Want to start reloading 30-30 rounds, any good advice?

bigdeano88 · Member Joined: Aug 23, 2007 Posts: 27

Alright ya'll... I made the drive over there today, get there, and notice that the store's empty. Then I notice the note on the door that says "Packed up and gone to the gunshow. We will reopen on Monday." This lube business is terrible!!! Haha.

Bushmaster

Don't know where you are from bigdeano88, but they have phones here even in Missouri...And I'm in the back water area and I have a phone such as it is...Have to crank it to make it work...Then ya hafta yell "Operator...You there?"...But it does work when I'm trying to find something... Very Happy

fireball 3

I'm with bushy, been using the rcbs pad&lube for years. No problems here, but like anything that works, too much can spoil yer day. Dave Very Happy

Crackshot

Try all and decide for your self! Smile

bigdeano88 · Member Joined: Aug 23, 2007 Posts: 27

Oh I got a phone haha, I'm just not big on using such a device even if it could save me a 45 minute trip.

Pumpkinslinger

Howdy all! New here but here's my take on reloading. I've been handloading for about 30 years. I load for around 18 different cartridges, about evenly split between handgun and rifle.

On manuals: As has been said, get some good manuals and take the time to read them. I like Speer's but have most of the new ones from other manufacturers too. When I load a particular bullet I usually use that manufacturer's load info. I don't exceed published loads, a little velocity gain isn't worth blowing something up.

Case cleaning: I use a Lyman tumbler. For initial cleaning I use walnut. After resizing I use corncob to remove the lube. I use a case neck brush after the tumbler to make sure I didn't leave any media in the case and a dental pick to check the flash holes. I'm definitely going to try the paper towel trick!

Case lube: I've been using some Dillon spray lube for years but want to try Hornady's as it sounds like it is cleaner.

Press: I've used an RCBS single stage all this time but recently got a Hornady progressive for handgun loads for Cowboy shooting, etc.

Dies: I've used RCBS since starting but for the past few years I've bought Hornady. I like the micrometer seating stem Hornady has.

Case trimmer: RCBS Trim Pro is positive and fast.

Looks like you guys have some good info, I'm looking forward to reading more!

Vince

Welcome Pumpkinslinger to the worst kept secret on the net...HuntingNut. Grab a beer mate, sit awhile and relax.

You are totally correct when you said "Looks like you guys have some good info, I'm looking forward to reading more!" The members of this site have a wealth of knowledge and its good to see another experienced handloader join. I look forward to you sharing your gems of wisdom with us.

Cheers, Vince

Bushmaster

Welcome to the site Pumpkinslinger...Any relation to Pumpkinheaver? Added knowledge and a new slant on things is always welcome here...As Vince said...Pull up a stump, grab a beer and join in...

Deleted_User_2665 · Super Member Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 380

Welcome Pumpkinslinger, sounds like you got yer dies screwed in straight....

Just don't stand on Bushmasters nerve, that'll squash it, and he'll start whimperin'.

He's only got one left......................

Crackshot

Welcome aboard!

204Shooter · Member Joined: Jan 28, 2007 Posts: 68 Location: Diana, TX

One of things I haven't seen mentined here is using steel wool to clean/shine brass. I use the Lee case length gage/cutter and my 1/4 inch hand drill to length size the cases. After using the cutter and deburring tool, I pickup a piece of #000 steel wool and grab a hold of the case and spin it with the drill. It is just one extra step and it really shines brass. You will know when you are finished shinning the brass because the heat from the friction will let you know. :-) Have any of you using the Lee sizing gauge/cutter tried this method?

Jerry

Pumpkinslinger

I'd be afraid that steel wool would really damage the brass after a bit but I've never tried it. I think the idea of the tumbling media is to have something harder than the dirt but softer than the brass so it will cut dirt but not brass.