Recent content by leathermech

I use the cheap Lee case trimmer chucked in a drill press. Before that, I used the same tool in a hand drill clamped to the bench. I do it to minimize the possibility of inconsistent crimps. With the position of the die and the throw of the ram being consistent, a longer case gets a harder...

I got my first Speer manual with my first RCBS kit in 1982. The back half of the book was load data, but the front half was the “what’s it mean” and “how to” section. This stuff was fascinating to me, but I’m crazy like that. In 1989, I found the Nosler, 3rd edition. Way different “how to”...

Reloading Manuals? Like Lay's, you can't eat just one. As a rifle shooter, I find the bullet manufacturers more helpful than what the powder companies put out. For me, loading for centerfire rifle is more about matching the right bullet. I usually start with the Sierra book. For my pistol...

Referring to the original question, I can’t imagine why you’d want to jury a rounded based bullet. I also can’t imagine being held account for some of the “good ideas at the time” I’ve chased over the years. The base of the bullet is the part pushed by the propelling gasses. When imperfect...

From my perspective, pressure is relative. That is, it's relative to how close you are to "over pressure". Safety: If you're in the middle of the published load range, I agree with most everybody here. But if you've worked up to the very edge of safe pressure, I think adding a heavy roll...

Nope. I've never found a 38 case that gave me any attitude. I'll rub 44 mag cases on the lube pad, but I don't squish gazillions of those like I do 38. Everyone has a different goal in mind. Semper Fi, Guns!

I’m asking the question now because I’ve never thought to ask it. “What pressure signs?” While browsing a forum discussing working up loads for the 38 Special, talk turned to Keith’s published loads, as it usually does. One feller mentioned, pressure was fine because the cases dropped from...