Post your reloading tip of the day

[Nodda Duma]

So I just had to dump out 1500+ 5.56 brass because I forgot this basic tip:

Always keep track of how many times you've fired brass, especially for semi-autos!

Simplest is to sharpie a mark on the case of the cartridge.

What sucks is I know many of them were good, but I just couldn't tell which ones were once-fired, twice-fired, etc. I was able to keep about 100 once fired cases - mostly Prvi Partisan because they slather sealant all over the primer.

With money tight, this is a hard lesson to learn!


So what's your tip of the day?

-Jason

[SixPointEight]

You should dig those out and send them to me. I'll dispose of them properly for you.

[cjskalka]

I dont understand why you threw those out.... if they appear to be in good condition after inspecting them it shouldnt matter how many times they have been reloaded

[SixPointEight]

That's what I'm saying. None of my brass(except my 'match' brass) is sorted by firing. They just get an inspection several times in my reloading process, and get on with my life.

[swerv512]

my tip is to always keep brass in batches- it's easier to keep track of a batch of say 100 or even 500 pieces if you keep them together throughout the life of the brass. once old and new brass gets mixed together, it's hard to keep track.

also, it's always better to inspect brass rather than count number of times fired. i've reloaded some cheap R-P brass in my match rifle over 12 times at high pressures without a single failure. if you size correctly- you'll be surprised how long brass can go for.

[Low-Pressure]

So I just had to dump out 1500+ 5.56 brass because I forgot this basic tip:

Always keep track of how many times you've fired brass, especially for semi-autos!

Simplest is to sharpie a mark on the case of the cartridge.

What sucks is I know many of them were good, but I just couldn't tell which ones were once-fired, twice-fired, etc. I was able to keep about 100 once fired cases - mostly Prvi Partisan because they slather sealant all over the primer.

With money tight, this is a hard lesson to learn!


So what's your tip of the day?

-Jason

I'm guessing 90% might be good, lesson learned.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Tip-o dee-day:

Plan your reloading time one day in advance. This way you can dedicate your time - while cncentrating on the object at hand - without distractions.

With planning comes prepping to reload as well. (Get all you brass together, parts set-up, toolheads in place, etc...).

In Christ: Raymond

[mif_slim]

reloading tip of the day:

always check and recheck your loads.

[Spaceghost]

Put a timer on your tumbler like many on here have suggested. I just ran one for two days, oops.

[SixPointEight]

reloading tip of the day:

always check and recheck your loads.

And label WELL!

[ty423]

keep an eye on the powder and don't let the powder run dry or else you will be sitting and pulling bullets...also wondering which ones have powder and which don't. then you try to weigh the completed cartridges but find out they differ from 4-5gr (pistol loads) because of different brand brasses...UGH!!!!

(btw this is a tip for case activated powder measures in a AP)

[SeanF]

Don't force it. I just stared reloading this week and I broke two decapping pins on the first night. But it has been smooth sailing since.

[RogueSniper]

If I'm working a new round or new bullet, I load some dummys and test cycle (no live rounds any where nearby). Nothing more frustrating than a shooting session where your semi-auto becomes a single shot.

[sonnyt650]

My little Harbor Freight metal lathe holds a Possum Hollow trimmer nicely so I no longer dread case prep.

[sammy]

Leave the beer in the fridge untill you are done loading.