Questions from a new reloader

[ZardozCZ]

I just finished resizing a coffee can of cartridges and wonder if the primers have any value to a metal recycler. I don't expect they're worth much, but rather than going into a land fill, I'd like to see them get smelted and reused if possible. Anyone know if they can be used this way?

Got the first load(s) tumbling in SS pins just now. The old family rock tumbler has two sides to it, so I could tumble two calibers without mixing them up. Are two sided tumblers the norm?

Thanks in advance.

[Nalez]

Check out this thread on another forum.

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/reloa ... imers.html

[CarRacer]

Save all of your scrap brass and give it to TH3180. He takes the proceeds and gives it to the Ronald McDonald house.

[ZardozCZ]

Thanks for the link re: recycling primers, and I may have more than brass for TH3180. I have some surgical grade titanium too.

Thanks again,

Steve

[ZardozCZ]

I have another question, hope it isn't out of line. Is using a chronometer essential? I can see how it would be useful to see if you're getting close to suggested speeds like the load data gives, but I haven't found conversation how speed and accuracy affect one another. Is there a sweet spot between too low and too high? Or is it just a safety issue, keeping the speed in range to know you're not likely exceeding safe pressures. Or is it both? I'm curious to know what can be learned from having one, but is it money well spent?

My intent is that I'll be making light loads for target/bullseye work, and not likely making hot loads for handguns. Rifle might be another story, but I'm focusing on handgun loads for now.

Thanks!

[TH3180]

Thanks for the link re: recycling primers, and I may have more than brass for TH3180. I have some surgical grade titanium too.

Thanks again,

Steve

Heck yeah hook me up. It goes to a good cause. Here is my story on how it all got started as far as me collecting for the RMH. viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17082

[sgruenhagen44]

I have another question, hope it isn't out of line. Is using a chronometer essential? I can see how it would be useful to see if you're getting close to suggested speeds like the load data gives, but I haven't found conversation how speed and accuracy affect one another. Is there a sweet spot between too low and too high? Or is it just a safety issue, keeping the speed in range to know you're not likely exceeding safe pressures. Or is it both? I'm curious to know what can be learned from having one, but is it money well spent?

My intent is that I'll be making light loads for target/bullseye work, and not likely making hot loads for handguns. Rifle might be another story, but I'm focusing on handgun loads for now.

Thanks!

I will probably get blasted for this but I am going to say no. I would love a chronograph but its way outside my budget. Load conservatively and look for signs of pressure. Like you said, the accurate load is the good one.

[FJ540]

Chronograph data is important for multiple aspects of the process. You can't tell what your loads are doing without knowing things like ES, SD, and velocity comes in as another aspect to see if you're peaking out and eventually will start losing velocity when you exceed the max load too.

I personally use my chrono more for matching different loads to one another - like my target bullets vs hunting bullets. If I can match the velocity, there's a good chance I'll wind up with a similar POI despite different bullets/primers/powder/charge weights as long as the harmonics imparted from the shot aren't too far off with the different loads. Hitting that 2900fps mark with my Cooper proves dead nuts portability despite different bullets/powders. It just likes that for some reason - and I don't question it.

[Deputyhiro]

Here Check this out. Gives you something to look for in judging if your getting up there in pressures.

[Deputyhiro]

I would love a chronograph but its way outside my budget.

I picked mine up on ebay for about $115 bucks. Seems to work great so far. Even has the remote read out, so I dont have to get up and read it after every shot.

[TH3180]

Here Check this out. Gives you something to look for in judging if your getting up there in pressures.

I don't like that. I could load with CCI primers and have it look like #1. Using the same load with federal primers it will look like #3. Same load, same pressures just a different primer.

[Pat Cannon]

I have another question, hope it isn't out of line. Is using a chronometer essential? I can see how it would be useful to see if you're getting close to suggested speeds like the load data gives, but I haven't found conversation how speed and accuracy affect one another. Is there a sweet spot between too low and too high? Or is it just a safety issue, keeping the speed in range to know you're not likely exceeding safe pressures. Or is it both? I'm curious to know what can be learned from having one, but is it money well spent?

My intent is that I'll be making light loads for target/bullseye work, and not likely making hot loads for handguns. Rifle might be another story, but I'm focusing on handgun loads for now.

Thanks!

I've been reloading for a few years and I haven't gotten one yet. I'd like one, but so far but I've wangled a trip to the range with friends who had one. And the only time velocity has been more than a curiosity has been for IDPA loads, where a certain power level is required.

Ideally for reloading it's really nice to have one, and of course a convenient range where you can use it.

[Nalez]

In regards, to a chrono, I have been using the magnetospeed chrono; and I have not had any issues with it on my rifles; and it does not need a "chrono friendly" range.

[FJ540]

The magnetospeed doesn't work for bows though.

Chrono's come in real handy once you have one. I use it for air rifles, compound bows, and crossbows in addition to guns.

[Nalez]

The magnetospeed doesn't work for bows though.

Hah, got me on that one!