Help me break the code on QuickLoad

[shootist~]

Sizing

Sizing

www.ch4d.com

I see that CH4D sizing dies appear to be "Bushing" Dies. Getting the right bushing(s) to match thicker or thinner case necks is part of the process for correct neck tension.

I use Redding Bushing Dies for a couple of calibers (30-06 and 6.5 CM) and like them very much. It took some trial and error to find the right bushings, however. For instance, I use a .332" bushing for Lapua 30-06, but switch to a .331" for Remington brass.

The only expander ball I have turned down (IIRC) was for a conventional sizer die in 308W. And it only needed a hair polished off.

 

[SaintPanzer]

Thank you, that is helpful. When I hear from CH4D, I will be sure to ask them about that.

If I understand you correctly, a slightly smaller bushing will make for a "tighter" neck, whereas a larger bushing makes for a looser neck. Most of my experience is with straight wall cases, which is why I'm so paranoid about pushing the shoulder back and don't fully understand the nuances of bottle neck cases.

I did measure the bullets today. As to be expected from Woodleigh (and if I am using the micrometer correctly, which usually requires some suspension of disbelief), they measure in at exactly 0.375. Maybe a hair over, and by a hair I don't mean 0.376, I mean like maybe 0.3751, or 0.37505. At that point it is coming down to "feel". I am using my Dad's old Starret, which has a "click" feature to measure. If I ignore the click, I can tighten it right to 0.375, but with the click, it's not even the width of the hash mark past that.

I'm trying to figure out if I have a tool that will accurately measure case thickness. There I may be stumped. Perhaps I can use my digital calipers to measure the ID, and then measure the OD, and do the math? I doubt those calipers are accurate enough.

I did hear back from Pacific Tool... a bit more expensive than I'd hoped. The custom case gauge is $300. For safety, worth it in the long run, but may take a bit to make and send here. I did order headspace gauges for both the M1903 and M1910. I should probably check before I pull a trigger.

I'm hoping to have time to load up some 30-06 this weekend, but I need to check the project list first. Next weekend is right out.

 

[shootist~]

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is a great tool for increasing the accuracy of your loaded ammunition. The Headspace gauge measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

A way to get a measurement of shoulder setback. And even relative headspace using a fired case compared to factory new cases or factory ammo.

Not sure about something with a minimum shoulder, but I'm able to make it work with the 9.3x62.

Needs a fairly good set of calipers and a little practice to get consistent readings.

 

[Mauser78]

QL is wonderfull. But you need to calibrate it to your rifle, powder and specific components. After that is done it is magic.

 

[SaintPanzer]

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is a great tool for increasing the accuracy of your loaded ammunition. The Headspace gauge measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

A way to get a measurement of shoulder setback. And even relative headspace using a fired case compared to factory new cases or factory ammo.

Not sure about something with a minimum shoulder, but I'm able to make it work with the 9.3x62.

Needs a fairly good set of calipers and a little practice to get consistent readings.

Thanks. I have something similar for the M1903, I'm just not sure how much I trust it on that little tiny shoulder. What I'd really like is something similar to the one Hornady makes for the 30-06, where you drop the round into the "chamber", and if it's above the top it's too long, and if it's below the indent it's too short. Making one of these would require two things: a chamber reamer and me having the machinist skills to wield it. Of the two, the former is probably easier to find.

 

[Scrumbag]

Couple of things:

1) As others have said, check your case volumes
2) I don't think Quick Load is as good with European powders as Gordon's Reloading Tool

Best wishes,

Scrummy

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

Thanks. I have something similar for the M1903, I'm just not sure how much I trust it on that little tiny shoulder. What I'd really like is something similar to the one Hornady makes for the 30-06, where you drop the round into the "chamber", and if it's above the top it's too long, and if it's below the indent it's too short. Making one of these would require two things: a chamber reamer and me having the machinist skills to wield it. Of the two, the former is probably easier to find.

I would like very much to find a 'go / no go' gauge for the 9.5X57 but have never seen one listed nor offered anywhere.

You absolutely want the shoulders of your cases to be of correct depth for the 9.5X57. I initially set mine by using the measurements from the old American Rifleman chart, then compared to original 1920s DWM 531 unfired cartridges that had been in the MS' fitted case since Grand Dad's days (they can now be found on the 'net). After my handloads were fired, the shoulders 'squared up' a bit but did not change depth.

When setting your die start a bit long, dial down in small increments until you're exactly to the proper shoulder depth. Do the same when seating bullets. Then set those screws and leave them alone.

I have another sizing die that I found on Ebay a few years ago that I will use for the Nosler Solids or any others I may use so that my first die can remain unchanged for the Hornady 3715 which very closely replicate 'factory spec' projectiles.

This fuzzy scan shows:
A) Reload from Reed's Specialties*
B) One of my original handloads, unfired.
C) Original (1924 vintage) DWM
D) One of my handloads, fired case.

A) *Reeds, of Oklahoma, is a good outfit to deal with. He provides handloads made from fresh Norma brass that he has drawn straight before sizing which is a very good idea, particularly if 'donor cases' are _X57 which have lower and narrower shoulders than does 9.5X57 MS. I forget the headstamp just now, don't have any in front of me.

B) Loaded 35 or so years ago with fresh Remington (R-P .35 Whelen headstamp) brass and Hornady 3715, sized in single pass through RCBS dies then cut to length, loaded. The .35 Whelen shoulder gets pushed back quite a bit when sized to 9.5X57 (as would .30-'06), so depth comes out spot - on. The shoulders did come up slightly narrower and 'softer' than specified on the Eley drawing but are identical twins to original, unfired, DWM 531 cases.

DWM 531

 

[Hogpatrol]

@Brian Rothhammer
Will this work for the 9.5x57?

9.5 x 57 M.-Sch. CIP Headspace Gauges - Pacific Tool and Gauge

6mm / 6.5mm Super LR Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge

pacifictoolandgauge.com

 

[Shootist43]

@Brian Rothhammer
Will this work for the 9.5x57?

9.5 x 57 M.-Sch. CIP Headspace Gauges - Pacific Tool and Gauge

6mm / 6.5mm Super LR Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge

pacifictoolandgauge.com

Brian, I've used these guys in the past. Their stuff is good. Prices are reasonable considering this is a "Nitch" market.

 

[SaintPanzer]

@Brian Rothhammer
Will this work for the 9.5x57?

9.5 x 57 M.-Sch. CIP Headspace Gauges - Pacific Tool and Gauge

6mm / 6.5mm Super LR Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge

pacifictoolandgauge.com

That’s the one I just ordered…

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

@Brian Rothhammer
Will this work for the 9.5x57?

9.5 x 57 M.-Sch. CIP Headspace Gauges - Pacific Tool and Gauge

6mm / 6.5mm Super LR Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge

pacifictoolandgauge.com

Looks good, wow, and thank you are the first things that come to mind!

As I had posted, "I would like very much to find a 'go / no go' gauge for the 9.5X57 but have never seen one listed nor offered anywhere."

Now I have!
I'll be ordering the 'new product' today!