Getting started

[Cofisher]

I have begun!

I acquired the Lee breech lock hand press. Using the universal decapper, I deprimed 400 cases. I am now running 50 case batches through the cleaner. The results are amazing. I am using a rotary drum cleaner from harbor freight and stainless media.

Next up will be priming. Waiting on the right primers. Planning on the Alliant 2400 powder. Bullets will be Hornady XTP 158 grain HP.

All this to make my 357 steel carbine shoot straight and hard.

Very excited to work up good loads. Will keep you posted.

Jim

[JEBar]

nice .... per Hannibal, "I love it when a plan comes together"

[Cofisher]

I tend to move slowly. And plan a lot. I really don't like the problems of dealing with mistakes.
If I can get to three or 4 inch groups shooting offhand, I will be very happy.

NGC is such an inspiration. I know, practice, practice, practice. 50 yard offhand iron sight shooting is the ideal in my world.

[Rifletom]

I have begun!

I acquired the Lee breech lock hand press. Using the universal decapper, I deprimed 400 cases. I am now running 50 case batches through the cleaner. The results are amazing. I am using a rotary drum cleaner from harbor freight and stainless media.

Next up will be priming. Waiting on the right primers. Planning on the Alliant 2400 powder. Bullets will be Hornady XTP 158 grain HP.

All this to make my 357 steel carbine shoot straight and hard.

Very excited to work up good loads. Will keep you posted.

Jim

Well, you've picked a good powder and a very good bullet. I use the same for handloading for my BB Brass .357. A good middle of the road load of 2400 is very easy shooting and accurate. How do you plan on crimping your rounds? A Lee Factory Crimp die is priceless for this. Good luck and any questions I can answer, I'd be happy to do.

[Cofisher]

Thanks Tom. I got the 4 die set from Lee. Including the FCD. Like I said, a lot of research and planning. I am ordering a bullet puller in anticipation of oops moments.

[ESquared]

We're on parallel paths. I have the Hornady Classic kit, the Lee 4-die set and the same Harbor Freight tumbler.

I've decapped about 200 rounds, all 30-30 so far, and will be starting with Hornady new brass and 158 XTPs, Winchester Lg Pistol Magnum primers and H101.

Will begin running even the new brass through the sizer next week, but because. Slow is the name of the game for me, too.

[Cofisher]

I picked up a couple hundred primers at the LGS yesterday. I now have 200 cases cleaned sized and primed. Waiting on powder and bullets next week. This is fun, except for the waiting.

[BigAl52]

Im betting the sweet spot with 2400 will be right around 14.5 grains.

[Cofisher]

We will see. Starting lower and working up.

[JEBar]

We will see. Starting lower and working up.

historically, that is very sound advice and is well worth following .... that said, in recent years I've moved in a different direction .... for the most part, I use Nosler bullets .... I believe that they know more about their bullets than anyone else .... in their manual they offer a variety of powders and charges for each of them .... the first thing I try is the powder and charge that they recommend as being the most accurate .... if it performs to a level I'm happy with, that pretty much ends the search .... if not, then I try to tweak .... if the powder they recommend isn't available or isn't one I am willing to use (personal preference) follow their recommendation for a powder I will use