THE WORLD’S GREATEST HANDLOADING BOOK Edited by Ken Ramage Thank you for purchasing this Gun Digest eBook. Sign up for our newsletter and receive special offers, access to free content, and information on the latest new releases and must-have firearms resources! Plus, receive a coupon code to use on your first purchase from GunDigestStore.com for signing up. or visit us online to sign up at http://gundigest.com/ebook-promo Editorial Comments and Suggestions We’re always looking for feedback on out books. Please let us know what you like about this edition. If you have suggestions for articles you’d like to see in future editions. Please contact. Ken Ramage/Handloader’s Digest 700 East State St. Iola, WI 54990 email: [email protected] © 2003 by Krause Publications Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. 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CAUTION: Technical data presented here, particularly technical data on handloading, inevitably reflects individual experience with particular equipment and components under specific circumstances the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Such data presentations therefore should be used for guidance only and with caution. Krause Publications, accepts no responsibility for results obtained using this data. Published by 700 East State Street • Iola, WI 54990-0001 715-445-2214 • 888-457-2873 www.krause.com eISBN: 978-1-44022-451-5 Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain a free catalog is 800-258-0929 or please use our regular business telephone 715-258-2214. Library of Congress Number: 2002107607 ISBN: 0-87349-475-X Handloader’s Digest 18th Edition Staff Editor Ken Ramage Contributing Editors Larry Sterett – Metallic Reloading John Haviland – Bullet Casting Kurt Fackler – Shotshell Reloading Holt Bodinson – Handloading Components About the Covers Front Cover Hornady’s Lock-N-Load AP (Automatic Progressive) reloading press combines innovative design with high-tech manufacturing techniques to give the reloader a machine that will turn out large quantities of either rifle or handgun ammunition. The press illustrated is equipped with Custom-Grade New Dimension Pistol Dies. This press features Hornady’s new Lock-N-Load die bushing system that allows you to switch dies in a matter of seconds without the need to readjust them. Standard-thread dies screw into the bushing and are loaded and unloaded from the press with a simple twist. The locking action holds the dies in a solid, perfectly aligned position. The five-station die platform allows the flexibility to add individual seating and crimping dies, or a taper-crimp die to the progressive process. The Lock-N-Load AP press comes with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load powder measure with micrometer dial for precise charge settings. The measure automatically dispenses a charge with every pull of the press handle when a shell is present in the station. It’s easily adjusted and mounts just like the dies. Priming is handled by an innovative primer slide that automatically picks up primers while the shellplate is held secure and level by the shellplate retainer. Because the press opening is offset, there’s easy access to the shellplate. Changeover is easy and adjustment-free since the shellplate bolt and lock nut are independent of the rest of the press. The Lock-N-Load press automatically and smoothly advances in half-clicks at the top and bottom of each stroke. The rugged linkage delivers enough leverage to handle tough resizing chores, and the handle is offset to provide a clear view of your work. Other Hornady tools and accessories, clockwise from the press: The Cam-Lock Trimmer with micrometer-adjustable cutter uses standard Hornady shellholders and pilots––and may be adapted to power operation. The Complete Case Care Kit includes lube, pad, accessory handle, chamfer/deburr too, primer pocket cleaners (lg. & sm.), and three case neck brushes to accommodate most commonly loaded calibers. The Digital Reloading scale measures accurately to the tenth of a grain, up to 750 grains. The scale, powered by a nine-volt battery, comes with two check weights, powder pan and the ability to weigh in either grains or grams. An optional AC adapter is available. Handloaders need to measure their brass, bullets and loaded cartridge length, and nothing does it better than a dial caliper. Hornady’s is available in either inch or metric calibration, and includes a protective case. Hornady’s reloading handbooks round out the equipment package. The two- volume set includes hundreds of pages of loading data, plus detailed information on exterior ballistics and handloading reference. Back Cover The Lock-N-Load Classic single-stage press is just the ticket for simple reloading projects. Once installed and adjusted for the specific cartridge, dies are easily replaced without further adjustment thanks the Lock-N-Load bushing system. The compound linkage multiplies the handle leverage, reducing the effort needed for all reloading operations. The Classic features the easy-access angled frame and Hornady’s proven PPS priming system. An automatic primer feed system is optional. Other Hornady tools and accessories, clockwise from the press: Hornady’s reloading handbooks are invaluable. The two-volume set includes hundreds of pages of loading data, plus detailed information on exterior ballistics and handloading reference. This particular press is set up with Hornady’s Custom-Grade New Dimension rifle dies. This family of dies incorporates a number of improved features, and Hornady guarantees they will never break or wear out from normal use. Particularly handy for measuring diameters of bullets, expander plugs and such, Hornady’s micrometer delivers a finer reading than does the Dial Caliper. Empty brass sits in a loading tray that is actually the lid of the Case Care Kit. This versatile and very necessary accessory kit includes case lube, pad, accessory handle, chamfer/deburr tool, primer pocket cleaners (lg. & sm.), and three case neck brushes to accommodate the most commonly loaded calibers. Handloaders need to measure their brass, bullets and loaded cartridge length, and nothing does it better than a dial caliper. Hornady’s is available in either inch or metric calibration, and includes a protective case. Next, the Cam-Lock Trimmer with micrometer-adjustable cutter, uses standard Hornady shellholders and pilots––and may be adapted to power operation. Improved design features include a taller frame and redesigned handle, and a replaceable large-diameter cutting head. Finally, just behind the press is the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure fitted to the Fast Load Powder Measure Stand that accepts Lock-N-Load bushings and features a longer arm, allowing full charging access to a 50-round Universal loading block. For complete details on these items, and the rest of the Hornady bullet, ammunition and reloading offerings, contact the manufacturer directly. HANDLOADER’S DIGEST CONTENTS Title Page Special Offers FEATURES: HARVEY PROT-X-BORE BULLETS By Jim Foral ARE BENCHREST LOADING TECHNIQUES WORTH THE TROUBLE? By Richard S. Gardiner REMEMBER THIS NEGLECTED RELOADING STEP By John Haviland SELECTING THE PROPER DIET FOR YOUR 45 AR By J.R. Schroeder HEAVY BULLETS IN THE 30-30 WINCHESTER By R.H. VanDenburg, Jr. WHY FOLLOW THE RECIPE? By M.L. McPherson HANDLOADING FOR THE 30 MAUSER C.96 By Don Horne HANDLOADING THE 400 COR-BON By Steve Gash SELECTING THE RIGHT BULLET FOR BIG GAME By Thomas C. Tabor THE 257 ROBERTS, NOT DEAD YET By Scott E. Stoppelman