Stepping through the process sequence; 2 of 18

Step Two: Pistol Case Preparation

Trim to overall length using a small dedicated Trim Lathe. Manual crank or power assist. This can be done with with spent primer left in or removed. I have a preference to De-Prime, avoid all kinds of issues. I run fired brass through Station One on my XL 650 press:- Overall Re-Size and De-Prime. This allows use of the Auto Case Feeder.

Dial / Digital calipers are an absolutely indispensable tool for the Re-Loader. For convenience, I’ll set up a Height Gauge Stand and Dial Indicator. This is also done for completed Cartridge Overall Length.

After trimming to length we move to the final step in Brass Prep. For this I use an RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center:

This 5 station motorized tool station supports all manner of tool configurations. Two basic functions of: OD and ID De-Burring I have set up in front. Primer Pocket Cleaning in the back. Case cleaning brushes can set up in a non-motorized station. Develop a process flow that works for you. I flow from Right to Left (finished cased). a) De-burr  OD then ID. b) Primer pocket clean. c) Flash Hole size-de-burr, d)  Case brush .. Done

NOTE:    If you like to break up the process in-to a succinct division of tasks. Case/Brass Prep is a good point to “Mass” process your brass, at least through the End of Step 1.  The equipment, actual tasks are easy to run resulting in a large quantity of Cleaned and Inspected brass. My personal preferred method.

Step Three: Press Preparation and Set-Up

Stepping through the process sequence; 1 of 18

On my previous post: http://relaodthis.blogspot.com/2012/10/reload-1.html

I concluded with an overview of Re-Loading specific equipment costs. There are many options that can you started for well under $500, but, its more addictive than Chocolate !

See comments on this post: http://relaodthis.blogspot.com/2012/10/just-another-hobby_21.html

NOTE:  For “How-To” instructions Youtube is a great source.  These two channels have first rate uploads: 

OBXSOLWIND .. Link to example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET9kwN7tcpI&list=UUsyN0uWZnXJpN00gIW4fQlw&index=15&feature=plcp

One additional good quality link from;  SoCalPreppers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9ScN0TaOI&feature=plcp

I’m providing a set of; written and illustrated in-sequence process steps, with a few pointers and tips along the way.

Overview:
Step one: Acquire all the consumables required:

Brass Shell Casings; Buy New, Use Once-Fired (from factory ammo) or collect at the shooting range.
Primers & Powder, I buy these.
Bullets: Buy, and or Cast. I have no plans to cast.

Brass: Sort – Inspect – Clean – Re-Inspect – Store for use.
Range / Mixed Brass: Sort through and segregate by size. A sub-sorting by manufacturer can be done. I stopped doing this, as recreational pistol shooting does not require this type of consistency. During the sorting a first Visual inspection is performed, suspect cases are rejected.
Once sorted and or visually inspected the Brass is cleaned.  I use Dry Media in a Vibratory Case Cleaner.  ALL brass, even new never fired.  Separate the brass from the cleaning media. I use the Dillon CM-500 Separator

 http://www.saami.org/
A SAAMI spec. Case Gauge is used to inspect and sort Cases for Diameter (fit in gauge) and Case Length.

Brass that has been sorted (left) and a small batch of Cleaned Brass (right)Store in your container of choice.
Step Two: Case Preparation .. to be continued.

Basic Pistol Reloading Info. Stuff I Reload

357 SIG More Loads

Using standard 357 bullets has worked out well.  Examination of, Once Fired, brass cases showed no untoward stress signs. Brass Body is in great shape, spent primers had NO bulging.Note: X-TREME Bullets is the Old Western Nevada Co.
 
Next loading run is planned and all set-up ready to go.
Bullet: 38-158 grain Flat Point', Powder Charge: 7.8 grains

Total run of 1,200 rounds using New Brass

Today I picked some consumables and a couple of much need hardware items Dillon’s D-Terminator Electronic Scale (my other one is 12yrs old) & Tool-head Stand

Re-Loading 357 SIG

357-SIG is a fairly exotic cartridge in realms of Non-Government agency shooters. As such only a few folks have published any “original / experimental” Load Data.   The various commercial data reference books all present; SAFE, Conservative and highly caveated  recommendations. So off we go into uncharted (‘till now) territory
REF: 347 SIG cartridge size chart .. in Millimeters My quest is to load “Standard 38 Special / 357 Magnum Bullets into the 357 Sig Shell Casing. The only recommended Bullets are the Standard 9mm Parabellum at: 0.355” Diameter and a Designated 357 SIG Bullet of 0.356” Diameter. The Standard 38/357 bullet diameter is: 0.357
Load tables for Accurate Arms No. 5 powder only go to a 147Grain weight. My plan is to use a 158 Grain Semi-Wad-Cutter. Measured at an average diameter of: 0.3569 over 100 samples.
Non Variable components: Gun-Sig Sauer P229S, AA No. 5 Powder and 158 gr SWC bullets.
The variable is Powder Charge
Extrapolating data from Data Ref. sources, I have established a range of loads to try. Guard-Banded at the top end; 7.7 Grains  Setting up a set of Trial Loads: 7.0 gr to 7.7 gr.  This allow for +/- tolerances of:  a) Powder Mfg. (3% consistency batch to batch) and measuring scale +/- 0.1 Grain.

1911 Colt Commander

Nickel Silver, Series 70, Colt Combat Commander, 45 ACP, fitted with Trijicon Sights and Diamond Checkered Grip.Series 70, 1911’s are difficult to find ever since the Series 80 was introduced in 1983. Main modifications:  a blocker plunger, spring, and lever as extra parts.
Some complain that the extra parts complicate obtaining a quality trigger pull, while others allege that this is no so, and the Series 80 trigger can be just as acceptable as one without the block. These modification also require a unique Firing Pin and Extractor, to accept the passage of the Firing Pin Block Plunger.
Series 70 parts on top:…

These “Extra” parts can be removed, and a “Spacer” (see picture) inserted to keep the Sear and Dis-connector in place.

Just another hobby

“It’s time to put away childish things.” “Goodnight Bill, Goodnight Ben, goodbye Golly, goodbye Teddy.” “HELLO Guns & Ammo”
Hobbies, a euphemism for an addiction, and I have more than my share. Reloading, a unique Cult within the shooting community.  I’ve been Re-Loading for about 20 years, so a relative neophyte, as defined by the elders of the Cult.  Its America, we do it because we can. A Re-Cycling effort long before it became an annoying catch phrase.As with Tea, this hobby is fraught with more than its share of self appointed experts, their proclamations are mostly self published / broadcast via the popular media.
So, a hobby with an edge that demands much care and attention to detail, with explosive feedback for a lapse in diligence. Should you migrate the hobby into the commercial realm, yes it is true a small fortune can be made, with ONE prerequisite: You start with a Large fortune.

My collection of “stuff” that supports one of my addictions; Buying Stuff, justified as required to support the higher level addiction.At the epicenter; a Dillon XL 650, 5 Station  Progressive Press, with Vibratory Auto Case Feeder.  A veritable cornucopia of supporting: Gadgets, Accoutrements, Paraphernalia and Whatnots, come in a mind boggling, never ending supply, to say nothing of the consumables and their Daedalus labyrinth of choices.
Some factory ammo and reloads ready to go:More reloads and stuff Consumables amid more stuffPrimer flip trays,and whatnots Caliber change tool heads, powder, primers etc Dillon XL 650, just finished a 3,000 piece 45 ACP runCase cleaner and media separator in stand-by mode Caliber: 45 ACP and 45 Long Colt

Michael Li visits California

Our friend Michael Li is visiting from China, so on Sunday we arranged a morning of shooting and a BBQ at our house in the afternoon.Michael, is now planning on getting his CDL. (California Drivers License)Michael, Andrew and Heather.First time to fire a "Real Gun"
Michael, looking like a pro.

Heather Shooting

Getting back home, celebrated Memorial day and our wedding anniversary last weekend with friends and family.
The work week was hectic, did manage to get back on my bicycle for most of my commuting (felt good).
This weekend turned out be a lot of fun.
My friend Robin's brother is over from England on vacation, so Saturday we went shooting. Sunday,  later in the afternoon Heather and I went shooting .. Unfortunately Andrew and Trevor had to work .. so sad.Heather loads Up ..Aim, yes she's a lefty ...Having Fun ...

Back in the Day .. On Target, Range and Retail

Last Millennium .. boy that is back in the day.  My (very Russian) friend Ilya, Purchased the On Target Shooting Range and Retail business from, Chris, the original owner.  Chris is a great guy and just too nice to run a retail business.

I took a year off to help Ilya set up a strong Retail business and improve the Range facilities.  These are a few pictures my family took as the business progressed.

How to Impress the punters: A couple of 50 Cal Big Boy toys.   You can also see our Gunsmith area to the right. Open to show we had that capability.Ammo, YES we had it by the tonne .. spoiled for choice.An open area to show merchandise and serve Range customers.Bulk Ammo sales, another innovation at the time. Gun Cases and Range Bags

A customer checks out a Range gun and ammo Class room Instruction an innovation (at the time)

Transition from the Range Rental to Retail section, plenty of Eye CandyMore Stuff Well stocked, long guns and hand guns Just sold another gun !!

Charlie Wu getting ready for another Sunday at the range. You ! Talking to ME !!! Clean Up on aisle TWO

In The Range:

General shop view. Steve is not what you'd call a Dynamic personalitySunday morning before we openBoys having fun on a Sunday . Charlie just fitted a Glock Trigger upgrade for a customer.Bill D. world record holder .. highest score in Free Pistol at a  World Championship.