RIFLE

[DJR]

...............

Very interesting. The performance at the extreme end of a rifles range is the one thing I have never really contemplated. 

Edited January 10, 2020 by DJR

[Craai]

So, an important day this week with NHSA's court application to have the firearm amnesty being declared illegal being heard tomorrow. I don't know what other people's experiences have been with the police with the amnesty, but in my view the police seem hell bent on getting as many firearms with expired licenses as they can during this period.

 

I am also in the expired license boat; I have been trying to get my competency certificate renewed (as you need a valid one in order to re-apply for your firearm licences) but have been told by the police that I have to bring in my firearms at the same time. (Two separate police stations) Norrafok. The odds of me getting a competency reissued by the time I need to hand in my application for licenses for these firearms are next to zero ( You have to reapply within 14 days of handing in, otherwise firearms are destroyed)

 

Will wait and see what happens this week; it's going to be interesting.

[mon-goose]

had a good learning session last night. So I had loaded about 100 rounds ready for my new rifle which arrived on thursday. But had issues cycling the rounds through. Took them to someone experienced who checked them out and it looks like some of the case shoulders were getting slightly damaged in the resizing process. Just small flat or squashed spots on the shoulders that were causing problems and the rounds were getting jammed. Also a small piece of something in the bolt that may have causes some issue. Cleaned it all up and ended up having to pull about 14 of the 100 rounds loaded which was way better than I had expected. I expected to have to pull all of them. The rest of the rounds have cycled through and once I've fire formed them in my rifle they'll go through easier. 

 

Got about another 200 cases that I'll need to cycle through and test before I reload them all and waste time. 

 

I've realised there's tons to learn and also why people can spend years learning to load and play around with the smallest of details. The list of tools I want to buy is growing. Last night I learnt about the quick trim die set to size and trim the case, quite cool. But it's fun

[DJR]

From something I wrote looong ago, before digital gadgets. Still prefer my analog scale and vernier. I always feel like the digital thing will malfunction and I obsessively calibrate, check and re-check it.

 

EQUIPMENT

As in most other aspects of reloading, the sky is the limit here as well. I recommend that you start with the bare essentials and, as you gain more experience, buy more advanced tools. This does not mean that you should not, right from the start, buy the best quality tools that you can afford, because good equipment will make the learning experience a lot easier and, in the long run, save you money.

 

What do you need?

 

The Bare Essentials

 

1. Reloading Press

For handgun cases a small press is sufficient, but for larger rifle cases, a press with more leverage is needed. If it is possible that you might later also start loading for a rifle caliber, then buy a bigger press from the beginning. Most average reloaders find that a single-stage press is more than good enough. If you plan to load hundreds of rounds monthly, a progressive press is the answer, but very few people really use these to their full potential. They also cost a lot more than single-stage presses. Most presses incorporate a system for priming as well; make sure that this is the case before buying.

 

2. Powder-scale

The best quality scale that you can afford is the scale to buy but, for a beginner, a mechanical scale is more than accurate enough. Electronic scales are great for the advanced reloader. Another wonderful gadget that you will never regret buying, is a set of weights with which to check the accuracy of your scale periodically.

 

3. Powder-measure

Some people manage to get by without a powder-measure, but I strongly recommend getting one right from the start, especially for loading handgun ammunition. If you intend loading a very limited amount of rifle ammunition only, it may be possible to do this with only a powder scoop and your scale, but your operation will be a lot slower and much more frustrating.

 

4. Die-set and Shell-holder

Buy a good set of reloading dies and do not forget to ad a shell-holder if that is not included in the set. Most manufacturers sell their shell-holders separately. If you load for more than one caliber, check whether you need different shell holders for each one, as most can accommodate a number of cartridges. A re-sizing die with carbide inserts is great, because this makes it unnecessary to lubricate cases, which will save a lot of time and eliminate a lot of messiness. Carbide dies are made for handgun calibers only.

 

5. Vernier Calipers

The more accurate these are the better but, wisely used, even a relatively inexpensive slide vernier can give good results. Dial verniers are better and electronic ones even more so, but they also cost more. The vernier caliper is needed for measuring the length of cases and the overall length of cartridges. Without it, you cannot later reproduce loads of identical specifications.

 

Almost Essential Equipment

 

1. Powder-funnel

Buy the real thing and do not try to make do with household funnels. A proper powder-funnel is non-static and is the only safe, easy way to pour powder from the scale-tray into a case. It is possible to pour all your powder straight from the powder-measure into the cases, but it is often not very accurate, especially for working up a new load. For handgun loads, if accuracy is not your main aim, you can do this and get by without a funnel. For rifle loads, a funnel should be considered essential.

 

2. Powder-trickler

This is the most useful gadget for easily getting very accurate powder-charges and is almost a must for loading rifle ammunition. Adding or removing small amounts of powder with a miniature spoon can do the same job but a lot more effort and time will be needed. In my experience, the extra hassle is not worth the small savings.

 

3. Lubricant Pad

There are lubricants that can be applied without a pad. This works well for low-volume reloading, but to handle larger numbers of cases, a pad is necessary. A good rubber-stamp inkpad will work almost as well as a special reloading lubricant pad, and it costs almost nothing.

 

4. Loading Blocks

These cost so little, and make handling cases so much easier, that I consider them a must. It is very easy to make your own blocks with basic woodworking tools. You only have to knock over a batch of cases that have been powder charged once, to realize how good an investment a loading block is. While you are at it, make two blocks for each caliber. (More about the reasons for this later.)

 

5. Primer Tray

Primers should be handled as little as possible. The primer tray is used to turn all primers the right way round without touching them. A primer tray is highly recommended, although not essential. Priming tools, such as the Lee Auto Prime, already include a primer tray.

 

“Very Good to Have” Equipment

 

1. Case Trimmer and De-burring Tool

These are usually not needed for straight-sided handgun cases, but for bottleneck rifle cases you will need to trim the length after the cases have been reloaded a few times. Fancy trimmers cost a lot and are great for handling large numbers of cases, but very reasonably priced hand trimmers are also available and will do the trick for the average reloader. De-burring tools are usually very cheap, but should not be forgotten, as they perform an essential part of the trimming process.

 

2. Primer Pocket Cleaner

This is another very useful tool that costs very little, and makes life easier if you want to reload cases repeatedly. Primer pockets can also be cleaned with a home-made hard plastic tool. Do NOT try to use a metal screwdriver, or you might enlarge the pockets and after a while the primers will not fit tightly. This will ruin the brass and can also be dangerous.

 

Additional Equipment

 

For the more advanced reloader there are many gadgets available, but the above will keep most beginners in business for a very long time. If you feel like laying out more money later, what can you spend it on? A case tumbler and a specialized priming tool must be high on everybody’s list. Other purchases to consider include a micrometer, bullet-puller, chronograph, lead casting tools and many more. The trick for the beginner is to decide where to stop!

[Wannabe]

This clown have no clue....

 

https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/cele-on-guns-amended-firearms-control-act-cannot-allow-individuals-to-own-more-than-one-gun-20200114

 

snip snip: 

 

Cele said with the amendment, security at borders would also need to be extensively tightened and monitored because guns such as AK47s were being smuggled through it.

 

He added although no shops were manufacturing AK47s in the country, the weapons are still being used by criminals, especially those who commit cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies.

 

But then they want to carry on disarming the populace, when it is clear the problem is not "lawfull" firearms. 

[geomark]

This clown have no clue....

 

https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/cele-on-guns-amended-firearms-control-act-cannot-allow-individuals-to-own-more-than-one-gun-20200114

 

snip snip: 

 

Cele said with the amendment, security at borders would also need to be extensively tightened and monitored because guns such as AK47s were being smuggled through it.

 

He added although no shops were manufacturing AK47s in the country, the weapons are still being used by criminals, especially those who commit cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies.

 

But then they want to carry on disarming the populace, when it is clear the problem is not "lawfull" firearms. 

Would have thought the thousands of firearms and millions of rounds lost by the cops and those stolen from the army was a bigger issue.  Don't really see imports as the No 1 problem here.

[Goodbadugly]

Disarming the tax paying public does not have anything to do with crime prevention.

And the NHI does not have anything to do with public health.

It does have lots to do with total control.

[Kranswurm]

This clown have no clue....     has.......

 

https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/cele-on-guns-amended-firearms-control-act-cannot-allow-individuals-to-own-more-than-one-gun-20200114

 

snip snip: 

 

Cele said with the amendment, security at borders would also need to be extensively tightened and monitored because guns such as AK47s were being smuggled through it.

 

He added although no shops were manufacturing AK47s in the country, the weapons are still being used by criminals, especially those who commit cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies.

 

But then they want to carry on disarming the populace, when it is clear the problem is not "lawfull" firearms. 

[mon-goose]

So a massive learning day today. Finally got to the range. 15 rounds later all over the place and every time we adjust the scope it's worse. Eventually figure out the scope is side ways. So instead of adjusting elevation we're adjusting the laterally movement when we think we're adjusting lateral movement we're actually adjusting elevation. So sort that out. Next 30 rounds also all over. About to pack up and realised silencer is loose. Tighten that and get a good grouping of 6 rounds very close to centre. But only at 50m. Ran out of time to take it out further. So super frustrating but a good learning experience and fortunately I haven't spent too much for rounds yet. Next time will try quickly out to 100 and 200 not making the same mistakes

[Letum911]

So a massive learning day today. Finally got to the range. 15 rounds later all over the place and every time we adjust the scope it's worse. Eventually figure out the scope is side ways. So instead of adjusting elevation we're adjusting the laterally movement when we think we're adjusting lateral movement we're actually adjusting elevation. So sort that out. Next 30 rounds also all over. About to pack up and realised silencer is loose. Tighten that and get a good grouping of 6 rounds very close to centre. But only at 50m. Ran out of time to take it out further. So super frustrating but a good learning experience and fortunately I haven't spent too much for rounds yet. Next time will try quickly out to 100 and 200 not making the same mistakes

 

Ahhh that is horrible.

 

Some advice, especially on the first few visits check your silencer and scope screws about every 10 shots, takes them a bit to settle. On the scope clamp, make sure you stick to the prescribed torque, you do not want to crush the tube.

 

Put a target at 25m, and just get the scope's horizontal adjustment sorted (it will most likely shoot low so do not worry about vertical). From there distance is merely a vertical click(s), so to run it out to 100m etc is easy.

[mon-goose]

Thanks Letum911

 

Next time out I'll take a shot or two at 50m just to check all is still aligned and then 75m and then 100m and then 200m. Hopefully just a few clicks alone the way

[DJR]

Ahhh that is horrible.

 

Some advice, especially on the first few visits check your silencer and scope screws about every 10 shots, takes them a bit to settle. On the scope clamp, make sure you stick to the prescribed torque, you do not want to crush the tube.

 

Put a target at 25m, and just get the scope's horizontal adjustment sorted (it will most likely shoot low so do not worry about vertical). From there distance is merely a vertical click(s), so to run it out to 100m etc is easy.

I am a firm believer of a tiny bit of Lock Tite (blue) on all mounting screws for scope bases. On the rings maybe also, but those are easy to check, so perhaps not as critical as the base screws. 

[Goodbadugly]

So a massive learning day today. Finally got to the range. 15 rounds later all over the place and every time we adjust the scope it's worse. Eventually figure out the scope is side ways. So instead of adjusting elevation we're adjusting the laterally movement when we think we're adjusting lateral movement we're actually adjusting elevation. So sort that out. Next 30 rounds also all over. About to pack up and realised silencer is loose. Tighten that and get a good grouping of 6 rounds very close to centre. But only at 50m. Ran out of time to take it out further. So super frustrating but a good learning experience and fortunately I haven't spent too much for rounds yet. Next time will try quickly out to 100 and 200 not making the same mistakes

A learning curve. Skoolgeld.

After 38 years of reloading I still pay skoolgeld.  

[mon-goose]

Fortunately I've only have to pay for powder and primers so far. Was given loads of bullets and cases so a slightly cheaper learning experience.

 

On the topic of bullets. Can anyone recommend an inexperience 270 bullet that is generally available in something between 130 and 140 grain?

 

I need something that I use to still pay school fees with while I get my rifle setup properly and get into things and which my wife and friends can shoot if they come with me. Once I'm a bit more comfortable with things I'll start looking for a better bullet and load that I'll use for actual hunting

[DJR]

.................. an inexperience 270 bullet that is generally available i...............

Hornady Interlocks 

 

Not too expensive compared to the premium bonded bullets, but good enough quality for punching paper and even on light game like springbok. 

 

Availability is always an issue. Most shops will sell you the latest and greatest, but 6 months or a year later when you need more of it, they have run out and want to sell you whatever else they have in stock. That has become a bit of a headache the last decade or so as the industry took a nose dive in SA. Which is why I tend to stick with the more common names like Hornady, Sierra, Barnes etc. When I find a load that I'm really happy with, I sommer buy a lot of the components and then stick with it.

Edited January 20, 2020 by DJR

[Goodbadugly]

Most 270's are equipped with barrels better suited for 130gr bullets. Flat base bullets are usually less expensive than boat tails