Should I be using a loading block?

[FullEffect1911]

I have been reading recently about loading blocks and it seems people really recommend them (regardless of how you use them).

I have been making sure my powder throw is set correctly and then charging a case, inspecting that one case and then seating the bullet. Then I move onto the next case and repeat. Once all are done I use the Lee FCD.

But now I'm reading about using a loading block and wondering if I should start using it again.

My thoughts against using a loading block are if you charge a case and set it down into the loading block, you have a chance to spill powder into another shell. My current method also doesn't allow for a charged case to have some time in "charged case limbo" awaiting a bullet, which will not give those powder goblins a chance to mess with my charges (these are close relatives to the same goblins that load our guns when we are not looking, which is why we need to constantly check our firearms to make sure they are unloaded).

Though I do very much recognize that a loading block allows you to visually inspect all the cases for variance.

Let me hear what you think about the way I'm doing things now... I am very willing to change if the group thinks my way is unsafe.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, you should be using a loading block.

Turn all the cases mouth-down in one end of the block.

Pick each one up, charge it, and set it down in the other end.

When you get all 20, or 50 or whatever charged with powder, you can look at them all, row by row, and have some basis of comparison as to powder levels in every one.

Looking at only one charged case that has 1 - 2 grains more pistol powder in it then it should have, and you will never see the difference.

Now, once all the charges have been inspected & compared to each other, set a bullet in each case and proceed to the loading press.

rcmodel

 

[Jim Watson]

I learned to do a block check early on.
Now I have an electronic powder dispenser and there is plenty of time for me to seat a bullet while the next powder charge is grinding out. In a rifle case, there is little doubt about whether there is a full charge in place. But it just doesn't feel RIGHT. I am very wedded to going down each row in that block under a strong light to see the powder level in each case.

That for single stage, of course.
On a progressive I am content with looking in every case as I place the bullet under the seating die. But I withdraw more rounds to weigh than most folks I know.

 

[FullEffect1911]

Well it didn't take much convincing for me on this one. I used to use a loading block with my single stage. Then I went to a classic turret and stopped using it. Now i am back to a single stage and I didn't go back to the loading block.

However Rcmodel, I very much like you procedure with the upside down cases. I think i'll steal that one.

you will never see the difference.

I agree with you for 99.9 percent of the people. However when I used to work for armor holdings, I would take trips down to H.P. White labs. There was a guy there who would throw charges, look at them and say too much or too little, once he felt it was right he would weigh it and usually be spot on... That was pretty impressive.

That is a rare example of someone who does it day in and day out, I Do however agree with your statement.

 

[ranger335v]

Not that it matters but I wonder about "Now i am back to a single stage and I didn't go back to the loading block." and your loading description.

Do you mean you are screwing in a sizer, priming/charging the case and screwing in a seater before moving to the next case and repeating the process?

 

[Farnorthdan]

I only use the loading block to hold prepped cases, then I charge one case at a time place the boollit and seat then back into the block. The powder I use fills the case, if I double charge I know and don't need to see it side by side with another to tell. This is just the way I like to load....different strokes I guess.

 

[jswaff]

I use 2 loading blocks. The first one case mouth down. The second case mouth up after charging. Haven't double charged yet.

 

[Iron Sight]

"I use 2 loading blocks. The first one case mouth down. The second case mouth up after charging."

And with the case down ... Can see the installed primers.

2nd block with charged cases I tilt the block towards me and it makes it easier to see the powder chages. (Talking .45 ACP)

 

[swiss7.5]

I use 2 loading blocks. The first one case mouth down. The second case mouth up after charging. Haven't double charged yet.

+1

 

[David Wile]

Hey folks,

For single stage loading, I have been doing it for more than 40 years pretty much as RC noted above.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

I used to use loading blocks for every step, but now I only put charged cases in loading blocks prior to seating bullets in them. Other steps are done to/from labeled zip-lock bags.

I 100% agree with the benefit of comparing cartridge powder levels side by side. It's not needed to spot no- or double-charges, but for the occasional hiccup on the PM.

Andy

 

[Idano]

I used to use a loading block when I loaded on my single stage press but not any more. My reasoning is that if I drop the powder and immediately seat the bullet there can be no chance of a double load or squib load. I always have all my brass processed way before I ever start reloading, in fact I have bins full of processed brass ready to be reloaded. So when I am ready to reload on the single stage it is usually one of three reasons: low volume, hunting loads that I want individually weighed, or working up a load. So here is my process:

1. Hand prime all to be loaded
2. Bell all to be loaded if pistol
3. Weigh powder
4. Seat and crimp bullet
5. Repeat 3. and 4. until done

 

[DWARREN123]

I have a single stage press and prep my brass then charge, check, seat the bullet and check then put in a ammo box (plastic).

 

[FullEffect1911]

Do you mean you are screwing in a sizer, priming/charging the case and screwing in a seater before moving to the next case and repeating the process?

Speaking for handgun cartridges:
-full length size and prime in batches
When I want make ready to fire ammuntion
-flare all the cases in the batch

-add powder
-seat bullet
repeat until the batch is done

-Lee factory crimp die the whole lot of em.

That was my basic procedure, but I think I am going to go to the loading block now.

 

[Ala Dan]

My handloading enjoyment would have been much less desireable, without
a loading block. As a matter of fact, I use several as I do continous stages
in the same caliber~!