Bullseye demands an extremely high degree of consistency. On the firing line, we use a “shot plan” to do that, shot after shot. And when reloading, I follow a written reload procedure (click here to view [and print]) to build the needed consistency into my ammunition. Here are some tips and a summary of some […]

I’m not an expert but I have learned a couple of useful things. In no particular order, here they are. Leftover dust from walnut shell cleaner does not seem to be a problem (other than in the primer tube). After tumbling to separate brass from walnut shell cleaner, I do nothing else to the brass. […]

This is the third of a five part series. In this part we look at Cartridge Overall Length (COL) and crimp to discover what tolerance is recommended and whether or not we can get accurate measurements with the available instruments. For the COL, or Cartridge Overall Length, and crimp measurements, digital calipers commonly read to […]

Ok, Ok, it’s a boring subject, I know. But it’s gotta be done so let’s get this out’a the way. First, equipment and supplies. Cleaning machine. I’ve got the small Dillon vibratory cleanerthat does up to 500 pieces of brass in about an hour or so. It’s well made and does the job and, after […]

Any split brass in that pile you are about to reload? Watch the video (below) to discover a quick way to locate any bad shells.

Jim Henderson and the author (Click for larger image) I made 300 rounds of wad ammo to test at Nighthawks tomorrow evening. Previously I was seeing a couple of high primers per hundred so if all 300 shoot OK, I’ll pronounce the “cure” complete. Here are the load details. (This is my normal “wad” load.) […]

Four High Masters (not high primers) John Zurek, Steve Reiter, Jim Henderson, Daryl Szarenski Desert Midwinter, Phoenix AZ, February 2009 (Click for larger image) Note The cause of the high primers is apparently not dirty primer pockets which is what this article is about. Although they may be a contributing factor, after cleaning the primer […]

Reloading Table (Click to enlarge) The newest addition is that air conditioner in the upper-left corner. With daily temperatures already over 100 in late May, it’s what you may acknowledge as a necessity here in Phoenix Arizona. Some other features you may notice will include the “L” brackets holding the brass feeder on the top […]

After loading several hundred rounds of ammunition not too long ago, I then discovered that two primers had been seated sideways and one upside down. I removed the bullets and recovered the powder but decided to discard the shells with their damaged primers. But since the primers were still live, I wondered what should I […]