Finishing Up Expanding Charging and Seating the Bullet

What you see here is the finished product and it works like a charm. I have worked threw all the quirks and quarks to develop a load that shoots well in my firearm. Both the recoil and accuracy are consistent. The reset is up to me. The next step in this series is expanding the case. This will allow the bullet to be easily seated and for some of you it will be a time to also charge the case since the top of my expander die also has a port that I can use to charge the case. I charge the cases separately later on in the reloading process so I can seat the bullet right away after charging. If you follow a step by step procedure and do not get interrupted then you will be successful. So let's talk about that. Do not be in a rush or have something planned in the next hour or so and do not get interrupted. The best thing you can do is to pick a time you can disappear for a while. No interruptions this is serious, no TV, no Bullshit we are at the point were powder is evolved.

 Here I install the expander die and you need to follow the instructions for your particular bullet as far as how to adjust. I make sure that the die makes contact with the shell holder and the handle is still 1/4 of an inch open. This works well for me and has virtually eliminated crushed cases from the bullet not being able to seat properly. You may need to find what works best for you but this is a good place to start.

Open the press and place the shell in the shell holder and then close all the way till the handles meet.

Next get your favorite scale out, zero it out and you will weigh your powder. If this is your first load or you are trying new components I would highly recommend starting with the lowest charge recommended in the recipe and go to the range and shoot that batch first. Take notes on accuracy, consistence, recoil etc, etc. If you have components that you don't have a recipe for call up or email the bullet  or powder manufacturer. They have a lot more data sitting around then you think and they are more than willing to help or if they don't have the answer will point you in the right direction. From my experiences Sierra emails responses quickly, Hornady is best contacted by phone Hogdon and Swift have good information on their websites. That should help you get started. If you buy the Lee dies and the recommended components or have other recommended components from a recipe just use that and start with a minimum load. Also get a note book and jot down what you did. It does not have to be fancy but you will thank yourself later you did this! "Now what was that great load that shot all tens in my 44?" Scratch!

Here I adjust the scale to my charge weight so that I know once the powder is in the pan and zero my charge is the correct weight.

I use the scoop provided with my Lee dies to load the powder in the pan. There is also a recipe for just using the scoop. I found that this is more of a starting charge but it works and is fast. I fave weighed this scoop charge a few times and if you are consistent you can just use this and get away from using the scale. It works on a similar principle to what a lot of these charge metering or powder measures work off of but it works on volume so it will vary in accuracy with the type of powder you are using. Powders come in different shapes. Some are better metered and some are better weighed.

There now this is zeroed and my charge is accurate.

I use the funnel provided with my press kit to charge my cases.

Carefully pour in the measured powder.

A charged case.

Screw in the bullet seater die. I have found the correct depth for my cases. For a revolver I do not crimp the cases that much. It took me some time to find the correct depth and crimp. You should follow the directions in the press kit or die set. If the crimp happens too early the bullet gets stuck and you end up with a crushed case. If it happens too late you don't get much of a crimp which is OK for revolvers but probably not great for the actions of auto loaders. You will need to follow directions here and experiment. Hopefully it will not cost you too many cases.

Place the shell in the shell holder and the bullet in the shell and slowly work the bullet in to see how it seats. If this is your first time or first few take your time and get a feel for this. Make sure the bullets come out consistent in height and the the knurling is not showing and just below the case neck. After a while you will get faster but at first take your time.

Take a look at how the bullet is seating by opening up the handle a few times until the press and die is adjusted.

 A little more but it's looking good.

There it is ready to shoot. Now go load a bunch of shells and go to the range and try them out. Have fun and become a better shot. Develop that load that works best in your gun and amaze your friends and yourself!