Found a problem.

[Squatch]

One of the things I like about handloading is the problem solving involved.

I have been weighing all my charges due to the powder I'm using doesn't measure so consistently. Also using a low volume of large grain powder. A few granules out of the trickler makes a noticeable difference in weight.

I have noticed when I chrono my loads that I've had a few light loads here and there. I found out why.

I've been using the stock RCBS loading block that came with my kit. It has different sized holes for about every cartridge made. I use the funnel over the case and pour into that on every round from the weighting dish. The problem is the other nearby holes often prevent a tight fit with the funnel over the case. I've been spilling a few granules here and there into the loading block with the 44 mags. I found the powder in the block here and there.

Last time I loaded I took each case out and set it on the table and filled it. No spillage at all. So I expect the next round of tests should be much more consistent.

I intend to make my own loading blocks from wood on the drill press real soon.

Maybe this will help someone else that's starting out or at least give you something to watch out for.

[Sir Henry]

Thanks for the post. When I was loading the powder was always the most difficult aspect of reloading.

[Squatch]

I'm always real careful about that. Especially since I'm using low volumes of powder for my light loads. I always dump the powder in then look at the load then place a bullet in the case. Then do the next case. Not the fastest process. But I'm trying to develop safe habits.

But when I 1st started this repriming well, let me use a quote from Marshal Sam McCloud. "Makes me itchier than a black widows husband on his honeymoon". Now that I've done it a bit I'm much more comfortable with priming the cases. But I'm careful to not look down the case when doing it and point the case away from anything just in case.

With powder and primers I only have one type of each out at any time. Read and reread the box or bottle before using. Most powder and and primers come in identical containers. It would be very easy to mix up primers.

[tx gunrunner]

I prepare all my brass for powder . note step 1 the primers are up and brass is empty waiting for powder . I complete step 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 on each round before moving to the next round . After everything is load and complete . I taper or roll crimp by it self is my last step because I like to feel it , a lot of problems can be detected that you could have missed earlier .

[Squatch]

Thanks, I'm trying to do the same. I do all cases in one step. Then move to the next step and do all cases and so on. I use different bins. I bought a bunch of those cheap little clear plastic replacements for tupperware that they make now. Take a case from one, prep it and place in another. I keep a note in each container saying what the status of the cases in that box are. As in: cleaned, decapped, sized and beburred, ready for expanding. i don't put cases in the loading block until they are primed.

[tx gunrunner]

Thanks, I'm trying to do the same. I do all cases in one step. Then move to the next step and do all cases and so on. I use different bins. I bought a bunch of those cheap little clear plastic replacements for tupperware that they make now. Take a case from one, prep it and place in another. I keep a note in each container saying what the status of the cases in that box are. As in: cleaned, decapped, sized and beburred, ready for expanding. i don't put cases in the loading block until they are primed.

You missed the point ........... you are putting the powder in all of them in the loading block before seating the bullet . I put powder , bullet and seat bullet in 1 operation .

[CT_Shooter]

I put powder , bullet and seat bullet in 1 operation .

I do something similar. I add powder, look in the case to be certain it's there, then top it with a bullet. When I have 50 of those, I seat all of the bullets. Then I crimp them as my final step.

But when I 1st started this repriming well, let me use a quote from Marshal Sam McCloud. "Makes me itchier than a black widows husband on his honeymoon". Now that I've done it a bit I'm much more comfortable with priming the cases. But I'm careful to not look down the case when doing it and point the case away from anything just in case.

I'm still shy about primers, too. I use a Lee auto primer. It's a hand primer that came with my press in a kit. I wear safety glasses. point the primer tool away from me, and do it very slowly and very carefully. I also add primers to my cases as the last step of my cleaning process after a trip to the range. It's easy since I only load .357s and only use WSPM primers. I keep an inventory of ten boxes of primed cases ready to load whenever I need them.

This is a good discussion. Thanks.

[eldermike]

I weigh every 10 or so thrown charges but almost never find anything to change. Powder throws are very accurate devices, so much so that bench rest rifle shooters use only thrown charges or at least they did back when I was competing in that sport.

[Travlin]

I agree totally with Texas Gunrunner. Prime ,charge powder, and load bullet= one at a time.

[tx gunrunner]

I weigh every 10 or so thrown charges but almost never find anything to change. Powder throws are very accurate devices, so much so that bench rest rifle shooters use only thrown charges or at least they did back when I was competing in that sport.

I only check the weight every once in a while and I'm a benchrest shooter and never check the weight . I have a 4 different powder measurer for different type of powder . I always charge straight into case but I've doing that since 1968 and know my powder and how each powder throw . Each powder measurer works better one powder then another one .