model 15 help please?

[gwalchmai]

is there any set up where i don't have to weigh powder?
simpler is better.
i'm not gonna wash cases either.
i can't find the brian enos site mentioned. lots of stuff under his name but not a comparison.

Problem with measuring powder by volume is it can vary by humidity. Weight works bet. That said, Lee make scoops that work well for light loads like .38' Look at Midway & Brownells'

Here's the link to Brian's comparisons: Dillon Precision Reloading on BrianEnos.com

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

is there any set up where i don't have to weigh powder?....i'm not gonna wash cases either....

With Lee dippers you don't need to weigh powder. The lee die set comes with a dipper and a chart that gives different loads with different bullets and powders. Just pick one that doesn't push the pressure envelope. The effects of humidity on powder density are inconsequential with regards to .38 Spl plinker loads.

You don't need a tumbler either. Dunk your cases in a bucket of soap and water. You can use dish soap or a laundry detergent. Slosh them around for 5 minutes. The more agitation the better. Lay'em out on a cookie sheet to air dry in the sun for a day, or put them in your oven at 250F for 20 minutes. Open the oven door and let them sit for a couple of hours. Works best if your remove the primers first (there's a tool for that in the die set).

Do not us any products that contain ammonia.

 

[susieqz]

thanks guys. i've studied that info.

um, is anyone here a poli sci major? dos anyone read tea leaves?
see into a crystal ball?
i'd really like to hear from someone who reads entrails.

see, i don't know what's the smartest thing to do.
i think bad things will happen after the election.
i was deeply scarred by the 22lr panic. i found out about it when i couldn't find ammo.
i had to by a vantage 1200 air rifle just for pest control. it kills evil bunnies at 15 yards but is heavy n not much fun.
now i have 2 choices.
i can stockpile 22lr, or i can stockpile reloading stuff. i can't do both.

i'm dirt poor. lucky for me, poor now isn't like poor used to be. i can buy imported cheese, guns, ammo, books, plants, etc but in limited quantities.

if there is gonna be a 22 supply disruption i'm best off stockpiling that.
if centerfire is hit, i'm best off with reloading supplies.

does anyone have any thots about which is better to do?

i don't need suggestions based on you liking centerfire better.
some of us like rimfire as much or more,
i like both but i guess my 22s have an edge in pure fun, so what
i should do?

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Sue, if you are going to reload, I would stock up on that.
22LR is a one shot deal ,where as 38spec , the case is the most expensive
part and can be reused many times.
A light Full wad cutter [ flat point] can take small game
easily the SWC is a good general purpose bullet and the JHC
will work also.
By adjusting/ changing the powder you can go from 22LR range
to 38+p heavy loads with the same bullet primer and case.
The 22lr pistol is of limited use [ rifle much better]
The 38 revolver much larger bullet with greater range of loads.
That said, a few bricks of 22lr are usually not two pricey
and could be put back for "just in case".

 

[susieqz]

thanks, groo.
you know, there is so much good info on this thread i'm saving it forever.
not sure i agree about 22 pistols tho.
i've taken bunnies with mine out to 50 yards. that's much farther than i ever got a kill with my marlin.
i just work harder with handguns.
practice is more fun.
i got my model 15 loaded n next to the door. i hope to blood it this week.
evil bunnies are everywhere.
saw two today but there were a bunch of cows right behind them so i couldn't take a shot.

 

[gwalchmai]

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[susieqz]

gwal, i got a ''page not found'' msg for that site.

 

[gwalchmai]

Try this:Dillon Precision Reloading on BrianEnos.com

 

[gwalchmai]

Sorry, Try this - Dillon Precision Reloading on BrianEnos.com

 

[susieqz]

thanks. found it.
you know, i don't believe any numbers/hour for
any press. they also say to weigh powder once every 10
rounds.
this would slow things up greatly.

 

[gwalchmai]

I have a 550B, and it has a 100 count primer tube. I check my charge weight every time I refill primers, i.e., every 100 rounds. Some people try to load as fast as possible. We call them "owners of blowed-up guns".

Loading at a comfortable gait, checking charges every 100 rounds, I can consistently load 500 rounds per hour (assuming I have my primer tubes pre-loaded. As I never load more than 1000 rounds per session, because, why?

BTW, I've been using my 550 for over ten years and the powder drop has never varied more than 0.1gr once dialed in.

The QDB is a fine press if you don't mind its drawbacks, but I haven't regretted spending the extra money up front for the 550.

 

[susieqz]

thanks.
once every hundred may be doable.
once every 10 is a deal breaker.
i just don't wanna do that.
bearing in mind that i will only load 38 spc, do you recommend the 550 for me to learn on?

all i need is one centerfire caliber to compliment my 22s.
even some 38spc ammo i tested hurt me to shoot.

 

[gwalchmai]

I had a good friend, Braindoc (yes, he's a brain surgeon), who loaded .9mm, .38SP, .357 MAG, .44SPL & MAG, .45 Colt, and .45 ACP (that I know of) on a SDB. He never had any complaints. The only downsides I've heard of are the non-standard dies and slightly smaller workspace. I doubt either of those will be a big problem for you. If I were only going to load on straight-wall pistol case I wouldn't hesitate on a SDB. Heck, think of the money you'll have leftover for accessories...

 

[susieqz]

i wish there was a way to eliminate testing all the time.
i understand needing to do that if you change powders, but i'll pick one n stay with that.
that ad vid i saw was just a lie. that looked easy but there are tons of steps you gotta do besides the actual loading.
plus, books to study.
the idea of hard study just to do a chore is not pleasing.
if i could find cheap ammo this gun likes i'd never reload.
unfortunately, as of now, it only likes wadcutters ar 40 cents each.
everything else i'd call a plinking round, but i don't do much plinking.
i like small groups. that's my fun.

 

[gwalchmai]

Reloading is easier than driving a car. Just not as familiar.

 

[susieqz]

i don't much driving cars either.
my job is supposed to be sitting around, looking cute.

 

[susieqz]

is there a consensus here on the best loading
for a target gun?
it needs to be accurate n low recoil.

i just need the bullet to leave the barrel n get to the target.
i don't care if i have to arc it like a mortar.
recoil sucks. big groups suck.
i need brands of powder, primers bullets, please.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
you need a manual [ the lyman will work fine and has a lot of cast data]
BUT the standard for 38spec target has been for a while, standard primers
[ any make] 148gr full wad cutter [WC] and 2.7gr Bullseye.
The powder can change as can the type of WC depending on what
you get, primers can change if you have fail to fire [ federal is easier
to light] and length change, but that is what the manual is for.
Your 2.7+- loading will shoot soft,accurate make nice holes in the target,
and at close range can kick the snot out of the dreaded "killer rabbit".
PS If you can see your way clear to shoot a 158gr semi wad cutter , Bullseye [ or similar] can be used to make from light to
near +p full power loadings.
Same bullet ,primmer , powder, case and gun for target punching and bunny thumping. [ Don't ya just love the 38 special!]

 

[susieqz]

if federal primers are easiest to light, why would you ever use anything else?

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Pieces parts can be hard to find, that is why I was not too specific and
and said "get a manual".
A pound of powder will get you 1000 to 2000 loads [2.5 to 3.5 gr of bullseye powder] 7000gr to a pound.
Price of primers can very also so we sometimes use what you can get.
Federal is considered the best by many but near me winchester
is more often found so I do not lighten my hammer springs from factory.
PPS. I would suggest the lee nut cracker as a "starter" setup.
Not much cost , works ,not much room needed, and you can learn on it.
If after that you "need" a faster rig ,go for it.
I had a lee progressive and my BIL has a Dillen, but I still use my
lee nut cracker for most things as I have more "control" [slower]
over the outcome.