Reloading Sequence - Why?

[drd]

Loaded my first batch of .32SWL, actually my first batch; I am a new reloader.

I used the Resizer Die and Resized, Decapped, and Primed with that die in.
Then next Expanded all cases only with the Expander die in. It was fast.

As I reread my RCBS instructions, I realized that they recommended: Resize and Decap using the Resize Die. Then next Expand and Prime cases with the Expand die.

I wondered if there is a technical reason why MY procedure was wrong and why I should adhere to the procedure RCBS proscribes.

 

[cfullgraf]

It does not really matter. It depends on your entire process and what floats your boat.

I prefer to clean cases between resizing/expanding and reloading so I do not prime the cases until I am ready to load them. I resize/expand cases shortly after shooting and store them away for a future loading session when I have a good supply of prepped cases ready to load.

I use a hand primer and not the press.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

If it works for you then do it, no real reason not to. I don't because once in a while (about every 5th load) I clean the primer pockets.

 

[oneounceload]

drd -

I reload pistol the same way you do and have been for 35 years on a single stage press doing it in batches - works just fine.

One reason I can think of as to why they say to do it differently, is that folks might accidentally deprime their live primer when working the ram arm on the last stroke. Otherwise go for it

 

[GLOOB]

I've been doing it same as you. I find it faster, that way.

There's one drawback to this method, though. If you ever start batch processing and leave brass around in different stages, you will eventually experience the joy of charging up a whole tray of cases before figuring out they're sized and primed... but not flared.

 

[oneounceload]

That's OK, the flaring die doesn't touch the powder, just be careful you don't bump the tray.........

 

[d'Artagnan]

The reason to size/decap, expand, then reprime is sometimes the case being expanded splits. If you previously primed it, then you either throw the now-unusable case and perfectly good primer in the recycle bucket or try to salvage the primer. Much easier to expand, recycle the split cases, then reprime.

 

[jmorris]

There are many rifle dies that have the expander On the decapping pin. With pistol it is common to expand with another die or powder drop.




So you could have it all done in one step if you wanted to.

 

[GLOOB]

Well, that's just a little misleading. For a straight walled case, you could do it (decap/prime/flare) all in one step... only if you made a custom flare/decapping die. And you'd still have to size the case in a separate step. It takes two steps, no matter how you slice it.

The reason to size/decap, expand, then reprime is sometimes the case being expanded splits. If you previously primed it, then you either throw the now-unusable case and perfectly good primer in the recycle bucket or try to salvage the primer. Much easier to expand, recycle the split cases, then reprime.

Never even considered that. I imagine I'd just throw the case and the primer away. Spend another 3 cents for every 3k rounds? No biggie.

Here is the other benefits of priming while decapping: If you get a wonked/sideways primer, a primer jammed partway into a crimped pocket, or a super loose primer pocket, you can just raise the ram to take it out.

 

[beatledog7]

I recommend not flaring cases until you are ready to seat bullets and then only just enough to get those exact bullets to seat cleanly. Every bullet is different, and of relevance to the reloader, particularly, are the bullet's outer material, its diameter, and the shape of its base. All of these contribute to answering the question, "How much do I need to flare?" The answer is always the same--"As little as you can get away with for a given bullet."

If you flare all cases as part of case prep, you'll be flaring them too much for many bullets, and you'll wind up with neck tension issues.

 

[cfullgraf]

If you flare all cases as part of case prep, you'll be flaring them too much for many bullets, and you'll wind up with neck tension issues.

I have not found that to be case unless you are constantly switching back and forth between jacketed and cast bullets for hand gun cartridges.

Even then, if the expansion die is set up for cast bullets, mouth expansion and neck tension is fine for jacketed unless you have over flared the case to begin with. But, it does over work the case mouth a bit more and one may experience a larger percentage of splits in the case mouth.

Bottom line is, whether one expands the mouth when resizing, then storing the case away, or expanding the mouth just before loading is a personal preference, not an operational requirement.

 

[BYJO4]

Either way is fine. Most die sets today have the decapping pin in the sizing die which is necessary when using most progressive presses. On a single stage it makes no difference.

 

[FROGO207]

I deprime first and clean with SS media before resizing. On the other end of case prep I use the Lee hand primer to prime off the press after expanding necks if needed as I find it MUCH faster to do it this way. YMMV

 

[jmorris]

Well, that's just a little misleading. For a straight walled case, you could do it (decap/prime/flare) all in one step... only if you made a custom flare/decapping die.

I am guilty of not properly reading the OP. Sorry, thought rifle for some reason, you are correct.