thinking of reloading- hornady lock n load

[bambikilla]

i have been watchn youtube for a couple of weeks now and i almost understand enerything and from everything i read i think a hornady lock n load ap is the press for me the thing i dont understand is the lubing shells i dont underdtand it at all and if anyone know a good book. every one i look at just has the load specs i will prolly buy hornady sonic cleaner and was wondering about lube any help would be appreciated.....

 

[41magsnub]

Read this sticky

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

 

[dmazur]

I have been watching YouTube for a couple of weeks now and I almost understand enerything and from everything I read I think a Hornady Lock n Load AP is the press for me.

The thing I dont understand is the lubing shells. I dont underdsand it at all and if anyone knows a good book. Every one I look at just has the load specs.

I will probably buy Hornady sonic cleaner and was wondering about lube. Any help would be appreciated.....

Most of the reloading manuals have at least 50 pages, sometimes 100 or more, of instructions on the reloading process before the load data starts. The Speer manual is a good example.

From #13 -

Rifle cases must be lubricated before resizing to prevent sticking in the sizing die. For single-stage loading, use a case lube pad with a good reloading lubricant such as RCBS Case Lube-2 that is designed specifically for reloading. Other shop lubricants may not work properly under the heavy stress of sizing. Place about a half-teaspoon of lube on the pad and rub it in evenly over the surface of the pad. Allow a few minutes for the lube to soak in.

Place about 5 inspected cases on the pad and lightly roll them so that each case has a thin film of lube completely around the body. Avoid getting lube on the shoulder or neck. Excess lube trapped at this point can cause hydraulic dents in the case shoulder.

The inside of the case neck can accumulate propellant residue that can make neck expansion and bullet seating more difficult. The inside of the case necks can be lubricated by either lightly dragging the open end of the case across the pad or by rolling a case neck brush on the pad and brushing the inside of the neck. Avoid excessive lube in the neck area. Too much lube can contaminate the propellant powder...

If you have carbide dies for pistol cartridges, you don't mess with lube. It isn't necessary, and you don't want lube all over your progressive press.

I highly recommend getting Speer #13, or a similar manual. Read the introductory section, then read it again. I believe the manufacturers really don't want us on the phone asking questions, and they also don't want anyone hurt using their products. The "front of the manual" is there to explain how to use their stuff easily and safely.

I've observed that many replies to questions on reloading forums simply refer the person to the manuals. I don't think anyone is trying to be curt, it is simply the best answer.

 

[Johnny Guest]

bambikilla - -

You're fortunate in that the very first two replies made gave you some very valuable information and outstanding advice. I'll go so far as to say that you really cannot have a safe, satisfying handloading/reloading experience without having done some reading. Obtaining AT LEAST one reloading manual is really crucial to success. There are several good ones. The newest Speer Reloading Manual can be had for about $35 retail, and this is truly a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of buying a press, dies, components, and the myriad accessories. Another very good basic book is the Lyman Reloading Handbook.

Please, read all of Dave's For the New Reloader sticky. It's worthwhile to print it out so you'll have a hard copy on hand. Then find at least one manual and read ALL the How-To stuff. Then, and only then, will you be ready to start shopping for a press and other loading gear. Please do this first, and save yourself a lot of the frustrations and false starts so many of us have experienced.

It would certainly be worth your time to seek out a handloading mentor - - Someone who can work you through the getting-started process. Two easy ways to find assistance:
1. Go to a large sporting goods store that stocks reloading gear and supplies and ask the manager.
2. Go to the local range or shooting club and ask there. If access to the shooting line is not too restricted, just look for the shooters with a lot of gear, especially those who carry their ammunition in compartmented boxes with hand lettered labels.

Expect that whomever you ask may want to finish whatever he or she is doing at the moment, and you may need to wait a while. Chances are, it'll be worth the wait. Most dedicated handloaders are glad to lend a hand to a new enthusiast.

I'm closing this thread to give you a chance to do a little research. Once you've done some, please feel free to come back and ask any additional questions that arise.

Best of luck to you.
Johnny Guest
THR Staff
Handloading and Reloading Moderator