.223 Case Preparation - Part 2

Liberty4Ever Says:

Nov 28, 2011 - Maybe a better solution would be something similar to an ER style collet chuck used in machining. They have wider grip ranges than older collet designs. With the small gripping force required, it should be possible to make a collet style universal shell holder that could work with .223, .308, 243, 270, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, etc. The collet would have thin metal fingers and a lot more open air space, for the widest possible grip range with the minimal grip force needed.

Liberty4Ever Says:

Nov 28, 2011 - I use the Lee three jaw universal shell holder on the Zip Trim and it is convenient, although it needs to be kept clean and well lubed to work as designed. Unfortunately, it has larger diameter female threads for the Zip trim that don't fit the Lee case lock stud's smaller diameter male threads. I suspect there isn't an adapter, or a universal shell holder for a drill because that mechanism works better on a bench mounted device and would be awkward in a drill.

fishcop444 Says:

Nov 28, 2011 - Will the adjustable chuck holder fit into the electric drill/screwdriver? Is it easier to use than the standard shell holder?

Liberty4Ever Says:

Oct 25, 2011 - I tried to keep my brass separated, but never could. I always end up reloading assorted range pickup brass from dubious sources. I find it easier to assume all .223 / 5.56 brass needs to have the primer pocket swaged. I'd put the RCBS primer pocket swager in the Lee Classic Cast Press and if the primer pocket fit over the swaging button, it didn't need swaging, otherwise, I'd pull the handle to swage it. Now, I process all the brass through the RCBS Case Prep Center.

rossmetacraft Says:

Oct 25, 2011 - Excellent pair of videos! Great for beginners like me. One question ... how can you tell if a piece of brass is military and thus needs primer pocket swaging? I have a bunch of brass that I shot myself that I'm planning to reload, some was 5.56, the rest is .223. Is the 5.56 stuff considered military and thus needs swaging? Can I tell by looking at the primer pocket to see if it is crimped in some way? Thanks again for the great vids.

Mrcaffinebean Says:

Jun 19, 2011 - Excellent video! Neat trick with that mill, I see you graduated from the School Of Overkill! lol

Liberty4Ever Says:

Dec 30, 2010 - I'm not a machinist, but I play one on the internet. :-) A 2 HP milling machine makes fast and precise work of trimming .50 BMG brass.

SyFurr Says:

Dec 30, 2010 - Being a machinist myself, I like seeing the mill used for case trimming.

Liberty4Ever Says:

Sep 19, 2010 - So far, I only made videos describing case prep, as there are many options and that can be the most confusing part of rifle reloading. The case neck should be resized such that the .224" bullet presses in without too much difficulty but isn't so loose that the bullet can move between the bullet seating step and the subsequent bullet crimping step. I never use the bullet seating die to crimp. I adjust the die to seat only, and I use the Lee Factory Crimp collet die in the next step.

tony10376 Says:

Sep 19, 2010 - Have you done a follow up set of videos for the rest of the steps for loading? I have been running into problems when it comes to setting the bullet and then crimping. The depth thing is confusing for me and you have done the first video which actually makes sense and takes the time to show the whole process...

hunterwr69 Says:

May 18, 2010 - I want the best possible accuracy I am going to be using a single shot handi rifle I would love to be able to pluck off targets accuratly at as far as I possibly can and for that I would need great ammo so thats another reason I want to reload my own. So would you definitly recomen reloading my own?

Liberty4Ever Says:

May 18, 2010 - If you want best possible accuracy (especially for a bolt action), you NEED to reload. Otherwise, it's just a good way to save money (actually, spend the same and shoot more!) and learn more about your shooting. Reloading can be a very good complementary hobby to shooting. It's not for everyone. Those only wanting cheap ammo fast and not willing to learn a bit should just buy ammo online.

hunterwr69 Says:

May 18, 2010 - I heard the Lee was good and to get just a single stage press to start. I dont want to start right away but for now I just want to see prices and if it is worth it I am getting a .223 soon and gonna be shooting a lot

Liberty4Ever Says:

May 18, 2010 - The ammo cost is usually about half the cost of decent store bought ammo. The start-up equipment costs can be as low as $100 for a minimalist quality setup, and can range up from there. I'd recommend the Lee Classic Cast press. It's inexpensive and beefy enough to load ANYTHING. I use it for .50 BMG. Reloading manual, electronic scales (.1 grain accuracy), calipers, reloading dies, load blocks, Lee AutoPrime, powder funnel, powder dispenser or scoops. Work up from there.

hunterwr69 Says:

May 18, 2010 - Do you know about how much it would cost to start reloading .223 ammo?

Liberty4Ever Says:

May 18, 2010 - You might want to watch the nine reloading videos on Sinclair International's YouTube channel. They're a good intro to see if you'd like reloading. You'll still need to read a reloading book. Sorry, but there is no safe way to get immediate gratification with reloading. Another reloader can help get you started and that's about as painless as it gets.

Liberty4Ever Says:

May 18, 2010 - If you shoot a pistol, I'd recommend starting to reload straight wall pistol ammo. It's easy. You can do it with a simple single stage press. I'd recommend a Lee Classic Cast as a great value in a super beefy press you could use for any rifle ammo later. Follow the directions and be very careful about powder type and powder weight and bullet seating depth and you should be OK. Once you et the hang of that, it's a small step up to rifle reloading.

hunterwr69 Says:

May 18, 2010 - I would like to start reloading ammo but it seems that there is waaay to many steps involved

bigrebone Says:

Mar 11, 2010 - Thanks! I appreciate the well done informative video. I'm going to buy a Lee Classic Press very soon and start reloading my own ammo. Your video was a great help!

BENLINUZ Says:

Jan 27, 2010 - Hey just a tip with you miling machine or drill press you can use the Hornady tool you showed in the first part. I put it in the chuck and then just hold the case under it you can feel when its done its really fast and works great. Might save you a step without having to use the RCBS I dont know just thought id share that with you.

bingeebob Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - good video. I reload .223, I wish I had an instructional video like this when I started loading! synthetic motor oil as case lube is a good idea, as long as you clean after sizing, I use a water based lube so that I don't have to clean twice. you do make some shiny cases though...

godzilla74114 Says:

Aug 12, 2009 - LINUX + RELOADING = EPIC WIN!

resseau73 Says:

Jul 21, 2009 - Great video!!! I am going to try the synthetic oil. Thanks!!!!

Liberty4Ever Says:

Jun 11, 2009 - The Zip Trim is the gray mini lathe that's powered by a pull string, as shown at the start of this video. I modified a Lee Cutter to mount to the RCBS Case Prep Center to use with the appropriate Lee Case Length Gage to trim brass to the right length.

TigerJon02 Says:

Apr 5, 2009 - Very nice videos. I am just getting started with reloading as a hobby (and to save money). This info will come in very handy. Thanks Liberty4Ever!