New Reloading Shell Holder

[NorCalFocus]

After a few years of using the cheap universal plastic trays, I found out I really didn't like them. They only hold 50 cases and I work in batches of 100 usually. Then to keep track of what case was done in what ever step I was on, I had to put the case in a another tray, cup, pail something.

I decided to fix this. I got some poplar from the store, did some quick math, and came up with a layout on paper to align all the holes. Taped the paper over the wood, center punched all the spots, and got to drilling. Finished it off by rounding over all the corners, then with some of my favorite wood stain, and a clear coat. I made it with 120 spaces, so I could keep a gap between the cases done, and not done. Now I can put 100 cases into one board and use less space on my bench.

[BeFrank]

Nice

[stilly]

Hmmm. I have a Lee Classic Turret. I have never needed a plastic tray, or a wooden one, or even those cute metal ones.


But those do look like nice trays. If I ever need one, I will remember this thread and see how I can make one to hold something.


Thank you OP.

[tonyjr]

I have the load master . I do use the plastic boxes .
Kind of different than others thou - I fill a box of 50
[20 of the magiums ] and then check and / or switch
calibers .
I find it easier to count how many of what are in range
bag and I do use / buy different color boxes . [ 38 , 380
, 9mm kind of close ]
If you do more than a couple of calibers , best to keep
cases sorted . You don't want to put mag primers where
a standard should be and visa-versa .
Hunting ammo is kept in 2 of the old 30 cal metal cans
with 1st aid and snake bite kits in each [ other stuff fits
in can - email if interested ]

[DazedandConfuzed]

looks nice. I do batches of 50, so the plastic ones work for me. I invert the brass until powder drop, that way I know which are loaded if an interruption occurs.

[NorCalFocus]

All I do is match rifle loads on a single stage. So this should let me keep all my brass in one spot throughout each step.

Thanks guys.

[pacrat]

Nicely done.

As an old retired cabinet guy. May I ask what type of bit you used?

[NorCalFocus]

Forstner bit. Nice clean flat bottom hole.

I do wish I could find one slightly larger than 3/8 though. A 3/8 hole is slightly to tight for a .223 case.

[tonyjr]

Easiest way id to center punch a case on edge of base , then use as a reamer in holes .
A 2nd method is to chuck up a cotter key with a piece of emery cloth in cotter key .
If you want to spend the money , you can buy an adjustable wood bit .

[sofbak]

10 mm bradpoint would work.

[NorCalFocus]

Easiest way id to center punch a case on edge of base , then use as a reamer in holes

I'm having trouble following you on this.

10 mm bradpoint would work.

I have a full brad point set. The holes aren't flat enough for my liking.

I could drill all the way through the piece, and then glue on a thin plywood bottom though.

[pacrat]

IIRC, Forstners are only made in 1/8" increments. So next size is 1/2". Which is great for .473" base cartridges like the 8mm Mauser and it's later clones. Which is what I used when I made my loading blocks. But they are a full 1" thick and there is no "tipping" danger when loading small cases like .223.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-Forstner-Bit-48-14-0501/203115357

You could also use a "7/16" 2 flute-center cutting end mill" for the operation. Cheap on Fleabay. Doesn't have to be carbide. This is just an example.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-NEW-7-16-DIAMETER-CARBIDE-END-MILL-2-FLUTE-7-16-SHANK-MADE-IN-USA-A568-/371781903345?hash=item568feda3f1:g:lrsAAMXQLbVRbCBF

That would require a drill press though. No pilot points on end mills.

I could drill all the way through the piece, and then glue on a thin plywood bottom though.

I've also done that for small pistol cases, and before I had a drill press.

[tonyjr]

The base where extractor grabs shell . Center punch - that make it bigger diameter .
You could also use wire cutters on base . Then chuck up in drill press .
On softer woods you could get a piece of steel gasoline , cut it so it has teeth , then tap a center punch into it to make bigger
Good luck

[alpha_romeo_XV]

OP - I think that shell holder should become a family heirloom and be passed down through the generations - just add your family crest to the side.

It would be nice to have a 100 round holder. I was walking through the analytical lab one day and saw a bunch of the 80 hole trays in photo below. They were in various colors in the trash. Grabbed a couple and they fit a 5.56 just right - free and easy is always good.

The Lyman holder with teirs makes it easy to grab and replace a case back to the same spot at different steps.

[Bigtwin]

Very neat OP. I have been meaning to do the same.