Re-loading using Wilson tools (.204)

Firstly I would like to say there will be some more shooting videos coming soon. This video is my workflow when re-loading for my CZ527 in .204 Ruger.
I am using Wilson hand dies and a K and M arbor press for no other reason than I don't have the room for a permanent re-loading bench, and all the kit you see packs away into a small plastic tool box. (the Wilson tools are just a pleasure to use though, and the seating tool, so so accurate!!)
I am new to re-loading, I am certainly no expert, but I enjoy what I do and the results are pleasing. I only re-load for fox and crow shooting, and the results are good enough for crows to 500 yards and 8" gongs to 700 in the right conditions. (I would rather stick pins in my eyes than shoot groups in paper all day long ;-))
Wilson neck sizing tool, bushings and base.
Wilson seating die and base.
Wilson trimmer, stand and clamp.
K & M Arbor press.
Lyman vld chamfering tool
Lee priming tool
Ultra, ultrasonic cleaner.
Lee beam scale

[@theCodyCockrell]

very cool, love your vids, keep it up man. :)

[@freedomofabird]

+Cody Cockrell Thanks Cody, appreciated

[@redrocco44]

Nice gear. Thanks for sharing.

[@freedomofabird]

+redrocco44 Thanks I'll get some more shooting vids out soon

[@Tailwind1]

Enjoyed this video, thank you.

[@freedomofabird]

+windsock777 That means a lot thank you.

[@Mrtrucker1981]

I remember my first reloading die set. Used a hammer for everything. Have a single stage for rifle and progressive for hand gun loads now. Reloading is very relaxing.

[@freedomofabird]

+steve griffith Yea love it!!

[@ForBritannia]

Brilliant thanks for sharing ATB Alex

[@freedomofabird]

+Alex Milligan Thanks Alex

[@fastmover45]

nice insight thanks and foxs and crows make good targets to me

[@freedomofabird]

Thanks buddy

[@turbobarrels]

Good video G. I use a lee bench press for my 223. Very enjoyable pastime!Regards marc

[@freedomofabird]

+turbobarrels Thanks Marc. I started on the Lee, in fact I still have it. It's a great hobby and very rewarding.

[@benturnbull4009]

thanks very interesting keep it up

[@freedomofabird]

+Ben Turnbull Thanks Ben

[@backyardmechanic921]

Consistantsy is everything when you are shooting at the ranges you do. Better a kill or a miss than wounding your quarry.

[@freedomofabird]

+enginemaker Yes and that is the fun of using these hand dies, the tolerances are very good and the results pleasing. The reloading is as enjoyable as the results. Great foxing load too.

[@MrFRANKIE1146]

Thanks for the video, have not done any reloading myself. Have seen your comments as to why you reload but what is the rough cost to set up excluding primers, powder and bullet heads please? Good hunting and keep up the great work.ATBFrankie

[@freedomofabird]

+FRANKIE HOWARD You can by a Lee reloading kit for a little under £150. The Wilson gear that I use is a little more but it doesn't necessarily mean it is better. (but it is 😄)

[@MrFRANKIE1146]

Thanks Looks the way to go if you shoot lots of rounds I suppose :-)

[@freedomofabird]

+FRANKIE HOWARD Yea it is. I don't shoot many rounds at all, but the benefits of consistency when shooting at long range for your chosen calibre outweigh the cost. Especially if like me you are doing it for essential vermin control and not just sport shooting.

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

Im starting to develope some loads for my CZ527 with the 25.6in barrel. I was wondering what overall cartridge length for your 39gr blitzkings your going with. For my first batch. I went with 2.250 too start but im pretty sher that is seating too far back. Since you also shoot a 527 id appreciate your input. Also have you ever used IMR 8208? im using 26.2 grains. Groups measured around .7 to 1 MOA. I Think i will be happy with .5 moa haha. I know the rifle can do it. Cheers

[@freedomofabird]

1.946 ogive measurement, I don’t measure oal

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

@@freedomofabird ok thanks

[@freedomofabird]

With an ogive measure. It’s more accurate than oal as bullets can be different lengths (slightly) which means the bullet makes contact with the lands at a different part of the initial bullet movement.

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

@@freedomofabird makes sense. Measuring my loads with .001 calipers. Looks like of hovering a bit inconsistantly around 1.93 and 1.98. Might have to invest in that press and dye. Very precise

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

Wish i could find some h4895 here in the states right now haha. Did you have good luck with other powders after it was banned?

[@philb4205]

You're reloading the .204 for economy or quality/consistency or both & hows that working out in the field? I've had the 17HMR for a while but just got a Ruger Precision .308 and considering what benefits there are for reloading.

[@freedomofabird]

+Ludicrous Phil Then benefits of reloading are many. Cost, the ability to produce a specific load to suit your barrel, and sheer enjoyment if you are the sort who likes things to be just right! If you don't have patience forget it! Then there is the thing where it is nice to catch a fish with a fly you have tied yourself, it is nice to drop a long range fox or crow with a bullet you have loaded yourself.

[@Gixer750pilot]

Would love to see you , 260rips and Richard Utting do a long range video together . 3 long range and knowledgeable shooting gods!

[@freedomofabird]

+Gixer750pilot Haha I'm not in their league. Thanks anyway😄

[@Gixer750pilot]

freedomofabird you sell yourself short mate. Your 280 yds .17hmr shot is in par with their work . It's all relative .

[@freedomofabird]

That vids gone past 1.2 million views now, and all done without a custom rifle in sight!!

[@freedomofabird]

sorry 1.1 million

[@Gixer750pilot]

because its amazing!!!! just goes to show, if you know your ballistics, a small caliber is very useful. there are lots of people shooting rabbits and crows on here with a .243 at 150 yds. but that's well within the rifles capability and not impressive at all. its the old saying that I think I have heard you say "be wary of the man with only one rifle"

[@garytree7729]

Hi Freedom, is that 3/8" at 100 yards..? And just out of interest have you improved on that now with better handloads or are you still satisfied with the original loads.?

[@freedomofabird]

It was 3/8 at 100 yards and I've stuck with the load. I never shoot groups unless I'm developing a new load or sighting in a new scope and I haven't done either for some time. Crows, foxes, rabbits etc are the only things I really shoot at with the odd one or two other things. It's round hits, are way more important than group sizes every day of the week. Groups are great, accuracy is final.

[@freedomofabird]

I will be developing new loads soon though now Hodgdons has been banned, so prob go with one of the Alliant powders such as R10 or 15, or I might try Ramshot TAC

[@garytree7729]

freedomofabird Thanks for the reply. I've been very lucky with my .204, it seems to like the ammunition I have for it, certainly shoots better than I can, still find the engineering involved in putting the bullet on target at the ranges I'm starting to get to quite amazing.

[@freedomofabird]

It's a fantastic fun calibre

[@garytree7729]

freedomofabird I didn't hear that had been banned, as I don't have much to do with reloading. I do maintenance at a local rifle range, keeping the grass down on the firing points. There are plenty of people there who can help should I feel the need. Great stuff, thanks for your time with the videos.

[@b1aketh]

whats the 0 give you have written on the lid?

[@freedomofabird]

Its a measurement from the base to the ogive of the bullet, and not to the tip of the bullet. Believe it or not, when measuring in 1000th of an inch bullets are not the same length, even though they might look like they are.

[@b1aketh]

I love your videos your awesome. Is the ogive when the bullet starts to curve for to make the tip? I just started reloading and trying to learn as well.

[@freedomofabird]

Thanks. Yes thats right, if you buy a hornady bullet comarater in 20 cal (or whatever cal you are reloading) and use it with your measuring gauge you will get the idea. There is plenty on the internet to show you how.