RookieWingHunter
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i know i sound like an idiot but can someone please give me a definitionof a die?!
-tia - rookie
-tia - rookie
what is a die?
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Sistema1927
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Not a stupid question.
The dictionary says that a die is: A device used for cutting out, forming, or stamping material.
In the case of handloading, the dies are used to reshape the cartridge case back to its original size, to facilitate the loading of primer, powder, and bullet, and then to crimp the bullet in place.
Normally with pistol rounds you have a resizing die that also has a decapping pin for removing the spent primer, a charging die that allows you to add the powder, and a seating die that positions the bullet at the correct depth and then crimps the case. I like the Lee dies that have a 4th die that gives a Factory Crimp as a separate stage.
The dictionary says that a die is: A device used for cutting out, forming, or stamping material.
In the case of handloading, the dies are used to reshape the cartridge case back to its original size, to facilitate the loading of primer, powder, and bullet, and then to crimp the bullet in place.
Normally with pistol rounds you have a resizing die that also has a decapping pin for removing the spent primer, a charging die that allows you to add the powder, and a seating die that positions the bullet at the correct depth and then crimps the case. I like the Lee dies that have a 4th die that gives a Factory Crimp as a separate stage.
Chawbaccer
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When you shoot a centerfire cartridge the brass case will expand to the contours of the chamber making it larger than it originally was, especially in the neck area where the bullet is held under tension. A sizing die squeezes the brass back to it's original size. A seating die is mostly an accurate plunger to seat a new bullet. There are also other dies, flaring, crimping, powder etc.
RookieWingHunter
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thanks guys... i am reading about starting realoading and i understood everything but that... do you think reloading shotgun shells is fun/ worth it?
ReloaderFred
Member
Since the die question had been pretty well answered, I'll take on the shotshell loading question. The answer is yes and no.
You'll find that the cost of reloading shotshells is right up there. If you want something special, or tailored to your needs, then the answer would be "yes", it's worth it.
If you're just going to be shooting some informal trap, skeet or bird hunting, then you can usually watch the sales and pick up promotional shells for a good price. In my area, sales will usually have 12 gauge 1 ounce, or sometimes 1 1/8 ounce, target/small game loads for 3 boxes for $10.00. That's pretty close to what it will cost you to buy all the components. Shot gun primers are now between $23.95 and $25.95 per thousand. Wads are about $5.00 a bag of 250 and powder is going to be about $55.00 for 4 pounds, depending on type, brand and where you buy it. When you work it out, it's not a big savings for that type of shooting, then the answer would be "no".
I load lots of shotgun shells, but they are for Cowboy Action Shooting, and I'm loading for five of us shooters. I'm loading a 7/8 ounce load of shot at 1150 fps, which is much easier when shooting the old Model 97 or a side by side shotgun.
The bottom line is it all depends on what you need, and if it's available for a reasonable cost without reloading? If it's not, then reloading is the way to go.
Hope this helps.
Fred
You'll find that the cost of reloading shotshells is right up there. If you want something special, or tailored to your needs, then the answer would be "yes", it's worth it.
If you're just going to be shooting some informal trap, skeet or bird hunting, then you can usually watch the sales and pick up promotional shells for a good price. In my area, sales will usually have 12 gauge 1 ounce, or sometimes 1 1/8 ounce, target/small game loads for 3 boxes for $10.00. That's pretty close to what it will cost you to buy all the components. Shot gun primers are now between $23.95 and $25.95 per thousand. Wads are about $5.00 a bag of 250 and powder is going to be about $55.00 for 4 pounds, depending on type, brand and where you buy it. When you work it out, it's not a big savings for that type of shooting, then the answer would be "no".
I load lots of shotgun shells, but they are for Cowboy Action Shooting, and I'm loading for five of us shooters. I'm loading a 7/8 ounce load of shot at 1150 fps, which is much easier when shooting the old Model 97 or a side by side shotgun.
The bottom line is it all depends on what you need, and if it's available for a reasonable cost without reloading? If it's not, then reloading is the way to go.
Hope this helps.
Fred
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