Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
- Thread starter NativeCraft
- Start date
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
For .308 I use the disposable plastic trays that .45 ACP come in. I have a metric buttload from qualification/training at the department and .308 are a perfect fit.
9mm trays work well for .223 and can be found at the range usually.
I have never actually bought any trays since I have enough plastic trays to last 20 years at least.
For .308 I use the disposable plastic trays that .45 ACP come in. I have a metric buttload from qualification/training at the department and .308 are a perfect fit.
9mm trays work well for .223 and can be found at the range usually.
I have never actually bought any trays since I have enough plastic trays to last 20 years at least.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I use the universal and have never had a problem but I prefer the perfect fit ones, I have just never gone out of my way to get them. You'll have fewer on hand if you get the universal.
I use the universal and have never had a problem but I prefer the perfect fit ones, I have just never gone out of my way to get them. You'll have fewer on hand if you get the universal.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I have both and use whatever is in arms reach at the time.
I have both and use whatever is in arms reach at the time.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I use the universal trays for applying spray lube and nothing more. Then use the perfect fit after that for clean brass. Mostly because when I put the funnel in I don't have to worry about tipping the brass over. If I had none and buying some, I'd buy just perfect fit trays and use them for everything. I think the brand I have is Frankford Arsenal.
I use the universal trays for applying spray lube and nothing more. Then use the perfect fit after that for clean brass. Mostly because when I put the funnel in I don't have to worry about tipping the brass over. If I had none and buying some, I'd buy just perfect fit trays and use them for everything. I think the brand I have is Frankford Arsenal.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
If your just loading for 1 caliber, then get the perfect fit. If you load for 308/30-06 size cases and magnum cases, get the magnum one's and the 308/30-06 size will still fit, but a little loose. They are cheap, so you can always get several!
If your just loading for 1 caliber, then get the perfect fit. If you load for 308/30-06 size cases and magnum cases, get the magnum one's and the 308/30-06 size will still fit, but a little loose. They are cheap, so you can always get several!
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I made mine using a 3/8" forstner bit and a drill press. Laid out on three 8" X 8" X 1.5" square blocks of mahogany, left over from a job, I have stable and good looking loading blocks that work well for my purposes.
Loading blocks never even appeared on my list of things to buy.
I made mine using a 3/8" forstner bit and a drill press. Laid out on three 8" X 8" X 1.5" square blocks of mahogany, left over from a job, I have stable and good looking loading blocks that work well for my purposes.
Loading blocks never even appeared on my list of things to buy.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway.
I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I used the MTM universal trays for years and recently tried the FA perfect fit tray. The perfect fit tray feels too small and precise to me. The cases are too close together and I find this makes it harder for me to use than the universal fit. It is too easy to jostle adjacent cases and spill grains of powder from the cases.
I used the MTM universal trays for years and recently tried the FA perfect fit tray. The perfect fit tray feels too small and precise to me. The cases are too close together and I find this makes it harder for me to use than the universal fit. It is too easy to jostle adjacent cases and spill grains of powder from the cases.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway. </div></div>
The forstner gives you the flatest cut but there are variations of brad boint bits that leave a flat bottom as well.
ETA-Here is a shot of my loading blocks and my unruly work area
[/quote]
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway. </div></div>
The forstner gives you the flatest cut but there are variations of brad boint bits that leave a flat bottom as well.
ETA-Here is a shot of my loading blocks and my unruly work area
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I prefer the custom wooden ones. But I also have several of the MTM one tray fits all.
I prefer the custom wooden ones. But I also have several of the MTM one tray fits all.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For .308 I use the disposable plastic trays that .45 ACP come in. I have a metric buttload from qualification/training at the department and .308 are a perfect fit.
9mm trays work well for .223 and can be found at the range usually.
I have never actually bought any trays since I have enough plastic trays to last 20 years at least. </div></div>
THIS, Im cheap. 308 and 45 use the same shell holder so I used the same plastic divider. It works, I usually only use half the block any ways doing a 3 in one row 2 in the next pattern.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For .308 I use the disposable plastic trays that .45 ACP come in. I have a metric buttload from qualification/training at the department and .308 are a perfect fit.
9mm trays work well for .223 and can be found at the range usually.
I have never actually bought any trays since I have enough plastic trays to last 20 years at least. </div></div>
THIS, Im cheap. 308 and 45 use the same shell holder so I used the same plastic divider. It works, I usually only use half the block any ways doing a 3 in one row 2 in the next pattern.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
Queequeg,
Your case tumbler is about to fall off the shelf...
Queequeg,
Your case tumbler is about to fall off the shelf...
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: queequeg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway. </div></div>
The forstner gives you the flatest cut but there are variations of brad boint bits that leave a flat bottom as well.
ETA-Here is a shot of my loading blocks and my unruly work area
</div></div>
[/quote]
FINALLY somebody posted a picture of a real reloading set up that looks like it is actualy used instead of a Better Homes and Gardens picture.
Cheers,
Doc
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: queequeg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll have to try that too, queequeg. Though, I don't currently have any Forstner bits and one would probably cost more than a loading block anyway. </div></div>
The forstner gives you the flatest cut but there are variations of brad boint bits that leave a flat bottom as well.
ETA-Here is a shot of my loading blocks and my unruly work area
[/quote]
FINALLY somebody posted a picture of a real reloading set up that looks like it is actualy used instead of a Better Homes and Gardens picture.
Cheers,
Doc
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
Cut and paste the following link into your browser. I am using a PILE of old HD solid plastic test tube racks for my reloading blocks. They work PERFECTLY and are cheap--plus they come in sizes that will fit all different cases. I have some for .223, .308 and 7wsm.
http://www.labdepotinc.com/Product_Details~id~634~pid~13163.aspx
Cut and paste the following link into your browser. I am using a PILE of old HD solid plastic test tube racks for my reloading blocks. They work PERFECTLY and are cheap--plus they come in sizes that will fit all different cases. I have some for .223, .308 and 7wsm.
http://www.labdepotinc.com/Product_Details~id~634~pid~13163.aspx
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I've got a buddy that works for an independent medical lab that gets me the styrofoam trays that the new test tubes come in. They work great and have fit everything I have loaded from 223 to 280 rem. They should fit the belted mags as well. They are washable and disposable and hold 100 cartridges. Never had a case tip in one yet. I use 1 tray per stage of loading and use them to keep all the brass in the same stage together. Easier for me to remember what has been sized, or primed, just tumbled, or ready to dump powder and seat bullets in. If you know anybody that works in a hospital or healthcare lab environment, they are usually thrown away after they start using the tubes from them. Here's a picture of them in the background.
I've got a buddy that works for an independent medical lab that gets me the styrofoam trays that the new test tubes come in. They work great and have fit everything I have loaded from 223 to 280 rem. They should fit the belted mags as well. They are washable and disposable and hold 100 cartridges. Never had a case tip in one yet. I use 1 tray per stage of loading and use them to keep all the brass in the same stage together. Easier for me to remember what has been sized, or primed, just tumbled, or ready to dump powder and seat bullets in. If you know anybody that works in a hospital or healthcare lab environment, they are usually thrown away after they start using the tubes from them. Here's a picture of them in the background.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Austan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the universal trays for applying spray lube and nothing more. Then use the perfect fit after that for clean brass. Mostly because when I put the funnel in I don't have to worry about tipping the brass over. If I had none and buying some, I'd buy just perfect fit trays and use them for everything. I think the brand I have is Frankford Arsenal.</div></div>
This matches me too. Once you use the perfect fit trays from Sinclair it's hard to go back to the RCBS universal ones that stuff rattles in and around.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Austan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the universal trays for applying spray lube and nothing more. Then use the perfect fit after that for clean brass. Mostly because when I put the funnel in I don't have to worry about tipping the brass over. If I had none and buying some, I'd buy just perfect fit trays and use them for everything. I think the brand I have is Frankford Arsenal.</div></div>
This matches me too. Once you use the perfect fit trays from Sinclair it's hard to go back to the RCBS universal ones that stuff rattles in and around.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
Queequeg, I have a question for you - How do you get those holes drilled in perfect alignment like that? Even if I lay things out with a ruler, I never get perfect holes like that.
Queequeg, I have a question for you - How do you get those holes drilled in perfect alignment like that? Even if I lay things out with a ruler, I never get perfect holes like that.
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Queequeg, I have a question for you - How do you get those holes drilled in perfect alignment like that? Even if I lay things out with a ruler, I never get perfect holes like that. </div></div>
Lay the lines out first then mark the centers of each on the block, set the depth of your drill press to the desired depth, and proceed. As said before, I use forstner bits for mine, but other bits will suffice as long as the bottom of the cut is flat. These particular blocks are 11 X 11 (holes that is, totalling 121). I never got around to putting any kind of uerethane or lacquer on them; as you can see my bench reflects a certain lack of urgency in some areas.
My tumbler hasn't fallen yet (7 years in that location!) but theres always the first time!
Thanks Doc!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Queequeg, I have a question for you - How do you get those holes drilled in perfect alignment like that? Even if I lay things out with a ruler, I never get perfect holes like that. </div></div>
Lay the lines out first then mark the centers of each on the block, set the depth of your drill press to the desired depth, and proceed. As said before, I use forstner bits for mine, but other bits will suffice as long as the bottom of the cut is flat. These particular blocks are 11 X 11 (holes that is, totalling 121). I never got around to putting any kind of uerethane or lacquer on them; as you can see my bench reflects a certain lack of urgency in some areas.
My tumbler hasn't fallen yet (7 years in that location!) but theres always the first time!
Thanks Doc!
Re: Universal or "perfect fit" reloading trays?
I am a cheap bastard and use ammo trays from pistol ammo . Trays from 45 acp works for 308 size stuff and 9mm for 223 .
I see I'm not the only one .
I am a cheap bastard and use ammo trays from pistol ammo . Trays from 45 acp works for 308 size stuff and 9mm for 223 .
I see I'm not the only one .
