Just Thought I'd Share

[COSteve]

I was reading a post asking about tips on handloading from a new reloader on another forum and decided to respond to it. I thought I share my response here too. My press is a progressive Dillon 750 and I've used this technique on my 550 and 650 before it.

When I set up my dies and adjust them, I add a piece of brass and cycle my press until there's a piece in every station before my final lock down of each die. That way the final adjustment of my dies will be based on the press with the loads on it as it is when actually processing brass or handloading. This way any flex in the press or variation in adjustment will be accounted for and my finished ammo will be as I intended.

[Old No7]

When I set up my dies and adjust them, I add a piece of brass and cycle my press until there's a piece in every station before my final lock down of each die. That way the final adjustment of my dies will be based on the press with the loads on it ...

Good tip -- I do that on my 550 as well.

Old No7

[Scott Tschirhart]

I don’t generally do this but I think it’s a great idea.

[OldWin]

I don’t generally do this but I think it’s a great idea.

Same here, but I may give it a whirl next time I fire up the 550.
Thanks Steve!

[Ysabel Kid]

You all and you fancy progressive presses...

[COSteve]

Fancy? I'm far from fancy. My 'bench' is a reinforced' wood desk I salvaged from my daughter after she went to college. I added a plywood and Masonite top that measures just 2' deep by 5½' wide. It's humble compared to many of your areas but it works well for me. Everything to load 7 pistol and 9 rifle calibers is right in front of me, labeled and ready to go.

It's in our finished basement so it's a constant 68° and low humidity year round. Organization is the key to my area. Fifteen minutes after I pull the handle the last time it's back to looking like this every time. My handloading hobby is a calming and relaxing hobby I really enjoy and when you have a small space its got to be kept organized or there's chaos.

19a-Just Bench.jpg

I also have a storage closet to the right of my 'bench' with my tumblers in it as my brass cleaning station. I keep the door closed when the tumblers are on to keep the noise down.

18-Case Cleaning Station.jpg