Newbie alert reloads

[flamoudi]

My bad...

Yep I knew as soon as I saw what I'd typed this would cause a reaction. I can't think of a case scenario in actual practice where this might end up causing any catastrophic event, but that might start another thread!

For the sake of good practice and continuity use the agreed terminology!

[dromia]

I have seen such a scenario, admittedly it happened with some one who shouldn't have been shooting never mind reloading and the "head" confusion caused the problem. This person no longer has a FAC btw.

I constantly get confused reloading beginners struggling with it though, when you are learning confusing nomenclature and sloppy terminology is just not helpful and can lead to sloppy reloading.

[flamoudi]

I can't argue against accurate use of terminology, I know I was wrong. Just shows how easy it is to slip on the banana skin of complacency.

I've seen a few major mishaps in nearly 30 years of shooting and reloading has to be taken seriously. Never to be rushed, never compromised and if in doubt about anything scrap that batch.

I got into the way of using the forbidden terms from all those years of being with others who have done likewise.

[dromia]

I know, it is strange how the degrees of responsibility seem to diminish the further away we get from the reloading bench.

As with you I have seen too many reloading disasters, it isn't a difficult process but it does require understanding, knowledge and discipline. The knowledge and understanding can be acquired from books, example and practice but the discipline must come from within.

Handloading is a safe pastime statistically with a very few of the total loaded causing harm, however we should never forget that we are making a contained pipe bomb that we are going to ignite with our head pressed as close to it as we can get, it still fills me with awe that every time I fire a gun my face is within a few inches of tens of thousands of lbs/square inch of explosive energy.

[dromia]

Have you decided on what you are going to get?

[Dark Skies]

I agree with you - the search facility is generally rubbish. There, I've said it.

A lot of people may pooh pooh the Lee equipment and the later press kits. I can't speak for the newer presses because I'm still reloading with the Lee kit I bought in 1997. Twenty-one years and thousands of rounds down the line and it's still going strong. I think this may be the same model as the 'Lee Classic' mentioned. If you're only reloading a few hundred rounds at a time you probably won't need to buy any other press.

I found the beam scales in the kit a bit of a faff to be honest. I use a digital set of scales given to me by a friend who works in a forensic lab. I have no idea of the model but they have always proved very consistent. If you do go for digital - don't buy the cheap Chinese scales off Ebay - invest in something made by a reputable company.

I've always been very pleased with the Lee die kits and related equipment - and obviously they're designed to work with your press and equipment. I've seen no reason to buy other more expensive die kits that are compatible with my Lee press.

I use the older hand cranked Perfect Powder Measures. I have a bank of them set up and clearly marked for the loads I shoot - once you've found a load that suits you and your rifle this system prevents you from having to muck about tweaking your measure to reproduce it.

Some will urge you to buy one of the more expensive presses and dies but ... well it's like the guys that spend a fortune on Snap-On tools when Britool would have been just as good and far cheaper. I sometimes feel they need to periodically convince themselves paying over the odds was worth it. Maybe.

Anyhow, as a beginner a simple single stage press kit that allows you to closely monitor everything and gain experience is the way to go. You'll have no trouble selling it on if you want to step up to a progressive press.

[dromia]

I agree with you - the search facility is generally rubbish. There, I've said it.

The forum search isn't the only way to search the forum.

If you look on the internet you will find a thing called google.

When you find this type in what you are seeking and put Full-Bore UK after it and it will search the forums for you.

Alternatively they have custom search function.

You really should try this google thing.