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Posted: 7/22/2011 2:41:03 PM EDT
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Finally reloaded my first 6 .38 cartridges. It was a long learning process (one week), but it finally worked out. Haven't fired yet, that will be the real test. Heres the TL:DR timeline: Press arrives (whoopee!) Lee Breech Lock. Yes, I know, its cheap, but I'm a learner. Figuring out how everything works. Multiple calls to reloading friend. (2 days) Realizing the Lee scale just pisses me off (buys electronic w/ 2 day shipping love Amazon Prime) Called reloading friend: Do you have a trickler? (Goes to Amazon again) Figured out the prime setter has to be in for the spent primers to fall into the tube. Spilled primers everywhere. Cleaned them up. Advised wife to tread carefully in garage. Inserted primers backwards twice using Lee's "easy" autoprime system. Used punch to remove while using welders gloves and a bomb squad suit. Flared cases too much, bullet seated INSIDE the case! Call reloading friend: Do you have a bullet puller? (Goes to Amazon again) Bullet now seats properly. Test in revolver, won't fit, diameter too wide. Call reloading friend: Do you have the factory crimp die? (Goes to Amazon) Crimped bullets, they now fit in revolver! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee End |
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Hornady 158gr XTP w/ 3.6/3.7 grains of Hodgdon TiteGroup. Small Pistol primers, maybe Winchester? After I get the hang of these, moving to .357, then .45 ACP then 7mm Rem Mag. Got tons of brass I've been saving for a year or so for just this occasion. Quoted: What was your load? Bullet weight, powder and charge, primer? Sounds like you just about have it figured out.  |
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Yes, I think that I am not using the bullet seater properly. Have to adjust that screw at the top methinks. Already got the crimp die though, may as well use it. Valuable lesson for future, however. Quoted: I did the similar thing. Bought the lee kit and pretty much upgraded everything within a year. You shouldn't need a crimp die with 38. Roll crimp with the seater die will work just fine. |
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Quoted:
Hornady 158gr XTP w/ 3.6/3.7 grains of Hodgdon TiteGroup. Small Pistol primers, maybe Winchester? After I get the hang of these, moving to .357, then .45 ACP then 7mm Rem Mag. Got tons of brass I've been saving for a year or so for just this occasion. Quoted:
What was your load? Bullet weight, powder and charge, primer? Sounds like you just about have it figured out.
Those should shoot fine. |
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