Deep loading block

[45Bink]

Silly noob question here. I own 1 loading block. Last weekend I put together some 45 Colt and all was well. This weekend I'm planning on loading some 9mm. However, my loading block is deep enough that it swallows the smaller cases and I can't easily get them out with my fingers.

Do I need a different one? Should I buy/make something? What brilliant solutions do you have?

 

[ericuda]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009912681?pid=110254

If you only want one the above but I like only 50 hole cartridge specific ones like below.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019379134?pid=948516

 

[lightman]

Silly noob question here. I own 1 loading block. Last weekend I put together some 45 Colt and all was well. This weekend I'm planning on loading some 9mm. However, my loading block is deep enough that it swallows the smaller cases and I can't easily get them out with my fingers.

Do I need a different one? Should I buy/make something? What brilliant solutions do you have?

Yes, you need another tray. Most of us have several. I prefer a narrow one that will fit under a powder measure so I can charge cases without having to pick up each case to charge it. Midway has several different ones.

 

[gifbohane]

You could also screw an empty 9mm plastic tray to a small board..

Zero cost.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Drill a buncha holes in board. However deep you want. However many holes you want. Whatever shape board you want.

Zero cost.

 

[Soonerpesek]

However, my loading block is deep enough that it swallows the smaller cases and I can't easily get them out with my fingers.

Not trying to be smart alec, but if you turn your block over. are there holes that are more shallow...?

@Hooda Thunkit has the best idea.....

 

[.38 Special]

In a pinch I have just drilled a bunch of holes in an old board...

 

[PWC]

Go to the range and look in the trash barrel for the plastic trays that come with the new, bought rounds. Not everyone is reloading yet. The boxes are good too unless you already have reusable plastic for your completed rounds.

 

[45Bink]

Thanks everyone! I was thinking along the right track I guess.

The holes on the back of my existing block are narrower but same depth. Looks like I'm trash picking, drilling, or shopping today!

Thanks again!

 

[ericuda]

Midway has free shipping over 49 bills.

God luck

 

[.308 Norma]

What brilliant solutions do you have?

I have several, but one of my oldest plastic loading blocks (I don't remember what brand it is) is reversible - deep holes on one side, shallow holes on the other.

 

[Laphroaig]

Get 2 pieces of plywood of the same size. 9mm would work nicely with 1/2" or 5/8". Drill 1/2" holes completely through one piece. Glue the other one to the back of the first. Square bottomed holes of the correct diameter and depth.

 

[AJC1]

I have one universal block, and use origanal trays a lot. The best ones for storage are the worst ones for loading. For storage I want zero space between my rounds like s and b or ppu 9 does. The speer boxes are almost 50% larger but are perfect for loading trays. 38 trays are also good for 9mm loading.

 

[Blue68f100]

I use the RCBS loading trays. The plastic is molded in a way that the pistol cases are setup high, longer rifle cases low. 2 sided.

 

[ericuda]

I don't like using factory ammo empty trays. They are too deep and it is hard to get empty cases out.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I use the RCBS loading trays. The plastic is molded in a way that the pistol cases are setup high, longer rifle cases low. 2 sided.

I also use that RCBS tray for pistol.
Slightly off topic. But I use 9mm ammo trays for 223 and 45 ones for most other rifle cartridges.
I like all the ideas everyone has.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I like these "bleacher" style from Lyman.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016994121?pid=872943

 

[bullseye308]

I have made a few hundred over the years and I drill them to fit the case with minimal wiggle and depth appropriate for the caliber. It’s not hard and if you have a drill press it is quick and easy.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

2x4s also work

 

[doubleh]

I use two of the first one's linked in ericuda's post and have used them for many years They work for everything I have ever loaded except 50-140 Sharps. I had to make a block for that big rascal. I have a hanger on the wall beside my bench where I hang them back to back and they are completely out of my way when not in use. Why two? I place empty cases in one by the powder measure and the other by the press. When I charge a case I look inside at the the charge level as I move it to the other block. It is just an additional safety step that seems to work. I have never double charged a case.

 

[WestKentucky]

I like these "bleacher" style from Lyman.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016994121?pid=872943

View attachment 1052391

Those are what I wanted a few years back and I gave up looking. It’s the first thing I looked for when I ordered my 3D printer. I need to print that out but I still don’t have a reloading bench set up.

 

[Engineer1911]

Pick up the plastic bullet trays that come in 50 round boxes of ammunition. Non-reloaders throw everything away. Don't bother with styrofoam boxes, just the plastic ones.