Reloading 101 Basic Questions

[DirtyRod]

All,

I've read the Reloading 101, Reloading basics thread, searched the threads and hit Google, Youtube, etc trying not to bother you with stupid repeditive questions but I do have a few.

1. Some of the videos for the progressive presses don't talk about case lubrication so do you lube the dies as opposed to the brass? Did they just leave that step out of the videos, or is it not required in some presses?

2. Are dies standard thread sizes? One or two sites recommended specific dies for their press, and one stated that they only recommend their own, but others recommended Hornady. Didn't know if it was marketing or if only specific kinds of dies fit in different presses.

3. One of the Hornady dies had an indicator to show that the round had not been double charged. Do they all have this or is this an upgrade or a feature of that one?

4. Most of the electronic scales I see metioned are in the $120+ range. Is it features or accuracy that distinguishes these scales from say a $50 scale?

Thanx and please be kind to the new guy.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DirtyRod</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All,

I've read the Reloading 101, Reloading basics thread, searched the threads and hit Google, Youtube, etc trying not to bother you with stupid repeditive questions but I do have a few.

1. Some of the videos for the progressive presses don't talk about case lubrication so do you lube the dies as opposed to the brass? <span style="font-weight: bold">Carbide dies for straight wall pistol cases don't have to be lubricated before sizing. ALL bottleneck rifle cases do have to be lubricated even when using carbide dies.</span> Did they just leave that step out of the videos, or is it not required in some presses? <span style="font-weight: bold">Except in the working of the straight wall pistol cases mentioned above. They just probably left out that step.</span>

2. Are dies standard thread sizes? <span style="font-weight: bold">Probably 85% of all handloading dies are threaded 7/8"-14 tpi. Some of the older dies made in the 30s, 40s and 50s had their own thread pattern. And some of the newer dies made for the really big calibers like the 50 BMG use a larger diameter and thread pitch.</span> One or two sites recommended specific dies for their press, and one stated that they only recommend their own, but others recommended Hornady. Didn't know if it was marketing or if only specific kinds of dies fit in different presses. <span style="font-weight: bold">Most manufacturers try to sell you their product. But like stated above, MOST will fit other presses.</span>

3. One of the Hornady dies had an indicator to show that the round had not been double charged. Do they all have this or is this an upgrade or a feature of that one? <span style="font-weight: bold">That is an upgrade used on progressive type presses. Some have it standard, others don't.</span>

4. Most of the electronic scales I see metioned are in the $120+ range. Is it features or accuracy that distinguishes these scales from say a $50 scale? <span style="font-weight: bold">As of 3 or 4 years ago most electronic scales for handloading used the same strain guages and chips. Whether or not this is still true, I don't know personally. But most times involving hardware, you get what you pay for.</span>

Thanx and please be kind to the new guy.

</div></div>

I hope this helps you out.

Good luck.

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Thank you for the education.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Not a problem. If you want to learn a lot, keep reading everything you can on the subject. You will soon be able to sort things out where they need to go.

I would like to suggest getting a copy of Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Manual. Read everything EXCEPT the caliber specific load data. There is plenty of time for that. But learning the safe and proper way to do things really needs to be first.

Again, good luck.

 

[srpopeye]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

There is never a stupid question,if you dont ask youll never learn, i use lee resizing lube its very good stuff.on their website leeprecision.com they have help videos on reloading for free very step by step and easy to understand. They were a great help to me when i started educate yourself and be careful.Oh by the way lee lube is the only one on the market that you can load while it still hasnt dried and not have to worry about contaminating your powder or primers. STAY CURRENT STAY SAFE. have fun.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Pistol cases don't HAVE to be lubed when using carbide dies, but you should do it anyway. It makes the sizing process much smoother.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Not lubing straight wall cases sized with a carbide button is the whole point. It removes a step in high volume work. If you're going to lube anyway why pay the extra for the carbide sizing die?

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

.. and the information just keeps on coming. I was going to pick up a couple of books so I will make sure that the Lyman book is on the list and I will head back to the Lee site for some reading.

Thanx again!

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Vic,

My dillon pistol dies only come in carbide I believe, and aren't any more expensive than any other die in general. I just spray on some lube on my .45 cases to smooth out the stroke. It doesn't take me much more time to lube, so it is no big deal. I crank out the rounds pretty fast anyways.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Reloading 101 Basic Questions

Not a problem. No harm no foul. But when carbide button dies first came out in the 1970s they cost over a weeks pay for me. I still have 3 or 4 sets of pistol dies in steel. Now they have become so common no one even thinks twice about it.

If you want to lube before sizing, that's your choice. Your money and your work. It just isn't essential to lube with carbide sizer for straightway pistol cases.