Question re. .45 Colt ammo

[Mags]

...
I need a work bench, started looking already. Will have to take some measurements.

I use a wood topped locking wheeled tool box. Drawers used for reload supplies. The press, case trimmer and powder measure are bolted down to the wood top. The locked wheels keep it from moving around.

[DsGrouse]

I use a cheap butcher block top with paste wax, backed by two pieces of 3/4 ply.

I aim for about 3" thickness. Many make do with far less, qnd for reloading 3" is overkill.

I swage, and that is a lot more pressure, i also do alot of other projects where having the extra mass and ridigity of a 3" thick top is nice.

[Ted124]

I got it in the house now.



That reclaimed wood turned out better after the tung oil finish cured for 24 hours.
I use a pair of inexpensive saw horses. It should do the trick. If it is not stable enough, I'll re-think the situation.
I have a set up similar to this at my outdoor work area, that's where I photograph and work on small projects.

[DsGrouse]

If it works go for it, I think you'll eventually want to step up to someting a bit sturdier.
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Workb ... B0GDDNG6R9

[Ted124]

It’s only for now. A place where I can keep all the incoming products together.
I checked Home Depot, they have plenty of options. 4’ or 5’ wide not sure yet.
First thing came in, RCBS shell holder #20.

I want to order supplies from Midsouth.
Have to get on the phone and find out if they have shipping restrictions to CA for primer and power. I need to start with new shells since I don’t have any brass. I like the RCBS hand priming tool. https://shop.rcbs.com/hand-priming-tool/

[Mags]

... I like the RCBS hand priming tool. https://shop.rcbs.com/hand-priming-tool/

You'll want to buy another shell holder for that version of the hand primer. Otherwise, you'll be swapping a single shell holder back and forth between the press and the primer tool. This one is a little more expensive, but the shell gripper is universal (variable spring loaded gripping jaws).
https://shop.rcbs.com/universal-hand-priming-tool/

I think you'll find that the plank on saw horses is going to lift and shift when you use the press.

[Ted124]

A second shell holder is already on the way. I may opt for that advanced hand primer.
Looking forward to get some things into the pipeline today.

Word to the wise:
I get the idea of buying used/pre-owned. I do it all the time when it comes to guitars/parts, because I'm in the know.
In this matter, I am a novice. Buying from retailers (new) typically gives you customer service, which can be very helpful.

Just talked to customer Service at Midsouth.
The girl wasn't sure whether they will ship primer/powder directly to customer address.
I also checked Midway. I shopped with them before. They stated there are no restrictions shipping primer/powder.
The list is clearly for "gun parts", but many online retailers just stopped shipping those type of things to CA.

My LGS has primer/powder for not a lot more. Hazmat fee is buried in his retail price. He offers an OTD price which is acceptable.
Again, I am a customer there for many years. I get any support I need, aka customer service.

[DsGrouse]

Awesome! I am out in the woods with myy hunting buddy scouting for deer

[Ted124]

Work table for press action:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-46-in ... -n/a-_-n/a

[DsGrouse]

Work table for press action:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-46-in ... -n/a-_-n/a

That is a great start.

Word to the wise:
I get the idea of buying used/pre-owned. I do it all the time when it comes to guitars/parts, because I'm in the know.
In this matter, I am a novice. Buying from retailers (new) typically gives you customer service, which can be very helpful.

I get the sentiment, i do. I started the same way.

[Hatchdog]

That Husky bench looks great and a good start. I really like the set up in your home with the overhead light and A/C (?) unit nearby. The pad on the floor is a good idea. A dropped primer is very difficult to find but the black mat will help.

Thankfully here at my place most homes are built on basements. My reloading room is downstairs and out of the way.

[Ted124]

Thank you for all the support and the kind words. I am still trying to wrap my brain around it.
I think, it all will fall in place one thing at a time, waiting for things to trickle in.

[Ted124]

I took a day off from pondering over the loading project.
But I got some good news.
I bought a RCBS JR2 in nice condition on eBay. Yesterday I received reply from RCBS product support, the base plate is compatible. It's the "D" bolt pattern. I also watched a video about the RCBS powder thrower. That's some finicky stuff!

Now, I see good electronic scales aren't exactly cheap. Do I really need to go into thousands?
I have an Ohaus Beam Scale coming. Clean original condition, complete in box.

Saw this guy explaining some of his equipment and workflow stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxDxpMt ... Q&index=11

[DsGrouse]

For pistol, start with the beam scale.

If your load calls for 8 grains.

Powder measures require the same movement every time to throw the same charge! Being inconsistent in how you throw a charge is the largest contributor to inconsistent charge weights.

Set the powder measure to 8 grains. Throw the first three loads back into the powder measure hopper. Double-check that the powder measure is still throwing 8 grains (checked against the beam scale). If it is dump it back in the hopper. To make sure you've got the same movement down. Throw ten charges into your pan (or five if it can only hold five), put that on the beam scale, and set the scale for 5 times your 8 grains, or 40 grains.

If it comes out to 40 (or 80 if you did 10) grains, you are good to go. Start throwing charges, weigh every fifth charge, and continue on.

Once you get the mechanics of reloading down, you can decide if you want to use an electronic scale and/or an electronic powder thrower. If you do go electronic, keep in mind they need a warm-up period (usually 30min) and absolutely still air (no fans). They also should be checked regularly with a beam scale .

I rarely use my electronic powder thrower; 95% of my loads are done by manual powder throwers.

[CT_Shooter]

I see good electronic scales aren't exactly cheap.

I use a Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital scale that I bought new more than a decade ago. I calibrate it each time I use it. It wasn't expensive and it has been accurate and consistent. For .357s, I use a dipper rather than a powder measure (my Lee Perfect Powder measure leaks H110 powder, which I use for .357s). I made the dipper from a 9mm case to carry 13.9 grains. I add the powder to the tray on the scale and weigh each charge before dropping it into the case and topping it with a 158 grain JSP/JHP bullet. I've made thousands this way.

[DsGrouse]

lee also has a dipper set. it's a great and effective way to measure powder