adventures in reloading part 1

[xpertgreg]

I guess I should learn to read the fine print several times...

I thought my Lee kit came with a set of shell holders, turns out the set of shell holders is for the Lee auto-prime. So, after 4 days of constant reading, and 3 hours getting everything set up I find that I'm missing one very important $5 part. Oh well, anyone know where I can get a shell holder for .270 Winchester on a Sunday?:cussing:

I just thought I was gonna start this weekend.

Just out of curiosity, new brass should be sized shouldn't it?

Learning to read the fine print,
GW

[Mosko]

1st the important stuff, yes absolutely you should resize new brass, and possibly even trim to exact common length. In my own case, I uniform the primer pockets as well as anneal if it looks like the annealing hasn't already been done. If trimming was done, I also champher the mouth inside and out.

Secondly, I have bought a ton of Lee dies over the years. A shell holder comes with each set. I throw the shell holders in a box and don't use them because my Dillon press uses a multi position shell plate. I'm sure some of the dies that I have bought will fit the "06" head.

The only question is, and I don't know myself, so maybe some of the other guys will ring in here...

Will the standard shell holder that comes with every set of Lee factory crimp dies fit Greg's press?

If so you may have it my friend! And, I'm going to be in South Dalton tomorrow morning.

I'll step out to the shop right now and find some.

[xpertgreg]

It'll fit cause it's a Lee Press, however I bought a two die set (RCBS) from Grant's cause I didn't want to wait on a set of lee dies through the mail. should have just ordered when I got the kit....

It's a number 2 shellholder.


hey, by the way, what is annealing?...as well as anneal if it looks like the annealing hasn't already been done.

thanks in advance
gw

[Mosko]

I just came from the shop, I have 16 of the Lee shell holders including #'s 3, 5, 10, 16, 17, 18, and four (4) number 2's!

Are you saying in your post that you have the #2 shell holder?

Annealing is a heat treating process where the brass is made softer and more plyable. The same annealing process, makes steel hard, but on brass and other mallable metals, the result is opposite.

Sizing, fireing and resizing will harden the brass and cause it to split, or rupture. Annealing will greatly prolong the life and usefullness of the brass. On brass like .270, that's not very difficult to acquire, it may not be much of a problem. But, some of the old stuff where the brass are 2 bux plus a piece, it becomes very important.

Evidence of the annealing, usually appears as the discolored area around the neck and shoulder of the cartridge.

[xpertgreg]

nope, ain't got a number 2 shell holder.

thanks for the info on the annealing...I just found a very in depth website about it.

would you care if I met you where you are going tomorow and buy one of your number 2's from you?
gw