Don't have class tomorrow so was going to try to head out to shoot my first reloads (308). I'm very excited to see how they perform, but also a little scared (is that normal) will update if I make it out tomorrow!
- Thread starter 09cs
- Start date
You get to experience what I call .... The Pucker Factor .... happens to everyone who pulls the trigger for the first time on their handloads. For me it was a 300 Win Mag. I thought my a$$ was going to take a bite out of the seat on the shooting bench. Don't think Face Grenade and all the ugly consequences of a screw up when you pull the trigger.
I think it's pretty normal for a first time reloader to be a little nervous - I'm sure things will go well!
hehe, I used a face shield the first time i shot one of my reloads.
One question, did you take a flashlight and look inside each case before you seated the bullet? If not, its good practice. Squibs will get you more than a funky charge.
Have fun!
One question, did you take a flashlight and look inside each case before you seated the bullet? If not, its good practice. Squibs will get you more than a funky charge.
Have fun!
I know the feeling. Here's a thought: Post your loads for "us" to review. We might be able to give you some reassurances.
Thanks guys!
After dropping each charge into the case, I would look with the light I have set up by my press and weigh each charge every time to be sure.
That face shield doesn't sound like a bad idea lol
After dropping each charge into the case, I would look with the light I have set up by my press and weigh each charge every time to be sure.
That face shield doesn't sound like a bad idea lol
.308
175SMK 2.800 COAL (+/- a few thousands probably due to inconsistent motion)
Varget
Charges starting at 42 gr (minimum charge) increasing by .5 grains so 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, and 44.5 (45 grain max charge)
Federal brass
CCI #200 primers
OH MY GOD!!!! I HOPE YOUR INSURANCE IS PAID UP!!!!!!!! just KIDDING, So far seems OK. I had some nice grouping nodes around 41 grains Varget with a Hornady AMAX 178.( just a thought) I have not tested past 44grns. with a 178. I "ran up" to 45 grns, with a 168, and noticed some signs of over pressure(flattened primers) and stopped there. That's in MY gun, and I was at app. 2.96 COL. ie closer to the lands of the rifling, which can cause higher pressures. I do some testing at 2-5 thousands off the lands. You stayed at 2.8 Col, which is a good, safer way to go. Just educate yourself about pressure signs, and watch for them as you shoot. Also, I tend to shoot a little "slower" velocities, than most other guys, these days, as I'm older........
Last edited:
If you are a righty, pull the trigger with your left hand
After you pull the trigger and it goes bang, be proud that you have taken the first step to ammo independence. Just buy and stack it up. However, never feel cocky about reloading. If unsure, take it apart and start over because that nice size piece of brass contains enough powder to really hurt you.
Post a range report so we can see your groups with the pulled shots due to nerves
After you pull the trigger and it goes bang, be proud that you have taken the first step to ammo independence. Just buy and stack it up. However, never feel cocky about reloading. If unsure, take it apart and start over because that nice size piece of brass contains enough powder to really hurt you.
Post a range report so we can see your groups with the pulled shots due to nerves
Scared me a little when I first read that
I tried my best to keep a consistent motion when seating the bullet but some may be a hair over 2.8 and some may be a hair underIf you are a righty, pull the trigger with your left hand
After you pull the trigger and it goes bang, be proud that you have taken the first step to ammo independence. Just buy and stack it up. However, never feel cocky about reloading. If unsure, take it apart and start over because that nice size piece of brass contains enough powder to really hurt you.
Post a range report so we can see your groups with the pulled shots due to nerves
Yeah planned on squeezing the first one with the left hand and face not near it lol
We're waiting for results. How'd ya do?
Haven't gone yet, only 920 here in CA
range isn't open till 10 but not sure if it's open with the rain we're getting down hereRange was closed because of rain and possible mudslides
Range was closed because of rain and possible mudslides
Well, sorry bout that. The good news is you guys needed the rain-a month ago-?Bad news, for us, on the east coast, as they're calling for a foot of snow from it.
I pulled my first one with a piece of string behind a concrete wall. No shame.
Since you've been delayed . . . one piece of advice since these are your first reloads.
Keep in mind that "click and no boom" is significant
Do not attempt to fire another round without checking to ensure the barrel is clear of a possible squib. For that purpose, a (cleaning) rod is handy to have around rather than having to look down the barrel
Keep in mind that "click and no boom" is significant
Do not attempt to fire another round without checking to ensure the barrel is clear of a possible squib. For that purpose, a (cleaning) rod is handy to have around rather than having to look down the barrel
Yeah no kidding, we got 5 inches by me last night alone. Good luck with the snow! lol
Wish I had a concrete wall to do that lol. May take your string idea.
Since you've been delayed . . . one piece of advice since these are your first reloads.
Keep in mind that "click and no boom" is significant
Do not attempt to fire another round without checking to ensure the barrel is clear of a possible squib. For that purpose, a (cleaning) rod is handy to have around rather than having to look down the barrel
I planned on checking after every shot for the first few to make sure that there were no squibs
Wow! Brave soul! lol
Well, I'll be honest, first ever reloads,.... half of them wouldn't chamber.....I thought I'd resized correctly...only to realise that I had so much to learn..... and still do......
I always use a torch/flashlight to make sure there aren't any 'odd' fills in the cases and yes......as we say here , my old arsehole was going when I first shot a round I'd reloaded.......
Just be careful and don't have two lots going at the same time.....
I always use a torch/flashlight to make sure there aren't any 'odd' fills in the cases and yes......as we say here , my old arsehole was going when I first shot a round I'd reloaded.......
Just be careful and don't have two lots going at the same time.....
I'm worried about them not chambering, but hoping they all do. Followed Lee's instructions on setting up the sizing die so hope it works out well!
If you set them up per the die instructions, they are probably sized good enough. Look into "bumping" the shoulders back next time you load some cases up, it'll extend your brass life. Also, when in doubt, run the brass through your gun to see if it chambers before you load it up!
Just lean on the side of caution when you load and you'll always be safe. My first loads were 9mm and the pucker factor was through the roof. I think I yanked the shot a good 12 inches down on a target 20 feet away
I felt comfortable after that, until I started reloading for 300 weatherby. That was a whole new ball game, and once again I had a pucker factor for the first few rounds. Take notes, read as much as you can online and in your reloading manual(s), and don't use someone else's data unless you've worked your way up to it!!!!
Happy loading and shooting. If you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to ask here. 99% of the guys/gals here are happy to help in any way possible. Regarding your load data, looks good. Don't hesitate to load some lighter rounds too if you really want to work up slowly. I do this with any new rifle, although it's usually not necessary, I'm a bit paranoid so it's what I do. For example, 41.5 - 42.0gr of IMR 4064 is a well-accepted charge weight range for 175s loaded to 2.800. I started at 39.0gr and worked up to 42.5, and ultimately discovered a node at 41.8gr. The 39gr loads were super light, but nowhere near a squib. I wouldn't be concerned about squib loads unless you're loading subsonics. But, it doesn't hurt to check
