How do you charge cases?

[Varminterror]

Precision Rifle: Two blocks, one with empty cases. Dispense powder on a Lyman and an RCBS, charge via funnel, move the charged case to the new block, confirm powder in all cases before placing bullets for seating.

Hunting/low volume plinking: Lee Autodrum, Hornady BR, and RCBS Uniflow mounted on Lee Turret press.

High volume plinking: Hornady on Ammo Plant.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I just started using the block to powder dispenser method.

I check every 10th throw with a scale and then examine every case in the block with a light to make sure that they all got powder and there are no double charges.

Seems to work.

 

[cfullgraf]

When I started reloading, I used an RCBS Little Dandy powder measure. I'd set the cases in a loading block and bring the powder measure to the cases. When finished, I'd check the level in each case to make sure all were similar.

Later, when I bought an infinitely adjustable powder measure (RCBS Uniflow at first, a Redding 10-X later), I'd take the loading block with cases to the powder measure. Again, I'd check the level in each case after charging. I use the now discontinued Midway wooden case loading blocks which are smaller than the universal loading blocks. My powder measure stand would reach to the middle row of the case block so that I would have to turn the block around to get to the last two rows of cases. This required some discipline to avoid double charging a case but religiously doing a post charging inspection of each case would find any double charged case.

Rifle cartridges get charged by the case block method or one at a time depending on a number of factors.

The above procedures were used in conjunction with loading on a single stage press. Since I have moved on to doing lots of my reloading on a progressive press, most of my case powder charging is done on the press.

I do some rifle loading with a Harrell Precision Culver 90 powder measure. With the Harrell powder measure, I charge one rifle case at a time, returning it to a case block when complete.

The frequency at which I check the charge weights depends on a number of factors and the comfort level I have that the powder measure is doing what I expect. Most handgun loads get check once per loading block, rifle might get checked more frequently.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I can't remember how long I have been charging cases while in the loading blocks. I clamp the powder measure at the end of my loading bench and I can reach the middle row easily. After the entire block of cases are charged i look at every case to be sure everything is correct. It works well for me.

I charge handgun cases on press with a Lee Pro AutoDisk.

 

[FROGO207]

We pretty much all do it the same way it seems------with small variations thrown in as a result of previous problems.
My take away is to find a system that works repeatably for you and stick to it. Always have checks in there to assure safe consistent results. Load away.

 

[cw308]

I'm using the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 , cases are in the loading block , powder feeds into pan , funnel powder into case . Can things happen yes , not often . I've had all the cases perfectly filled with powder the realized I didn't install the primers . Only happens once.

 

[FROGO207]

That's why I start with one loading block on left with primers up and move to right block when filling rifle with a scoop and fixed funnel. Or fil a loading block primer up and put another loading block over the bases and flip, then remove the first loading block. Catches both missing AND upside down primers before they are loaded.

 

[bluetopper]

Reading all these replies, what then is a progressive press for if everybody puts their charged rounds in a loading block?

 

[cfullgraf]

Reading all these replies, what then is a progressive press for if everybody puts their charged rounds in a loading block?

When folks are using a progressive, they charge the case on the press.

These loading block methods are used with single stage presses or some turret presses operators.

 

[bluetopper]

I get my rifle brass ready, all deprimed, sized, trimmed, then load them in my Hornady LNL press and go slow and kick out a finished round every pull. I have the utmost confidence in the accuracy of my Hornady powder dispenser. I do however weigh several powder throws to be sure it's throwing consistently before I start.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I have the utmost confidence in the accuracy of my Hornady powder dispenser.

As do I but I'm not changing my entire set up on my lnl progressive for 50 rounds to try a new bullet or powder. Especially if I'm loading maximum loads which I do a lot.
That's when a lot of us go back to the loading blocks and single stage and turret presses.
Others only load on single stage presses only, what ever floats their boat.

 

[hdbiker]

I throw a couple 10'ths light charge in my scale pan, trickle it up and charge and load the round one at a time. hdbiker

 

[CrankyCraig]

Lee autodrum mounted on the powder through / expander die in n my Lee Classic Turret Press.

 

[Toprudder]

I'm using the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 , cases are in the loading block , powder feeds into pan , funnel powder into case . Can things happen yes , not often . I've had all the cases perfectly filled with powder the realized I didn't install the primers . Only happens once.

That is why I use just one loading block, with the cases turned head-up to start with. Then neck-up after charging. Starting with them head-up is one more chance to catch brass without primers.