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Posted: 4/7/2012 6:36:59 AM EDT
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Hello,
I finally started reloading (It's so recent that I don't even have a proper workbench, it's drilled into the computer desk) I'm just having a few questions about the process: I'm reloading for some bench rest shooting (and hunting), so I figured I would do 5 rounds of a particular load. This would allow me to get a nice (well, I hope) grouping, and also allow me to test more than one load in a day (instead of the "average of 5 3 shot groups"). I'm using 150gr hornady #3031 bullets, and IMR4064 powder starting with 43gr, and the never exceed is 46gr. I'm confused with how much "jump" I should have between loads. I have a feeling 1gr is a huge change, so .5gr? 2gr? .1gr? What is a general practice, or at least a "safe" way to move up? Also, since I'm new, I am a little confused with the whole process. I'm using the neck-only sizing dies. If I continue to put more pressure on the press handle, the neck becomes even smaller. When is there "too much" or "not enough?" This also comes along with deburring/chamfering. I ended up doing it so much on particular cases that they needed to be resized. What I was using for reference was "if the bullet could fall in, it's too loose." However, they're not at all uniform (maybe after chamfering they were, but I remember after the resizing they weren't). If it matters for the neck size, I also plan on using the Lee Factory Crimp Die, since this is also eventually going to be hunting ammo. Is there a particular level I should be getting the necks to? Does it matter since I'm crimping later? When should I stop putting pressure? (If it matters, it's a Lee Classic Press). How do others get it "consistent?" And when I go to crimp, am I going to have pressure problems with that too? Finally, I keep reading all of this stuff on bullet seat depth, and I'm confused with all of it, how to measure it, and how to prepare my dies for it. I keep reading OAL, ogive, chamber gauges, bullet seating affecting pressure, and I'm just getting lost with the whole process. I've been reading for hours and there seems to be just too much information for it to start clicking in my head. My Lyman Reloading book has a section on "The Road to Accurate Ammo," and they mention some of the techniques, but the process isn't explained as well as everything else in the book, and I'm still at loss. What is it exactly that I should measure? I keep hearing "set your bullet depth die for .20" OAL. I know I can adjust where the bullet sits (I have it right about at the cannelure now), but I don't get how to the adjustment knob. Is it a 1:1 ratio? Does that mean .2" from the highest position, or from the bottom? What does all of this mean for me in the end? I've heard about the candle wax trick for rounds, and I understand how that works, but I can't tell what it's measuring, or how to make those adjustments to my press. I should note that my cases are NOT uniform. I thought going the route of the Lee case length gauges would have turned out a good bet. I'm pretty sure that's going to be the first replacement I make (even before a tumbler). Everything is certainly at or below 2.015", but some are 2.005", and others are 2.015". Sorry for the newbiness, everyone. I've loved the AR15 forums, and they're actually what got me started in reloading. I plan on continuing with 223 brass. My plan was to start with 308 so I saw some immediate improvements (that, and 10 rounds can last me a few minutes, and... well... 10 rounds of 223 won't last that long :P). |
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wow sounds like you are moving a little too fast for yourself.
Back up and go through step by step and answer your questions 1 at a time before moving on. I am still awaiting my press but I will try and answer your questions based on the research I have done so far. For load work up a general practice I have been seeing is to start with larger steps .5 gr and once you get your .5 grain step switch to smaller .1 or .2 to find optimum in that smaller range. I plan on using a full length sizing die but my understanding is that you should set all dies so that you pull the handle all the way down then you measure the sized case and adjust the die as necessary. Start larger and work down as you can't really go the other way around. same with the crimp die start with as light a crimp as possible and adjust your die till it has desired crimp you don't need much crimp. OAL is from the bottom of the case to the tip of the projectile. If you are getting the bullet to seat to the cannelure and the the oal is less than the max then your case length isn't much of a factor especially since your using the fcd. They will need to be trimmed once they get too long. I will not clarify with any measurements as I do not have that info in front of me at this time and I don't have a 308 so I won't need that info. Again this information is based only on research I have done not experience so if I have misstated anything someone please chime in. Also I urge you to slow down get each step perfect your safety could be at stake. |
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Ditto:
No offense, but please slow down a little. Savor the moments. Read through the tacked threads up top and their references also. Grab a new or used copy of ABCs of Reloading off Amazon (I like 7th Ed myself). Get a good reloader's book like Speer #13 or 14 or something similar (read the pertinent liner notes and introductory notes). Also grab a Hodgdon 2012 Annual Manual. You will use these references over and over again. There are a few idiosyncracies with the .mil ammo. 1. most published laboratory derived recipies are based on 24" bolt action pressure test barrels, your velocities will not be the same. 2. reused .mil cases may differ from commercial cases in useable volume and crimped in primers. 3. max pressures for bolt guns can operate considerably higher than max for .mil autoloaders like M1A, AR10, AR15. 4. Assembled lengths (COAL) for autoloaders means successful magazine feed and/or 1 caliber length or more of engagement of bullet with neck. Welcome to the forum. |
Welcome to the Reloading Forum. You got some great advice in the posts above. When you post a question be sure to give all the details of your load, you will get better answers. In this case we had to guess that you were talking about 308.  When you size a case, wipe off the lube, and see if it chambers. Many new reloaders will load a batch of cases that will not chamber. (sizing die not adjusted correctly) So get one step at a time done correctly. OAL is given in reloading manuals, follow the specs given.
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