My First Reloads & Test Fire

[ExtremeX]

I finally got a chance to setup my RCBS Pro 2000 and pressed my first 16 rounds last night.

I must admit I was pretty nervous firing them for the first time.

Federal .223 Brass
CCI #41 Primer
Hornady 55gr Z-Max w/c
H335

#1 ) 20.9 grains
#2) 21.4 grains
#3) 21.9 grains
#4) 22.4 grains

The trim length varied from case to case since some of the brass did not exceed 1.750", which is what my trimmer is set at.

COAL was about 2.240 to 2.335

Test fired at my local 25 yard range... so not really a good test for accuracy... but they all went bang without any major issues.

[XDRoX]

Congrats. It's always nice to have your first reloads under your belt. Those are some fancy looking rounds.

[Javi]

Sweet! So how do you like your RCBS? It's one of the 3 progressives I'm considering to buy a year or so from now.

[ExtremeX]

Congrats. It's always nice to have your first reloads under your belt.

Thanks! I was pretty excited last night and just had to reload something and share with CGers

Setup took a bit but I actually did read the direction for once. Usually the manual is the last thing I take out of the box.

Those are some fancy looking rounds.

They caught my eye when I was shopping for bullets to try. Hornady says they are pretty much the same as their V-Max just with a different color tip.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/166155/hornady-z-max-bullets-22-caliber-224-diameter-55-grain-with-cannelure-box-of-500

[ExtremeX]

Sweet! So how do you like your RCBS? It's one of the 3 progressives I'm considering to buy a year or so from now.

I like it a lot.

I did a decent amount of research on what to get for my first press… single, progressive, brand, all that stuff.

I think what sold me on the RCBS is the color! ... ok I lie haha.

I think the warranty, the priming system, and the powder measure appealed to me. Reviews and videos helped me make my decision, and I got it on sale so that was the tipping point and it sealed the deal for me.

I can’t really compare it to anything else because this is the only press I’ve used but its smooth and feels of quality. The powder measure throws accurate every time and is really easy to get it dialed in. The priming system is just easy to use. Pretty happy with my purchase so far.

[Javi]

Bought it during Palmetto's great reloading sale+free shipping deal? The primer system is really unique and what has me very interested in that machine. I'm glad the primer strips & loader come with the press instead of having to buy it separately. I haven't used my standard Uniflow yet as I do want the small cylinder for my very low pistol charges but I hear good things.

[ExtremeX]

I did get it from PSA during the sale. Bit of a splurge buy for me but I’m glad I did it. It was a great deal and hard to pass up.

The micrometer powder measure system is a big perk. I like it a lot; I almost want to get another just so I can keep them setup for faster caliber changes or for various powders.

Some people were complaining about the priming system and APS strips but I really like it. Takes a couple min to load up 100 primers and I’m good to go for the entire loading session.

[stevec223]

pro

i just started using my pro 2000....sm. powder drum goes up to 50 grs. so havent had to switch out yet...reloaded 50 of 9mm,first diff powder weights and things went smooth finding load...used hs6...found load and finished 1k...playing with 223 now...it does not give the precision C.O.A.L as my rockchucker i am finding out...3 thous. either way im seeing...im thinking its the die plate and the play in it...my 223 pet loads are still clovers so not real concerned...will prob go to 308 nxt....i kind of figured the pro would be more for pistol and rifle blasting ammo...ive been pleasantly surprised by ease of use and quality of loads....rockchucker still go to press for dead nuts on ammo though....cheers...

[ExtremeX]

I just got done loading my 2nd batch of ammo tonight...

Steve, I think I know what you are talking about...

My .223 rounds vary a little in COAL and I think your thoughts are correct. The small play in the die plate must be the result of it. I wonder if this is typical of progressive presses in general?

I assume even with the small deviation in COAL I have high hopes for accuracy of the ammo. I’m sure a single stage press is the way to go for match loads but if I can make better ammo than the standard M193 on my progressive I will be a happy camper. I will report back once I get a chance to shoot my loads at 100 yards.

[stevec223]

dies

rcbs makes two different comp. seating dies....one for progressive presses and one for single stage press...they both have bullet window...ck twice and buy once....(i cked but havent bought yet-cant remember diff names)....cheers..

[ExtremeX]

I already have plans to get a better seating die. I think I am going to opt for one of the comp. seating dies. Either from RCBS or Redding, still doing research on other brands as well.

[stevec223]

dies

rcbs makes two different comp. seating dies....one for progressive presses and one for single stage press...they both have bullet window...ck twice and buy once....(i cked but havent bought yet-cant remember diff names)....cheers.. p.s. my COAL diffs on pro 2000 have not made a huge diff in my 223 accuracy from single stage loadings...i do not load my ammo long though-i try to stick to book cause i shoot bolts and semis... i try to find one load per bullit that shoots well out of both guns....