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3D Printing for Reloading

ruebarb

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 7, 2018
248
137
Mendon, MA
I want to bring forth a topic I don't recall seeing alot of discussion about.


I've recently got into 3D printing, with the emphasis on reloading. We as reloaders are typically making due with what can find and modify off the shelf. 3DP brings an entire new level to having what you want.


From Powder funnels that are a perfect fit, reloading trays, to bullet feeder, Press parts, holders, organizers....


Thingaverse is good place for designs, but unfortunately alot of the designers have no idea how to make something that prints for everybody, so you get alot of Crap.


I've been learning Fusion 360, this is an amazing software, free for us hobbyist.
Fusion 360 | Free Software for Hobbyists, Startups & Makers | Autodesk

I just want to try and kick start any discussion or sharing of ideas, designs, ect.


If you haven't seen it, the openbulletfeeder project is great.
openBulletFeeder - DIY bullet feeder by AmmoMike83

Here are my published designs, with more to come, just a few select pics below.
Ruebarb's Thingiverse Profile
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Pretty cool stuff. I haven’t gotten into 3DP yet...but I find the platform possibilities quite interesting. What does a passable machine run?
Most of the printers are based off of the open source Prusa MK series. It all depends on what you want to spend. The Creaility Ender 3 is $199, the print quality is close to the Prusa MK3 $899. It really comes down to quality of materials, Features, QAQC, design, support, testing. The less you spend, the less you get in those areas. I have the Prusa Mk3, no regrets, got what I paid for.
 
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So, are you asking about offering up a printing service, for those here who reload? How long does it take to print off one of those 'bulletfeeders' and what is involved with that? Costs?

I clicked on a few of those videos and it looks interesting. Might want to add one to My Lady's CH inline press.
 
Great quality prints Ruebarb. Ive got a couple of ideas for my Forster Press and Forster Primer seater to draw up and print soon. I'll post them up when done.
 
I think your best bet would be similar items to the trimmer shaving tray, tool head stand and the peg board tool holder you show.

I'll tell you what I would buy is a better vacuum adapter on the dillion power trimmer. One with a window would be a for sure upgrade but the idea I had was a two part setup with a sort of bin just off the side of the press before the vacuum line to catch larger trimmings. Something that a common plastic jar threads into for the bin. Say a small peanut butter jar or similar. Reason for this is my hose will build up what looks like a scrub pad in the area of the first part of corrugated hose. This is only a result from forming 300blk brass. Cutting down that much of a case makes very long trimmings that curl up. So a bigger collection close to the die will allow the trimings to keep moving towards the jar. This setup may require a larger shop vac to keep air speed up however. I typically set it up and form a few thousand at a time.
I do plan to change my setup a little and make a stand or mount for the small shop vac I use to be close as possible to achieving a straight shot from the die to vacuum and hopefully be able to use a smooth hose. But Im going to have to completely change up my loading area to achieve some convenience to set up this arrangement.

And like anyone else I would be al for a cheaper bullet feeder. Im more so intrested in a diy type kit and just buy the feed plates, probably a base that's designed to hold bearings and the motor and whatnot.
 
I think your best bet would be similar items to the trimmer shaving tray, tool head stand and the peg board tool holder you show.

I'll tell you what I would buy is a better vacuum adapter on the dillion power trimmer. One with a window would be a for sure upgrade but the idea I had was a two part setup with a sort of bin just off the side of the press before the vacuum line to catch larger trimmings. Something that a common plastic jar threads into for the bin. Say a small peanut butter jar or similar. Reason for this is my hose will build up what looks like a scrub pad in the area of the first part of corrugated hose. This is only a result from forming 300blk brass. Cutting down that much of a case makes very long trimmings that curl up. So a bigger collection close to the die will allow the trimings to keep moving towards the jar. This setup may require a larger shop vac to keep air speed up however. I typically set it up and form a few thousand at a time.
I do plan to change my setup a little and make a stand or mount for the small shop vac I use to be close as possible to achieving a straight shot from the die to vacuum and hopefully be able to use a smooth hose. But Im going to have to completely change up my loading area to achieve some convenience to set up this arrangement.

And like anyone else I would be al for a cheaper bullet feeder. Im more so intrested in a diy type kit and just buy the feed plates, probably a base that's designed to hold bearings and the motor and whatnot.

There is a project for the DIY Bullet Feeder, I made one of them and also contributed to the project. There is alot of print time and some fitting on the design.
def59a8f4ae50c6e5f4290599e772b59_preview_featured.jpg
 
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Debating getting a prusa i3. Would be good for me to learn cad and get my kids designing things as they grow older
 
Debating getting a prusa i3. Would be good for me to learn cad and get my kids designing things as they grow older

That is what I did, got a MK3 and started learing autofusion 360, bit of a tough learning curve at 1st, but gets easier. I recommend buying the kit, so you understand how it all goes together, plan on 2 days for the assembly. Instructions are excellent. Takes time to truly understand everything and how they all relate.
 
Surfing looking for 3d printing ideas. I have a Prusa i3MK3S on order, should ship in another week. Thanks for to the op for posting this thread. I dl your console holster.
 
Thought I'd drop this in here as a potential new project....primer catchers. I use an old C&H press and I tried so many things to improvise a primer catcher, but nothing that worked well. This guy 3d prints them....heck maybe this is you!