Mail Call Mondays #19 - Precision Rifle Reloading New Brass Prep

[@eyeofmit]

It was good to see this info for a refresher. I have not reloaded for over 30 years. I use to do metalic silhouette back in the day. I don't think much has changed over the years, I used a number of different brands, whichever did the job the easiest, quickest and the most accurate. Thanks for the info, and thanks for relighting the fire.

[@darcypotter2732]

Good video , iv been loading foe 35 years, load for cartridges from .17 to .458 and just got my first laptop a year ago. I have watched many so called experts do videos on reloading and shutter at most of them. You hit the high points and do so in a very concise manner. The only thing I do different in the basic steps you are teaching is that I FL resize my brass then trim it and run it through my sonic cleaner and allow it to drie before priming and loading , this is a matter of preference. I can say with no misgivings that if I was asked to recommend a online tutorial to a beginner loader out of all I have watched I would recommend yours. Keep up the good work I am glad to see someone who is not full of themselves or who just came out of Wal-Mart with a press last week do a vedio . Again good video

[@russellkeeling9712]

I was just wondering why you FL resize your new brass and not just neck size it?

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Good tip to use non-adjustable primer pocket uniformer! Quality brass for precision rifle: Lapua, Peterson, Norma, Nozler. Consistent neck tension for precision: turn the necks for consistent wall thickness. Consistent case length for precision: trim cases to the exact same length.

[@EverydayMinuteMan]

Subscribed for a while, just started reloading... and this series had me running with equipment purchases and decent baseline performance in a couple hours of watching videos. Can't thank you enough for information. One thing, Hornady and RCBS equipment have great warranty programs. Bought most of my stuff used, and anything I broke learning, both companies replaced free. My .02 Thanks again.

[@eddiejr74]

I noticed that you put on your safety glasses on when you started to work with the primers. Obviously you will do things your own way but, I noticed when I use my Lyman case prep center or my Hornady case length trimmer that I have seen brass shavings flying around. None have ever gotten near my face yet but, I put my safety glasses on the second I sit at my reloading bench. Just a word or caution, all fun and games till someone looses an eye! Thanks for your service & stay safe out there.

[@cameronmcandrew9745]

"I like Shiny things". Haha, that's quote of the month. Love it. And the videos, I have been making my way through all of your playlists and this is just the second one and have done some reloading in my life but have already learnt a lot. Loving your work John.

[@johnfriscia1565]

Nice work and presentation. Nice and smooth very nice.

[@Jake93r17]

Haha that what i use for loading blocks. Iv had the same ones for like 2 years. I found them on the ground at the rang so i snatched em up

[@Strelnikov10]

Agreed! Possibly the best series on youtube.

[@rlovell383]

You Sir, make some of the most professional firearms vids on KZbin. I look forward to them every week.

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@deanoturn1985]

Another well laid out and informative vid, cheers John

[@dsfi2010]

This is why I love my lapua brass. The higher cost is offset by the reduced case prep time and just quality of brass in general.

[@russellkeeling9712]

How does lapua brass have less case prep time than other brass?

[@wildturkey1186]

A tip for you to avoid spilling your primers is to lay the closed primer package upside down on the primer tray and then push/pull the outer sleeve off. With Federal primers this will be a 2 step process due to the large size of the plastic package. So dump 50, close package, rotate 180 degrees. drop the other 50. For Remington, Winchester, CCI all of their packaging is small enough that you should be able to put them in upside down and push/pull the outer sleeve of leaving the plastic tray and then pull it off leaving the primers in the lee primer tray.

[@terrycole7753]

Even simpler - turn the primer tray upside down, place the opened factory case against the primer tray then turn the whole thing right side up, lift the factory case off, shake to get them all upright.

[@Pr0VideR50]

Loving these reloading videos. Keep up the great work.

[@squbasteve13]

I know this video is a few years old. Just wanted to make sure and put it out there for any who may not be aware. That version of Lee hand primer is suggested by Lee to no longer be used due to the change in primer metal and the possibility to have a crushed primer with all other primers exposed. There new version isolates the loading primer. Lee will trade out with a minimal cost if you contact them directly.

[@nodakjohnsful]

Awesome video ! The only thing I don't recall hearing was with my hand primer Lee suggest that I only load 10 Winchester large rifle primers at one time onto the tray. ( I could be wrong). Have a nice day

[@700shooters]

Thank you for sharing all the great videos..the best on You Tube by far.

[@MrMapex2010]

The lee priming tool you are using is their original version (I presume due to the round hopper) and Lee warns against the use of Federal primers with this system. Their new system however has corrected the problem, what ever it was. Sure you have heard this before though.

[@docdevin1]

Enjoyed the video. My tray actually disassembles easily from the press and I turn only it upside down and place it over the primer box with only the number of primers I want exposed. I then while keeping the container in contact with the tray flip it back over and lift the container off and as a result the primers are not dropping onto the tray. That makes it a little easier to keep them from getting off of the bench. And if I am using a partial row I only uncover the last full row I need and once I do the above then uncover the next row and the let only the number I still need fall to a piece of paper on the bench and carefully transfer them to the tray and replace the lid. You have probably figured that out by now but if not it makes it a little easier.

[@g0tmx]

John, if no one has asked already, will you give us your thoughts at some point on how many times you can expect to reload a case before finally throwing it away? Keep up the outstanding work! Terry B.

[@JohnSmith-nz9dn]

John, I'd like to suggest you add a comment to this video. At 13:45 you start the primer pocket uniforming section but you don't mention the correct size of the tool. Somebody might think that a large pistol size will work because they are the same diameter as large rifle but they don't know about the 0.008" difference in primer heights. (You can use the adjustable kind to do both.)

[@longrangehunter4806]

For a beginer shooter out to 800 yards would you recomend (if they had the same optic) the budget precision build or the rifle you used in the painting instructions.thanks for the great videos!

[@80SevenLLC]

Can you explain how you set up your FL die to just bump the shoulder please. Thanks for the great work.

[@darkhorse0687]

Another great video. Can you do the ups and downs between single loaders and auto loaders?

[@miguelangellagreca9305]

Hi John, Have you heard of Browning-stamped Norma brass? if so, would you recommend it? my option is winchester brass.

[@dsfi2010]

Miguelangel La Greca Norma makes bass for several companies. Weatherby I know for sure. Norma makes nice brass, Lapua is one step better.

[@Fredruiz622]

Very nice info, thanks for the video!

[@deathblow101ify]

can you list all the tools and accessories everything that you need to reload anything from handgun to rifle rounds magnum rounds etc and the best quality tools of each things you need, basically a universal reloading kit that consist of everything a reloader needs, I know it takes a lot of time for you to put together the list but Id really appreciate it thanks!

[@dcooper1994]

Great series of videos on reloading. Do you always neck size new brass. Didn't know if you sometimes would just full length size them.

[@onesureshot223]

Do you lube the cases before neck sizing?

[@rdsii64]

I shoot wolf primers exclusively. They are very consistant, clean, and inexpensive. There is one caviat, thier magnum primers are no hotter than their regular ones they just have a harder cup.

[@jamie1ky]

Hey John. Thank you for all of the valuable info and hard work you've put in to your vids. It's greatly appreciated. My question is what type of brass would you recommend for precision shooting and what brass for plinking. And by plinking I mean what type of brass to use so as not to brake my bank while getting a few rounds under my belt. I shoot the remington 700 dicks special in .308.

[@invictussol]

welldone gunny

[@johnmccl2278]

If you don't mind me asking, what are you using from the Lee press kit besides the press and primer? I'm trying to get all the supplies together to start reloading and it seems as though it may be better to by the pieces separately so you don't buy things you don't need. thank you for your time

[@russellkeeling9712]

If you are a new hand loader I would recommend you do not change the depth of the primers pockets. Only use a primer pocket cleaner just clean the pocket so the primer will seat fully against the base of the primer pocket. You don't want the primer to move forward under the pressure created by the firing pin causing a miss fire. How loose or tight the primer pocket is, is and indicator of the condition of the brass as a whole.

[@wkgsr60]

Do you use the CCI heavier primers (34s)when loading for semi auto rifles.? I've loaded around 150 rounds with CCI large rifle primers for my AR 10 and saw another video here where they said you can have accidental firing when you chamber a round due to the firing pin hitting the primer due to the thinner primer walls. I've also seen videos were other reloaders use the regular large rifle primer without problems.

[@csxconductor100]

What do you think about the lee loader kit for 243 win and so on?

[@patrickratz1752]

I'm reloading 9x19 40 & 38/357 on my XL650 and I'm just getting into long range shooting (.260rem custom 700) would you recommend if I want quality ammo to reload with the Dillon 650 or get a single stage press? also for the trimmings if I already have a 650 is it worth investing to get the electric trimmer for the 650 or get a separate unit? Good show thanks....pat

[@genedandrea139]

Hey Lone Wolf, Love your work Devil Dog! I'm new to your channel and I was wondering if you've done anything on loading ( or any info) for an MK 11 type self loader. I am into DM type shooting and although I have worked up a great 175 SMK load I would love to see how a pro operates one of these systems. (shooting a DPMS G2 Hunter 1/10 RH 20" barrel) Do you ever do any AR 10 shooting?

[@daemonicust]

Wha are your thoghts on using grease when reloading ? Especially in regards to neck sizing and resizing.

[@russellkeeling9712]

If you use grease you will have to clean cases of that grease before putting any powder near them. Grease can cause a malfunction in powder and primers.

[@joslinnick]

You deserve more subs.

[@stevedeyoung6672]

I recently purchased a Savage 10 Precision Carbine in 308 for my growing interest in precision/long range shooting. I purchased 250 rounds of once fired military brass and checked the weight on all of the cases. The cases ranged from 165gr to 186gr. I was told by a few guys at the range that have experience with precision shooting that this will cause accuracy problems. What has your experience been with this? Thanks

[@8541tactical]

Weight means little. Capacity is what causes pressure differences. I don't weigh brass. I load and go. If you are trying for benchrest accuracy, then sorting the brass is a good idea.

[@stevedeyoung6672]

Thanks

[@josephtyser8037]

I have a 308 with a 1 in 12 twist and I just got a 6.5 Creedmoor it's saying I have to have a tighter twist to shoot a heavier twist but i have to shoot a heavy bullet in the 308 so tell me what they are talking about

[@TheKimberRifleBloke]

Mate im lovin your vids but I have to know.....Where do you get your T-Shirts LOL

[@DavidFricks]

How do you feel about using Federal 215M primers with a 308 Win 168gr Sierra MatchKing? (the 215M is the large rifle magnum primer)

[@fordrac1ng81]

+David Fricks bad idea unless you're using a case full of slow ball powder. magnum primers cause pressure spike with regular/faster powders. I like CCI #34 for 308

[@DavidFricks]

+fordrac1ng81 Thanks! I ended up going with Federal 210 Standard rifle primers. So far no problems.

[@dsfi2010]

David Fricks it greatly depends. You certainly can, but you have to work loads up and keep a close eye on your primers for indication of high case pressure. Magnum primers are much hotter so they create a more compete burn, but in most cases aren't necessary for such a short small volume case.

[@SLFYSH]

Laborious descriptions of the simplistic...wearing me out

[@daveyboy8907]

Thanks

[@Picplosions]

Love ya vids very helpful!

[@r.braathen]

Hi! Thanks for very nice youtube channel :) 1 question when you have new brass from the store, someone say that you should alway full lengt size the brass NOT neck size............... So what shall i do ??????????????????????

[@JohnMcQuay]

Quality brass should be SAAMI spec out of the box. I just neck size it to round out the necks. Never had a problem.

[@r.braathen]

+John McQuay (8541 Tactical) Hi again! Thank you for great videos and very nice service :) You mention here in on of the reloading videos that you maybe should make 1 complete reloading video from start to finish, have you any suggestion when? Keep on the wonderful work :)

[@JohnMcQuay]

+Roy Braathen eventually

[@russellkeeling9712]

@@JohnMcQuay I agree. The new brass needs to be fire formed to truly create precision ammunition. Neck sizing will reshape any deformities in the neck. It does not hurt to check case length after resizing the neck.

[@yukikazewayne]

I really don't like the hand priming tool. I had a primer stuck sideway in a case and I can't remove the case from the case holder. I ended up sacrifice a die to deprime it and left the case in the die. Sometime it even double feed primers. I prefer the press priming system, it's kind of slow but at least a little bit safe in my opinion.

[@8541tactical]

I have very occasionally stuck a primer. With the Lee it is a simple matter to disassemble the tool and pop the offending primer out with a punch (very gently). I like the Lee hand primer so much I bought a backup. Although the new hand primer is not as good as the old.

[@yukikazewayne]

***** Thanks for you reply, John. I did use a different hand priming tool from LEE (square instead of round top, don't know which is the new one though.) I had a really hard time to prime the brass (too much resistance). I only used once fired Black Hills 77gr OTM brass. I guess by watching your video the primer pocket has crimp which gave me the trouble to seat a primer. I tried LEE primer pocket cleaner tool but seems useless for this situation. I might buy some reamer tool see if it will help.

[@anueljackson42]

***** yes I agree with you there, the new kind exposes the primers, so there is a possibility of spilling them, and it has more moving parts, which anyone knows more moving parts is a place for something to break. good video I to have the old model of priming tool, my cousin bought one of the newer ones and it spilled primers every time he sat it down.

[@cclar14]

Any way you could tell me the diameter of you mandrel? I believe mine is too small

[@a1xavier]

I know its off topic, but what primers are safe to use in a AR or semi auto platform? I have heard about slam fire

[@8541tactical]

I use Federal Match and CCI and never had an issue.

[@daveyjones4555]

im trying to figure out which to reload- 223 or 5.56.. i shoot both equally quantity wise but im not sure which is more practical for me.. Any suggestions?

[@8541tactical]

Reload .223

[@daveyjones4555]

***** Thanks ! will do

[@torirobbins8587]

How important is it to annealing the cases?

[@dsfi2010]

Tori Robbins not doing it at all is far more important than doing it wrong once. If you do it right it can help with longevity, but if you do it wrong it will ruin an entire batch of brass and create a possible dangerous situation.

[@dsfi2010]

There is also a lot of bad information as far as annealing brass on the internet. There is some great information out there, but you really have to sift through.

[@khmerguy35]

dig the shirt.

[@josecanisales3491]

Do you prefer Winchester brass over Remington brass?

[@8541tactical]

I use more Winchester, but I have not checked them side by side for consistency.

[@sappervet1980]

will the 45cal trays fit 300 win mag shells?

[@blindboyjonny]

sappervet1980 no

[@bobwoods5017]

Consider the pressures in the firing of your rifle. 44,000 lbs per square inch. Neck tension is very minor in respect to this violent event. Just saying....

[@8541tactical]

It may be minor, however it has observable effects. Also, that pressure is MAX. That is not the pressure when the primer pops and the initial burn pushes the bullet into the leade.

[@B.Adams1]

Do you use winchester brass for all your rifle reloading?

[@JohnMcQuay]

No. I use Hornady, Lapua an Federal as well, depending on the cartridge.

[@B.Adams1]

+John McQuay (8541 Tactical) how do you decide, cheaper for your non competition rifles, or doing accuracy tests for each rifle? Been watching your videos for years thanks!

[@JohnMcQuay]

+Brandon Adams availability and performance. I use Federal "once-fired" for the .308s mostly because it's cheap, accurate and I can afford to throw it away when the primer pockets open up. I use Hornady for the 6.5CM because it's the least expensive option for gas gun that beats up brass. I use Lapua for my .260 because it is the highest quality available for that caliber.

[@B.Adams1]

+John McQuay (8541 Tactical) Thanks!

[@forgottenforest1]

how many times can you reload brass before you need to toss it ??

[@CSNH375]

I bought the Lee anniversary kit, largely based on the reviews I have heard/read including from this channel. Having dealt with it for only ONE day I am already disappointed. The large primer arm was dented and would not seat a primer and the overall feel of EVERYTHING except the press itself is chintzy. Save your money for a better kit or buy the components separately. Aside from that these videos (and all 8541 vids) are GREAT and very informative! Thanks for putting these together John.

[@NickFrom1228]

I'd have to agree. He is very competent but his trust in Lee dies is misplaced. If you take 100 benchrest or some other competition shooter you will be hard pressed to find any who are adherents to Lee dies. There are a couple exceptions to this. The Lee universal deprimer is excellent and their hand priming tool is about as good as anyone else.

[@farmerbrown1697]

Throw the Winchester in the can and buy some lapua. That's how to prep. win brass.

[@imcsmitty]

farmer brown your telling a Marine corps sniper what kind of brass he should be using.... hmm, interesting..

[@NickFrom1228]

Farmer brown may be a Marine corps sniper too, you just don't know. Additionally its hard to find any serious precision shooter that is using anything other than Lapua or Norma, though sometimes Nosler etc are used. Personally I have thousands of Winchester brass but for the precision stuff naturally I don't. I frequently start with some winchester then after dialing things in switch to higher quality stuff, but thats just me trying to make my money go farther. In the end, given the topic is precision reloading I don't think it is unreasonable for farmer brown to suggest better brass.

[@nodakjohnsful]

Winchester has more case capacity. The really long range guys use Winchester pretty regularly just for that reason.

[@J03L01289]

Did anyone ever tell you you look like Mac from Always Sunny? I think you even have the same tats lol.

[@donnawells2442]

I prefer Starline brass. SHOOT SAFE!!!!!!

[@flexmtb]

Winchester brass is trash. Great video though. Love you man. Been watching since you were under 5K subs.

[@8541tactical]

Thanks for you long-term viewership! I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!

[@Serenityindailylife]

If you do not have the old style Lee, dont buy the Lee, its a pain in the butt and you need to rig it to get it to work. the latching mechanism does not work and you will end up destroying your brass when you flip one over inside. I love the old style but the new style is terrible.

[@JohnMcQuay]

You can adjust your dies to prevent the linkage from "camming over".

[@KeithKropf]

too long winded!