Most important tool

[Seabear]

Ok, I have posted here about getting back into reloading and on one of my other favorite forums. Since nobody mentioned this I must . Before you ever unpack your press, go by a good digital caliper.

I got my Dillon SDB making ammo, and I thought I could get it tweaked. I finally gave in and went and bought a digital caliper and tore it all down and started over ...measuring EVERYTHING as I went. It now runs like a top, and cranks out ammo faster than I can refill the primer magazine.

So, I am sure you experienced reloaders knew this, but us noobs need a heads up. LOL Or at least I did. I could have saved a lot of time if I had done it right the first time.

[Jumping Frog]

Well, I'll both agree and disagree with a couple of points. First, I agree it is very important to be able to measure distance accurately. However, I have both digital and mechanical calipers, and I personally prefer the non-digital ones. Also, it is debatable whether it is the "most important tool", because I personally think a good quality powder scale is more important.

[Seabear]

Well, I'll both agree and disagree with a couple of points. First, I agree it is very important to be able to measure distance accurately. However, I have both digital and mechanical calipers, and I personally prefer the non-digital ones. Also, it is debatable whether it is the "most important tool", because I personally think a good quality powder scale is more important.

I concur. I have a RCBS scale that I am not thrilled with, but it's better than nothing.

[jason237m]

I also prefer the non-digital types (in calipers and scales).

[MoJo]

I have loaded thousands of rounds without a caliper - - - I have never loaded one round without a scale. Caliper? Yes. I have two. Scale? I have four. My vote is a for an accurate scale.

[Seabear]

Ok, I'll agree I could have gotten it running properly without a caliper, it sure did make the set up faster in the long run.

I check powder on the scale every 10-15 rounds till I get more used to it.

As I sit here today with my third batch of brass going through my new and FREE to me tumbler, I'll have to say it's a cool tool too. Just cleaning up some once fired stuff I had bagged up with crushed walnut from Petsmart. Tried adding polish, it looked like cat thugs in a littler box so I took it out. The brass is getting plenty clean for me without it.

On a side note I am irritated I am out of bullets. My week old order for 1000 fell through the crack at the bulletworks.

[Jumping Frog]

On a side note I am irritated I am out of bullets. My week old order for 1000 fell through the crack at the bulletworks.

Try the Missouri Bullet Co. They are renowned for their customer service and fast shipping.

[Seabear]

On a side note I am irritated I am out of bullets. My week old order for 1000 fell through the crack at the bulletworks.

*cough* Cast your own *cough*

That's my next project. I'll have to add another work space. I'm tripping over myself now. LOL

[MoJo]

Ok, I'll agree I could have gotten it running properly without a caliper, it sure did make the set up faster in the long run.

I check powder on the scale every 10-15 rounds till I get more used to it.

As I sit here today with my third batch of brass going through my new and FREE to me tumbler, I'll have to say it's a cool tool too. Just cleaning up some once fired stuff I had bagged up with crushed walnut from Petsmart. Tried adding polish, it looked like cat thugs in a littler box so I took it out. The brass is getting plenty clean for me without it.

On a side note I am irritated I am out of bullets. My week old order for 1000 fell through the crack at the bulletworks.

When you add polish to media you need to run the tumbler for 20-30 minutes to evenly distribute the polish before adding the brass to be cleaned.

[Seabear]

Mojo, I ran it for 25 minutes and the Turtle wax was still looking nasty so I took it out. I will say though that the media still smells like wax so I guess some got in. The brass cleaned up really well after an hour and really nice after 2-3 hours. Inside and out. Love it. Now, where are my boolits.

A buddy of mine recomended I use his guy next time, precisionbullets in Kemp,TX . He has coated lead bullets, I may try them next time, bad thing is it will have sales tax too.

[Jumping Frog]

Mojo, I ran it for 25 minutes and the Turtle wax was still looking nasty so I took it out. I will say though that the media still smells like wax so I guess some got in. The brass cleaned up really well after an hour and really nice after 2-3 hours. Inside and out. Love it. Now, where are my boolits.

A buddy of mine recomended I use his guy next time, precisionbullets in Kemp,TX . He has coated lead bullets, I may try them next time, bad thing is it will have sales tax too.

I heard many people on forums recommending Nu-Finish so I tried some about 4-5 years ago. Works great! Just pour one capful into the media when you start your load. It is not needed every load, just every now and then. One aspect of choosing Nu-Finish over traditional brass polishers like Brasso, is that it does not damage/weaken your brass.



Also, if you are not already doing so, cut a couple of used dryer sheets into quarters and put that in the tumbler. They will collect the dust and dirt, leaving your media clean enough to be effective for a lot longer.

[OldCannon]

You guys have it all wrong. The MOST important tool is a bullet puller

[Reloader]

The most important tool, in my opinion, is your head filled with safety procedures and common sense..I've new at this, only having loaded ammo since 1977..