So here are the basics that I have down. (this is for handgun ammo like 9mm/40s&w)

 

The case needs to be resized: this step i got down and am clear on

The case needs a powder charge: This step is also clear

The case needs to be widened at the tip to accept a bullet: This is where I'm confused. I thought that was what chamfering did?

The case is seated with a bullet: this part i'm good with.

 

Another question: when in this process are you supposed to trim the case? before or after resize? Also, how often do you check the case lengths, or do you inspect every single case every time?

 

I also see some dies come with a crimp die, I thought handgun ammo doesnt necessarily need a crimp.

So here are the basics that I have down. (this is for handgun ammo like 9mm/40s&w)

 

The case needs to be resized: this step i got down and am clear on

The case needs a powder charge: This step is also clear

The case needs to be widened at the tip to accept a bullet: This is where I'm confused. I thought that was what chamfering did?

The case is seated with a bullet: this part i'm good with.

 

Another question: when in this process are you supposed to trim the case? before or after resize? Also, how often do you check the case lengths, or do you inspect every single case every time?

 

I also see some dies come with a crimp die, I thought handgun ammo doesnt necessarily need a crimp.

 

Need to bell the case so when you place the head on the case before you seat it, it will rest on the case as it goes into the die.

Only need enough of a bell so that the head sits on the case.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but chamfering takes off any sharp bits after sizing. The charging die expands the case which makes it easier for the bullet to be seated. If you try to seat a bullet without expanding the case, you risk the chance of crushing the case itself.

 

I don't measure the OAL of my handgun cases too often. I usually only load once or twice fired. If you reload fired brass numerous times, the case may elongate and require the trimming.

 

If you plan on casting your own, definitly size the castings. I made this mistake early on.

How about for rifle rounds? As i understand it

 

the first die resizes and decaps,

the second adds powder

third one seats bullet

fourth one crimps

 

does that mean that reloading 223 is a 4 die process?

So here are the basics that I have down. (this is for handgun ammo like 9mm/40s&w)

 

The case needs to be resized: this step i got down and am clear on

The case needs a powder charge: This step is also clear

The case needs to be widened at the tip to accept a bullet: This is where I'm confused. I thought that was what chamfering did?

The case is seated with a bullet: this part i'm good with.

 

Another question: when in this process are you supposed to trim the case? before or after resize? Also, how often do you check the case lengths, or do you inspect every single case every time?

 

I also see some dies come with a crimp die, I thought handgun ammo doesnt necessarily need a crimp.

 

"Chamfering" has me confused. Crimping is done after the bullet is seated to hold the bullet in place to prevent setback and allow reliable feeding. Deburring is done after trimming to remove the rough edges from trimming. I have heard of chamfering but I don't remember what it is. Are you mixing up terms?

"Chamfering" has me confused. Crimping is done after the bullet is seated to hold the bullet in place to prevent setback and allow reliable feeding. Deburring is done after trimming to remove the rough edges from trimming. I have heard of chamfering but I don't remember what it is. Are you mixing up terms?

 

 

DON'T Chamfer auto pistol cases that headspace on the case mouth. PERIOD! Chamfer is a bevel and the case moth needs to be square. Deburr OK But no chamfer.

 

READ! Understand what the chamber looks like, Work with some one that knows. Kabooms are not only a GLOCK thing!

 

If anybody needs help just get together with me and we'll get you squared away.

 

Back on topic. I load about 15k rds/year My Dillon is virtually flawless and paid for itself twice in the first year. Why nickle and dime a piece of life long equiptment?

You are confusing rifle processes with pistol. You chamfer rifle brass, you expand pistol brass.

Are you using a progressive press or single stage press?

OP, You have a lot of mixed info there and its understandable as there are a lot of nuances regarding reloading. I suggest you get a good book or two and read up on the processes even before you look at a press. There's a few good threads in this forum recommending several books to start with, most commonly being "The ABC's of reloading".