Topic: speeding up the brass prep process

[mjmcmahon]

I reloaded 45 rounds of .308 on Wednesday night and it took ~2 hours...80-85% of that time was brass prep!
Anyone found a good way or tool that speeds the process of trimming, chamfering, and cleaning the primer pockets? 

[Jeff]

I use a Gracey trimmer. I like the RCBS X-die too.

[Precise]

I used the RCBS Power Station and that saves some time on some processes.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0002928.shtml

[mjmcmahon]

Thanks guys....I'd looked at the RCBS setup and like the fact that it puts everything onto a single setup.  The Gracey looks very nice but it seems like you have to buy several items to complete the job.  At $280 for the base unit and $180 for each additional, that could get very pricey quickly!

[Jeff]

No, just $30 per case holder.

[mjmcmahon]

No, just $30 per case holder.

do you still do the primer pockets manually?

[Jeff]

I don't waste my time on those.  Well, the precision stuff I'll tune up the first time.  After that I don't spend time on it.

[mjmcmahon]

I don't waste my time on those.  Well, the precision stuff I'll tune up the first time.  After that I don't spend time on it.

Are you referring to uniforming the primer pockets or cleaning them?  I have problems seating primers if I don't clean 'em after each firing. 

[Beamncoke]

I process brass separate from the reloading process.  It isn't any faster but it's a lot less aggravating to work with already processed brass. 

[luvmy45]

There is no real quick and painless way to bulk load rifle really.

I process my brass before I need it.

Clean it -

Size it and trim it (by hand for 308 and with Dillon Trimmer for 223)

Run it through the RCBS 5 station tool

Hand prime the 308 while watching TV.

Then I just store the brass in ammo cans that are prepped and ready to go.

Then when I want to load it, I just pull out the brass that is already prepped and ready.

For 223, I throw the shell plate on my 550, load up the powder drop and primer tube and crank away.

For 308, Shell plate, and then load up 50 brass with the PACT auto powder measure, seat and done.

I can do about 100 and hour with my 308 once the brass is prepped.

[fj40mojo]

I process brass separate from the reloading process.  It isn't any faster but it's a lot less aggravating to work with already processed brass. 

This is the ticket, do as much brass as you can in a single setup. I wait until I've got 500-1k of .223 brass before sizing it all, them trim all, etc, etc. It's not worth setting up the trimmer to do 20 or even 50 pieces of brass.

[TrooperBrian]

Hornady just came out with a case prep center that is worth looking into, its a lot more efficient and cleaner than the RCBS.

[luvmy45]

I can buy a lot of reloading components for the price of the Hornady... buy the RCBS and put the other $300 into a Dillon power trimer with dies that you load, and you'll still come out ahead.

Not sure I like all the rotating heads sticking out the front, not to mention the size of the thing. Gonna take up as much space on the bench as a press. At least with the RCBS, when I don't need it, it just pushes back out of the way.

The fastest way to speed up reloading is to prep before you need it... once a week, I just sit down and process brass for the future, then when I need it, it can be loaded at a moments notice in bulk, slowing down to just reload the primer tube or powder.

[Jeff]

I like the looks of the Hornady ultrasonic cleaner.  I'll probably get one when I get around to it.  BTW, I may get some and carry them in the store if they are the win.

No primer pocket cleaning needed.  Trim once and use the RCBS X-die and now maybe rifle reloading isn't so bad. 

[Jeff]

I got one and tested it today.  Yes, I think it's a win and will be carrying them (watch for a post in the Sawtooth Tactical board).  Spiff and I did a batch (50 cases) of .223 using the Cheap and Clean recipe from 6mmBR.com.  It worked great.  The inside of the cases was super clean.

I am going to try using the Clean and Shiny recipe from 6mmBR.com and see if it's worth the extra cost.

I'm not going to replace my Dillon tumbler (yet) though.  The ultrasonic cleaner does small batches and is better suited for precision work.

[fj40mojo]

I got one and tested it today.  Yes, I think it's a win and will be carrying them (watch for a post in the Sawtooth Tactical board).  Spiff and I did a batch (50 cases) of .223 using the Cheap and Clean recipe from 6mmBR.com.  It worked great.  The inside of the cases was super clean.

I am going to try using the Clean and Shiny recipe from 6mmBR.com and see if it's worth the extra cost.

I'm not going to replace my Dillon tumbler (yet) though.  The ultrasonic cleaner does small batches and is better suited for precision work.

I'd like to hear some more about the ultrasonic cleaner. Maybe a full on review? I'd like to give it a try too if that is possible. I've got a shit ton of 6.5x55 once fired, fully processed except for primer pockets cleaned. Curious whether or not it really makes a difference in accuracy. How much can you load in the Hornady at once? Where was it mfg'd, I ask cuz Harbor Freight has one for $40 and I see the little jewelry cleaners on the net for even less.

[Nomad]

 Great ideas would be cost effective as well as a time savings, keep us posted....
 Thanks...Nomad