Started Reloading .45acp

[OldCannon]

Soooooooo...Let me get this straight.

If one would buy the bullet feeder die only and set it up in lets say a single stage press...I would just drop the bullet into the top of the die and seat the bullet as normal? Correct ? OR does it need other bullets behind it for weight/pressure/Something to push against ?

Reason I'm asking this is, I also use a Redding T7 turret press with 7 stations on the turret, I have a Hornady Powder Activated Powder Drop and Hornady PTX installed to my powder measure in one of the stations on the press.
So now if I got the Hornady bullet feeder die and positioned it after the powder drop and feed a bullet into the bullet feeder die, it will be seated and ready for any other process?????


Ps...I understand that the Hornady bullet feeder die works better than the RCBS die because RCBS has a plastic (something) inside that breaks/wears out easy?

Don2

I can't speak to the comparison between the Hornady Bullet Feeder and the RCBS one. My personal experience is that different reloading components tend to yield different results, and the best results are often from using different brands in different ways. What I _will_ say is that the bullet feeder die works just fine with one bullet at a time, and you can stack about 4-6 in there, depending on caliber. More if you insert a rigid plastic tube into the feeder input (where the bullet feeder tube would go). Just keep in mind that a) the feeder does are only for pistol calibers right now and b) copper jacketed only - lead bullets will foul the collets something fierce.

Also remember it just feeds the bullets into the pre-expanded mouth. Nothing else. Seating/crimp must follow.

Hope that helps!

[Don2]

OldCannon:

I can't speak to the comparison between the Hornady Bullet Feeder and the RCBS one. My personal experience is that different reloading components tend to yield different results, and the best results are often from using different brands in different ways. What I _will_ say is that the bullet feeder die works just fine with one bullet at a time, and you can stack about 4-6 in there, depending on caliber. More if you insert a rigid plastic tube into the feeder input (where the bullet feeder tube would go). Just keep in mind that a) the feeder does are only for pistol calibers right now and b) copper jacketed only - lead bullets will foul the collets something fierce.

Also remember it just feeds the bullets into the pre-expanded mouth. Nothing else. Seating/crimp must follow.

Hope that helps!
=========================================================================================================
That makes sense....OK, still that would give me an advantage.
I read somewhere, I have text in my files, that someone modified the bullet feeder die to use lead bullets????
Not sure if it actually worked, but I could see the lube being a problem all around
I use a lot of plated bullets too...so far I have a bunch of Berry's and a few other brands. I mainly use these in 38/357 and in 380 acp and some in 45acp also.

THANKS for the info..I'm just trying to make a "hot rod" out of this Redding T7 press just to see if I can do it...no other reason..!
For the heck of it, I was priming a bunch of 38 sp brass using the T7 to deprime them. I set up a " Pneumatic Brass Kicker" so that when I deprimed the brass and went back to the top with the handle, it pressed a small air valve that would blow air through a small jet at the base of the brass kicking it into a bin. Only needed a very small blast, could hardly hear it. It worked just fine..Just messing around.

Thanks
Don2

[Don2]

Yep AndyC, that's the video I saw. I'm going to have to try that. Which means I need to buy an extra bullet feeder die and "stuff" to try it on. There was also a discussion on another reloading forum about this type of modification, it's all on my other computer, I'll have to look it up but it seems to be Do-able ???

I'm not ready to get into it yet, but when I do, I'll let yall know.
Sounds like " Fun with power toolz day"..!!!!

Thanks
Don2

[Don2]

ALSO.....It would not hurt to have some harder bullet lube...Not as sticky
This may help from getting everything "Gummed Up" ??

just a guess

http://www.lsstuff.com/lube/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Good place to buy affordable lube.

Don2

[Don2]

Funny, I just ordered 5 sticks of their Carnauba Red today. Tried their BAC lube a few years ago - hated it, too gummy and sticky.

Good deal.....!!
Looks like you're good to go.


DOn2

[DocV]

I finally entered the ranks of the reloaders! I completed five 45 ACP rounds last night and took them out for a test drive this morning. Fortunately, the folks in the stall next to me were experienced reloaders and were kind to look over my handiwork and the results. Everything went well and the rounds were very accurate - taking into account that I was the one doing the shooting.

I was somewhat surprised about size variances of the Hornady 230 grain FMJ RN that I purchased. The lengths ranged from .634 to .645. Weights ranged from 225 grains to 238 grains. I expected some variance, just not this much.

For my first loads I went with the most uniform rounds in both length and weight and managed to squeeze out five 232 grain rounds. I also measured the cases and selected the most uniform cases for these rounds.

My initial intention was to look for Bullseye and Clays. I found only Unique and bought that. Of course, it turned out another gunstore in town had Clays and Bullseye.

In any case, the Unique worked fine. I used 5.7 grains measured on an old Redding balance beam scale that cost me around 20 bucks. Getting anything close to a consistent powder weight was tedious and cumbersome when using my one-and-only powder measure - a Lee .5 measure. The entire experience reminded me of my college quant chemistry lab except this time I did not set anything on fire; inadvertently blow anything up; or, cause a blackout in the neighborhood. All of which I managed to accomplish while in school.

Mrs DocV was bragging how I managed to make five holes in some paper with an investment of only 25 hours and $500. I can tell she is so very proud of me.

[Don2]

I finally entered the ranks of the reloaders! I completed five 45 ACP rounds last night and took them out for a test drive this morning. Fortunately, the folks in the stall next to me were experienced reloaders and were kind to look over my handiwork and the results. Everything went well and the rounds were very accurate - taking into account that I was the one doing the shooting.

I was somewhat surprised about size variances of the Hornady 230 grain FMJ RN that I purchased. The lengths ranged from .634 to .645. Weights ranged from 225 grains to 238 grains. I expected some variance, just not this much.

For my first loads I went with the most uniform rounds in both length and weight and managed to squeeze out five 232 grain rounds. I also measured the cases and selected the most uniform cases for these rounds.

My initial intention was to look for Bullseye and Clays. I found only Unique and bought that. Of course, it turned out another gunstore in town had Clays and Bullseye.

In any case, the Unique worked fine. I used 5.7 grains measured on an old Redding balance beam scale that cost me around 20 bucks. Getting anything close to a consistent powder weight was tedious and cumbersome when using my one-and-only powder measure - a Lee .5 measure. The entire experience reminded me of my college quant chemistry lab except this time I did not set anything on fire; inadvertently blow anything up; or, cause a blackout in the neighborhood. All of which I managed to accomplish while in school.

Mrs DocV was bragging how I managed to make five holes in some paper with an investment of only 25 hours and $500. I can tell she is so very proud of me.

I have seen RCBS powder measures at some flea markets etc. for a good price..Sometimes my local gun shop takes in "Trade" reloading stuff...This may also happen around you and may be able to find one there?
Just make sure the measure you get is capable of the smaller powder drops needed for pistols. RCBS has a small and large drum available, others have similar ways of varying powder drops.

My wife calls my shop the "Black Hole" (or other NICE words )....she says about the same things about me....But I think she is just jealous

Don2

[DocV]

I have seen RCBS powder measures at some flea markets etc. for a good price..Sometimes my local gun shop takes in "Trade" reloading stuff...This may also happen around you and may be able to find one there?
Just make sure the measure you get is capable of the smaller powder drops needed for pistols. RCBS has a small and large drum available, others have similar ways of varying powder drops.

I bought my used beam scale at one of the gun shops. I will check to see if they have a powder measure hiding out in the used stuff area.

My wife calls my shop the "Black Hole" (or other NICE words )....she says about the same things about me....But I think she is just jealous
Don2

I really need a 'in-the-doghouse' smilie. I would use it a lot

[Don2]

I bought my used beam scale at one of the gun shops. I will check to see if they have a powder measure hiding out in the used stuff area.

I have been to a small local flea market that happens to have a guy who is interested in guns and reloading. He sells "gun stuff"
sometimes. Last time I was able to buy several old Lee Loader kits ( Ones you use a mallet with) for $10 each. They quit making many of them now. They were a good buy.
Plus I have a local gun shop I get used stuff from cheap because most people around me do not reload.
You never know what you may find.
Don't forget about garage or yard sales too....

Oh...I also had a friend that his father-in-law passed away and they were selling all his reloading stuff....I was able to get a BUNCH of items including about 25 RCBS die sets, a few reloaders,shot shell and metallic ones and just too much stuff to mention for $300....I think I am set now. Plus I have a bunch of stuff I have collected in the 10 or so years I have been doing this.

Its just a hobby and its fun to me.
And it keep me out of the bars and off the streets......( I'm WAY out in the woods..no bars for 50 miles, and the roads are dirt )

Don2

[OldCannon]

Oh...I also had a friend that his father-in-law passed away and they were selling all his reloading stuff....I was able to get a BUNCH of items including about 25 RCBS die sets, a few reloaders,shot shell and metallic ones and just too much stuff to mention for $300.

ok, it's official: We all hate you now

[Don2]

Oh...I also had a friend that his father-in-law passed away and they were selling all his reloading stuff....I was able to get a BUNCH of items including about 25 RCBS die sets, a few reloaders,shot shell and metallic ones and just too much stuff to mention for $300.

ok, it's official: We all hate you now

WoW....My feelings are hurt now
just kidding

I just happen to be in the right place at the right time.
Did I mention there were over 20 or so unopened box's of Hornady and Speer jacketed bullets mostly in 30 and 38 cal, both are what I shoot the most.
It was actually unbelievable, he was firm on how much they wanted and I accepted their offer. ( quickly )

Now how much do you hate me

Every now and then it happens, I've heard of others finding such deals.
Keep your eye's and ear's open..ya never know!!!

Don2