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Working up loads and repeatability

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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2015 at 13:55
I would tumble prior to resizing to make sure the brass is clean before running dirty brass in your die. 
I would then deprime then too. You need to be mindful not to get media stuck in the flash hole if your tumbling after deprime. This may not be an issue for you, since your using steel media, but it can be an issue when using other types  

FL sizing once fired brass for AR is OK. I'd resize a few and throw them in the chamber to make sure they work right before doing the whole show only to find out you didn't run the die down far enough.
 
I personally like to crimp rounds dedicated for an AR. I know some here will argue it's not needed, but I do. Wink 
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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Sgt. D View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2015 at 14:29
Originally posted by Roy Finn Roy Finn wrote:

Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

I wrap #0000 steel wool around a barrel brush of the same caliber and clean the inside of the case necks that way. 
Using this system, I don't have to expose the inside of the case necks to lube, thus eliminating powder sticking to the lube when charging the case.    



I do the same using a cordless drill to speed things up.

HNY

Roy

The cordless drill is a great asset!! Helps get a lot done in much less time. Here are a couple gadgets I made to speed thing along.

For annealing I took a short 1" aluminum drop and turned one end down to a 3/8 shaft and drilled about 1" deep the other end to fit whatever case I wanted to turn. It doesn't have to be a snug fit just open enough to drop in and go.


For trimming you need some specific tools but, if you have access this little trimmer is unbeatable.

Took a 1" stainless drop and drilled (then trued with a 3/8 reamer) one end to receive a 3/8 endmill and drilled and tapped for a set screw to hold the endmill. Then drilled a 1/2" hole in the side of the stock about 1/2" from the other end for shavings to exit. Drilled a pilot hole for the chamber reamer and turned the chamber reamer in about 3/8". This is a case specific tool but as long as you have some 1" stock and access to the caliber chamber reamer you need you are GTG. You could do most of the work in your shop and then have a gunsmith chamber it. Probably for their base labor charge. Anyway, If you have a case already the finish length you want hold it in the chambered end and slide the endmill in until it touches the case neck. Lock it down with the set screw and run a couple cases to check for length. Some minor adjustment mat be necessary but once you get it set it is the most consistent and fastest trimmer you will use.


Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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tejas View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2015 at 14:30
As I'm testing the loads I work up, I hang a different target for each load but fire my reloads in random order. IOW, worked up load #7 still fires at target #7 but might be the first round shot. Then I may shoot load #3 at target #3 and so on. This will keep barrel temp, cleanliness, weather conditions and so forth from giving you false information. Other people use the "ladder method." You can read about the differences here:

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ocw-vs-ladder/4529811360
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EAGLE View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote EAGLE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2015 at 15:08
This is a great and helpful thread since I do not have a mentor :)

Tejas,

Link doesn't work.
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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2015 at 15:23
Check in when you have a question. The Hive here will get you squared away. 
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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