Handloader's Digest

491 Pages·2011·15.98 MB·English

by  Gun Digest

THE WORLD’S GREATEST HANDLOADING BOOK
Edited by Ken Ramage
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Ken Ramage/Handloader’s Digest
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990
email: [email protected]
© 2003 by Krause Publications
Printed in the United States of America.
All rights reserved.
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CAUTION: Technical data presented here, particularly technical data on handloading, inevitably
reflects individual experience with particular equipment and components under specific
circumstances the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Such data presentations therefore should be used
for guidance only and with caution. Krause Publications, accepts no responsibility for results
obtained using this data.
Published by
700 East State Street • Iola, WI 54990-0001
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www.krause.com
eISBN: 978-1-44022-451-5
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Library of Congress Number: 2002107607
ISBN: 0-87349-475-X
Handloader’s Digest 18th Edition
Staff
Editor
Ken Ramage
Contributing Editors
Larry Sterett – Metallic Reloading
John Haviland – Bullet Casting
Kurt Fackler – Shotshell Reloading
Holt Bodinson – Handloading Components
About the Covers
Front Cover
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load AP (Automatic Progressive) reloading press
combines innovative design with high-tech manufacturing techniques to give the
reloader a machine that will turn out large quantities of either rifle or handgun
ammunition. The press illustrated is equipped with Custom-Grade New
Dimension Pistol Dies.
This press features Hornady’s new Lock-N-Load die bushing system that
allows you to switch dies in a matter of seconds without the need to readjust
them. Standard-thread dies screw into the bushing and are loaded and unloaded
from the press with a simple twist. The locking action holds the dies in a solid,
perfectly aligned position. The five-station die platform allows the flexibility to
add individual seating and crimping dies, or a taper-crimp die to the progressive
process.
The Lock-N-Load AP press comes with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load powder
measure with micrometer dial for precise charge settings. The measure
automatically dispenses a charge with every pull of the press handle when a shell
is present in the station. It’s easily adjusted and mounts just like the dies.
Priming is handled by an innovative primer slide that automatically picks up
primers while the shellplate is held secure and level by the shellplate retainer.
Because the press opening is offset, there’s easy access to the shellplate.
Changeover is easy and adjustment-free since the shellplate bolt and lock nut are
independent of the rest of the press. The Lock-N-Load press automatically and
smoothly advances in half-clicks at the top and bottom of each stroke. The
rugged linkage delivers enough leverage to handle tough resizing chores, and the
handle is offset to provide a clear view of your work.
Other Hornady tools and accessories, clockwise from the press:
The Cam-Lock Trimmer with micrometer-adjustable cutter uses standard
Hornady shellholders and pilots––and may be adapted to power operation. The
Complete Case Care Kit includes lube, pad, accessory handle, chamfer/deburr
too, primer pocket cleaners (lg. & sm.), and three case neck brushes to
accommodate most commonly loaded calibers.
The Digital Reloading scale measures accurately to the tenth of a grain, up to
750 grains. The scale, powered by a nine-volt battery, comes with two check
weights, powder pan and the ability to weigh in either grains or grams. An
optional AC adapter is available.
Handloaders need to measure their brass, bullets and loaded cartridge length,
and nothing does it better than a dial caliper. Hornady’s is available in either
inch or metric calibration, and includes a protective case.
Hornady’s reloading handbooks round out the equipment package. The two-
volume set includes hundreds of pages of loading data, plus detailed information
on exterior ballistics and handloading reference.
Back Cover
The Lock-N-Load Classic single-stage press is just the ticket for simple
reloading projects. Once installed and adjusted for the specific cartridge, dies are
easily replaced without further adjustment thanks the Lock-N-Load bushing
system. The compound linkage multiplies the handle leverage, reducing the
effort needed for all reloading operations. The Classic features the easy-access
angled frame and Hornady’s proven PPS priming system. An automatic primer
feed system is optional.
Other Hornady tools and accessories, clockwise from the press:
Hornady’s reloading handbooks are invaluable. The two-volume set includes
hundreds of pages of loading data, plus detailed information on exterior ballistics
and handloading reference.
This particular press is set up with Hornady’s Custom-Grade New Dimension
rifle dies. This family of dies incorporates a number of improved features, and
Hornady guarantees they will never break or wear out from normal use.
Particularly handy for measuring diameters of bullets, expander plugs and
such, Hornady’s micrometer delivers a finer reading than does the Dial Caliper.
Empty brass sits in a loading tray that is actually the lid of the Case Care Kit.
This versatile and very necessary accessory kit includes case lube, pad,
accessory handle, chamfer/deburr tool, primer pocket cleaners (lg. & sm.), and
three case neck brushes to accommodate the most commonly loaded calibers.
Handloaders need to measure their brass, bullets and loaded cartridge length,
and nothing does it better than a dial caliper. Hornady’s is available in either
inch or metric calibration, and includes a protective case.
Next, the Cam-Lock Trimmer with micrometer-adjustable cutter, uses
standard Hornady shellholders and pilots––and may be adapted to power
operation. Improved design features include a taller frame and redesigned
handle, and a replaceable large-diameter cutting head.
Finally, just behind the press is the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure fitted to
the Fast Load Powder Measure Stand that accepts Lock-N-Load bushings and
features a longer arm, allowing full charging access to a 50-round Universal
loading block.
For complete details on these items, and the rest of the Hornady bullet,
ammunition and reloading offerings, contact the manufacturer directly.
HANDLOADER’S DIGEST
CONTENTS
Title Page
Special Offers
FEATURES:
HARVEY PROT-X-BORE BULLETS
By Jim Foral
ARE BENCHREST LOADING TECHNIQUES WORTH THE TROUBLE?
By Richard S. Gardiner
REMEMBER THIS NEGLECTED RELOADING STEP
By John Haviland
SELECTING THE PROPER DIET FOR YOUR 45 AR
By J.R. Schroeder
HEAVY BULLETS IN THE 30-30 WINCHESTER
By R.H. VanDenburg, Jr.
WHY FOLLOW THE RECIPE?
By M.L. McPherson
HANDLOADING FOR THE 30 MAUSER C.96
By Don Horne
HANDLOADING THE 400 COR-BON
By Steve Gash
SELECTING THE RIGHT BULLET FOR BIG GAME
By Thomas C. Tabor
THE 257 ROBERTS, NOT DEAD YET
By Scott E. Stoppelman