is reloading bad on rainy day

RIKA · 12-20-2007, 03:53 AM

My business activity has almost stopped until after the first of the year so a lot of time on my hands. I ran across a box of 500 Speer 158gr 38cal swaged lead hollowpoints and several 100 packs of 148gr wadcutters so I'm loading those up. Its been raining a lot here lately so this activity helps keep me sane and out of the stores spending money for silly stuff. Next is a couple of 500 boxes of Speer 200gr 45acp wadcutters. Theres plenty of cases and primers so I should have plenty of practice ammo by New Years and hopefully the coming of good weather.

Is anybody else doing winter/bad weather reloading?

Warmest Christmas wishes to you all.

RIKA

DblTap · 12-20-2007, 05:29 AM

I'm doing a little bit. I'm checking to see if OAL has anything to do with accuracy. I'm starting at .018 and taking off .005 until soft seated. I've been to the range a couple times since November but had to cut it short because of cold or dumb people.

Merry Christmas

7of7 · 12-20-2007, 12:21 PM

I picked up my new Weatherby Sub-moa. I measured the factory shot target,... .46" grouping. Now I need to load up some rounds and see what it does.
I will also be measuring the freebore, and work at setting up the loads for this rifle carefully.
I should be getting a ring lapping tool soon so I can install the Leupold VXIII 3X10 on it.
I am also going to be building a new reloading bench...

BigEd63 · 12-20-2007, 01:19 PM

Yep a bunch is on the agenda. I've got big reloading projects for the following:
1). .308 Winchester, prepping more brass and loading 168gr SMK's.

2). .223 Remingtion, loading up the rest of my "stash" of Hornady 60grSP's and then loading up 1000 FMJ's for practice.

3). .45ACP, need to load several hundred rounds to add to my stash of 185gr XTP's

4.) 9mmP, need to find either some better plated bullets or FMJ's and work up a load to match the samePOA/ POI out of my Glock 19's.

There will be no particular order to how I do the above but it's nice to set goals.

Gunners762 · 12-20-2007, 07:04 PM

Cash and carry for me....

KJUN · 12-20-2007, 07:04 PM

I wish......I'm trying to get everything updated to be legal BEFORE my FFL gets approved (knock on wood) - instead of rushing to do it in the 30 day window they allow AFTER you get the permit. I never realized how many places I had receipts, etc. stored on all of these guns before.....lol. It will be nice to have all my guns - and ALL of the info I have about their acquisition! - in one bound book, though. It's something I always wanted to do, but it seems the closest I ever got was having receipts in the fire safe and an excel spreadsheet for the info one the guns themselves (make/model/etc.).

I do have another 5 gallons of wheel weights that I just came across while cleaning up the back yard that I forgot I had. I need to convert that to ingots and turn half of it into projectiles, though. I guess that kinda counts as reloading.....lol.

flutedchamber · 12-20-2007, 08:51 PM

I too have some lead 148 and 158 grain 38 caliber bullets to load. Before I load them I'm trying to find a powder that gives the accuracy of Bullseye but burns cleaner. A ball powder would be preferred. Any suggestions??

RIKA · 12-21-2007, 02:48 AM

I have had good results with Win 231.

RIKA

KJUN · 12-21-2007, 05:44 AM

Have you tried Hodgdon Titegroup? It is very economical and is designed for low charges in large cases (i.e., position of the powder in the case doesn't change the pressure curve when ignited!). I've used it with good success in .38 spl, .357 Mag, 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and .38 S&W Long. I've had great success with lead bullets. I've used it a little on JHP, and it's OK. I'm not deathly in love with it, though. When it comes to lead practice roads, though, I don't use anything else any longer if I can use titegroup. I buy it 8-15lbs at a time, and I'm glad I can....lol.

KJ

flutedchamber · 12-21-2007, 08:59 AM

Thank you gents. I will invest in a container of it and give it a go.

Garand · 12-26-2007, 10:37 PM

Well the kids have come and gone!! The mess was cleaned up and I had time today to load another 100 rds of .30-06 tracer for a possible WW II re-enactor match next month. Plus, I stripped down my Garand and gave it a good cleaning since I didn't have time to do it last Saturday when I was out chronoing .30-06 loads.

Clint Boyer · 12-27-2007, 12:01 AM

I haven't reloaded for nearly 30 yrs!

A friend of mine has recently setup to reload again, he said he was having problems in one of his .45 with his loads. He asked if I had any .45s that we could test with??????

I'm headed out to his place tomorrow!

I'm also packing up about 20 lbs of brass and 200 lbs of lead to help fortify his larder.

7of7 · 12-29-2007, 09:32 PM

Got the new reloading bench complete,. I need to build the other base for the top I have. 1/2 of a 3/4 Melemine sheet makes a very nice table top when mounted to a good solid structure. Cleans up easily, spills don't soak in ... I will get some pics when I get the left side complete....
Got everything set up, except for the case trimmer. I need to do some additional thinking on that one.
I also recieved my progressive shotshell reloader too. ... Hornady model 366.

Aztec · 12-31-2007, 10:16 AM

FC, if these are cast and lubed bullets, you're always going to end up with a pretty dirty gun just because of the smoke and residue caused from burning bullet lube. And all the Herculese powders are pretty smoky...but still some of my favorite powders.

Clint Boyer · 12-31-2007, 10:39 AM

We tested about 200 rounds of .45 auto, FMJ, HP and semi-wadcutter.

Both my guns cycled all rounds well.

Finding brass was not easy in the spoty snow and grass.

He's got a nice setup, his bench is built from 1-1/4" plywood. He tells me he likes to load more then he likes to shoot?!?

I need to come up with a good load for my M-4 Bushmaster with 1-7 twist. I was told the faster twist is used on heavier bullets. Anyone have a good load?

RIKA · 12-31-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aztec

FC, if these are cast and lubed bullets, you're always going to end up with a pretty dirty gun just because of the smoke and residue caused from burning bullet lube. And all the Herculese powders are pretty smoky...but still some of my favorite powders.

Just a moment, please. What kind of lube do you use that causes much residue and smoke from burning bullet lube? I don't have a problem from my cast bullets and I lube with RCBS green and/or Lyman orange lube. Unique causes a little smoke and is fairly dirty but I have since changed to cleaner burning 231 powder. After I use up the lube in the sizer I'm changing to the hard bullet lube that has to be heated; not because its necessarily better shooting but it stores cleaner than soft lubed bullets.

RIKA

neolithic hunter · 12-31-2007, 12:17 PM

rika your one smart lady. 231 is a good all purpose powder, the only problem i have with it is that its such a small load for such a big case. me personally i use 700x in all of my pistol loads, for no other reason than its bulky, if you double charge a case you can tell right off. usually a double load wont fit in the case. like 45 apc at 5.8 grains you can't get a double charge into it without work.

clint as for your 1x7 twist rifle. i like to use 23.5 grains of varget for about 2725 fps out of my ar's. oh and use a 75 grain hpbt bullet. you 1x7 thought should give you good accuracy with 55 gr and 62 gr bullets as well.

Clint Boyer · 12-31-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolithic hunter

clint as for your 1x7 twist rifle. i like to use 23.5 grains of varget for about 2725 fps out of my ar's. oh and use a 75 grain hpbt bullet. you 1x7 thought should give you good accuracy with 55 gr and 62 gr bullets as well.

Thanks NH, I'll give that load a try.

I get fair accuracy from most factory loads but can't find heavier factory loads. My loading partner will load anything I provide components for.

12-20-2007, 03:53 AM	#1
RIKA Registered User Joined: Jun 2004 From: In the freezer section Posts: 10,279	Rainy day & holiday reloading My business activity has almost stopped until after the first of the year so a lot of time on my hands. I ran across a box of 500 Speer 158gr 38cal swaged lead hollowpoints and several 100 packs of 148gr wadcutters so I'm loading those up. Its been raining a lot here lately so this activity helps keep me sane and out of the stores spending money for silly stuff. Next is a couple of 500 boxes of Speer 200gr 45acp wadcutters. Theres plenty of cases and primers so I should have plenty of practice ammo by New Years and hopefully the coming of good weather. Is anybody else doing winter/bad weather reloading? Warmest Christmas wishes to you all. RIKA

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12-20-2007, 05:29 AM	#2
DblTap Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 584	I'm doing a little bit. I'm checking to see if OAL has anything to do with accuracy. I'm starting at .018 and taking off .005 until soft seated. I've been to the range a couple times since November but had to cut it short because of cold or dumb people. Merry Christmas

12-20-2007, 12:21 PM	#3
7of7 Registered User Joined: Mar 2005 From: Lynnwood WA Posts: 675	I picked up my new Weatherby Sub-moa. I measured the factory shot target,... .46" grouping. Now I need to load up some rounds and see what it does. I will also be measuring the freebore, and work at setting up the loads for this rifle carefully. I should be getting a ring lapping tool soon so I can install the Leupold VXIII 3X10 on it. I am also going to be building a new reloading bench...

12-20-2007, 01:19 PM	#4
BigEd63 Registered User Joined: Dec 2004 From: Arkansas Posts: 4,130	Yep a bunch is on the agenda. I've got big reloading projects for the following: 1). .308 Winchester, prepping more brass and loading 168gr SMK's. 2). .223 Remingtion, loading up the rest of my "stash" of Hornady 60grSP's and then loading up 1000 FMJ's for practice. 3). .45ACP, need to load several hundred rounds to add to my stash of 185gr XTP's 4.) 9mmP, need to find either some better plated bullets or FMJ's and work up a load to match the samePOA/ POI out of my Glock 19's. There will be no particular order to how I do the above but it's nice to set goals.

12-20-2007, 07:04 PM	#5
Gunners762 Registered User Joined: Jul 2006 From: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,826	Cash and carry for me....

12-20-2007, 07:04 PM	#6
KJUN Registered User Joined: Jan 2004 From: Louisiana Posts: 2,014	I wish......I'm trying to get everything updated to be legal BEFORE my FFL gets approved (knock on wood) - instead of rushing to do it in the 30 day window they allow AFTER you get the permit. I never realized how many places I had receipts, etc. stored on all of these guns before.....lol. It will be nice to have all my guns - and ALL of the info I have about their acquisition! - in one bound book, though. It's something I always wanted to do, but it seems the closest I ever got was having receipts in the fire safe and an excel spreadsheet for the info one the guns themselves (make/model/etc.). I do have another 5 gallons of wheel weights that I just came across while cleaning up the back yard that I forgot I had. I need to convert that to ingots and turn half of it into projectiles, though. I guess that kinda counts as reloading.....lol.

12-20-2007, 08:51 PM	#7
flutedchamber Registered User Joined: Dec 2007 From: New Jersey Posts: 71	I too have some lead 148 and 158 grain 38 caliber bullets to load. Before I load them I'm trying to find a powder that gives the accuracy of Bullseye but burns cleaner. A ball powder would be preferred. Any suggestions??

12-21-2007, 02:48 AM	#8
RIKA Registered User Joined: Jun 2004 From: In the freezer section Posts: 10,279	I have had good results with Win 231. RIKA

12-21-2007, 05:44 AM	#9
KJUN Registered User Joined: Jan 2004 From: Louisiana Posts: 2,014	Have you tried Hodgdon Titegroup? It is very economical and is designed for low charges in large cases (i.e., position of the powder in the case doesn't change the pressure curve when ignited!). I've used it with good success in .38 spl, .357 Mag, 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and .38 S&W Long. I've had great success with lead bullets. I've used it a little on JHP, and it's OK. I'm not deathly in love with it, though. When it comes to lead practice roads, though, I don't use anything else any longer if I can use titegroup. I buy it 8-15lbs at a time, and I'm glad I can....lol. KJ

12-21-2007, 08:59 AM	#10
flutedchamber Registered User Joined: Dec 2007 From: New Jersey Posts: 71	Thank you gents. I will invest in a container of it and give it a go.

12-26-2007, 10:37 PM	#11
Garand Registered User Joined: Jun 2004 From: Canadian Badlands Posts: 9,240	Well the kids have come and gone!! The mess was cleaned up and I had time today to load another 100 rds of .30-06 tracer for a possible WW II re-enactor match next month. Plus, I stripped down my Garand and gave it a good cleaning since I didn't have time to do it last Saturday when I was out chronoing .30-06 loads.

12-27-2007, 12:01 AM	#12
Clint Boyer Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 605	I haven't reloaded for nearly 30 yrs! A friend of mine has recently setup to reload again, he said he was having problems in one of his .45 with his loads. He asked if I had any .45s that we could test with?????? I'm headed out to his place tomorrow! I'm also packing up about 20 lbs of brass and 200 lbs of lead to help fortify his larder.

12-29-2007, 09:32 PM	#13
7of7 Registered User Joined: Mar 2005 From: Lynnwood WA Posts: 675	Got the new reloading bench complete,. I need to build the other base for the top I have. 1/2 of a 3/4 Melemine sheet makes a very nice table top when mounted to a good solid structure. Cleans up easily, spills don't soak in ... I will get some pics when I get the left side complete.... Got everything set up, except for the case trimmer. I need to do some additional thinking on that one. I also recieved my progressive shotshell reloader too. ... Hornady model 366.

12-31-2007, 10:16 AM	#14
Aztec Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 126	FC, if these are cast and lubed bullets, you're always going to end up with a pretty dirty gun just because of the smoke and residue caused from burning bullet lube. And all the Herculese powders are pretty smoky...but still some of my favorite powders.

12-31-2007, 10:39 AM	#15
Clint Boyer Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 605	We tested about 200 rounds of .45 auto, FMJ, HP and semi-wadcutter. Both my guns cycled all rounds well. Finding brass was not easy in the spoty snow and grass. He's got a nice setup, his bench is built from 1-1/4" plywood. He tells me he likes to load more then he likes to shoot?!? I need to come up with a good load for my M-4 Bushmaster with 1-7 twist. I was told the faster twist is used on heavier bullets. Anyone have a good load?

12-31-2007, 12:17 PM	#17
neolithic hunter Registered User Joined: Feb 2005 From: on the back porch Posts: 1,621	rika your one smart lady. 231 is a good all purpose powder, the only problem i have with it is that its such a small load for such a big case. me personally i use 700x in all of my pistol loads, for no other reason than its bulky, if you double charge a case you can tell right off. usually a double load wont fit in the case. like 45 apc at 5.8 grains you can't get a double charge into it without work. clint as for your 1x7 twist rifle. i like to use 23.5 grains of varget for about 2725 fps out of my ar's. oh and use a 75 grain hpbt bullet. you 1x7 thought should give you good accuracy with 55 gr and 62 gr bullets as well.