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11-03-2010, 12:35 AM
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Loading trays
Do you use loading trays in your reloading process?
At what stages of your process do you use the trays?
Do the 'universal' trays work ok, or are they too much of a compromise in terms of properly holding the various sizes of brass.
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11-03-2010, 05:34 AM
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Counting Brass & Bullets
When I first started reloading I made up 2 each of 50rds, for each of the calibers I was loading. Switched over to progressive system so trays don't get used in loading process.
I do use the .44 trays for counting out any handgun caliber brass or bullets. Works very well, quick and easy.
After cleaning brass I bag it up in 100 count pks in ziplock bags. I'm able to quickly see how much clean brass I've got on hand.
Kevin
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11-03-2010, 06:49 AM
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When I load on my single stage press I always use a loading tray. I'd bought a red plastic universal tray by MTM 35 years ago and still use it today. There's no better way to visually check charges by looking down into each case and compare levels. Over the years it has saved me several times when for one reason or another the powder dispenser wasn't throwing uniform charges.
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11-03-2010, 06:50 AM
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Yes.
For progressive loading I use them to keep track of how many primers I have left in the tube.
I do a lot of single stage loading and use them for every step of the process there.
I have three trays and none of them are caliber specific. They are not all created equal and I do prefer them for different calibers. At times when I am really backed up I also use plastic handgun ammo trays.
Just my opinion, but for me the simpler a universal tray is the more I like it.
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11-03-2010, 07:45 AM
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Single stage loader, here !! I use trays for each caliber. Some can be used for more than 1 caliber (30-06/.308/ .45ACP, etc). I bought one universal tray and it sucks. I must have about 15 trays total.
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11-03-2010, 07:46 AM
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I almost never use them. On my single stage setup I drop the powder charge and immediately seat the bullet. Can't accidentally double charge a case if it's got a bullet on top.
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11-03-2010, 09:35 PM
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I have a turret style press and use a powder thru expander die from Lee for my 44 loads, but I have an RCBS 45acp die set that I have to do the charging in a reloading block, I like the powder-thru style die, one last time to remove the shell.
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11-03-2010, 09:57 PM
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All my loading is done on single stage presses so loading blocks are constantly used by myself. I have caliber (family) specific blocks, most are the older MidwayUSA (wood) ones. I have four of Sinclair's poly blocks-they are excellent quality- but dont have the "character" of hardwood. I also use 12 and 20 gauge (25 round) blocks from Precision Reloading in wood. A MiniMag flashlight is an important accessory when using my blocks, as I have never experienced a double charge and plan on keeping it that way.
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11-03-2010, 11:59 PM
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I have loading blocks I get from work. I use the styrofoam trays that blood tubes come in. They have 100 holes, will hold most calibers just fine and they are free. I get so many of them I give them away at the gun shows. I figure it does a couple of things, helps out other reloaders and keeps styrofoam out of the landfills for a while.
bob
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11-04-2010, 12:32 AM
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My first loading tray was made by my reloading mentor back around 1972. It consists of two 3/4" pieces of wood stacked on top of each other. Apparently, he drilled 50 holes that go through the top piece and half way through the bottom piece. He then cut small slots in the top piece, 2 on each end and then drove large headed roof nails down through the slots into the bottom piece of wood. This allows the top piece to slide back and forth and the nails act as stops. When you slide the top one way, both sets of holes line up and it is good for longer rifle cartridges. When you slide the top the other way, the the holes in the boards are offset and the holes are only 3/4" deep and it works for pistol cartridges.
I also have 2 plastic trays that I purchased over the years. I too use a single stage Herter's press and find the trays very helpful. Right now, two are holding some 45/70 rifle brass and the third is holding some .357 mags.
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11-04-2010, 09:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve C
When I load on my single stage press I always use a loading tray. I'd bought a red plastic universal tray by MTM 35 years ago and still use it today. There's no better way to visually check charges by looking down into each case and compare levels. Over the years it has saved me several times when for one reason or another the powder dispenser wasn't throwing uniform charges.
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Excellent advice! I do exactly the same thing.
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11-04-2010, 03:05 PM
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It's largely a matter of case length and base diameter -- I'll use the universal trays for the wider stuff (.44SPL, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, .45 AutoRim) and the short stuff (.380 Auto, 9mm), and I use the 50-round ammo trays that factory .45ACP ammo comes in for things in-between (.32-20 WCF, .38SPL, .38 Mag, .40S&W, 10mm, .45ACP).
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11-05-2010, 04:56 PM
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I use two universal trays with the press in between. I take the brass from one tray, through the press and into the other tray. Then I swap the trays and continue until the loading is complete. That way you always know where you are.
Jeff
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11-05-2010, 05:08 PM
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I have a universal tray I use, but some of the holes aren't sized right and the cases fit tight. I used to have a homemade tray (1x6 drilled on a drill press) that worked great but it got lost somewhere on my many military moves. I also used to have an extention for my drop measure that allowed the tray to fit all 50 cases underneath it, but apparently it's in the same box as the tray in some gov't warehouse somewhere--sitting next to the Lost Ark of the Covenant.
I, too, still use a Herters single-stage press, but lately I've taken to doing all my sizing and priming with a Lee handloader and auto-primer while sitting in the Laziboy in front of the TV. The press is only used for seating/crimping. (I don't want to spill powder in my coffee or my lap during the commercials!)
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11-07-2010, 12:57 PM
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Home made reloading block
I couldn't find a reloading block to accomodate 200 rounds and rather than using multiple blocks this one was made from a flourescent light defuser, 1/4" masonite (coated - one side) some furniture fasteners, nuts and plastic tips.
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11-07-2010, 05:30 PM
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Who has a hole cut in there light, it does look like a light grid from a ceiling toffer fixture. Good job, you could go to hobby shop and get some sheet plastic and glue it to it.
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11-07-2010, 07:30 PM
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I have a couple of Flambeau Twin 60 trays I bought about 40 years ago. I use them for handgun cartridges, although they will hold rifle size. I like the fact that they hold 60 cases (5 x 12), so when I start a new operation I move the case I have completed over 2 spaces and I always know where I am. They worked fine until a few months ago when I started loading 9mm. I could not get the short case out of them. I looked in all the catalogs and could not find a thin block for the 9mm. One day I turned over another old block I had not used in years, and there was 9mm holes on the other side!
To do my sizing, priming, and belling, I dump cases into one of the wooden embrodry hoops from my wife's sewing bag. They are about 6" in diameter and easily hold 50 cases. This is very handy to work from. Depending on what stage I am at I either put the completed case in a loading block or a plastic 50 round ammo box.
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11-09-2010, 03:41 PM
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Howdy
When I first started reloading 45 Colt and 44-40 I was single staging it. I made up a whole bunch of wooden loading blocks at the time. They will each hold 50 cases, mouth up, in five rows of ten. I always use them when loading on a single stage press, I wouldn't load without them. I use the 'two blocks' method, it is very safe. I still use the blocks when loading 45 Colt, 45 Schofield, or 44-40 with Black Powder on my progressive press. Good way to keep track of how many bullets and primers I have used.
I don't use any blocks when loading 38 Sp on my progressive press.
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