"Breaking your Routine"…BENCH TIPS

[OS OK]

A routine for me is to only have 1 powder on the loading table at a time. I think that when I mindlessly clean up and put things away I'm not paying attention as closely as when I was loading minutes before. Now I have some other thing on my mind to do…so I scoot along cleaning up as I think about the next project.
Yesterday, loading a different round, I left it's powder on the bench by the turret…Today I'm using another powder in the LNL…moving right along…crank-ping, crank-ping and I look across the bench while waiting for the scale to read on an intermittent load-check, just verifying that I'm getting what I want…then I see yesterdays powder sitting on bench also. That could have lead to a problem if I had emptied the throw back into that can instead of the correct one.
Last year I made myself a new rule to follow…Place the can of powder I'm working with 'upside down' on the bench and that should resolve any problems…well…it paid off today. Might have caught myself might not. Many times my loading pard will be here and we are running two presses and that was the scenario I was thinking of when I made me a new rule.
160869
??? > Do you have any routines that you want to share? Did they work out? Do we make too many rules for ourselves to load by? Any comment?

[r1kk1]

I put things up when I'm done. I use sticky notes for projects that I didn't finish like case forming, annealing, etc., but powders and primers go back no matter what.

Take care

r1kk1

[Ole Joe Clarke]

NO loose primers, only one powder, the one I'm using, on the bench at a time. Always put powder up when complete. Load in lots of, or multiples of 50.

[MUSTANG]

I always put a note in the bins/cans/cups/etc.. once I finish a task on brass, cores for swaging, various steps on jackets, etc.. Has paid off as I tend to have start/stop/start/stop activities for processing reloading components. Last week went to the SEA container and pulled some .38 special cases out - the note was from 2007 and let me know they were Tumble cleaned and ready for Sizing. Not a critical item, but saved me dumping them in a tumbler again "Just to Make Sure".

[Silver Hand]

I don't want to brake my routine?
But I do want to color code my primers loaded and in the cases to the load data on my matched color coded paperwork that indicates date -type of case, primer, powder, boolitt type, speed and weight.
So when I go out to fire the loads in five shot groups, I can record the weather conditions, speed, distance, and group size on that paper work.
I also make notes on the targets to coincide with the paperwork.
Silver Hand

[LUCKYDAWG13]

as above one powder on bench at a time and i always wright the load down on a sticky when I'm loading and all bins are marked

[lefty o]

1 powder at a time, and only 1 powder. no upside down and right side up cans. one powder eliminates any possibilty for a mistake.

[castalott]

When I am loading on a single stage and have the brass sized and primed, it goes upside down ( supeyeddowned as Uncle Larry called it) in the loading blocks and stays upside down until it gets powder. The second it gets powder it gets a bullet seated right then. Then on to the next case.

[Ole Joe Clarke]

A lot of the members of this forum are, shall we say, over 60, and pretty well set in our ways. But, I am not so old that I can't learn a trick or two that will make this hobby a little better for my way. If a hundred different folks answers Charlie's question, we will all have a different answer. It's ok to do things different and disagree as long as we don't get disagreeable. The common thread is to enjoy reloading and to be safe during the process. I'm not ashamed to say that I have learned several tricks that make me say: "Now why didn't I think of that."

Have a blessed evening.

Leon

[MrWolf]

1 powder at a time, and only 1 powder. no upside down and right side up cans. one powder eliminates any possibilty for a mistake.

Same here. Had times I only walked away for a minute that ended up lasting several days and very easy to forget.

[leeggen]

When I prime I use a lee hand primer and always seem to have a few left in the tray. I take the wrapper from the primers and slide it on to the thumb bar so I know what those primers are. This so when I take a break or whatever I remember what is in the tray.
CD

[OptimusPanda]

I only keep one powder in one measure on the loading bench at once. The empty or partial bottle stays on the bench as a constant reminder. If I decide to change over to another one, I'll empty out the measure back into the bottle and put it away, only then replacing it with the next one. That and as was said above, sticky notes are your friend for unfinished projects.

[edler7]

One powder on the bench at a time, bottle right behind the measure. Triple check load data. A case don't go into the loading block until it has a powder charge- no filling the block with empty cases and running the block full of cases under the powder measure...only one case under the measure at a time. Primed/flaired cases in a container to the left of the measure and filled cases in the block on the right side of the measure. All cases filled before seating boolits. Powder measure dumped and powder put up at the end of the session.

My slight OCD loves reloading.

[jmorris]

A business card in any measure with powder and charge weight if it is not already written on the measure.

[Petrol & Powder]

If I'm interrupted while using a progressive press that manually indexes, I stop with the ram fully raised (handle all the way down). That eliminates the guess work of where I was in the cycle when I resume operation.

Only one powder on the bench at a time. Only one type of bullet on the bench at a time.

[Garyshome]

No powder or primers sitting on my bench, they sit away from the work area, out of spark/flame range. When done with that powder/primers they get put away. Primers are how I keep track of the # of cartridges loaded. My new years resolution as far as reloading goes it to keep better records on what I have done and am doing.

[kbstenberg]

Petrol & Powder I like your tip on the progressive press.
Each type of primer (LR, SR, LP, SP) has its own tray that dispenses primers to my lee presses. And are marked with primer size and manufacturer.
Like Jmorris I leave powder in the dispensers but I have plastic cards I attach to the powder hopper saying what's in it.
I mark EVERY lead ingot with the lead type
All ammo containers have specific inf. on the reloads inside.

[ioon44]

A lot of good tips here, Another thing I like to do is to have primers of different manufactures so SR and SP don't get mixed up.

It can happen if one gets slightly distracted.

[OS OK]

No powder or primers sitting on my bench, they sit away from the work area, out of spark/flame range. When done with that powder/primers they get put away. Primers are how I keep track of the # of cartridges loaded. My new years resolution as far as reloading goes it to keep better records on what I have done and am doing.

The wife gave me a 'label printer' by 'Brother', many colors, various width of label materials available, even clear labels with black print.
I use them for everything in the reloading shop…including 'recipes' for the reloaded stock in the cupboard.

160966160967160969

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I use Avery labels and print them off as I finish a loading session. I put one on each box of shells. I also log them into the computer on an Excel spreadsheet, sorted by caliber then date.

[Mk42gunner]

The wife gave me a 'label printer' by 'Brother', many colors, various width of label materials available, even clear labels with black print.
I use them for everything in the reloading shop…including 'recipes' for the reloaded stock in the cupboard.

I really like this idea. I have done the Avery labels printed as a form, but then the lines are too small to actually write the info on.

Next time I am near an office supply store, I will look into getting one of these label makers.

Robert

[OS OK]

I really like this idea. I have done the Avery labels printed as a form, but then the lines are too small to actually write the info on.

Next time I am near an office supply store, I will look into getting one of these label makers.

Robert

"Been there done that too'…I like to develop new loads now that we are doing the PC thing. When I would try to remove an old label those dang things leave behind glue and the shredded back of the old label…made me want to pull my hair out!
These Brother labels stick on and stay there…when you remove one they peel off easily and do not leave anything for you to have to mess with…so far I haven't found a better system!"

[tstowater]

I generally load on a 550 Dillon and put an Avery label on the powder measure with the type of powder being used. This plus the only powder possibly on the bench that is being used. I load many different calibers so I generally load one completely before changing to the next one. Can't be too careful.

[dragon813gt]

Only one can of powder out at a time. Only one sleeve of primers out at a time. I leave them both on the bench until it's time to clean up. Preliminarily write all the load info down on a notepad. Put everything away when you are done using it. There is no excuse for a cluttered bench and that's asking for trouble. Enter the load data into your logbook when you're finished the run.

[Budzilla 19]

Plus one on the one can at a time on the bench while reloading!! And always write the load data on a primer sleeve and tuck it in the press somewhere so you can always know what you were doing last! Primer sleeves with all info goes into the loaded rounds containers along with the date.
also use those sleeves to do what was said here as to processing brass, steps in case prep, etc.
has worked for me for all this time so why change now? I'm just sayin'! Be safe.

[Wayne Smith]

The only exception to the one powder on the bench is if one is Black. That's hard to mistake!

[dudel]

Good thread.

1) One powder on the bench at a time.
2) When done, empty the powder measure back into the container on the bench.
3) Leave the empty primer pack(s) on the bench till done with the session, then toss.
4) If doing a multi step process on brass, leave a sticky note INSIDE the box (had too many sticky notes lose their stick).
5) Leave the beam scale settings in place until done, then return to zero.
6) Clean area when done.
7) Update inventory (primers/powder/projectiles). You buy 5K/20K primers, then get surprised when you're down to your last few hundred/thousand.
8) Update label on the ammo box.

[Static line]

It's good that threads like this come up once in awhile. It keeps the rest of us on our toes.I don't think I ever opened a reloading manual and read the safety procedures since I first started in the early 70's.It's easy to become over confident and mindless when reloading,especially after doing it as long as some of us have.
I'll throw another few out there: No radios or television in my loading room and definitely no other people,that includes the wife.The only other body allowed in my reloading room is my black cat and she has a bed in the corner.

[Walter Laich]

I generally load on a 550 Dillon and put an Avery label on the powder measure with the type of powder being used. This plus the only powder possibly on the bench that is being used. I load many different calibers so I generally load one completely before changing to the next one. Can't be too careful.
On my dillon measures I put the weight it throws (only use Red Dot for everything) on a colored dot you buy at wally-world. Then cover with clear packing tape. Easy to remove the tape, dot doesn't fall off (been known to happen) I can tell quickly which is which.

If I need more info I just use two or more dots and cover them all with one piece of tape.

I guess I could color-code them but haven't see a need.

[OS OK]

Here's another tip that works well for me.
Working up a load for your favorite rifle can get confusing with all those differently loaded rounds. When you get to the range undoubtedly someone distracts you and it almost never goes the way I planned. Looking for that 'node' is too much work for these things to spoil your efforts. So…I devised a method that would work for me…
*This is how I color code the rounds...161107
*This is my prepared target...161108
*This clip board tracks each shot placement and any notations, ie. 'pulled shot' or otherwise...161109
I never got around to doing this 'workup' for these 155g. A-Max's because of a house I bought and spent a year upgrading before moving in.
The other little 'distraction' is casting and Powder Coating pistol rounds since moving in and settling down here…The Point is…I have this set and ready to go even though it was set up 3 years ago…all the info, the rounds, the target and my notes are ready to pull out…WELL…not until I complete my rifle range…anybody got a D-9 I can borrow?

Come on you guys…share some of your inside info with the rest of us 'tinhorns'.

[Wild Bill 7]

One powder on the bench at a time. When using one of the two Green Machines I dump 50 rounds after loading them. I always size, deprime and clean pockets before loading. It was the way I was taught. I also load only one caliber at a time. When making test loads I keep all powder weights separate and loaded rounds in their own ammo box or plastic bag with the info on a tag (boolit weight, powder charge, date, seating depth. As others have stated I also write info on targets before going to the range. More shooting time less pencil time. :bigsmyl2:

[OS OK]

Keeping track of the reclaimed Lead…
Seems as though it is either feast or famine when it comes to our lead stock.
*Here I've stocked this very humble supply under my casting bench and try to keep it in batches as I reclaim COWW or whatever I find.161111
*Here I have stamped one of the ingots from each batch with its BHN number, you can see the test dimples and I put the total weight of the 'type' of batch even date them…a testament to my OCD, but it makes it simple, quick and easy to figure whatever blend I want to make.
The 'Lead Calculator' download on this forum makes it a simple task to adjust the Pb, Sn and Sb to your desired blend...'If and only If' you have your stock sorted and marked beforehand.161112
These metal stamp kits are available through Harbor Freight and are cheap…they come in different sizes so you can pick one that is agreeable to your old eyes.

[RogerDat]

One powder, can always in same location. Load data for current task on card, card in same location. Primers container for primers in use on bench in same location. Lube & Trays & Scale all in same location. Bin of bullets in same location. Caliber to measure cartridges in same location.

My biggest bug-a-boo is searching for where something is. Distracts me and annoying so I try to make it a habit to put the stuff I use consistently in the same location. Then I can focus on the process, and where I set my pen or glasses or coffee mug.

I'm also big on labels and notes. Noticed a long time ago however that self stick labels don't. At least not for long enough. Tape over them if I want them to stay put.

Like the idea of leaving turret press ram up so there can be no doubt about where I was if I have to stop in mid-process. Will have to make it a point to make that a habit. Might avoid things like dispensing powder into a case missing a primer which I hear can be messy but have absolutely zero first hand knowledge of because no one saw it happen but me and the dog.

[nagantguy]

This is a good thread, helps remind us all to keep things straight and safe......I had a little trouble this winter because of clutter...........just couldn't get in the flow, had lots of things out, half projects all around the work area. Never again. The biggest thing is one powder at a time, followed by one primer at a time and notes notes notes. This has been mentioned above and several times but it's good to repeat.double charges are the next worry, after wrong powder , the only sure 100% way is to weight every charge, for rifle I do, for ignorance volume pistol in a progressive I look at each one during bullet seating and weigh at random intervals.

[dragon813gt]

Keeping track of the reclaimed Lead…


Sharpie or the HF metal stamps. A family member relieved me of most of my stock that was marked w/ a sharpie. So I bought foundry lead and stamp it "96-2-2" when I make smaller ingots to put in the pot. The larger ingots are in their own box w/ the contents marked multiple times on it.

[robg]

One powder ,label all boxes of cases and loaded rounds

[375supermag]

Hi...

As almost everyone else has stated...one powder on the bench at a time. Finish charging cases...empty the hopper back into the container.
I typically load handgun cartridges in batches of 500, so I prime all those cases first(when I am reloading on my RockChucker). The cases get a reloading label with the manufacturer and type of primer ie, CCI Small pistol magnum and get stored in a 5lb plastic coffee can.

I charge cases 50 at a time using a powder measure and verify every tenth charge weight with a scale, then immediately seat and crimp. A label with all pertinent information goes in the box (sometimes a 50 or 100rd plastic cartridge case box and sometimes in a ammo can)with the completed rounds.

[RogerDat]

I really like this idea. I have done the Avery labels printed as a form, but then the lines are too small to actually write the info on.

Next time I am near an office supply store, I will look into getting one of these label makers.

Robert

The Brother label makers are nice BUT the tapes are really expensive unless you order online. They last awhile but are like $24 in the store and $8 online.

[OS OK]

"This is not a tip for the bench…but…it's why we are at the bench so much. Making practice really count and having some real fun in doing so."
You could call it a tip for the range...
Fun pistol game…shoot faster and more accurate too.
We shoot on a private range, so we can come up with fun pistol matches that improve our shooting skills and tap into everyones competitive nature also. (we are tired of bulls eye targets)

These two targets are hand made at the moment, doesn't take too long but I would suppose that a silhouette target bought at a store could be modified to work the same.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160662&d=1455309148&thumb=1 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160662&d=1455309148)http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160663&d=1455309199&thumb=1 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160663&d=1455309199)
They are 24" high X 20" wide, made from a roll of poster paper from the office supply.

* We each shoot 5 rounds @ 5 different distances, each shooter shoots and then scores, (mark your shot holes with a slash into the hole) then the next shooter does the same until all shooters have shot @ that particular distance.
* Then we move to the next distance and repeat until all the 5 distances have been shot. Sometimes we shoot from close and move progressively farther back, sometimes reverse. The distances are up to you.
* The idea is to put 3 rounds into the single target on the left, then the remaining 2 rounds go into the hostage target on right.
* You have 5 seconds to fire all 5 shots. We don't use the shot timer everyone just keeps track in their heads and if they get too slow aiming/shooting they get a 'razzing' from the other shooters. Great fun 'razzing'.
@ the first distance…shoot 2 rounds to chest & 1 round to head,
then shoot 2 rounds at the hostage target any where you want.
@ the second distance…shoot 2 rounds at shoulders & 1 round to head,
then shoot 2 rounds at the hostage target any where you want.
@ the third distance…shoot 3 rounds to the head,
then shoot 2 rounds at the hostage target any where you want.
@ the fourth distance…shoot 3 rounds at the shoulders,
then shoot 2 rounds at the hostage target any where you want.
@ the fifth distance…shoot 3 rounds at the chest,
then shoot 2 rounds at the hostage target any where you want.

…End of Game…add the totals and 'razz' whoever you want while the winner enjoys a temporary high.
Notice that for each game each shooter only expends 25 rounds but the shooter is under some pressure to make them really count. That makes good shooting habits develop.
* The single target is pretty simple and has small hi-point zones that develop your moving/aim-point and developes your aim/small to miss/small skill.
* This hostage target is another 'critter' all together…if you hit the hostage you get a 'zero' for both those shots. Everyone loves to 'razz' the hostage shooter!
You notice the 40 point oval areas on the arms of the gunman…we call them tattoos, 'tats' for short, those are tempting to gain points in the competition but deadly to the score of the shooter…that 'zero' can bite you in the 'butt' real quick. It takes a gutsy shooter to go for those spots at 15 yards and greater.

I tried to get these printed and have not found anyone to do them without costing too much, so the reason for the following pictures of my 'templates'. I trace in pencil quickly then trace the marks with a chisel point 'marks a lot'. It takes about 3 1/2 minutes each per target but the fun is certainly worth the effort.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160670&d=1455312326&thumb=1 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160670&d=1455312326)http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160671&d=1455312373&thumb=1 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160671&d=1455312373)
If anyone tries this game please let me know how and whether or not you like it.

OS OK

Here is a target we tried once to make the 'errant' shots 'really cost you'…too much work but it was fun…wish I had a printing press!
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160770&d=1455391076&thumb=1 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160770&d=1455391076)

[thadfz]

Those targets are really cool. I get bored with static targets very quickly. With a friend or two, I could see me really enjoying those "static" targets!!!

[dudel]

OS, I really like those template! Perhaps you could speed up production by laying them on a big roll of brown wrapping paper and spray painting the outline? Maybe the BG in red, others in green?

[OS OK]

OS, I really like those template! Perhaps you could speed up production by laying them on a big roll of brown wrapping paper and spray painting the outline? Maybe the BG in red, others in green?

Tried that, thanks for the input…I still had to go in and delineate the scoring areas with a marks a lot…me and spray paint mix like oil and water…don't work…God, I hate using paint! or stain, it makes the paper wrinkle and is unacceptable to get clean holes to score. When the guys shoot these targets and are in the competition mode you see a lot of wadcutters coming out to the range…get my drift?
One of these days I'll run across someone who will give me a good price on printing them…say in 1000/per order and it'll be fair on both ends. If that worked out I could make them available at the local gun shops.
I'd really like to see this game catch on…the reactions I get locally are very gratifying and we have been playing now for two years. The 'cool' part is that we spend all day having a shoot, 4 of us generally, and at the end of the day we have shot about 150-200 rounds each and they were serious training rounds and having a blast at the same time…unusual combination.

PS…Texas hill country?…are you out by Kerville?

[dudel]

PS…Texas hill country?…are you out by Kerville?

Not far, closer to Boerne. Shoot in Bandera though.

[OS OK]

Not far, closer to Boerne. Shoot in Bandera though.

I worked that girls camp out there with two buddies one summer during high school summer vacation…though we would score big time all summer long…well…that camp operator was much wiser than we gave him credit for…he kept the bunch of us down in the river breaking new horses with an attitude problem or in the stalls shoveling road apples all summer. Didn't work out as we thought! In fact it was a lot of work…the only time we got to flirt with the girls, they were paddling by in canoes, didn't give us much time to be 'friendly' at all.
Wise old owl…that camp operator.

[W.R.Buchanan]

All my containers have post it notes with the contents. So I always know what's inside.

I process brass in batches up thru Priming in groups of 50-100,,, and then complete each round and put it in the box. IE: Charge, Seat Boolit, Crimp using 3 stations on my C&H press.(C&H444)

This way it is nearly impossible to make a mistake.

I got rid of he loading block batch method a long time ago, as there are too many opportunities to get distracted or miss charging a case or not fully charge a case, and then miss that error.

When you drop one charge, dump it thru the powder charging die and toonce the press to insure that all the powder made it into the hole, then move the case to the next station and seat a bullet, and then move it again and crimp, you pretty much can't make a mistake.

The single most important thing I have learned owning a machine shop is that when setting up a job for a guy to run, IT MUST BE IDIOT PROOF !!! He will never pay attention 100% of the time.

I also learned that when setting a job up for myself it must be Idiot Proof as well as I am a bigger idiot than most people I know, and I prove it to myself everyday.

Reloading is just like running a production machine.

I also learned that,,, "if you think you really know what's going on,,, You are probably FOS!"

A more humble approach to your own capabilities is a more prudent stance.

So in the end if you plan on screwing up,,, you should probably take more steps to insure that you don't.

My .02

Randy

[OS OK]

Another tip…or two...

With this new to me Powder Coating boolits thing I find myself reworking all my loads that were cast/lubed because the PC is heaver and presents different pressures due to maybe their slickness. I get lazy about having to round up everything and hike down to the range…If only I could work up loads right behind the shop…
dah-daa…how about one of those boolit traps made of a simple trash can and the rubber mulch.
I screwed a simple composite board on the front and staple cardboard to the front of that…give it a shake once and a while to keep the boolits from tunneling and I have the lazy mans answer to 'quick workups'.161187

This is the other tip, see the tunnel I made from the plastic corrugated signboard? It helps in two ways…(1) it makes shooting through the chrony almost…I said 'Almost' fool proof. (2) It helps that 30 year old chrony to see the rounds in any type of daylight…I have stopped getting those annoying 'non readings' when shooting a string of carefully prepared boolits. (3) I always shoot a .22 round through before I start just to make sure that old chrony is awake and paying attention…so many times that first shot doesn't register for some unknown reason, well except for 'Murphy' and that SOB will get you anytime he can.
161188

[tstowater]

Didn't add this on my last post. I avoid distractions with a passion. If someone comes into my loading room and asks a question, I will stop and address the question/issue before continuing what I was doing. I have found that distractions are a recipe for disaster.

[OS OK]

Didn't add this on my last post. I avoid distractions with a passion. If someone comes into my loading room and asks a question, I will stop and address the question/issue before continuing what I was doing. I have found that distractions are a recipe for disaster.

Roger that…Welcome to the Forum.!. (find a cool Avatar)

[Dancing Bear]

I also adhere to the one container of powder out at a time. In addition I attach a label identifying the powder to the powder measure stand. Just double protection for me.

[wadcutter]

Didn't add this on my last post. I avoid distractions with a passion. If someone comes into my loading room and asks a question, I will stop and address the question/issue before continuing what I was doing. I have found that distractions are a recipe for disaster.

Personally I try to do the final step, powder load and bullet seating, only when I'm alone in the house.

[shoot-n-lead]

I have found that distractions are a recipe for disaster.

What kind of disaster did you have that made you aware of this?

[shoot-n-lead]

After using one powder in the measure and trickler, when finished, I take the measure and trickler over to the air compressor and blow them out, so as to not take a chance on having residual powder in them, that can be mixed with another burn rate powder.

[Outer Rondacker]

OS OK where did you get the rubber mulch? I like this as a trap idea.

[OS OK]

OS OK where did you get the rubber mulch? I like this as a trap idea.

Howdy O_R...I found it at 'Home Depot' its a big lumber/hardware/garden type supply we have out here in Kali and I'll bet that stuff is pretty widely distributed everywhere.
Here is a You Tube link showing how they are built but you can find other methods just by watching this one and YT will suggest others to view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT8YCey0hPE

If they don's suggest this, remember to use the plastic mulch bags to make a barrier 1/2 way into the trap, bout say 20" in. Most of your rounds will not go in further than that and when you reclaim your lead you don't have to empty the whole rig. It is a heavy target! Boolits will tunnel in the mulch…so…roll the target or shake it ever so often to prevent that. If you let them tunnel, they will eventually pierce the rear of the container…when you first reclaim the lead you will get a good feel how this works.
Save a couple of bags to go right behind your front seal board where you staple cardboard on the face to tape/staple a target. The wooden board I use will go south eventually and need replacement…but…the plastic bags right behind it will prevent the mulch from falling out while that is happening.
I used pan head sheet metal screws from the underside of the trash can top rim to hold the whole thing together…so far I'm good with that

Good Luck…Thanks for asking…OS OK

[tstowater]

What kind of disaster did you have that made you aware of this?

With a 550, the main concern is forgetting to manually index so you could end up with a double charge (more of that where a second charge will not fill the case on a handgun load) or trying to stuff another primer in.... that hasn't been very successful and assorted other issues.

Also, I use a P-W shotgun loader and primary concern there with auto-index is failing to put in a wad and/or another hull.

Many of these are easily avoided if you are paying attention and distractions can cause attention deficit.

[OS OK]

161450161451
​I added a short piece of radiator hose to my Lee XR to make it fit my large paws…works like a charm for me.
Added another piece to the handle of the RCBS's narrow handle to make it more comfortable in my palm…yeah baby!
If you look closely, you will see the priming tube catch pin there stuck to a small magnet on the upper end of the handle…I tend to misplace small items like that and magnets are a true blessing when it comes to hanging onto little things we use on the bench.

If you have an idea you want to share on this post with pictures…Please Do!

OS OK

[Three44s]

One can of powder on the bench at a time.

My test ammo lots get transported to the range in sets of zip lock bags with a pertinent note in each one. The fired rounds get placed back into it's respective bag and when I get back to the load room I line them all up in a load block and re-inspect for minute pressure signs etc.

Three 44s

[Static line]

161450161451
​I added a short piece of radiator hose to my Lee XR to make it fit my large paws…works like a charm for me.
Added another piece to the handle of the RCBS's narrow handle to make it more comfortable in my palm…yeah baby!
If you look closely, you will see the priming tube catch pin there stuck to a small magnet on the upper end of the handle…I tend to misplace small items like that and magnets are a true blessing when it comes to hanging onto little things we use on the bench.

If you have an idea you want to share on this post with pictures…Please Do!

OS OK

I have the Lee hand primer too and I had to put duct tape on the handle just to keep it from slipping in my hand and spilling primers.I hate their cheap lids that crack just looking at them.I bought the RCBS hand primer so I could quit using the Lee job but I hate it even worse.Make a wrong move with it and you have spring and rods going everywhere.I stuck it back in the box after trying to put it back together three times in the middle of handloading.I got in the pick-up and drove 10 miles to Fins,Feathers,Furs a week ago and bought a RCBS Auto prime like you have in your picture.After over 40 years of handloading,I can't believe I went that long without one.I like it a lot. First time in use,I thought where the heck am I going to stick this little clip,well,it ended up in the top part of the primer tube,cliped on the edge.

[Kevin Rohrer]

Whatever container holds loaded rounds gets a label on it with the load data (e.g. 45ACP. 230RN, 6.2-Unique).

[Kevin Rohrer]

With a 550, the main concern is forgetting to manually index so you could end up with a double charge (more of that where a second charge will not fill the case on a handgun load) or trying to stuff another primer in.... that hasn't been very successful and assorted other issues.


I ALWAYS use a bulky powder on the Dillon so a double-charge overflows the case. And my Mark-1 Eyeball checks every round as it moves around the press.

[RP]

I love military ammo boxes painters tape and sharpies I clean and size my brass it goes in a ammo can labeled with tape what stage of process its in. When I am reloading my powder measure gets some tape telling what powder how much and which round I am using it in. The painters tape peels off easy so no need to place label over labels. I have small containers I put my unused primers in with the label off the primer box.
The main thing I have learned you can never put to much information on something as days turn to weeks you will not remember if the brass was just cleaned or sized or trimmed and so on learned that the hard way, I even label what is in my casting pot the more toys you have to play with the more you will forget.

[Ole Joe Clarke]

RP,

I believe that saying is: "The more birthdays you've had, the more you will forget." :-)

[OS OK]

161915161914

Now…this is just me…I like to de prime before I clean the brass in order to clean primer pockets and flash holes and I use the SS Pins in a wet tumbler.
Yes…it is extra work and time involved…but…being OCD I just have to go that way and I love that brand-new look of the cases.

So…that being said, I use the cheap Lee press with the universal de priming die for this. I mounted the little press on top of 1/4X20 hex nuts to afford more space to contain spent primers and provide an easy way to dump them out. I use a C-Clamp to attach the press to the bench.
That rubber band holds the primers from escaping from under the press.

[Sam Casey]

That is a neat system!

[Wayne Smith]

I have an old cigar box with four drawers that holds my active use primers. Found it at a cigar store and it cost all of $1!

Randy, I have a Brown Bair three station H press and do much the same as you. Typically I deprime (have a primer catcher on the back center station - piece of plastic hose that fits in the shell holder base and an old pill bottle with a matching hole cut in it's top) and expand in one move of the lever, clean brass, prime off the press, and seat and crimp in two steps with another pull of the lever. I have the expand die in the extra location in case I missed one! I may be taking the brass out of a wooden case holder but am just as likely to be taking them out of their Berry's boxes.

[CASTING MACHINE]

Lost 3/4 pound n140 over last weekend. Poured remainder of h4895 from charge master into it by accident. Two powders on bench at once. Was very tired. Was very stupid. Never again. One container at a time on bench.

[paintedrat]

One powder/primer. If I find orphan primers, they go in the disposal can. Always put load info tags inside the box, post-its fall off. I have trays for stages of brass processing, and each tray has an info slip. Never rely on anything glued or taped on a box, time/sun/Murphy will make it unreadable about two weeks after I forget what it says. Overbuild the bench. I never reload with helpers: If someone else is free, make it a range day.

I like the idea of progressive press always being left with the ram up in the middle of a session. If I have to do more than a brief stop, I stop the brass and complete all the partial rounds.

[OS OK]

"Where's that danged shell holder…I just saw it last week?"

For years I've done this same routine…which press did I leave it in…or where did I 'temporarily' set it down…'dang it!'
Well, I got tired of that routine…I was also tired of looking for a note or table to determine which one does what cartridge…"Why can't the manufacturers just agree on a set of markings?"
Nuff said…huh?
Here is what I had to do…grab a piece of scrap pine…a 1/4" wood dowel...drill motor and 1/4" bit…go to the chop saw…whiz, bang, tap tap tap…and walaah!

163273

Well…I used some sandpaper and lacquer spray with some 'Brother' labels too but I got those little SOB's rounded up for the last time!

163274

I still leave them out on the press table in a press or in a priming tool but they're easy to find now that they have a home.

[ You know fellas…I thought that this thread would be a big hit with all the new loaders we 'supposedly' have on this forum…I'm really struggling to keep this thing alive…"What the heck is wrong???" What keeps others from chiming in and posting pictures and comments? Is this all considered too basic…we don't need to talk about it anymore?]

OS OK

[GONRA]

GONRA sez - OS OK is Really Organized! Should be an inspiration to new folks!

Main message is TO ORGANIZE to prevent redundant purchases, misplacing/losing small items, etc.

[Stewbaby]

I love military ammo boxes painters tape and sharpies I clean and size my brass it goes in a ammo can labeled with tape what stage of process its in. When I am reloading my powder measure gets some tape telling what powder how much and which round I am using it in. The painters tape peels off easy so no need to place label over labels. I have small containers I put my unused primers in with the label off the primer box.
The main thing I have learned you can never put to much information on something as days turn to weeks you will not remember if the brass was just cleaned or sized or trimmed and so on learned that the hard way, I even label what is in my casting pot the more toys you have to play with the more you will forget.

I'm 43 and just learning this lesson...the memory ain't what she used to be.

[Smk SHoe]

Active powder is only one on the bench with a painters tape label with powder name on measure. Also use the painters tape on the measure to determine how fast I need to reload the hopper. 3x5 cards inside the box top with all info needed for working loads. Print 100 cards at a time with blank spaces for ALL load data. Once a pistol or rifle is standardized, avery labels are printed on the 2" x 3" labels.( I batch load pistol 1K at a time).
Soon as I return from the range, all brass goes into first tumbler ( old media) while I clean weapons and put up equipment. Then all rifle brass gets sized, deprimed, measured(sometimes) ,inspected, then back into second tumbler ( new media with polish compound). hour or two then everything is sorted ( lot, calibre, etc) and stored in plastic tubs.
I won't even try to explain how I do my bench rest ammo. OCD is strong in this one.

[JSnover]

I like to de-prime after tumbling to make sure there are no plugged flash holes. A twist of the primer pocket cleaner gets the soot out afterwards.
Before I start (TV and phone OFF), I make sure there is only one powder, one headstamp, one primer type, one bullet type, so none of my components can get mixed.
I use two loading blocks. Brass starts in one, moves to the other as each case is primed, back and forth as each step is accomplished so I never end up with a block containing brass from two different stages.

[Drew P]

I like to leave active powders in the measures until I'm done using it. I'll place the powder jug near the measure, and if I don't do that I place a paper tag inside the hopper with the powder that denotes its contents. I love the dot powders, although I've only ever used red dot, because they are so self explanatory. I leave red dot in my progressive all the time and there's never a question because, it's red!

Im not an overly organized person, so reloading for me is a good way to train into putting stuff away, and being mindful of the space as I try to keep it somewhat clean and tidy.

I actually have big jugs of powder that I use to fill smaller one lb containers as they need it so that I can have that smaller container on the bench for days if needed. (I buy the corresponding powder in a 1lb so the label is all matched up) I'm still questioning the logic on this concept. It makes my powder cabinet more cluttered for sure.

I like your your shell holder idea, I could probably benefit from something like that. But first, need the shelves!

[Smk SHoe]

I also try to work up data with multi use powder. I've been able to clear out a couple different powder types when I got IMR 8208 to work in most of my bench rest calibers. Now I only have about 20 cans of powder in the cabinet.

[OS OK]

I also try to work up data with multi use powder. I've been able to clear out a couple different powder types when I got IMR 8208 to work in most of my bench rest calibers. Now I only have about 20 cans of powder in the cabinet.

I have learned more about working up loads these last few years and having to use some 'other' powder I had to buy because my favorite was not available. At first I hated that…now I am glad to have had to do it.

"Now I only have about 20 cans of powder in the cabinet."

I'd call that a pretty good stash!

[dryflash3]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/How%20To/P9100416.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/How%20To/P9100416.jpg.html)

I made up these to keep track of case prep.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/How%20To/20110709_3.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/How%20To/20110709_3.jpg.html)

These cards go into the zip lock bags that are stored in ammo cans.

[castalott]

As far as keeping the shell holders straight, I paint all dies and shell holders a certain color. For example, all my 30-30 die sets and shell holders are painted white. 45acp is red and so on. This helps an old man a lot.....

Dale

[Bullwolf]

When you work up a load - Write it down.
If it works well - Write it down.
If it's a miserable failure - Write it down.

Permanent markers on post it notes, masking tape, cartridge labels or write on cartridge boxes, or ziploc bags. Write all pertinent information down that you can.

Go into tons of detail. Date loaded, cartridge specifics, like powder weights, OAL's, recorded velocities, alloy used, lube, projectile weights, brand and type of primer used, number of times brass has been reloaded, mould temperature preferences and quirks, write it all down.

I didn't used to keep notes. I've had to do many things over due to my lack of proper note keeping. I've been forced to dissemble old loads and weigh out the components to reverse engineer what I had been working on at the time.

Now I keep a log book, and I write EVERYTHING down that I do.


Loads you now think you'll never forget, you may forget as you grow older.

Also related to getting older, use good lighting in the reloading room. Maybe some additional supplemental lighting, brighter overhead lights, a desk/bench top magnifier, or even a press mounted light.

Proper lighting in the loading room helps you to better see what you're doing. You may notice things sooner like upside down primers, split cases, and even variations in powder charges that could easily be missed under poor lighting conditions.

Have you ever had to look on the floor for something you dropped with a flashlight? Good lighting can help you find small stuff (like a spring or a primer) that may get dropped on the floor.



- Bullwolf

[Outer Rondacker]

You should also write down what gun the load is for.

Many years ago we bought out a gun shop owners collection. Every gun had a dummy bullet in it with all the info of the round on it that it liked. He must of loaded for other guys too and he had notebooks of loads with guys names and gun numbers. We gave the books to his wife and she said she would give it to anyone who came asking. Nice woman. Smart man.

[3006guns]

With the amount of ammunition I load, the price of cartridge boxes got to be overwhelming......plus not all of them stored in ammo cans neatly due to different sizes. I started using........of all things.......zip lock freezer bags for storing finished ammo. I actually "repurpose" bags my wife removes from the freezer by washing and drying. A one gallon bag with load info on a slip of paper inside, easily conforms to the inside of a standard .50 can and holds far more rounds than the boxes. They're handy for storing/categorizing brass too.....it stays bright a LOT longer than if stored in open bins.

I get a few strange looks at the range with my "bag 'o bullets".......but they stay clean, dry and readily available.

UPDATE: I just got a PM from another member who used the same system until he had a "catastrophic failure" resulting in ammo all over the ground at the range. I should have stressed that I use only heavy weight freezer bags, never overload them and keep an eye out for any signs of weakness, i.e., over stretching, plastic turning white at the edges, etc. Since I usually have them in an ammo can, they're supported quite well anyway. I just dip in and grab some to reload, then zip the bag closed when finished.

So far I've had pretty good luck by simply using common sense.

[JohnH]

When I'm loading bottleneck cases with pistol powders I use the stem of a tire air pressure gauge to drop in the case. The stem is marked with numbers and it's quite easy to note any change in the volume of powder in the case. I will fill a loading tray of charged cases then drop the stem in every case.

[3006guns]

Regarding those pesky shellholders.......I came up with the same idea as OS OK, except mine was a simple board with nails and each position numbered. It worked great until it fell one day and I had to sort them all out. On the edge of the shelf is a MUCH better idea.

I was in Wally World's sporting section one day..........back when they used to carry ammunition.......and spotted something in the fishing gear. It was a fairly large, compartmentized plastic box for fishing lures. They were made of an opaque, slightly flexible, durable plastic with 24 compartments and a snap lid. I simply put all my shellholders in one, starting at the rear and going left to right......i.e., back row, 1,2,3,4,5,6.....second row, 7,8,9,10,11,12 and so on. The only minor drawback is that I have "other than RCBS" shellholders with similar numbers, but all in all it works quite well and stores on a shelf until needed....and if I drop it the results are less frustrating!

The boxes were only about $3 and I bought several for sizing dies, etc.

[dudel]

Also regarding the pesky shellholders..... I got real lazy and did pick up that compartmentalized box in Walmart. I had the same issue with shell holder numbers (different vendors use different numbers for the same caliber), so I labeled the box by caliber.

Stores in very little space, and keeps the Lee AutoPrimes together with the appropriate shell holder. The colored dots also serve to quickly identify calibers. Blue=9mm, Green = 38Spl/357Mag/357Max. Red = 45GAP/45ACP, Yellow=30 Carb, Orange=223/300BO. Projectiles and tool heads have the same color.

164350

[r1kk1]

Lee sells empty shellholder boxes. Titan carries them.

take care

r1kk1

[ncbearman]

"Where's that danged shell holder…I just saw it last week?"


163274


This is awesome. I have just the place for this in my place. Sorry to say though I've been reloading for 50 years now. But hey, learn something new every day.

btw- you have your .380 auto holders on the wrong dowels.......................:)

[ncbearman]

161915161914

Now…this is just me…I like to de prime before I clean the brass in order to clean primer pockets and flash holes and I use the SS Pins in a wet tumbler.
Yes…it is extra work and time involved…but…being OCD I just have to go that way and I love that brand-new look of the cases.

So…that being said, I use the cheap Lee press with the universal de priming die for this. I mounted the little press on top of 1/4X20 hex nuts to afford more space to contain spent primers and provide an easy way to dump them out. I use a C-Clamp to attach the press to the bench.
That rubber band holds the primers from escaping from under the press.

Oh yeah! Nothing like clean primer pockets. Gotta have em'. I too de-prime before tumbling.

[OS OK]

This is awesome. I have just the place for this in my place. Sorry to say though I've been reloading for 50 years now. But hey, learn something new every day.

btw- you have your .380 auto holders on the wrong dowels.......................:)

Thanks for the close observation…but…the 'two' dowel idea is to put those Lee shell holders for the 'Auto prime XR' on a separate dowell…the left dowels are for the presses and are a mix of mfgrs.
Doncha just love pictures? They take a post to another level entirely!

[edadmartin]

I'd say don't load if you are still on pain melds from surgery so. I started a reload session,then had an emergency surgery,after a few weeks of healing I picked up where I left off, finished 100 and went to the range an after about 10 rounds I got a squid,thankfully no kaboom I did hear the primer and stopped . I then had no confidence in any of the 100 rounds I had done during this time. My foggy head couldn't remember exactly which boxes I had done before or after. In the end I had to pull 175 rounds.i now document every session with down load able info cards. And post its if I get interrupted, ill never reload if on meds it's unsafe and a waste of time and materials.some corners can't be cut.

[1895gunner]

Really enjoyed all the posts here. Great stuff and funny how our minds work very much alike in many ways.

Rules for the bench:

1. Always only one powder, one bullet type & one caliber at a time on the bench (accessible)
2. Always finish what has been started - period (I use a single stage so I work in batches of 50 max)
3. Always place shell holders back with the dies in the die boxes
4. Always measure starting powder weight and mid-way through and at the end of every batch on the scale (I use powder measures for each caliber and each is marked for which caliber and which load).
5. Always identify load info with each batch on the canister they are stored in
6. All equipment, powders, primers, bullets get put away immediately after batch is completed

I did add a new bullet inventory/storage practice on my bench last week which is working well for me.


http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%201_zpsyroqjmj1.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%201_zpsyroqjmj1.jpg.html)

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%202_zpsfvwilanw.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%202_zpsfvwilanw.jpg.html)

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%206_zpszfa4oc71.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%206_zpszfa4oc71.jpg.html)

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%203_zpsr95sjg0l.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%203_zpsr95sjg0l.jpg.html)

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%204_zps0oxvno5g.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%204_zps0oxvno5g.jpg.html)

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g441/1895gunner/Storage%205_zpsxwhfvbeo.jpg (http://s1102.photobucket.com/user/1895gunner/media/Storage%205_zpsxwhfvbeo.jpg.html)

Only one bin open at a time during reloading!


1895gunner

[OS OK]

One of my sons who designs sets for Hollywood Studios in 'shooting commercials'…would remark…"OK, lighting is good, sets clean, nobody has left any burger wrappers around…looks great, lets shoot!"

charlie