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Rocky Raab - single stage
geeguy
Member Posts: 1,047 ✭
Did not want to steal another's thread.
Why do you only load on a single stage machine? (I consider you as a true expert in reloading and trying to understand if it's just habit, or a reason I should consider)
I do find that I load all rifle on a single for control, and I do single stage some "match" pistol so I can clean the pocket and then put in my Dillon. But if you are shooting several hundred rounds per week (which I wish I had the time to do)of pistol, what would be the advantage?
Not trying to be critical, just gain some knowledge.
Why do you only load on a single stage machine? (I consider you as a true expert in reloading and trying to understand if it's just habit, or a reason I should consider)
I do find that I load all rifle on a single for control, and I do single stage some "match" pistol so I can clean the pocket and then put in my Dillon. But if you are shooting several hundred rounds per week (which I wish I had the time to do)of pistol, what would be the advantage?
Not trying to be critical, just gain some knowledge.
Comments
For relaxation, I might load 50 rounds of handgun ammo - and then have it sit for years before I get a chance to shoot it for fun. My range time is as limited as my reloading options. More than 90% of my time at the range is shooting test ammo over a chronograph, documenting results, taking photos, changing targets (only one group each), and so on. If I'm only working with one gun I can sometimes move to another bench and plink a bit, but not so much that I tire my eyes or hands too fast.
In short, it's a job. To do it right means doing every bit of it right - and that means loading on a single-stage press.
It is why I sold my Dillon 1000, it was not needed to enjoy my sport.
I don't typically load just five or ten rounds. I usually load anywhere from 50-100 and sometimes as many as 1000 at a time. And my range time is as *unlimited* as I want to make it. (The range does close at dark or 8:00 PM, whichever comes first.)
But, I will say there is something to be said for handling every single round you put through the system. You know it's right or it goes back and gets dis-assembled. There is no point in my mind to make ammo of lesser quality than your purpose. My purpose is accuracy, or at least a given accuracy which is pretty tight. Because of that I don't like to shoot any manufactured crummy/average ammo. And, it's too expensive to shoot manufactured 'good' ammo.
Now, if all you want to do is crank out mass 5.56 rounds, or pistol rounds then you could use a progressive. One of the drawbacks about the progressive is you don't have as many options with the powder. You NEED to use something that meters very, very close every time and still back it off a smidge so you don't get one charge too heavy. Weighing every load takes you right to the brink of what an accuracy built firearm can shoot. You probably won't ever see manufactured, re-manufactured, or even custom made ammo for you shoot into a .1 or better group. You have to do that yourself cartridge by cartridge, checking them all the way.
Bruce, I also have been known to load on a single stage instead of one of my Dillon's just as morning relaxation until the wife gets out of bed. Although it's nice to have the progressive when you need ammo fast.
I hope to start casting more in the near future, just to have a more consistent bullet since each mfg'r varies slightly.
Rifle loads are a lower volume for me, since a good place to shoot a rifle is an hour away.
Once I find my 'sweet' load for a specific gun, that is when I will load the most volume...and still not load more than 300 in a set-up.
I did buy another press a while back, and put a universal decap die on my old Lyman press. That always stays the same, to de-cap before cleaning, as needed.
Loading with care and consistency spills over into your shooting habits too. If I'm having an 'off' day, I won't burn through a box of good ammo trying to shake a bad shooting day.....I've learned that I can't .....so far.
ENJOY !!
I shoot over 800 rounds of 45 a month, all loaded on a single stage press, casting-sizing my own bullets too. It is about priorities, the kitchen is clean, the animals are fed then lawn is mowed. To heck with watching feets-ball, I am going to reload, it is my PASSION. [:D]
It is why I sold my Dillon 1000, it was not needed to enjoy my sport.
+1
I like to have my hands on EVERY round that is loaded. With a single stage press, I physicaly handle every single round, and can inspect them as I go along.
yep