TexasCHLforum.com

lrb111 wrote:

mblud wrote:Thanks for all the feedback, guys.

Why can't you use a progressive with rifle rounds? I have been looking hard at the Hornady Lock n Load AP, but if I can't produce accurate, safe, and inexpensive ammunition then I will go with the Hornady single. I am leaning towards the Hornady because it is all made in the USA.

You can load rifle with a progressive. Most reloaders get into "accuracy improvement" for their ammo in the rifle rounds. Those often entail time consuming powder measurements, case preparation, more control over bullet seating and crimping. There is jsut no real need for more than a ingle stage when loading that way.

With my progressive all the steps would be happening to different cartridges at different phases of the reload. Much less attention to individual detail, so probably less accuracy than on a cartridge to cartridge basis.

lws380 wrote:

Great advice!

You better believe it, primers without powder are just powerful enough to end your time at the range with that gun...

And yes, out of the thousands of rounds I've loaded, I have done this more than once!

Or blow up your gun, or some parts of your hand if the bullet lodges down the barrel and allows you to chamber another round behind it and you pull the trigger. That is why you need to recognize the sound of a squib load. Essentially if it makes a small pop instead of a big bang, stop, and inspect!

AndyC wrote:

mblud wrote:I am getting ready to start reloading and wanted to get some advice.

Ok, here's my all-time favorite piece of reloading advice:

Visually inspect every case for powder before you seat a bullet - trust me on this, or pack a brass rod in your range-bag so you can hammer the bullet out of the barrel at the range.

No, it's never happened to me

lws380 wrote:Also consider how much you will shoot. Of course you may shoot more if you reload. I too started with the Blue Press RL 550B and also love it. I did reload lots of shot shell in the past, so was somewhat familiar with the process of reloading. My only recomendation is to go slow and keep distractions away. I could probably go faster, but I'm comfortable at 250-300 reloads per hour. Have a good light pointed towards your press. Finally, know that if you have a squib load, stop shooting, unload and check your barrel to make sure it is clear. Keep some various size dowel rods (hard oak) for various calibers in your range box to help remove a squib or stuck bullet.

Good luck, it is fun! Stay safe!

mblud wrote:I am getting ready to start reloading and wanted to get some advice.

Should I start with a single stage or bite the bullet (pun intended ) and get a progressive? I know that the progressive is a lot more money up front. But more importantly, as a beginner, is it better to start with a single?

Thanks,