Reloading Block.....I don't get it.

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

I've seen all kinds of neat looking reloading blocks and while they look neat I don't understand the workflow. It seems like it's the worst waste of time.

Currently I take my Brass out of the tumbler toss em in a bowl, take my box of bullets set them aside. Measure out a powder charge, grab a bullett, seat bullett and place complete round in plastic case.

So how does adding a reloading block save me any time? Don't get me wrong they look nice but why spend the money?

 

[GhengisAhn175]

Reloading in an assembly form fashion is generally faster, doing one process at a time vs one round start to finish

 

[Spooky68]

I use them to keep organized and to help keep track of brass that has been worked and brass that has not. For instance, loading pistol on a single stage I will resize and then put in the block with mouth facing up, then I will expand and then place in block with mouth facing down.... etc........ so not necessarily a time saver.

 

[NovaHunter]

Agreed. Working in batches vs. one at a time is faster.

The loading blocks also hold the case so they don't tip over when you are pouring powder in.

Using my RCBS scale and dispenser, I can dump powder in a case, set the pan back on my scale/dispenser, and while that is being filled up for the next case I seat the bullet. Cut my loading time in half vs using a balancing beam scale. The loading block helps immensely in keeping the process organized.

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[Stag556]

You don't need a fancy reloading block although it's reloading bench porn. 40 cal handgun ammo trays fit perfectly with any 30 cal based rifle cartridge and they are free and plentiful at any range.


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[canezach]

I use them just to keep my brass organized. I'll resize, run them through the Giraud to trim/chamfer/debur, then prime and into the tray they go. Once I'm ready to throw powder,, I throw the first charge on my Chargemaster, pour, and seat the bullet while the Chargemaster is throwing the next load.

 

[spife7980]

I use them to keep organized and to help keep track of brass that has been worked and brass that has not. For instance, loading pistol on a single stage I will resize and then put in the block with mouth facing up, then I will expand and then place in block with mouth facing down.... etc........ so not necessarily a time saver.

Exactly, I put them into a block to make sure I got my full set of 50 out of the tumbler and Im not missing any before sizing. Then Ill size and tumble the lube off. Ill trim as I pull them out of the tumbler and put them in mouth up to see the shiny and get my full count. Then I will prime and they go back in the block mouth down so I can see that there arent any missing a primer.

I used to do small batches of 10-15 or whatever I had shot that day and didnt find much use for a block when doing them start to go one at a time. Now that I work in larger batches I find it nice to ensure one doesnt get left out of a process. Pour powder into one unprimed case and youll quickly see the benefit of keeping all of your ducks in a row. Its a big time saver when you dont have to scrap material or get the equipment back out to do a step that you forgot.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Ehhh I'm quickly learning this is just cool looking shit for the sake of cool looking shit. And that's cool. But I don't see how it makes the process easier or fool proof. I could move em from a butter dish to an old hat to a travel soap container and still keep track of my process.

Im not bashing anyone that's Spent $99 on a billet set w a titanium funnel. If it makes you happy I'm happy for you.

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[Dtarget]

I use the CNC loading trays and do like them. The tight fit/depth provides stability. I charge, place bullet, then seat by the tray. All other steps are done from bin to bin. Not saying plastic trays or empty Styrofoam/plastic trays from commercial ammo wont work.

 

[spife7980]

Ehhh I'm quickly learning this is just cool looking shit for the sake of cool looking shit. And that's cool. But I don't see how it makes the process easier or fool proof.

So did I beforehand but then again I had more cases missing primers etc before I started using the trays and keeping it all there nicely arranged in front of my face.
For me they are a nice tool to have. And it cost me all of the 4 bucks necessary to get to my free shipping limit so Im fine with that.

 

[GhengisAhn175]

How are you measuring your charges and putting them in your case?
loading block is there to assist you in putting charges in with reducing spills by supporting your case(s)

 

[NovaHunter]

Ehhh I'm quickly learning this is just cool looking shit for the sake of cool looking shit. And that's cool. But I don't see how it makes the process easier or fool proof. I could move em from a butter dish to an old hat to a travel soap container and still keep track of my process.

Im not bashing anyone that's Spent $99 on a billet set w a titanium funnel. If it makes you happy I'm happy for you.

Thanks for all the responses.

I think I spent $10 for my two loading blocks. The cheap universal ones have worked pretty well for me.

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[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

How are you measuring your charges and putting them in your case?
loading block is there to assist you in putting charges in with reducing spills by supporting your case(s)

RCBS Chargemaster. Grab a primed casing from
a bowl. Hold the case in my hand and funnel w my fingers. Pour the powder out of the pan. Transfer to the press and load the projo. Place completed round in my ammo box. Work in batches of 100 so it's not overly complicated.

 

[nexusfire]

RCBS Chargemaster. Grab a primed casing from
a bowl. Hold the case in my hand and funnel w my fingers. Pour the powder out of the pan. Transfer to the press and load the projo. Place completed round in my ammo box. Work in batches of 100 so it's not overly complicated.

Haha you have balls my friend. I have spilled to many this way. I just use the cheap plastic ones and do one operation at a time, i.e. charging or seating. In my job when we are doing installations, it always is more productive if you can repeat an operation over and over. Also reduces chance of error. Just my personal opinion and preference.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Haha you have balls my friend. I have spilled to many this way. I just use the cheap plastic ones and do one operation at a time, i.e. charging or seating. In my job when we are doing installations, it always is more productive if you can repeat an operation over and over. Also reduces chance of error. Just my personal opinion and preference.

I did borrow a cheaper plastic one and tried to throw all the charges then move to seating projos after that. I thought maybe I was missing something but it seems I was doing the same thing everyone else was.

I guess I just want to get in, get out and go shooting.

 

[z7.jled]

1. For keeping track of batches/progress

2. For single stage reloading when i am dropping powder vs measuring

3. Keeps things neat

4. It is part ofy process that prevents me from blowing up my gun. Being able to visually inspect all 50 cases at a time next to each other for powder levels is helpful for me

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[bruddah]

They make for easier organization. I set them up and drop powder charges in them while they're standing supported. It's also a nice way to be able to inspect the cases and case mouths.

 

[wrhunter]

How are you measuring your charges and putting them in your case?
loading block is there to assist you in putting charges in with reducing spills by supporting your case(s)

For the chargemaster users, pick up a scale pan that has a filler mouth on it and you can pour directly from the pan to your case then seat the bullet as the dispenser fills the pan again. No need for a block, at least for case filling. I do use a cheap plastic one for lubing cases though.

 

[Mike Casselton]

1. For keeping track of batches/progress

2. For single stage reloading when i am dropping powder vs measuring

3. Keeps things neat

4. It is part ofy process that prevents me from blowing up my gun. Being able to visually inspect all 50 cases at a time next to each other for powder levels is helpful for me

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^^^^^
This.
I'm also a batch loader.
I accidently threw away my blocks that fit large bore pistol cases.
Trying to load the cases one by one without skipping a powder charge drove me nuts.
I place all of them in the blocks and charge with powder, then inspect the levels.
Not being able to do that doesn't work for my brain.

Sounds like you load by picking up a case, sizing it, pull it out of the press, pick up the priming tool, prime it, set the priming tool down and toss it into a bowl, then repeat until they are all done.
That's a lot of wasted movement.
The way most of us do it allows for many visual and mechanical inspections and it ends up quicker in the long run.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

^^^^^
This.
I'm also a batch loader.
I accidently threw away my blocks that fit large bore pistol cases.
Trying to load the cases one by one without skipping a powder charge drove me nuts.
I place all of them in the blocks and charge with powder, then inspect the levels.
Not being able to do that doesn't work for my brain.

Sounds like you load by picking up a case, sizing it, pull it out of the press, pick up the priming tool, prime it, set the priming tool down and toss it into a bowl, then repeat until they are all done.
That's a lot of wasted movement.
The way most of us do it allows for many visual and mechanical inspections and it ends up quicker in the long run.

Im still new to reloading but here is my proces

my process all on a single stage:

-Size/de-prime, inspect, place in bowl until all brass is done.
-Trim, inspect and place in tumbler until all brass is done
-Tumble
-prime, inspect & place in bowl until all are primed
-powder charge and seat bullet, inspect, place in ammo storage box, repete until completed.

 

[Milo 2.5]

Im still new to reloading but here is my proces

my process all on a single stage:

-Size/de-prime, inspect, place in bowl until all brass is done.
-Trim, inspect and place in tumbler until all brass is done
-Tumble
-prime, inspect & place in bowl until all are primed
-powder charge and seat bullet, inspect, place in ammo storage box, repete until completed.

Your process is fine for you, but a lot of us run double or triple powder dispensers, need a tray for this style. Fill cases, then go seat bullets, with 3 CM's, it's 8 minutes on powdering a tray, no time to seat. I was hoping your post was touching on the 99 dollar machined aluminum blocks everyone Needs these days, lol

 

[GhengisAhn175]

I think you guys are missing The point

The blocks are an improvement over universal designs. Period, end of story.

If you want a cheaper alternative I posted a link of a guy making caliber specific blocks out of wood. Works just as well.

The funnel kit is also an improvement over the universal design. Period, end of story.

Nothing life changing, if you don't have the need for it then you don't need it. If you're just starting out reloading, won't need it. Only your reloading habits and experience you'll development tell you what additional tools you'll need, if any.

 

[mattp8893]

Your process is fine for you, but a lot of us run double or triple powder dispensers, need a tray for this style. Fill cases, then go seat bullets, with 3 CM's, it's 8 minutes on powdering a tray, no time to seat. I was hoping your post was touching on the 99 dollar machined aluminum blocks everyone Needs these days, lol

That's what I thought this post was about at
First as well. I use loading blocks but I use the 3.50 Frankfort arsenal ones bought for specific calibers. I'm not understanding the whole let pay 20-100 dollars for billet trays when you can have the exact same caliber specific ones for 3.50


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[scudzuki]

I lube cases with 1 shot lube. Load up a tray with 50 cases and lube them all in 5 seconds. No dents in the cases from excess lube, no stuck cases from not enough lube.
When assembling precision ammo for my bolt guns, I charge cases in one setup then seat bullets in another. Whether I'm loading 5 or 250, they go in blocks to charge. Once they're charged, they get bullets seated, then go into plastic ammo cases... 50 rounds in a block, 50 rounds in a case. Blocks are especially helpful when I'm loading up for an OCW or any test where I'm trying different charges, seating depths, whatever... much easier to keep the rounds organized and avoid mistakes.

YMMV

 

[Mike Casselton]

I lube cases with 1 shot lube. Load up a tray with 50 cases and lube them all in 5 seconds. No dents in the cases from excess lube, no stuck cases from not enough lube.
When assembling precision ammo for my bolt guns, I charge cases in one setup then seat bullets in another. Whether I'm loading 5 or 250, they go in blocks to charge. Once they're charged, they get bullets seated, then go into plastic ammo cases... 50 rounds in a block, 50 rounds in a case. Blocks are especially helpful when I'm loading up for an OCW or any test where I'm trying different charges, seating depths, whatever... much easier to keep the rounds organized and avoid mistakes.

YMMV

This ^^^^^
Same, same. For bottle necked cases, they stay in the block while I charge them with the powder measure.

Add in, I also make sure the plastic case is properly marked with the charge, etc. I also enter the info in my data folder before cleaning up.

 

[wxl]

I use the plastic trays and do fine using ones for larger calibers also for my pistol and down to the smaller 223. Have not needed caliber specific blocks.