RanchRoper's Reloading Ruminations

[BigAl52]

Especially when you get a brand that is shorter in length than the main supply you have.

[GaHenryFan]

Now that I think about it, I do have some Remington 45-70 brass that's held up to several reloadings. I've got a bunch of mixed up 38 and 357 brass too. Pretty sure I don't have anything from Hornady though.

[TMB]

I've enjoyed reading about your journey into reloading. I'm starting my own journey and have had some of the same questions. I don't think I'll get as far as you in the first month maybe a year.

[RanchRoper]

No worries TMB. Take your time and stick to the specs. Attention to details. Good luck.
45 Colt is quite straight forward.

[clovishound]

It's not rocket science, but it does require due diligence. Just like a lot of hobbies. You don't dive the Mariana Trench on your first SCUBA dive, but need not fear getting your fins wet on an appropriately easy first dive. Be careful, follow the rules.

[Mistered]

Ditto the above and I recently posted the following on another forum to a guy starting out as well:

Start simple, continue to study up on reloading as you progress and only add items and accessories you absolutely have a need for and not what you are 'told' you need by others.

[TMB]

Great advice from all. I'm working on setting up my work space in the 3rd bedroom of my apartment now. Have to clean it out then buy or build a bench. I also have "A B C's of Reloading" the Hornady 9th and 10th edition manuals and the Lyman 49th edition manual to study.

[RanchRoper]

I have the Lee Classic Turret press mounted on the Lee 3-legged stand....takes up very little room and is great for a small space. Check it out.

[TMB]

I saw that stand and wondered how stable it was. That is now a third option. I'm envious of your turret press. I have an RCBS JR3. Only paid $35 for it so I figure it will work to start and make a good backup later.

[RanchRoper]

The stand comes with hangers to put a concrete block under it and mine is VERY stable.

[RanchRoper]

Someone mentioned they may start reloading so just bringing this thread forward again. Lots of real good info in it from some of the folks who have been reloading for a long time and made lots of the mistakes that new people can learn from.

Things are going pretty good with my reloading. I have shot hundreds of 1st time reloads with zero events of any kind. No misfires, squibs, chamber hangups, ejection issues. I had a primer turn sideways on me in the press one time, but thankfully did not go off when seated. It just got mangled. I place every primer by hand. I am still careful and inspect every round in some way or another. EVERY round gets checked for powder charge and I weigh about every 7-10. I use the Lee Auto-drum powder measure. It is adequate for what I do with 45 Colt target shooting. It is not precise. If set for 6.5 grains, it will mostly deliver it, but some will be 6.4 to 6.6. So measure and keep an eye on things. As I take each round out to visually check for powder, I can check the primer seated ok. I measure overall length on about 1 in each dozen. Once I fill the cartridge holder before it goes in the box completed, I run my hand over the primers one more time. Because the 1860 magazine loads the way it does, I am very particular about any protruding primers. Even though I load at an angle and never have them slamming into each other. It just makes me feel better that I have done all I can to avoid a chain fire. Doubt it happens very often to people but once would be enough I'm sure. Have not loaded any twice fired brass yet, but I have lots now. Will be loading some of that in the new year. After two times firing it looks the same as new still and should clean up fine. I have read that many time fired 45 Colt brass is very re-user friendly. Now that I think of it, I did have 1 brass case marked "blank" that I tossed in the garbage. Never reload into a live round if you find one. My dealer gave me a box of his reloads to shoot with my new rifle, but he also does cowboy reenactment shows with blanks so I ended up with one of his that he had loaded live, probably in error. I did not know enough at the time and would never shoot someone else's reloads now. Too many variables and I was not there to watch the process. I also had 1 brass case that had a split in it. Think I stepped on it at the range. Other than that, smooth sailing with likely a thousand or so rounds reloaded since last spring. I can very comfortably crank out 50 rounds in an hour of safe, good quality 45 Colt ammo. I have loaded a few boxes of 250 gr lead with a slightly hotter load specifically for my 1885 High Wall on order. Nowhere near max though.

So if you are considering it, do your homework and work safely. It is very enjoyable and rewarding to shoot your own ammo.

[BigAl52]

Nice write up there RR. Really rewarding in youre case. 45 colt ammo over the counter aint cheap.

[RanchRoper]

Also a very good point. Cheapest factory ammo here was about .73 cents C$. Most is almost a buck a round.
I have not done the math but I am sure reloads are cheaper and I don't shoot any less.

[Mistered]

Yep - 40 + years of reloading has never failed me yet!

[RanchRoper]

Might not make 40 yrs of reloading but I'll do my best....

[RanchRoper]

Also worth mentioning is powder. Some are more forgiving than others with min and max loads. I use Universal and with 200 gr lead I have from 6.4 gn to 8.0 gn to work within. Other powders have a much smaller window. Depends what you want I guess.

[TMB]

There is some great info in this thread. I've already read it twice. I'll read it again too. Thanks!!

[Rifletom]

There is some great info in this thread. I've already read it twice. I'll read it again too. Thanks!!

TMB, RR went thru the handloading process slowly and carefully and has a very good routine about it. Never be shy about asking questions of what you read in manuals or other posts. I think you'll enjoy loading. Happy New Year!

[RanchRoper]

Santa brought a new addition to my little reloading room. Nice bronze.

[runnin n gunnin]

Beautiful Bronze RR, looks like Remington's "The Bronc Buster" Very nice addition !