New [to me] reloading bench

[itsanss]

Hey, guys. I've had this setup for coming up on a year now. Haven't had the time to mess with it and I don't go shooting very often. Life gets in the way sometimes!

But my dad, mom, and I recently went to the range and fired some rounds and all three of us got to shoot some guns that have never been shot (ever) and got to shoot some that had never been shot by us (but have been shot before). So now all I can think about is guns! A month from now it'll be fishing. And a month after that will be cars. And a month after that will be woodworking. I have a bad habit of liking a lot of different things.

I've never reloaded any round in any caliber before, but I've watched over my uncles shoulder while he reloaded some 12ga shotgun shells....but I'll bet that's been ten years ago! But I think it's something I'd like to get into....or at least know how to do it since it is, after all, sitting in my garage!

Anyway, just thought I'd show off the setup. My granpda and uncle built the bench and all the gear belonged to my grandpa. He had some really, really nice stuff. Guess I got some of his genes because I like similar things. He was also very meticulous. So even though I don't know much (or anything) about reloading, I can't help but think this setup is pretty well complete. I know there are some dies that aren't here that I would need to reload certain calibers, but as far as the gist of having what's needed to get started is here, I do believe.

So what do ya'll think of my inheritance?? Better than money????

 

[itsanss]

Some more...

 

[nmkid]

You have a good start on hand loading, if you decide to follow through. Of course you'll, "need" to buy more stuff. If you need ideas in the future of the things you will need, just ask us here. We are experts on spending money!

 

[HTSmith]

Yep better than $. Looks good to go on shotgun

 

[Papa Charlie]

That looks great. Wish I had that kind of room.

 

[Puzzaz01]

You're just about to start down the rabbit hole that never ends. It gets expensive but it's fun. Looks like you have a nice head start and welcome to the club.

Darrin

 

[Bc'z]

Looks like your grandfather left you setting pretty nice with that set up.
Now grab the reloading manual and start reading and get a good understanding of the process.

 

[DennisH]

Hey, guys. I've had this setup for coming up on a year now. Haven't had the time to mess with it and I don't go shooting very often. Life gets in the way sometimes!

But my dad, mom, and I recently went to the range and fired some rounds and all three of us got to shoot some guns that have never been shot (ever) and got to shoot some that had never been shot by us (but have been shot before). So now all I can think about is guns! A month from now it'll be fishing. And a month after that will be cars. And a month after that will be woodworking. I have a bad habit of liking a lot of different things.

I've never reloaded any round in any caliber before, but I've watched over my uncles shoulder while he reloaded some 12ga shotgun shells....but I'll bet that's been ten years ago! But I think it's something I'd like to get into....or at least know how to do it since it is, after all, sitting in my garage!

Anyway, just thought I'd show off the setup. My granpda and uncle built the bench and all the gear belonged to my grandpa. He had some really, really nice stuff. Guess I got some of his genes because I like similar things. He was also very meticulous. So even though I don't know much (or anything) about reloading, I can't help but think this setup is pretty well complete. I know there are some dies that aren't here that I would need to reload certain calibers, but as far as the gist of having what's needed to get started is here, I do believe.

So what do ya'll think of my inheritance?? Better than money????



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Very nice setup! I used 2"x12" on my bench, and 5/4" finished plywood. The weight made it awesome. I am always adding something.

I hope everybody's "New Year" is starting off with a bang this year, mine is looking good, but I am not counting my blessings just yet!

Take Care,
Dennis

 

[joshb]

That’s a nice setup! Even better because of the history and better than money! Whet rifles are you shooting?

 

[Just Say Moe]

I like his choice of rifle chamberings. Do you have the rifles?

 

[Jacks Grampa]

You need more books. For shotshell I like Lyman 5th. Edition Shotshell Handbook. For metallic cartridge I like Lyman 49th. Edition Reloading Handbook and Handloaders Guide by Stanley W. Trzoniec. Handloaders Guide might be hard to find but well worth the search. Speer also has good How To and recipes. Welcome to a fun and rewarding hobby.

 

[Evlshnngns]

I suggest you get a 6.5x55 to match your dies. Nice setup!

 

[itsanss]

For some reason I can't reply to this post.

Keeps saying, "The content you want to post is not allowed".

Anyone else have this problem?

 

[Jeff A]

An excellent acquisition. Reloading is a great hobby and a good way to learn morer about shooting! Enjoy.

 

[Enosiophobia]

Just started down the rabbit hole myself. Built my bench last few weeks. Brazilian Cherry top with Walnut edges (left over from a flooring job). Already spending too much time on it.

 

[itsanss]

 

[itsanss]

 

[joshb]

So you have some GP 11 coming? or did you buy some PPU? You can’t reload the GP11 brass without a special tool, just so you know.
I have a K31 and it’s a shooter. Good luck with yours. They’re fun guns.

 

[itsanss]

SPJ,

Sorry about that. But like I said, I guess what I was trying to post was offensive and wasn't allowed. I figured out a workaround of taking screenshot and then uploading as a picture. Hehehe You must be viewing on a cell phone. From my computer, it looks just fine.....from a cell phone...it's microscopic. LOL

joshb,

Got the ammo. today. It's PPU Rifle Line 7,5x55 SWISS SP 174ga centerfire rifle cartridges.

However....there is big trouble.


I got the rounds today and thought I'd see how they chambered. They go into the magazine just fine. Pulling the bolt back allows a round to pop upwards to be chambered. Pushing the bolt forward pushes the round into the chamber but will only go about halfway before it won't go anymore. I thought that maybe I was just being too ginger with it as I know that these don't exactly need to be babied. So I pulled the bolt back and took out that round and with a bit more force I tried to chamber the next round. The extractors went around the rim but the round only went into the chamber a tiny bit more than when I gingerly was chambering the first round. I had to do some serious pulling to get the round to come back out. The sides of the case are scratched up. The case is ever so slightly tapered so I don't see any way that it's going to go fully in there.

With a dial caliper, I took some measurements. Here is what I found:

Bullet diameter (just above the neck of the case) - .328"
Neck diameter (just below the bullet) - .332"
Case diameter (just below the neck) - .4445"
Head diameter (bottom of case before the rim/primer area)- .448"
Case length - 2.116"
Rim diameter - .4475"
Total cartidge length (bullet tip to primer) - 2.993"

I.D. of the muzzle - .330"
I.D. of the chamber - .4465"


What could freaking possibly be going on? I'm not a gun guru or an expert marksman, however, I have shot quite a few guns over the years of all calibers and ages and have never seen or heard of so much trouble trying to find correct ammunition that a gun shoots. Aarrghh!



Thanks, guys

 

[Bc'z]

There a notebook on the shelf left hand side of bench. Betcha its Gpops notes on all his loadwork and guns.
Start there