• The Shot You’ll Never Forget Giveaway - Enter To Win A Barrel From Rifle Barrel Blanks!

    Tell us about the best or most memorable shot you’ve ever taken. Contest ends June 13th and remember: subscribe for a better chance of winning!

    Join contest Subscribe

Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

GUNNER75

GUNNER75

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Jun 29, 2005
    1,282
    267
    49
    SW KS
    #1
    I've been loading for quite a few years, but find myself loading more at one time now then I did back then. I used to run 200 rounds and be good to go for most of the summer pending caliber. Today I shoot more, including a local varmint match. I load up to 500 rounds at a time. I shoot 1200 plus .243 rounds a summer alone. Last year I ran through almost 3,000 Fed210M primers for precision rifles.

    I will size all brass one night, tumble the next, run the Giraud the following then I am ready to drop powder. I run the Chargemaster and press bullets, random check OAL/OGIVE and box. I spent the better part of the day dropping powder for 400 rounds.

    I have bought better tools over time to assist in shortening the reload time and it helps, but once I get into that grove I go back to feeling like it takes forever.

    What the precision world needs is a powder dump that drops 10 rounds at a time in less than 20 seconds.

    I'm happy I am done and all is loaded, but the BN on the 115's are now in my blood stream and I feel frictionless.

    Guess I need to just get used to it. I've even thought about another Chargemaster, but not sure I can run them side by side and really be on it 100%.

    I need a "reload monkey"! Curious where you guys who shoot a lot get the time to load?
     
    #2
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Buy a second chargemaster and get one of the reading case gauges that uses a sail indicator( the ones that mount in a press) and put it in a second press. That will speed you up some.

    But atleast your not in the anal area about sorting by wieght and or case volume. Sorting bullets by ogive length. And all that stuff.
     
    #4
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I think about how much money I'm saving and the time doesn't bother me anymore. I have fun doing it, but it can be a drag sometimes. That's when I go do something else.
     
    #5
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMARINE1108</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think about how much money I'm saving and the time doesn't bother me anymore. I have fun doing it, but it can be a drag sometimes. That's when I go do something else. </div></div>

    I Don't think I'll hit my break even point for quite a few yeas still and every time I buy something else that point gets further away... Personally, I don't think I'll ever get to that point.
     
    #6
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    The whole shooting game turns into an obsession rather quickly. I even know the UPS man on a first name basis now haha.
     
    #7
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Well there are other choices. Shoot ALL FACTORY AMMO....hmm not likely. Shoot LESS.....not likely. Reload and learn to enjoy it.

    When it gets to be a pain in the ass-get up and walk away.
     
    #8
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Reloading party,I give a call out to a few buds and they show up with some of their gear and mine and before you no it will have some what of an assembly line going.

    After all the works done its time to pop a cold beer!!!
     
    #9
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dpreston</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The whole shooting game turns into an obsession rather quickly. I even know the UPS man on a first name basis now haha.</div></div>

    UPS man no like me. Got a new press and accessories. Almost 50lbs. Wife tried to bring it in. Couldn't move it. Same with those flat rate boxes. If you can fit it in the box it is the same price.
     
    #10
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Get a progressive press and don't fret about cartridge consistency so much? I use a RL550B for 223 and 45, Forster co-ax for 308. I think with good case prep and Redding dies the RL550B would be fine for 308. The main issue would be consistently accurate powder throw. I use Varget but maybe there is something that would meter better (RL15?).
     
    #11
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I know exactly what you mean. I have over 500 pieces of Winchester brass that needs to be resized, trimmed, and prepped, and it makes my head hurt thinking of all that tedious work. Resizing takes time, trimming takes time, chamfering/deburring takes time, uniforming primer pockets takes time, deburring flash holes takes time, etc.

    .
     
    #12
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911.it</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a progressive press and don't fret about cartridge consistency so much? I use a RL550B for 223 and 45, Forster co-ax for 308. I think with good case prep and Redding dies the RL550B would be fine for 308. The main issue would be consistently accurate powder throw. I use Varget but maybe there is something that would meter better (RL15?). </div></div>

    I tried to use Varget in my XL650 (same powder throw as RL550B) and it was a colossal failure.

    Take off the powder throw and use a funnel die in that station and throw the charges with a Chargemaster or equivalent and hand dump them.
     
    #13
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    After resizing I would skip the tumbling process alltogether. Wipe the sizing grease off with a paper towel. Skip the Giraud unless you shoot a tight cahmbered semi-auto. Maybe you could do the Giraud every fifth reloading or so. A 308 or 338LM do not grow that much in tight chambers in bolt-action rifles.Trimming and resizinig and sorting out etc takes time. Shorten it by buying Lapua brass and be done with most of it when you buy it.

    If you still want to do it with Lapua brass you will end up with even better brass.

    Concentrating on a very few rifles and calibers will help a lot.
     
    #14
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    What else do you have to do in SW Kansas. Work and shooting is about it.
    A dillon trimmer/sizer will speed up the brass prep, which is my least favorite thing.
     
    #17
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I use the progressive for everything but throwing the charges and have a precision throughput of ~ 200 rounds an hour. Spend some time setting up your bench up for production and try to cut time out of the movement of yourself and operations. It takes time but if you get the process down you can cut the time involved down.

    Also, I got some of my loads in a sweet spot that the ES and accuracy stay tight over 0.3grn so a lot of the time that Im shooting inside 1000 yd I just carefully setup the manual charge thrower and weigh every 5th charge. This let's me speed up the process and still have excellent ammo topractice with.

    Other than that... Welcome to the obsession.
    smile.gif
     
    #18
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    My competitive shooting consumes around 120 rounds per month, but will also find variety between .222 Rem and .260 Rem depending on expected wind conditions. The .222 runs 50gr Ballistic Tip bullets at moderate 3000-3100fps velocities in lower wind situations, and the .260 runs 140/142gr bullets at about 2850fps O/O a 28" barrel when winds are less steady.

    I am not a believer in setting ammo aside for storage over longer than a month, being a firm believer in the phenomenon of cold soldering, where necks and bullets tend to bond over time. Ammo to be held aside for longer than that is seated about .020" long, and then reseated to proper length within a week of the expected firing.

    I also tend to minimize the handloading steps. Brass is F/L resized new, then flash holes are reamed.

    Then cases are F/L resized each time, after tumbling with the old primers still aboard, and reprimed in the same operation on the Dillon RL550B. I use RCBS Water Soluble Lube, dampening finger tips and swirling each case by hand prior to resizing as part of the case/press insertion process. Charges are deliberately dropped .1-.2gr heavy, hand weighted, pinch corrected, and dropped back with a drop tube. Charged cases get set aside, and when all are charged/checked, get bullets seated more or less assembly line style.

    Finished loads get the shake test to get some idea of there's an anomaly present, then get wiped down with rubbing alky, followed by a dry wipe with a microfiber cloth. Cartridges are immediately boxed using the microfiber cloth to handle them so skin oils do not remain on the cartridges.

    I am retired, and generally have the rifles cleaned and the cases reloaded by Tuesday following a match. Next match falls (usually) within two weeks. Each year, I set aside the old brass and start with new stuff. Old stuff gets used for load development/confirmation when changing lots of components, sighter/foulers, or for hunting loads, but generally I use factory hunting loads.

    For .260, I use H4350 which is an SC powder per Hodgdon, and supposedly meters better(?). Ball powders like W748 and W760/H414 will meter well enough in the .222/.223, but I still weigh each charge; something of a holdover from when I used to shoot 1000yd.

    Greg
     
    #20
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    rainy days, snowy days. i used to do the primer pockets and cap them on lunch whenb i drove truck- just take em with me.

    try calculating the time to reload vs. how many hours you have to punch in at work to buy premium ammo. sometimes you just have to make the time.
     
    #22
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    i like progressives as they save more time.

    however i value the lessons i've learned using the more simple single stage, gaining a better understanding of what's going on rather than relying on machinery to take away experience. plus the single stage is usually less money, if budget is an issue.

    just starting out, i'd do a single stage. you can upgrade later.
     
    #23
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Great, another Chargemaster will cut the pocket. LOL I am looking into getting another.
    I haven't taken the reprogram approach with my current unit yet, but have it saved somewhere.
    The staw mod has been on my unit since day one. I posted pics of this one one of the original threads. It works darn slick. If I replace it every 100 rounds max, it seems to help as well.

    Thanks for the info fellas, I would still like a "load monkey" to handle some of it, but don't need the worries even associated with that.
     
    #24
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    John 69...for the precision reloading, get a Forster Coax unit and for speed get two Chargemasters. I find that if I set up one Chargemaster, sequence the charging and seating steps correctly, I only have to wait 5 or 6 seconds before the case is filled and I can do it again. 3 rounds a minute and you know the charge is correct. And, with the Coax and good dies, you know that what you see on the paper is your fault and not the process. JMHO
     
    #25
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I love progressives but, not for rifle rounds.... well, I sort of like them for that but, I ( am old fashoned ) I throw every charge on a beam scale and trickle charge each powder throw.

    I'm about to speed up the process a LOT by trimming on a rapid trim and my XL 650... that ought to make the trimming process VERY fast.

    Everything with a straight wall case goes into the brass feeder and after the rapid trimmer, even the .223 will go into the brass feeder with a good ball powder and, no muss, no fuss.
     
    #26
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    LOL just take a hand primer with you to work and a backpack full of brass, when you have a spare moment go and drop in some primers... in a closet or something

    just hope one doesnt go off and alert your work friends to your doings
     
    #27
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    If you want to save time I have 2 suggestions

    Redding neck bushing dies with titanium nitrade bushings, you don't need lube so you don't need to tumble and you won't have to trim hardly ever because they create almost no runout.

    Harrels manual powder dispenser, way faster than any of the electronic ones and super consistent it is always withing +or - .05gr good enough in my book. I could probably drop 400rd of 243 powder in well under 2 hrs. The harrels is not cheap but definetly worth every penny.
     
    #28
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I've kinda wondered about this myself. I currently don't reload, and unfortunately can't shoot very often...maybe 500 rounds per year?

    I'm wondering if it even makes sense for me to reload or just buy match ammo in a box? Time is money right? How much does one need to reload to make up the savings in time?
     
    #29
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    What gets people frustrated is doing the process all at one time. I normally resize, clean and trim in a weekend (thank God for the Giraud trimmer), and then prime and finish the process on another day or weekend. I try not to do it all at once because it just really sucks and I get ticked off too much. I take my time but then again I only shoot 40-50 rounds a weekend. I make range day fun and try not to push myself.
     
    #30
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I have always enjoyed reloading precision ammo. I am much faster turning out .45acp's on my progressive but hate doing that and shotshell reloading. I always feel like I am really doing something with custom rifle loads and the benefits are measurable in how my rifle tuned loads shoot so it feels good doing it. I do often look like a little old man humped over a coffee can deburring primer pockets, case prepping and neck turning in front of the TV but I enjoy the process and results. I don't match shoot so my volume is less so maybe that is why my frustration is lower. Going to an automated powder measure took out the part I hate....hand measuring powder on a scale.
     
    #31
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I think that whatever one starts out with, if they stay at it and get serious, they eventually upgrade to a progressive.

    For me, the Dillon RL550B provides enough versatility to do high volume production in progressive mode, and still retains enough accessibility to do work in single stage mode, but beats the single stage by having the replaceable tool head which allows the dies to be set up once and remain undisturbed thereafter.

    Hornady's Lock-n-Load feature has a similar effect, done in a somewhat different manner.

    Folks comment about the Dillon measure having issues with consistency and repeatability when using stick powders, but I find the issue becomes moot because I weigh all my charges anyway. Even if I can't get a consistent throw, I <span style="font-style: italic">can</span> get one that's consistently heavy, then pinch out and trickle back up to the desired weight. Once weighed right, a drop tube finishes the process, the case gets reinserted into the base plate, and is advanced to the seater station.

    I keep some of those disposable 2oz plastic souffle cups around, and they work fine as a small reservoir for the excess powder.

    They can also hold a small box of bullets for easier insertion into the seater.

    In my case, I never did the single stage, but grabbed up a Dillon when it went up for secondhand sale. I did it on a buddy's advice and it took awhile for me to realize how big a favor he had done me. But fear not if you've got your eye (or your hands) on a single stage press, they never go out of style, and you'll probably find a use for one as a dedicated unit.

    Greg
     
    #32
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Things to speed up loading
    1.Giraud Trimmer, I'm getting one soon
    2.Prometheus Powder Scale or if your not able to swing that kind of money a ChargeMaster is almost as fast, but not as accurite
    3.Krazy Klothe to clean brass
    4.Forster Co-Ax or Redding T7 press, the Co-Ax has fastest die changing system know to man with no loss of adjustments
     
    #33
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SIERRAWHISKEY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Reloading party,I give a call out to a few buds and they show up with some of their gear and mine and before you no it will have some what of an assembly line going.

    After all the works done its time to pop a cold beer!!! </div></div>


    what he said, i have a nice girl over and show her what to do and we sit their and talk and make jokes and befor you know it 500 rounds are done and iam good to go for another week or so
     
    #34
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've kinda wondered about this myself. I currently don't reload, and unfortunately can't shoot very often...maybe 500 rounds per year?

    I'm wondering if it even makes sense for me to reload or just buy match ammo in a box? Time is money right? How much does one need to reload to make up the savings in time? </div></div>

    Eh, I think it's all about where you want to be.

    For me, shooting is only the last part of all the fun.

    For me it's:

    Finding a load that I can repeat that shoots better than ANY ammo that can be mass produced... period.

    Leaning the fundamentals of shooting ( which I did that part long ago )

    Learning how the environment effects your round down range and learning how to make the adjustment BEFORE you send that round down range.

    Having a data book to be able to figure out how your rounds will impact and how they impacted last time you shot them.

    After you have all of that stuff, add a range finder and, go see just how far you can push it at various "unknown" distance targets.

    When you add all of that up and then add the pride in producing the perfect round for that rifle/scope combo you have, that's where it is for me.

    Simply buying off the shelf ammo a few times a year doesn't give me that intimate relationship with the long range shots that I strive to make.
     
    #36
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Trying to drop accurate loads with my Dillon 550B with stick powder is an exercise in futility (especially with 223) if your after consitant loads. I now only use the Dillon with 748 and Unique for my pistol loads both of which seem to drop consistant loads. I went back to my old RCBS 4x4 for reloading my 308. I drop the powder then remove the case and trickle to get the exact load I want. Time consuming yes but at least I get loads that are consistant. If I load rifle calibers for my Class III weapons then I still use the Dillon.
     
    #37
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I only recently broke down and went with a progressive, only for AR15 thou

    My match ammo done much as you do in stages, all deprimed, cleaned,primed loaded

    But for AR its trigger time and well cranking out 400-600 rounds an hour is a breeze
     
    #38
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Reloading is half of the fun. Takes time but since I can no longer shoot out the backdoor I have all week to reload for the weekednd. Also get some child labor like was stated above. My six year old sorts brass and makes a great gofor.(Go for..)
     
    #40
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    I thinks it is neat to have that extra skill to add to your shooting skills. It is like another element to the game that not all the players know.
     
    #41
    Re: Reloading sucks for precision rifle.Too much time!

    Reloading is for me a theropy of sorts, gets me away from all the BS of daily life. Nothing like spending some me time without any distractions.
     
    You must log in or register to reply here.

    Similar threads

    Doom
    Reloading and Expectations
    Replies
    1
    Views
    183
    Hula Popper
    Hula Popper
    N_Turs
    Dillon 650 Setup Confirmation/Advice
    Replies
    65
    Views
    983
    ubet
    ubet
    N_Turs
    Low Recoil AR Load
    Replies
    35
    Views
    737
    N_Turs
    N_Turs
    PreciseLoad
    New Web-Based Interior Ballistics Calculator – Precise Load
    Replies
    17
    Views
    1K
    biggershooter
    B
    E
    300 Win Mag Unexpected Muzzle Velocity/Pressure
    Replies
    5
    Views
    296
    918v
    918v
    Top Bottom
    Back
    Home
    Forums
    Merch
    Alerts