New to reloading

[davederrick]

I got hold of an off cut of wood block kitchen worktop, 2' x 2'6" drilled & recessed that & bolted my turret press to it.

When required that block was clamped to a table.

Before I got my workshop, I had a press on a block. I then mounted the block on my Black & Decker Workmate when I used it, worked nicely

[tinbum]

I picked up the powder today and made my first rounds for testing, 25 each from the .43, .46 & .49 apertures on the loading disk which is about 0.27g to 0.30g in weight. Each round was measured with the vernier and tested in the chamber. I expect that will reduce in frequency with familiarity.
I'll test them tomorrow and decide which I'll stick with, but I have to say I really enjoyed the process of making them, and I am really grateful for the fantastic help and support you guys have given me.

Thankyou all!

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[Turnup]

Better to measure and record powder charges by weight in grains to one decimal place or to at least 3 decimal places in grammes. Those volumetric measures will not deliver the same weight for different powders.

That's for next time

ENJOY tomorrow.

[aris]

Looking at the pic, your primer seating depth looks a bit inconsistent. They should be below flush with the case head. Of course it could be the lighting in the photo, but worth keeping in mind.

[tinbum]

Looking at the pic, your primer seating depth looks a bit inconsistent. They should be below flush with the case head. Of course it could be the lighting in the photo, but worth keeping in mind.

I did have a couple where the primer stood proud and had to be done again, Is that a case of cleaning the pocket better or changing primer?

[aris]

I did have a couple where the primer stood proud and had to be done again, Is that a case of cleaning the pocket better or changing primer?

Perhaps you did not give enough pressure when seating, or as you say the pocket was dirty preventing the primer from seating properly. Difficult to say without pulling the bullet and attempting to reseat it, or pop the primer out and see what else could be preventing it. Do not try this while there is a bullet and powder in there

This is why I like to hand prime - I can check each one and you get a feel for how well the primer went in.

[tinbum]

Todays results:

The .43 load (4.2grn) failed to rack the slide at all 860fps / 204 ft/lb
The .46 load (4..5grn) failed to rack the slide most of the time
The .49 load (4.7grn) worked perfectly but only achieved 960fps / 254 ft/lb

The next step up on my loader is .53 which weighs 5.2grns, the maximum stated load! I would have preferred a .51 / 5.0grn option.

Ideas, suggestions, words of caution or encouragement all welcome

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