I finally was able to work out a day when a friend that reloads was able to come to my farm today and help me set up the assortment of reloading supplies I ordered a few weeks ago. I must say I am so glad he was able to come, 'cause after having watched him go through the process of setting everything set up, I can now see that it was hardly a job I needed to try to tackle without any sort of previous insight or experience.
We first got the new RCBS press attached to the reloading work bench I made and organized the other components. I had no idea how to get the dies working, weigh the powder, or do any of the steps that I'm sure are second nature to most of you. That said, after spending most of the day listening and learning, I did find it very rewarding to sit there after he left and handle the process alone. I can't wait to order the dies and such that will allow me to begin reloading for some of my other guns as well.
The .470 load with RL-15 worked perfectly and the Kynoch wads were so simple and efficient. We shot a few rounds through my chronograph and got consistent readings of 2087-2095 FPS.
I still have a lot to learn as the guy that was helping me had never reloaded for a .470 before and didn't know the dimensions specified for that bullet. We didn't have the data necessary to resize the previously shot cartridges. As a result, he was hesitant for me to reload anything except for the virgin brass Norma cartridges I had. Do any of you have the info we need so I won't have to order some fresh brass tomorrow? I have a reloading book at my office ("Any Shot You Want") that should have the specifications, but to hear the less than stellar thoughts here about that book's author, I'm wondering how much credibility I should give it!

Spring
Welcome to the World of Reloading. Just adjust the dies as in the directions for full length sizing. The resized cases should drop right in your chambers and the rifle close with out difficulty. Also the rifle should open without difficulty. If I remember your rifle is a 470. Try some 350 Hawk bullets over 75gr of IMR 3031 for a good practice/deer/pig load. A lot less recoil than the 500grain loads and it should regulate with the sights. You might have to go down or up a grain or two, usually not.

Thanks and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other loads. What I need to learn about, however, is the issue of finding out how much is too much when it comes to case expansion and to what specifications I should keep my .470 cartridges after reloading a case for the 2nd or 3rd time... Any thoughts?

By expansion do you mean growing in length? You need the RCBS file trim die. The resizing die will resize the case back to the proper demensions, then you use the trim die.

Vic,

If you will bring your fired brass and rifle over I will be glad to help you out with the 470. It would be a good idea to bring the dies as well (so that we can be sure that they are compatible with your chambers), but I have a set of 470 dies in any case.

I am not sure when we will be able to get any AR members together for a little socializing like we discussed, so just plan on coming when you can get away .

Jim

Spring
thanks for sharing this.. brings back memories for us all, i bet... and a 470 to get started to boot!!!

if you have any unfired brass left, put one in the shellholder, raise the ram ALL the way (the lever down) and keep adjusting the resize die until it JUST kisses the rim, back off 1/8 to 1/4 turn, and spin the locking ring down to touch the press... take your left thumb (assuming you are right handed) and hold the die in your hand, press DOWN with your thumb, turn off 1/8 of a turn (keeping the locking ring EXACTLY in place, so it too turns 1/8) and tighten the locking setscrew.

turn the die back into your press, and now it's set up for full length resizing...

always lube your cases

jeffe

Yes, Tony, it's the "growth in length" issue that I'm trying to resolve...Obviously I don't yet know all the terminology! Measuring the brass casing with my calipers to see how much it should be cut back is what I have yet to do. So there's a 3rd die I need to order (RCBS file trim die) that will cut the brass to the proper specifications?

Jim, you might have the best idea of all. On balance, since I've already loaded and fired some new bullets, I think I'm making progress, but clearly I still have lots to learn.

And, Jeffe, so far I've remembered to lube each shell before running it thru the resizing die, excpept once, which hapened when I was only loading a single casing I found after having loaded what I thought was all of the new Normas that I had. Fortunately, I had no problems as apparently there was enough lube residue in the die for it work just fine.

Thanks for all suggestions and offers for assitance...I need it!

Is this what I need?





RCBS Trim Die 470 Nitro Express



The RCBS Trim Die doubles as a visual case length gauge. Run a case into the trim die and if the case sticks out above the top of the die, it's too long. File the case down until it is flush with the top of the die and then debur. Headspace is held to minimum tolerances to avoid changing the length of the case. The Trim Die is case hardened and hand polished. Heat treated to withstand a file bearing against the top surface without damage to the die. Cases with an overall length of 1.700" and shorter require the use of an Extended Shellholder. Shellholder sold separately.



trim die

could I suggest that you look at a case trimmer made by
Forster
It is a case care system and their cusomer service is awesome.
I use forsters to trimm all my cases from .257 Roberts to 475 #2 Jeffery

Thanks, Rusty. I read where the RCBS trim die has to be special ordered and may have a 90 day wait. Is this what I need from Forster? Case trimmer

Spring,

a couple words about lube:

1. Don't use too much, this can cause dents in the cases (you will learn to "feel" the lube on the case and know if it is too much)

2. from time to time clean out your sizing die, I just spray carb cleaner or gun scrub in it unless it is real bad (in which case I disassemble and use a toothbrush, my wifes). lube can build up after a while

3. if you find your cases are sticking on the retraction of the brass from the die you might need to lube the inside of the neck (I find that this is when I get most case stretch, on cases with unlubed inside necks, causing the ball to pull out hard) here is my tip for that part. I take a pipe cleaner and wrap it around a spot by where the press is, leaving a loop (no sharp ends) protruding. I put a bit of lube on there, take the case, put the mouth over the pipe cleaner and give it a spin. I tumble my brass after the sizing and that gets the lube left on there off for me.

Congrats on joining the ranks of reloaders. It is a very rewarding hobby.

Red

Spring,

If you haven't read SHOOTING THE BRITISH DOUBLE RIFLE 2nd edition by Graeme Wright, I highly recommend it. Lots of good loading/handloading information. The author tested many of the loads at the Birmingham Proof House. I've just recently (within the last of couple of years) started loading for the .470 NE and I found the book invaluable.

-Bob F.

I lube only 1 in every two or three cases. But use some powdered graphite on the inside of the neck each time.

Reloading is a great therapeutic activity.

Rusty

Can the standard Forster trimmer be used even the longest NE cases - ie I'm referring of course to my 3 1/2 inch .450 No. 2? And does the case head holder hold the large rimmed cases without some 'upgrade'? Still have to trim the cases. I have an older RCBS trimmer of similar design and I'm guessing it will be too short.

I have been looking for a copy of Graeme Wright's Shooting the British Double Rifle. It's out of print now but I hear a new edition is in the works. That said, if you run across a place that has the 2nd edition for sale, I hope you'll let me know.
Thanks, Bob.

I'd try Midway for a copy. Currently, they are out of stock, but expect to have them back 8/18/04, from what it says on their web page. That's the soonest availability I have found. I'm looking for that book as well! maxman

Spring,

Try http://www.abebooks.com/ I did a search and found a few copies for sale.

-Bob F.

Thanks, Bob. I just went there and ordered a copy.

Spring,

Yes that is what you need. I like the file trim die for the Nitro Express because it takes less set up time if you are only loading a few rounds. I use the Forester for my other cartridges itis an excellent tool.

Yes sir, the classic is what you need. When you talk to them just tell them what you are doing and they will walk you thru it. Great customer service.

M1 Tanker
Unless you just "got to have" a 470 there is nothing to be gained ballistically by rechambering a 458 Lott Ruger No1 to a 470. Load that 458 Lott to @ 2150 fps and you will have a very effective DG load.

Tony,
What kind of file do you use when you use your trim die?