I continue to work at setting up dedicated drums for all my rifles, and I'm very pleased with the way the Auto Drum is delivering the charges. Last night I loaded case for my 35-30, only 22 but I took a couple of pictures of how I verify the charges using the Safety Scale. For starters, I have the scale marked with 1/2 & 1-grain marks but always check it with check weights for the desired charge (the larger picture).
Before starting, I check the charge dropped, and then I check it again after five charges have been dropped. After that, I check it every after every 10th charge until I'm done reloading. The additional pictures within the image show that what I have seen, next to no variation.
I'm doing it all on the press; sizing die with an expander specific to the bullet so that I don't need a separate expander die and priming with the Safety Prime. A have a custom Factory Crimp Die on order for the 35-30 and use the CH-4D seating die to seat and crimp in a single step in the all the brass is trimmed exactly the same length.
Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
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Re: Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
Have you tried the auto drum with the 22 Hornet? I just bought an Auto Drum measure and the spring seems a bit stiff. I understand it guarantees the return of the drum, especially with stick style powder, but the spring seems like lawyer overkill. I'm wondering if it would distort the Hornet case from pressure?
I just picked up a softer spring today at the hardware store. I'll post something when I see how it works.
I just picked up a softer spring today at the hardware store. I'll post something when I see how it works.
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Re: Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
I use the AD with the 218 Bee and have had no problems. Just don't overwork a single case during the setup. With bottlenecked cartridges, I will use a single case about three times during the setup and then get another out of the pile.Joisey wrote:Have you tried the auto drum with the 22 Hornet? I just bought an Auto Drum measure and the spring seems a bit stiff. I understand it guarantees the return of the drum, especially with stick style powder, but the spring seems like lawyer overkill. I'm wondering if it would distort the Hornet case from pressure?
I just picked up a softer spring today at the hardware store. I'll post something when I see how it works.
Straight walled cartridges that are going through a Powder Through Expander die need to be resized and re-expanded for every cycle of the Auto Drum during setup or the dispenser will progressively drop smaller charges and you will find yourself constantly adjusting it a facet at a time. If you don't adhere to this procedure, the first time a "clean" case is run through the measure it will be overcharged.
I'm going to stick with the stock spring, I think it needs it with the tension needed to prevent the drum from sticking or leaking.
Michael
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Re: Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
I'll give the measure a try with the stock spring and the Hornet cases. If there is no problem, I'll let it stay as it. The other spring cost less than $2.
- GasGuzzler
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Re: Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
Thanks. Now I feel dumb but enlightened.Ranch Dog wrote:Straight walled cartridges that are going through a Powder Through Expander die need to be resized and re-expanded for every cycle of the Auto Drum during setup or the dispenser will progressively drop smaller charges and you will find yourself constantly adjusting it a facet at a time. If you don't adhere to this procedure, the first time a "clean" case is run through the measure it will be overcharged.
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I've always been crazy but it's kept me from goin' insane.
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from goin' insane.
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Re: Auto Drum With Rifle Cases
Don't feel dumb, I've learned this but have to constantly remind myself of this.GasGuzzler wrote:Thanks. Now I feel dumb but enlightened.Ranch Dog wrote:Straight walled cartridges that are going through a Powder Through Expander die need to be resized and re-expanded for every cycle of the Auto Drum during setup or the dispenser will progressively drop smaller charges and you will find yourself constantly adjusting it a facet at a time. If you don't adhere to this procedure, the first time a "clean" case is run through the measure it will be overcharged.
Michael
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