Adventures in Progressive Reloading - Part 1

This will be the first post in a series of entries talking about the move from single stage precision rifle reloading to the world of high volume pistol reloading on a progressive press.

I've been reloading for a few years now exclusively on a single stage Hornady press.  It's been great, and I've gotten to the point I can turn out consistent ammo, tuned ammo for my rifles.   Others may feel differently, but there is no way in hell I'd have wanted to take the plunge into progressive without that experience under my belt.  Progressive reloading is a whole different duck, and without the foundation learned from a lot of time spent at the bench, I'm pretty sure either a) my head would have exploded or b) I'd have made a mess of a few batches and wasted a lot of time.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that if you're reading this blog, you're a bit like me - a voracious consumer of information about our hobby and someone who does a good bit of research before making any decisions.

By far, the best and most complete repository of pistol reloading information I've found has been here:   http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

Given that I make my living as an IT nerd herder, my first step was to define my requirements...  What was I looking to accomplish?

a) I wanted something that produced safe, accurate and reliable ammunition
b) I wanted something that maximized my time investment and was efficient in operation.  (I put a high value on my free time, and doing copious amounts of tedious shit in my time off is not in the game plan.)
c) I wanted a quality/reliable piece of equipment.  If there is anything I've learned in our sport, it's that cry once, buy once, is the right path.
d) I didn't care about changing calibers.  This was about high volume production of 9mm.  So setup/retooling time wasn't a factor.
e) I wanted a company with a good reputation for support 
f) Bonus points for local/readily available parts and accessories

The final decision ended up being easier than expected..  With Dillon being a local company and their support, warranty and reputation, I was left really just deciding between their three consumer level presses.

Let me highly recommend a FAQ/Guide that Brian Enos has put together:
http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html

Using that guide it quickly became apparent that the XL650 was the best fit.   A quick drive, a large charge, and a mountain of boxes later...  I was ready to get setup.








 

Product Review: Hornady Case Prep Trio

A review I posted on another site awhile back:

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Case-Prep-Trio/

So I've been playing with this one for a few weeks now and I feel comfortable I've got enough volume through it for an initial review. (500 or so cases to date)

- It's nice and quiet. I don't catch guff from my wife in the other room which is always a plus.

- I was initially concerned about how ergonomic it would be, after one of the counter guys at a local reloading store here complained about how he couldn't figure out how to use it efficiently. This proved entirely unfounded. With the unit in front of you sideways, you can rest your hand on the bench and it's perfect. Very comfortable to use for long strings of cases needing work.

- One of the best features? It uses standard 8-32 threads..

This means that the RCBS primer pocket uniformer heads work perfectly. I've used both the large and small, and it sure beats a sore hand from using a manual tool.

- It also fits the RCBS primer pocket cleaner and brushes.

Assuming it has legs and doesn't burn out/wear out anytime soon, it was money well spent. It's made case prep a whole lot faster and easier.

The only downside is they built tool holders into the top. I find I'm resting a hand on top of the until while I'm working and they get in the way if you use them. No loss really.

Please note:  A follow on update has been posted.

http://guntinker.blogspot.com/2016/11/product-review-hornady-case-prep-trio.html

CZ SP-01 Magazines

Well folks, as many of you might have noticed, high capacity magazines have become as scarce as an honest Chicago politician.    I was sitting on six factory CZ 18 rounders, and was a bit uncomfortable without a few more spares.

Having heard good things about Mec-Gar's CZ mags, and having heard they are actually the CZ OEM manufacturer, I put my best google-fu to work and snagged the last 5 17 round Meg-Gar's from Copes. (http://www.copesdistributing.net/).    I was able to run about 500 rounds over two range trips through them and was pleased with function.   A light cycle so far, but no failures.    I've since added the Mec-Gar +2 baseplates, bringing them up to 19 rounders.  It's part #F42099 if you're curious.   They have also functioned flawlessly with another 500 or so rounds spread over the 5 mags.

Going with the separate base plates cost a bit more.  But, when the masses are panic buying, a $40 19 rounder I can assemble myself is still better than the $33 19 rounder that is out of stock...  everywhere.