By reading some books, watching some videos, talking to experienced reloaders, and reading different websites I have managed to pick up some reloading ideas that I have found helpfull, and I am sure that some of you other guys have a few that would help others also. Especially some of the guys that read here that are just getting started. Please feel free to share any of your ideas.
1. I keep a small penlight flashlight at my reloading bench to check the powder in my cases before seating the bullet. This is especially important if you put powder in more than 1 case at a time.
2. Masking tape is handy to keep at the bench. I like to write what powder I am currently using in the dispenser on the tape and then stick it on the dispenser. I normally empty what is left back in the container when I am done loading, but there has been the rare occasion that I forgot to dump it, and it was very beneficial knowing what I had last used.
3. I like to prep my cases in advance, so that when I am ready to load something I don't have to spend a lot of time getting ready first. I made up some tags off the computer and printed them off, showing what steps I had done so far. Such as trimming, chamfering, removing the military crimp, number of firings, etc. Makes it handy to remember what all has been done.
4. Q-Tips are great to put a little lube inside the necks of cases when resizing. The lube helps the expander ball slide out easier on some of the tight necks.
5. I keep all my reloading records on a spreadsheet on my computer. When I make a load, it is recorded on a slip of paper (printed labels from my computer that has number of firings, brass data, primer, powder, bullet, bullet OAL, bullet ogive, feet per second, etc.), along with a load number that is printed with a magic marker on the box or plastic bag I use for storing them. If the paper should be lost, the load number can then be tracked on the spreedsheet and the data recovered.
6. I have a lot of 4x4 boxes about 12 inches long we throw away at work. I brought them home and sort my brass by calibre, manufacturer, firings, work done on them, etc. Inexpensive way of storing supplies.
7. When testing loads, I like to shoot at common printer paper with a florescent dot bought at Wal-Mart. This makes a very cheap target. I then take a 3 hole paper punch and store the shot targets in a 3 ring binder for future reference. I have tags made up (I discussed in line 5) that are stapled right to the target.
8. When I am making up and trying new loads, I like to put them in plastic sandwich zip lock bags. I normally make up batches of test loads 5 at a time and slip the papers (from line 5) in the bag and seal them up until they are shot. Gallon bags work great to put primered brass in and when stored in a cardboard box, seem to keep the moisture out. I've never had a misfire using this method.
9. I sometimes use spray case lube. A plastic gallon ziplock bag works well to put the brass in and spray some case lube in it. Sort of roll the cases around and then spread out to let dry. You can either save the bag for the next batch, or toss it in the garbage.
I guess these are about all I can think of right now. It's you guys turn now.
1. I keep a small penlight flashlight at my reloading bench to check the powder in my cases before seating the bullet. This is especially important if you put powder in more than 1 case at a time.
2. Masking tape is handy to keep at the bench. I like to write what powder I am currently using in the dispenser on the tape and then stick it on the dispenser. I normally empty what is left back in the container when I am done loading, but there has been the rare occasion that I forgot to dump it, and it was very beneficial knowing what I had last used.
3. I like to prep my cases in advance, so that when I am ready to load something I don't have to spend a lot of time getting ready first. I made up some tags off the computer and printed them off, showing what steps I had done so far. Such as trimming, chamfering, removing the military crimp, number of firings, etc. Makes it handy to remember what all has been done.
4. Q-Tips are great to put a little lube inside the necks of cases when resizing. The lube helps the expander ball slide out easier on some of the tight necks.
5. I keep all my reloading records on a spreadsheet on my computer. When I make a load, it is recorded on a slip of paper (printed labels from my computer that has number of firings, brass data, primer, powder, bullet, bullet OAL, bullet ogive, feet per second, etc.), along with a load number that is printed with a magic marker on the box or plastic bag I use for storing them. If the paper should be lost, the load number can then be tracked on the spreedsheet and the data recovered.
6. I have a lot of 4x4 boxes about 12 inches long we throw away at work. I brought them home and sort my brass by calibre, manufacturer, firings, work done on them, etc. Inexpensive way of storing supplies.
7. When testing loads, I like to shoot at common printer paper with a florescent dot bought at Wal-Mart. This makes a very cheap target. I then take a 3 hole paper punch and store the shot targets in a 3 ring binder for future reference. I have tags made up (I discussed in line 5) that are stapled right to the target.
8. When I am making up and trying new loads, I like to put them in plastic sandwich zip lock bags. I normally make up batches of test loads 5 at a time and slip the papers (from line 5) in the bag and seal them up until they are shot. Gallon bags work great to put primered brass in and when stored in a cardboard box, seem to keep the moisture out. I've never had a misfire using this method.
9. I sometimes use spray case lube. A plastic gallon ziplock bag works well to put the brass in and spray some case lube in it. Sort of roll the cases around and then spread out to let dry. You can either save the bag for the next batch, or toss it in the garbage.
I guess these are about all I can think of right now. It's you guys turn now.
