Lee Challenger with Uniflow

[DaFadda]

Pitlog..... "ignorance" is simply not knowing yet..... stupidity I reserve for .... well.... I'll let you know that one on Nov. 7th. lol.... You might want to purchase a "powder baffle" that goes inside the green powder tube. It really helps to settle the powder and even out the pull. If you feel that you're "cutting" powder, or the pull handle is not pulling smoothly.... A..... and I emphasize "A" drop of oil on the "crank bearings" (sorry... don't know what else to call them... the Round thang that the the micro adust is attached to) works wonders to smooth out the operation. Theres a series of pics below, taken with one hand while holding the loading tray in my left. No funnel needed. You put the cartridge right up to the green dispenser hole.

Pic one. Far right cartridge is where I start. I work right to left in the first row, then backtrack left to right on the second row... following the sequence until I end up at round 25. You scan see my thumb right next to the 25th round. You can also see the large tab right under my thumb.

Round ONE



ROUND TWO


Round THREE


Round TWENTYFIVE You can see the Tab under my thumb.


I then turn the loading tray around and repeat the process, again beginning from the far right and working in a serpentine pattern until the tray is fully loaded.

Round 26 You can now see the large Tab on the right side instead of the left.



I have enough confidence in my uniflow and micro adjust that I'll now do 25 rounds, then weigh a charge to be sure. Very very seldom do I need to make an adjustment.

After you've loaded a tray.... You WILL EYEBALL each cartridge to ensure that you didn't double charge or squib charge anything. Then... place your bullets onto the top of all 50 rounds. You're then ready to seat and crimp.

After seating and crimping (I do it in one pass. While I own a "factory crimper" I just don't find it does much for me except add an extra step)... I highly recommend that you use either a L.E. Wilson or Dillon go/no go gauge that will check the critical dimensions. Short version is: If it fits the gauge, it'll fit your chamber. I check every round, although there are those who tell me that its unnecessary. BTW.... they're the same people who always seem to have battery, fire and ejections issues. I don't seem to have that problem, because.... possibly.... I check my work at the bench? Go figger.

Hope this helps!

[DaFadda]

Pitlog... one more thing... I use the same procedure every single time I reload. Every time. No one is allowed in the room when I'm charging cartridges, no radio, no tv, Mrs. will tell people that I'll call them back. (Love that woman!!) I stay focused on the task. Seen too many pictures of kabooms to screw around with this stuff.

The way the stand is constructed, it is impossible to load more than 25 in an RCBS tray without turning it around. If you eyeball the powder charge whenever you turn it.... get it.... designed in "idiot proofing".

Long winded post... but... hey.... Mrs is out with her girlfriends and I have the house to myself....

Da

[Snipersnest]

Great info Mike. If and when I get back into reloading, I'll be sure to keep those tips in mind!

[DaFadda]

btw... works exactly the same way when charging 5.56/.223. For this cartridge, use the smaller of the two dispenser tips provided. (Cleaned, but not prepared 5.56 cartridges used in photo. Deprime, bell, prime, etc. before charging)

[Boats]

,

Thanks for the excellent posts!

Funny that you mentioned the baffle. I ordered the stand and a baffle from Midway yesterday and should have them real soon now.

Unfortunately, I have to drive up to NY tomorrow for the weekend and won't see the bench again till part way into next week.

But I'll give it a shot. I use trays that are 5x10, so shouldn't have a problem getting all the cases under the drop tube.

Thanks again,

Tom

[DaFadda]

Pitlog... this is my reloading schedule of how I do things.

http://www.cotep.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1815