What did you do in the reloading room recently?

[steven grammont]

Been reloading for a year maybe a little longer. The only calibers I have done to this point are 9mm and .38spl , I've done thousands of each , and have no issues until recently. Last shipment I got 125gr plated hollow points for .38spl from Extreme(figured I'd try something other than wadcutters and SWC. I made a test batch with 4.4gr of w231 and got a squib. After that I made another cylinders worth and went to 4.6 , shot 5 and number 6 ended up getting stuck in the barrel again. Shooting a six inch Dan Wesson model 15-2. Are these just too weak , or should I be using a different powder? My data book shows me a max of 4.8gr , and that's going by the data for using a 125gr lead projectile

 

[DW357]

Been reloading for a year maybe a little longer. The only calibers I have done to this point are 9mm and .38spl , I've done thousands of each , and have no issues until recently. Last shipment I got 125gr plated hollow points for .38spl from Extreme(figured I'd try something other than wadcutters and SWC. I made a test batch with 4.4gr of w231 and got a squib. After that I made another cylinders worth and went to 4.6 , shot 5 and number 6 ended up getting stuck in the barrel again. Shooting a six inch Dan Wesson model 15-2. Are these just too weak , or should I be using a different powder? My data book shows me a max of 4.8gr , and that's going by the data for using a 125gr lead projectile

Okay now I’m convinced there’s something off with xtreme bullets? The 2 or 3 squibs I’ve had were with Xtreme 158 gr RN bullets over 4.2ish? gr of bullseye if I remember correctly. In a 357 mag case. Also in a DW revolver.
I posted about it here before and I think EddieCoyle/Jim wondered if the bullets are oversized?
Or maybe their plating is really thick thus causing more resistance? Like a jacketed bullet

 

[steven grammont]

Okay now I’m convinced there’s something off with xtreme bullets. The 2 or 3 squibs I’ve had were with Xtreme 158 gr RN bullets over 4.2ish? gr of bullseye if I remember correctly. In a 357 mag case. Also in a DW revolver.
I posted about it here before and I think EddieCoyle/Jim wondered if the bullets are oversized?
Or maybe their plating is really thick thus causing more resistance? Like a jacketed bullet

I've made a ton of .38s using only Extreme bullets , and this is this first time I've had a problem with them. I also forgot to mention that when I removed the projectile from the barrel , there was plenty of unburnt powder caked up in it. That's why I asked if maybe I should be using a different powder, maybe something that burns slower?

 

[whacko]

I've made a ton of .38s using only Extreme bullets , and this is this first time I've had a problem with them. I also forgot to mention that when I removed the projectile from the barrel , there was plenty of unburnt powder caked up in it. That's why I asked if maybe I should be using a different powder, maybe something that burns slower?

I had this issue with a batch of 2400 powder in 357 magnum. Caked unburned powder behind a stuck projo. I checked every damn part of the process I could....crimp.....primers......everything. it determined it to be a bad batch of powder. Tossed that can and no problems since. Are you using new can of powder,
?

 

[meh]

Been reloading for a year maybe a little longer. The only calibers I have done to this point are 9mm and .38spl , I've done thousands of each , and have no issues until recently. Last shipment I got 125gr plated hollow points for .38spl from Extreme(figured I'd try something other than wadcutters and SWC. I made a test batch with 4.4gr of w231 and got a squib. After that I made another cylinders worth and went to 4.6 , shot 5 and number 6 ended up getting stuck in the barrel again. Shooting a six inch Dan Wesson model 15-2. Are these just too weak , or should I be using a different powder? My data book shows me a max of 4.8gr , and that's going by the data for using a 125gr lead projectile

My guess is "crimp jump". Plated bullets are very slippery, so a given amount of neck tension leads to less friction. Each time you fire one, the remaining ones might inch forward. This is one reason why I stopped loading plated bullets in revolver calibers. You need to crimp them pretty good to prevent them from walking out under recoil, but you don't want to crimp them so much that you deform the bullet and damage the plating. Finding balance in there, since they came with such shallow cannelures to begin with, just wasn't a challenge I was interested in.

In 9mm, with taper crimps, they're just fine. Could be bad powder, though.

Edit: Have you checked the bullet diameters?

 

[Quite_Exasperated]

How old are these primers?

They still work, but they leave like sand (I call it Boomer dust) on my primer tray,

View attachment 557875

Mid-90s? Still working my way through boxes priced $17.95…

 

[Broc]

Always have one near the bench. Usually it's on the floor behind me when I'm actually loading.

Why?

 

[pastera]

Been reloading for a year maybe a little longer. The only calibers I have done to this point are 9mm and .38spl , I've done thousands of each , and have no issues until recently. Last shipment I got 125gr plated hollow points for .38spl from Extreme(figured I'd try something other than wadcutters and SWC. I made a test batch with 4.4gr of w231 and got a squib. After that I made another cylinders worth and went to 4.6 , shot 5 and number 6 ended up getting stuck in the barrel again. Shooting a six inch Dan Wesson model 15-2. Are these just too weak , or should I be using a different powder? My data book shows me a max of 4.8gr , and that's going by the data for using a 125gr lead projectile

Had the same issue with extreme and W231 in my SW 19-3
If you have a micrometer check the bullets - you might find them running about 5 tenths under sized.
Depending on your brass it can leave you with too little neck tension for 231 to light off properly especially when firing in a 357 chamber.
Load up the exact same load in 357 brass and everything is good to go

 

[Tallahassee]

I got my dads old 8-track/radio next to my press. Thing is much older than me that’s for sure
I should probably upgrade at some point but it still worksView attachment 558697View attachment 558698

The older equipment has a much warmer sound. Don't upgrade.

 

[steven grammont]

I had this issue with a batch of 2400 powder in 357 magnum. Caked unburned powder behind a stuck projo. I checked every damn part of the process I could....crimp.....primers......everything. it determined it to be a bad batch of powder. Tossed that can and no problems since. Are you using new can of powder,
?

My powder isn't old at all , I had bought all of my powder when I started reloading about a year ago. Stored in a cool , dry area as well. Even when I increased my powder , loads still felt weak.

 

[Mike 53]

Check the diameter of the bullets...then if there is sufficient crimp.

 

[mac1911]

My powder isn't old at all , I had bought all of my powder when I started reloading about a year ago. Stored in a cool , dry area as well. Even when I increased my powder , loads still felt weak.

Check your bullet size and crimp. My friend went through same thing only to find many of his bullets where .355”
Squib was just poking out of barrel
I dont recall what bullets he had but they quickly sent him replacements.

 

[Mudflap621]

This morning my father came over to roll some, made some 223 and 6.5 creed for him. Just finished another 100 6BRA as well. Was a productive day.

 

[Broc]

After almost a year of not reloading for BPCR, I sat down today and used half a bottle of GOEX.
I almost forgot how big the BP grains are compared to smokeless.

Anyway ... as of today, I have used the Lee Perfect Powder Measure with:

5744
IMR 4198
IMR 4227
GOEX FF (for BP I used the one that is all metal, the "Deluxe").

The powder drop works great, and it is very cheap.

I noticed the first 8 drops of 4227 are a little off (less than half a grain), but after that they are all spot on. This did not happen with 4198 or 5744. I weight every 10th drop.

I decided to buy one several months back when I kept reading good reviews in different forums. They are so cheap, I buy one for each powder.

 

[DW357]

After almost a year of not reloading for BPCR, I sat down today and used half a bottle of GOEX.
I almost forgot how big the BP grains are compared to smokeless.

Anyway ... as of today, I have used the Lee Perfect Powder Measure with:

5744
IMR 4198
IMR 4227
GOEX FF (for BP I used the one that is all metal, the "Deluxe").

The powder drop works great, and it is very cheap.

I noticed the first 8 drops of 4227 are a little off (less than half a grain), but after that they are all spot on. This did not happen with 4198 or 5644. I weight every 10th drop.

I decided to buy one several months back when I kept reading good reviews in different forums. They are so cheap, I buy one for each powder.

Did you end up going to Glenn’s for the 4227? I saw he had some when I was there on Thursday.

 

[meh]

They are so cheap, I buy one for each powder.

Probably not a bad idea. I bought one and used it with N105 or N110, and I had to break it down to get all the powder out of it.

 

[Broc]

Did you end up going to Glenn’s for the 4227? I saw he had some when I was there on Thursday.

No, I found some at the ram.
But I need to go up north to pick up a 365 next week so I will stop by, as I already used one pound to reload 200 rounds.

 

[Broc]

Probably not a bad idea. I bought one and used it with N105 or N110, and I had to break it down to get all the powder out of it.

Interesting, I found them so simple, I didn't see any powder leftover in mine. I also didn't look very hard. Maybe that is why the first few drops are off. I will have to take a look.

I need to buy some N110, did it work well with the 110?

 

[meh]

I need to buy some N110, did it work well with the 110?

Not especially. I'm guessing if I'm not cutting sticks in the Hornady drop, I'm forcing them into places inside the Lee drop. But I might be expecting too much. When I'm hand trickling N100, seems like 0.1 grain is barely possible to control, like 2 or 3 sticks or something. It ain't much.

 

[Leezway]

Made it downstairs today to work on a new load.. Actually it’s a familiar load that I have used quite a bit in the past, just with a different brand of projectiles. Going to test them in the morning.

 

[Tallahassee]

Swapped the dillon over to 10mm, cranked out 300 rounds for the wife this morning.

 

[Mike 53]

Found the .308 trim die I replaced with another new one and now have two

 

[mac1911]

Found the .308 trim die I replaced with another new one and now have two

I found a box of 110 grain for the 30 carbine. Seriously lost forever so I thought.
I blamed my wife years ago , and yup it was her who stuffed them away in a odd spot. Been doing some purging and found a few things
Done it with tools also.

 

[Tallahassee]

Lost and found, popular topic today. While moving crap around, found a box of bullets I ordered last January. Checked the price, went up $14 per 1k since then.

 

[Ranger007]

Are you uniforming the necks too after firing? Curious how many people are doing that for the big 6.5s

I uniform all my pockets including 6.5.

 

[Ranger007]

getting ready to polish the bolt arm and bolt knob on the V22s.

 

[rickflst]

Has anyone used Ramshot Tac for 308 168grn? Thoughts results etc?

 

[RankAmateur]

Has anyone used Ramshot Tac for 308 168grn? Thoughts results etc?

Yes. Was able to get decent velocities out of an RPR, but could never get the ES below 110fps. That said, I didn't note any significant decrease in on-target precision even with the wide ES. Much better results with Varget, BL-C(2), VVN150...

If it's relevant, all SMK and once-fired Federal GM brass with .002" neck tension. Used Fed 210, 210m, CCI 200s in three separate attempts with no real difference in velocity, ES, or SD with the different primers.

 

[paul73]

Yes. Was able to get decent velocities out of an RPR, but could never get the ES below 110fps. That said, I didn't note any significant decrease in on-target precision even with the wide ES. Much better results with Varget, BL-C(2), VVN150...

If it's relevant, all SMK and once-fired Federal GM brass with .002" neck tension. Used Fed 210, 210m, CCI 200s in three separate attempts with no real difference in velocity, ES, or SD with the different primers.

In my very limited experiments I also noted TAC to produce really high ES. I saw some ok groups with it but most were not great. I regret buying it.
Cfe223 was grouping better

 

[rickflst]

In my very limited experiments I also noted TAC to produce really high ES. I saw some ok groups with it but most were not great. I regret buying it.
Cfe223 was grouping better

Yes. Was able to get decent velocities out of an RPR, but could never get the ES below 110fps. That said, I didn't note any significant decrease in on-target precision even with the wide ES. Much better results with Varget, BL-C(2), VVN150...

If it's relevant, all SMK and once-fired Federal GM brass with .002" neck tension. Used Fed 210, 210m, CCI 200s in three separate attempts with no real difference in velocity, ES, or SD with the different primers.

Thanks for the info. I was looking at picking some up as it is actually available. I will hold out for something else. I need to find some unicorn droppings (large rifle primers) anyway.