Case prep
Quote from Reloader on April 10, 2010, 4:50 pmTrying to decide on a new machine or a different method of primer pocket swaging. My XL 650 does not swag and the 1050 does, but that is a chunk of change just to do most of the work. Suggestions on ways to make reloading a couple of grand worth of .223 easier without ending up with carpal tunnel syndrome? I thought the trimmer was not sold anymore, but that sure seems to be the way to make the cases the same length, what about something that does both in the same frame?
Trying to decide on a new machine or a different method of primer pocket swaging. My XL 650 does not swag and the 1050 does, but that is a chunk of change just to do most of the work. Suggestions on ways to make reloading a couple of grand worth of .223 easier without ending up with carpal tunnel syndrome? I thought the trimmer was not sold anymore, but that sure seems to be the way to make the cases the same length, what about something that does both in the same frame?
Quote from Reloader on April 30, 2010, 7:21 pmThe only recommendation that I can offer is - Once the brass has been swaged once, you don't have to do it again.
I have a XL650, and have found that you have to handle the brass twice. My first step is Size/Decap in Station 1, Trim (1200) in Station 4. The brass then goes in the vibrator (corn cob) for 10-15 min to remove lube.
Now you have to inspect the cases. Small pieces of the corn cob will lodge themselves in the primer hole. Since this brass needs to be swaged, I have to handle it again. I knock out the residue in the primer hole when needed and then swage (I have been thing of buying a standard decaping die when reloading to remove this inspection step). I also use my drill press as a press to slightly bell the case (make projectile insertion when reloading a easy).
Now I'm ready to reload.
Other than buying a 1050, this is life. But remember most .223 rounds can be reloaded multiple times, so you don't have to swage them on subsequent re-loads.
The only recommendation that I can offer is - Once the brass has been swaged once, you don't have to do it again.
I have a XL650, and have found that you have to handle the brass twice. My first step is Size/Decap in Station 1, Trim (1200) in Station 4. The brass then goes in the vibrator (corn cob) for 10-15 min to remove lube.
Now you have to inspect the cases. Small pieces of the corn cob will lodge themselves in the primer hole. Since this brass needs to be swaged, I have to handle it again. I knock out the residue in the primer hole when needed and then swage (I have been thing of buying a standard decaping die when reloading to remove this inspection step). I also use my drill press as a press to slightly bell the case (make projectile insertion when reloading a easy).
Now I'm ready to reload.
Other than buying a 1050, this is life. But remember most .223 rounds can be reloaded multiple times, so you don't have to swage them on subsequent re-loads.