Help me get into reloading

[Certaindeaf]

Bullseye - 1898
Unique - 1900
Some old-time powders right there.

Speaking of old, I read that some of the original batch of Bullseye has been purposely kept and some is tested/fired every year. Pretty interesting.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I've used Red Dot from the git go. It's about in between Bullseye and Unique on the burn scale. You can use it for about anything and it's the one powder that for some reason has been best able to shrug off panic disappearing acts. It's the last powder to disappear off the shelves and I like that.

 

[bbbass]

I've used Red Dot from the git go. It's about in between Bullseye and Unique on the burn scale. You can use it for about anything and it's the one powder that for some reason has been best able to shrug off panic disappearing acts. It's the last powder to disappear off the shelves and I like that.

I'm still using it sometimes. Have an 8lb can on hand.

Don't let the word get out.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'm still using it sometimes. Have an 8lb can on hand.

Don't let the word get out.

It goes a loong way.. and the double secret that makes it even more better is that Promo is the same thing but cheaper.
I love those "working up a load" (giggity) boys that use 30 different powders for one cartridge.. more Red Dot for me!

 

[Goosebrown]

So OP, have you got any help and opinion yet?

 

[Josh89]

So OP, have you got any help and opinion yet?

More then I can even process right now,patiently waiting for all my stuff to get in on Tuesday to read thru the books and start making decisions.

 

[Member 5605]

I always decapped first before wet cleaning of any kind, but I know some don't. How do you get the primer pockets dry when you don't decap first? Does the 'warm it in the oven' method cook the water out?

I decap prior to clean... always with one exception: dirty, really dirty brass. Then I tumble with stuff that needs cleaning that's been deprimed. I'll decap after it's clean to keep dies from getting damaged.

Sometimes I use the universal decapper if I have a bunch of filthy brass. Then I'll clean it and size after dry. Really though process is dependent on how clean brass is before depriming.

I don't open my brass anymore, I use a FA brass dryer. (Dehydrator specifically for that--- no food dehydrating in it).

 

[F2CMaDMaXX]

Because i also deprime before cleaning (actual rotary tumbler) i just bought the $20 Lee press and a universal decapper.

 

[jordanka16]

Because i also deprime before cleaning (actual rotary tumbler) i just bought the $20 Lee press and a universal decapper.

This is what I do, I wouldn't even think of running brass that hasn't been tumbled through a sizer.

I would actually recommend everyone buy a cheap Lee press to deprimes on, keeps the nasty grit out of your nicer press

 

[F2CMaDMaXX]

This is the one, though it's out of stock at Amazon and just under $30.

Amazon.com : Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045 : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

 

[DirectDrive]

I've used Red Dot from the git go. It's about in between Bullseye and Unique on the burn scale. You can use it for about anything and it's the one powder that for some reason has been best able to shrug off panic disappearing acts. It's the last powder to disappear off the shelves and I like that.

Red Dot - 1932
I've used a lot of it for light loads in 12 gauge and so have a lot of other folks.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Red Dot - 1932
I've used a lot of it for light loads in 12 gauge and so have a lot of other folks.

I wouldn't doubt it.. it says "shotgun powder" right on the can. lol

 

[Tilos]

This is what I do, I wouldn't even think of running brass that hasn't been tumbled through a sizer.

I would actually recommend everyone buy a cheap Lee press to deprimes on, keeps the nasty grit out of your nicer press

I use my drill press:

 

[Tilos]

This is the one, though it's out of stock at Amazon and just under $30.

Amazon.com : Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045 : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

Thanks for the link
1-2 months delivery...what's up with that

 

[F2CMaDMaXX]

Thanks for the link
1-2 months delivery...what's up with that

Meh, i've seen that many times, it's usually just a safe guard, i order and i get it in about a week.

 

[Josh89]

So for some serious dirty brass,has dirt in some if the cases as well,what would the recommend steps be to start cleaning and deprimming it be.

 

[Tilos]

So for some serious dirty brass,has dirt in some if the cases as well,what would the recommend steps be to start cleaning and deprimming it be.

I just wash it with Dawn dish soap and hot water to wash off any mud/dirt.
If you have a lot of range brass...and a cement mixer have at it
Then de=prime and tumble with your preferred process.

 

[Josh89]

I just wash it with Dawn dish soap and hot water to wash off any mud/dirt.
If you have a lot of range brass...and a cement mixer have at it
Then de=prime and tumble with your preferred process.

Ok,what media is the least likely to stick in the primer pocket,that's the only downside I've read about deprimming before tumbling

 

[Certaindeaf]

Ok,what media is the least likely to stick in the primer pocket,that's the only downside I've read about deprimming before tumbling

Water. lol
I just wash my brass to clean it. then dry then load

 

[ageingstudent]

Ok,what media is the least likely to stick in the primer pocket,that's the only downside I've read about deprimming before tumbling

Media sticking in the flash hole usually isn't a huge problem. You may see a few here and there, but they are easily dislodged with a straightened paper clip or a small awl while you are inspecting the cases after cleaning.

Edit: If I had some dirt in the brass like you have I would soak and agitate in the vinegar/soap/water mixture until clean enough to decap. Then decap and clean again, or dry tumble in some walnut with cartridge polish.