Loading 4 The 1st time (I M A Newbie)

[brandon]

Yes, I'm a newbie. I've talked with a lot of you all. Deerhunter has me pointed in the right direction so far. Before I start my first loading session. I would like to give a summary of questions that I want to make sure that I have the right answer for.

1. Brass - I plan on your using some brass that I have shot already (45/70). Is this ok? Or should I get some new brass?

2. Primers - Being that I reloading for my long ranger centerfield rifles and pistols. I have a large selections of primers.
I have CCI, Federal, and Winchester in both large rifle, magnum, and brenchrest. What one I should start
with?

3.Case Prep - Do I need to trim brass. These cases have been shot maybe already. There are no indication of stretching.

From talking with all of you all. I know how to get my OAL length. Most of everybody is engraving the bullet. I know will
have more questions. So guys please chime in on this thread. It will be much appreciate. Oh! I forgot - Before shooting
the first shot of the gun. Do you all recommend passing a dry patch thru the barrel?

[DRCook]

Yes, I'm a newbie. I've talked with a lot of you all. Deerhunter has me pointed in the right direction so far. Before I start my first loading session. I would like to give a summary of questions that I want to make sure that I have the right answer for.

1. Brass - I plan on your using some brass that I have shot already (45/70). Is this ok? Or should I get some new brass?

IF it is all the same lot/same brand it should be ok. However, mixing or matching different brands is a no no as far as getting consistent shot to shot results is concerned

2. Primers - Being that I reloading for my long ranger centerfield rifles and pistols. I have a large selections of primers.
I have CCI, Federal, and Winchester in both large rifle, magnum, and brenchrest. What one I should start with?

CCI-BR2's or Fed 210M's are good to start with. You don't need magnum primers at all.

3.Case Prep - Do I need to trim brass. These cases have been shot maybe already. There are no indication of stretching.

Referring back to nbr 1, as long as they are the same length you should be ok.

From talking with all of you all. I know how to get my OAL length. Most of everybody is engraving the bullet. I know will
have more questions. So guys please chime in on this thread. It will be much appreciate. Oh! I forgot - Before shooting
the first shot of the gun. Do you all recommend passing a dry patch thru the barrel?

I always clean the oil from my barrels before shooting. Some folks then run a patch moistened with their lube to get a coating of lube to help with fouling control.


Consistency in your loads is what you are looking for. Same brand/lot of brass, same length, etc to remove those variables out of the equation so that you can concentrate on figuring out the variables of the load itself instead of chasing false results induced by variations in cartridge cases

[brandon]

Ok, what lube do you pass thru the barrel to get the other junk out?

[DRCook]

Ok, what lube do you pass thru the barrel to get the other junk out?

explain what you are asking.

[brandon]

What cleaning agent????

[montana_charlie]

I always clean the oil from my barrels before shooting. Some folks then run a patch moistened with their lube to get a coating of lube to help with fouling control.

What cleaning agent????

Generally, that is running a dry patch to take out any oil coating on the surface.
A 'solvent' is not usually needed, and you don't want to use a 'degreaser' that leaves the bore absolutely bare.
That would almost assuredly ask for leading ...

CM

[losttrail]

Post shooting and I mean within 30 minutes of last shot, here is my routine.

1. Run patches soaked with a Ballistol/water mix. I keep these patches in a Tupperware container in my shooting box.
2. Bore brush dipped in Hoppes 9 solvent. Run about 6-8 passes with a dip in the Hoppes each pass.
3. Patches soaked in Hoppes 9 solvent. 2-3 patches and they are looking very clean. I use the last patch to wipe down the exterior of the rifle.
4. Dry patches until clean. Usually 2-3 patches and there is no residue left, last patch is clean.
5. Full wipe down of the entire rifle.

When I get home:

Repeat 1-4 above but of course it won't take as many patches.
5. Spray breech area Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber. If I've shot more than 200 rounds I disassemble the breech block and clean everything.
6. Wet patch with Tetra Gun Oil and swab the bore. Wipe down all metal parts with Tetra oil.
7. Lightly wipe down entire rifle. Just enough to remove a bit of oil but leave a very light coat of oil.

This is pretty much the same rountine I use with all my firearms not just BPCR.

[Lumpy Grits]

Use Windex multi-surface with vinegar for bore cleaning.
Then run a patch with TC "bore-butter" through the bore and that's it. IF you have no leading to deal with.
LG