imported post
Sorry...you are going to be inundated with advice...and I have some more.
First, I agree with the last post about RCBS; their equipment is superb.
Secondly, develop a GOOD system/routine; otherwise you are going to make a goof.
The first time I reloaded, I went to the range and was really enjoying myself. Then, halfway into the second box of ammo, I heard a poof and the cylinder wouldn't turn. I looked and the bullet had stuck halfway between the cylinder and the forcing cone.
I did not have a system down, became distracted during the reloading process, and did not charge that round with any powder. The primer was enough to push the bullet out, barely reaching the grooves. Thank God it did not go halfway up the barrel to be followed by another round...or that I put a double charge of powder in.
When I reload, here is what I do - this procedure is for pistol bullets; you don't expand the neck on rifle bullets and you can't put the cases in the block open end down, so theprocedure will be slightly different. You can refer to the manuals for adjusting the dies; it is not hard:
1. Decap and resize - one operation with decapping and resizing die - the case goes into the loading block (a wooden block with 50 holes drilled in it) open end up.
2. Expand the case neck using neck expander die - the case is put in the block open end down.
3.Clean primer pocket - the case is put in the block open end up (the loosened crud can fall into the loading block).
4. Reprime the case - the case is put in the block open end down.
I have now adjusted the powder measure using the scale; I have double checked the powder measure and tightened the adjusting nuts, then recheck again. Usually I check every 10th round, putting a charge into the powder scale pan; but with the RCBS equipment, nothing has EVER come out of adjustment (I CANNOT say this with the cheap Lee equipment).
5. Charge the case with powder - obviously the case has to be put in the block open end up or all the powder will dump out. After all the cases are charged, I now pick up the loading block and inspect the level of the powder to make sure all the cases are charged and there is no double load (powder levels are the same in all the cases).
6. Seat bullet and crimp - one operation with bullet seating/crimping die - case is put into box.
Use this procedure or not; the important thing is to get a system that you are comfortable with and stick with it.
Happy reloading!!