Lets Reload some Ammo!

[the old grind]

Dodge man, good that you're using Garand-specific load data. Since SAAMI chamber dimensions are 'spec' +.xxx"/-.000" and ammo dims are 'spec' +.000"/-.xxx" it's good to know whether the recommended use of 'small base' dies is in fact needed for your app. ('tolerance') No two dies can be expected to size identically, just to 'within spec'. Check your fired brass vs sized, measuring just below the shoulder and just above the extractor groove. Compare them to unfired 'factories' to be sure where you are and whether your reloads will feed properly.

I use SB dies for some .30-06, .308, & .223 (semi-auto vs for bolt gun), and always for .30 RAR (semi-only). Overworking brass by sizing more than necessary will shorten its life due to work-hardening, the reason we anneal necks after 'x' reloads. Brass doesn't last forever.

Until .380 ammo becomes cheaper than 9x19 (not likely ever) it's a good one to reload for vs say 9mm Makarov with all that cheap steel-cased Euro mil stuff (toss-up there for most). Plinking or training loads ought to be affordable. Handloaded PD ammo is another situation, and another discusssion I hope won't side-track this thread. Loading for what you shoot most will give the most feedback as you work out the details and get your rhythm about it.

Often times it's best to sort brass by the particular gun it's loaded for. 'One size fits all' seems to apply better to HGs than to rifle ammo, but case length may be most critical there with those cals that headspace on the case mouth. btw: 44 mag is among the easiest to reload for our beginners. (Heed all the 'Blue Dot' warnings and start with a 'forgiving' powder there such as Alliant 2400. Work up to H110/Win296 later & with experience). :2cents:

 

[Soundguy]

I broke off my decapper in the process also. I'm not sure if I hit a military piece of brass or not. .

wasn't hornady brass was it?

 

[dodge man]

Yeah, the Garand is hard on brass, and its also easier to lose the brass. I have a Mini14 in 223 and I always joke, I can kill something by turning the rifle sideways and kill it with the spent brass. It will throw the brass 20 feet or more.

The 380 is a Ruger LCP. I haven't fired it yet, I pick it up tonight, Illinois has the stupid 3 day waiting period.

 

[Scott85]

Hand loaded PD I've always heard is a bad idea just like modifying a gun for carry. Always heard the prosecutor would have a field day.

 

[dodge man]

Here is a pic of my setup, looks a lot like the OP's.

 

[Scott85]

Looks like a nice setup dodgeman

 

[Soundguy]

Hand loaded PD I've always heard is a bad idea just like modifying a gun for carry. Always heard the prosecutor would have a field day.

i'm not even sure why or how that would come up. ( reloaded ammo )

nor would they be able to likely tell from the spent brass if it was a 1x or 3x reload unless it was a piece with a primer crimp removed.

if the ammo is loaded to saami spec it's loaded to saami spec. just like the stuff on the shelf.

 

[Soundguy]

Yeah, the Garand is hard on brass, and its also easier to lose the brass. I have a Mini14 in 223 and I always joke, I can kill something by turning the rifle sideways and kill it with the spent brass. It will throw the brass 20 feet or more.

The 380 is a Ruger LCP. I haven't fired it yet, I pick it up tonight, Illinois has the stupid 3 day waiting period.

i have a keltec p3At that is very similar to t he LCP.. I also hav ethe P32 32acp keltec.. as well as a sig p230 and p238 all of those except the p32 in .380. .. the p238 and P3AT are small form guns. easy to carry. The LCP and Keltec seem to usually prefer 1-2 ammo types over others.. the p238, eats just about anything.. of course it is a mini- 1911 type setup too.. so excelent design.. etc.

 

[Scott85]

i'm not even sure why or how that would come up. ( reloaded ammo ) nor would they be able to likely tell from the spent brass if it was a 1x or 3x reload unless it was a piece with a primer crimp removed. if the ammo is loaded to saami spec it's loaded to saami spec. just like the stuff on the shelf.

You're right it should never come up, but you never know.

 

[Soundguy]

Dodgeman 2 questions.

Is that a frankford arsenal type stray lube n the lil bottle?

If so.. how do you like it. I'm almost out of my rcbs spray lube and picked up a bottle of that till my order of hornday spray lube comes in.

lastly. is that 4895 imr? Have you tried 4064?

both excelent powders for 30-06 4895 being almost milspec or so..