First loads tonight

[tpuig]

...just loaded my first 20 rounds. I've been gathering parts, pieces and components over the last couple months, and finally had the time to get a couple done. Read a few books, double and triple checked the powders, bullets, etc. Used a Lee hand press to do a box of .250 Savage. Took my time and was very careful. I can't wait to see how they group.

I know it's old news to most on this forum, but I'm still wagging my tail. Basically did one round at a time. Used new brass so didn't have to worry about trimming. Seated primers using both the press and the handheld primer tool just to try both. I also used both a small digital and the Dillon precision balance scale, which were about .02 off from each other, but consistent. It was great to go through the whole process, including measuring the length of the case. Although I'm sure the process will speed up once I get setup on the bench, doing them one at a time let me see all the steps, and allowed me to be very methodical and careful.
Once all my new unfired brass is used up, I'll get a tumbler and start loading the used stuff. I can see now how keeping things organized will make such a difference. 7mm Mag, .30-06 and .250 Savage are what I'll start with, and add calibers from there.
Ironically, I just got an email from Cabela's that my Hornady Classic kit shipped today. It's been on order (along with everything else reloading related) for a couple months.
I foresee spending a lot of time in the garage...

[WyoDuner]

Congrats on your first reloads!!! It sounds like you are taking a careful methodical approach - which is a good thing. As you get more experienced you will experiment with different bullets, COL, powder charge, etc and really fine tune you loads for accuracy.

To me, besides being able to make cheaper and more accurate ammo, the real draw to reloading is being self sufficient - especially these days. If I need more ammo I make more and don't have to worry if Wal Mart has it in stock.

Of course, getting components is a challenge lately....

[Hans Gruber]

Pictures! Congrats!

[Midian]

After my first load of the night, I need about a half hour recovery time before I can go again.

[tpuig]

Yeah, I grabbed a sandwich, took a quick nap then loaded again a couple more times... ;-)

The main project will be to clear off my workbench and set up the press once it arrives. The little Lee classic loader and press are really great, but the Hornady Lock N Load classic should be a lot better. The little loaders can go in the truck or a back pack.

A buddy has just been introduced to handguns, and he's going through 500-600 rounds a week on average. I suspect he'll want to split the cost of some dies and get started reloading as well. I've got a couple of .44 mags that haven't been getting enough exercise.

[cleanguy46]

Good job man, but post some pix please!

[Darklyte27]

now time to test

[tpuig]

I used the caliper and checked everything before loading, and then after as well for overall length. It seemed like it took forever, but I wanted to be very careful. I'm heading out of town for a while, and unfortunately won't be able to test fire these for a couple weeks.
And that's a great point I forgot to mention. I used the lowest charge listed. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to work up some more powerful loads. The real drawback to an older round like the .250-3000 Savage is that they changed the twist rate from the original 1:14 to the current 1:10. A lot of the nice hunting bullets won't stabilize. I may have to dig up some older books since it's not even listed in a few new ones, or has the newer info. But the Model 99 lever is a really fun gun. I've got a lot to learn, but I don't mind learning to crawl before running.