Author Topic: How do I get started? (Read 704 times)

Bridger · « **on:** February 27, 2003, 02:34:05 PM »

I would like to start loading for black powder cartridge. Have a .40-65 on order. What are the basics I need? What book would you recommend? I have a Dillon 550. Could I use that press if I used it as a turret press rather than a progressive? What other accessories will I need. Have never loaded for rifle let alone black powder so this is a new adventure. Thanks

Coydog C. · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2003, 04:32:55 PM »

Bridger,

Quote

Have never loaded for rifle let alone black powder so this is a new adventure

Man, you're in for a load of fun. A god place to start is the "Black Powder Cartridge Reloading Primer"
by Mike Venturino and Steve Garbe available at several shooting supply places such as Cabelas or you can get it from Buffalo Arms (see below)

I've got a paper that I wrote that you're more than welcome to. It was published in SSE, and I only received 5 death threats, so I guess it's "OK". :lol:

Email me at: CFRHunter@aol.com

and I'll send ya a copy.

Good Luck,

Chuck
http://www.buffaloarms.com/baco10.htm

The Shrink · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2003, 01:20:36 AM »

Bridger

Yes, you can use your Dillon, but you may not have to. I only form brass on the press, and don't even have to neck form my 40-70 2.1" Sharps brass after fireforming. I just decap, clean, prime, and re-load. I need the press to finish seating the bullet, but finger start it. Maybe something to do with hand strength!. Some finger seat their bullets and use their press to compress the powder. I do that on my drill press.

Upshot of it all is, other than forming brass, you can almost get along without a press. As long as you can get a shellholder and the case fits in the press you are in business.

Chuck's info is good, he's very believable.

Coydog C. · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2003, 03:39:46 AM »

Quote

Chuck's info is good, he's very believable.

Obviously spoken by someone that doesnt know me!

:shock: :lol: :shock: :lol:

Chuck

Bridger · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2003, 01:11:51 PM »

Well I've read most of Chuck's work and have learned quite a bit. I'll get Venturino's book too. I know all you experienced shooters cast your own bullets but that's a ways off for me. If you absolutely had to buy manufactured bullets where would you get them? Would you buy them pre-lubed and if not- here's where I really show my ignorance- how do you lube bullets?

The Shrink · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2003, 01:19:03 AM »

Only by Coydog's reputation, Chuck!

Coydog C. · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2003, 04:41:37 AM »

Marsh,

The 2.6 is well sorted out, Ive been campaigning with that rifle for close to 5 years now. The 2.4 still needs a little work in the load arena, I just havent had much time to work with it, and Im still trying to cock the hammer after closing the breech.

The 40-70 is still in Cody, and its brass is STILL in the form of 2.4 brass sitting in a heap on my reloading bench. Sooner or later, Im going to have to do something with it! :lol:

Wayne,

Quote

Only by Coydog's reputation, Chuck!

Now that could be a good thing or a bad thing, so Ill just leave it alone!
:lol: :shock: :lol: :shock:

Brasskisser · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2003, 03:59:52 AM »

Bridger, You are getting some good advice here. I do have a suggestion if this option is available to you. Go watch, join, or shoot in any organized BPRC clubs or matches in your area. Try to find a mentor who can "coach" you and might be willing to teach you the real "how-to's" of loading these things. If I would have done this, it would have shortened my learning curve by two years. During this time, Coydog, Redneck and others told me "I didn't know what the hell I was doing" and they were right. One weekend I drove 600 miles to talk to a very good long range shooter/gunsmith and he tought me more in five minutes that I had learned on my own in five months (Thanks Lee!), we then attended a silhouette shot and things started making sense. If you have an opportunity to do some of this, IMHO it can pay very big dividends. If you lived next door (Iowa City, Iowa) we could get this sucker shooting in no time and then we would get you to casting "quality" boolits in no time. Peace! Good Luck to ya, and welcome to the nut house.

Cottonwood · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2003, 09:35:06 AM »

Alright since Chuck is being so bashfull here I am going to post his write up that I give a copy of to everyone that I can, that wants to learn how to load black powder cartridge.

Introduction to Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Loading

You must have Adobe Reader to see this, but I keep a copy on hand.

Take care
Jon