Originally Posted by
opngrnd
Paging Markm! Paging Markm!
All jokes aside, there will be some extremely well versed individuals along shortly. I can layout my process, but there are still parts I'd like to change, or simply haven't changed because I haven't bought some of the items others use. My current process for 223:
1. Tumble dirty brass.
2. Stand 100 at a time un Universal Loading trays and spray from all 4 directions at a downward angle. I do 4 trays at a time.
3. Run through Hornady progressive press to resize.
4. Run through again with Lee's Collet Neck Sizing Die. This allows me to feel if necks are cracked or have insufficient tension. I lose about 1/300 to cracked necks.
5. Tumble lube off.
6. Trim with Giraud Tri-Way Trimmer.
7. Swage as needed on Dillon Super Swage 600. I also cull range pick up brass if someone removed too much pocket material.
8. Hand prime. I mark the cases where the primer has very little resistance being seated and throw them in the scrap bucket after firing.
9. Load in trays. Check that primer is not obscured by tumbling media.
10. Drop powder on 300 at a time. Eyeball the 6 trays of 50 to ensure powder is even in all charged cases.
11. Seat bullets on my Redding Big Boss 2 single stage.
12. Run them through the progressive press with Lee Factory Crimp Die in place.
I'm very picky, even at the expense of production because nothing's worth losing a finger or eye. If I don't like something, I toss that piece of brass.
Each year, I experiment a little, and more of the operation is done by the progressive press. A few years down the road I see about 3 more of the individual steps being folded into the progressive press. Even with my lengthy process, about 20-30 minutes a day ensures I always have a good amount of ammo ready, and I shoot between 5k-10k yearly. I usually get most of my reloading done for the year in the winter months. YMMV.