch, I was hoping you had found a nice little gear driven press on the cheap.:p I would imagine low rpm is best. In past experience of drilling brass at work it heats up real fast and chatters like crazy. Thanks for the reply!
Noel
 
Also, how is Lymans 55 powder measure?

I've used 4 powder measures over the years, the Hornady, the Lyman 55, the RCBS Uniflow, and Redding. I'll stick with the RCBS with the micrometer adjustments unless I go to a bench rest quality measure, which isn't likely.

The Lyman 55 is the only one that I had problems with, in that I was loading a large volume of .38 Special ammo for a club, and the SOB went out of adjustment part way through. I ended up with lots of ammo for my .357, and an intense dislike for the Lyman thrower, which was probably unfounded . . . operator error.

I now stick with micrometer settings and check the thrown weight much more frequently (every 10 handgun rounds and every 5 rifle rounds), and I don't put low density flake powder in a thrower anymore. I use the Lee spoons for powder like Unique, Blue Dot etc.

The Hornady was a good thrower, but I disliked the fact that the hopper was pinned in place rather than screwed in place. I used the Redding for such a short period of time (it was borrowed) that I don't remember much about it, but I imagine it is the equal of the RCBS.

With respect for case trimmers, I wondered what part of my loading procedure could be improved to give me better quality ammo and to speed up my operation. I wanted to stay with a single stage press, although I have considered a turret press for handgun ammo from time to time, but trimming stood out as the real bottle neck for me, and the lathe style trimmers didn't give me the nice square case mouths I was after, especially when I was in a hurry. The Giraud case trimmer is the answer. But now that there are so many powered trimmers out there, there is a multitude of choices that will speed up this repetitive slow procedure.
 
Mike,
I generally measure every charge unless it is just squib loads for helping a newbie get used to a high power. I have had the uniflow drop charges that are very different one to the next as well. RL19, 4831SC, H380 or H414 meter very well in the Uniflow but only the 380 seems to weigh reliably. I have got into the habit of tapping the dump handle twice before dumping each time and it has improved things alot. You have to do it everytime or it does not improve things at all.
Thanks for the input!
 
Mark,
How have you found the threads stand up? Does the top of the press score easily from your wrench?



Hey there Noel, i have absolutely no issue with the threads and haven't noticed any scoring at all on the top of the press from the wrench. I am going to head down to the gunroom tonight and be sure of my statement.
 
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