Although a long time instructor and range master, due to cost and a desire for better ammo performance consistency, 50 BMG will be my very first attempt ever at reloading ammo. Im using the RCBS ammo-master 50 BMG kit. My components have all arrived and I have my first question.
(1) I have 500 new SA FMJ 169 grain bullets in 2 plastic bags, can I/should I dump them into a clean ammo can for easy access and storage or should I keep them in the plastic bags? I have this idea that they might get dented up, scratched or oxidize LOL.
(2) Also I have 150 rds of spent 1944 mil boxer brass, should I de-prime before tumbling or tumble then de-prime or both?
(3) Also I am concerned about bending the de-priming pin on the RCBS reloader (not yet set up) because I tried manual de-priming with a 1lb hammer and and drift over a drilled block of wood with a hole to drop the primer, but the primer would not budge at all and the drift bent after repeated (10) blows. I this because the primers are visibly crimped in 2 spots on the outside bottom? I did have the drift inside the boxer single primer hole but no matter how hard I swung the hammer and connected with the drift seated inside the case and primer hole the drift would just ring, bounce and fly out at high speed even hitting my cat in the head across the room once, is this a bad sign? Before I set up and try to use the press to de-prime can you tell me if you have heard of some old mil 50 BMG boxer that is crimped so tight that a press pin cannot handle before I try, or will it be OK?
(4) Also any recommendations on 16 Lbs powder storage, I sort of want to keep it away from the house but summer time temps (125F) would be bad Im sure, anyone store their powder underground like in a berried insulated plastic cooler or insulated shed, or is the house OK? I currently have it stored in the house (AC) under a 210 gallon aquarium with the idea if something happens I can blow the tank LOL.
All silly questions for the experienced but I don't want to make ignorant costly mistakes thanks.