Brass prep is a critical part of the reloading process, but it can be a huge pain to deal with. I’ve traditionally been a dry tumbler, but I’ve been curious to try some new processes including ultrasonic case cleaning, and stainless media wet tumbling. In this article I’ll give you the low-down on my experience […]
Author: Gavin
Meet the 6.5 Guys
One of the things I enjoy most about what I do with Ultimate Reloader is meeting like minded people who share a passion for any number of my hobbies. Some of these interests include reloading, shooting, motorcycles, diesel and heavy equipment, fabrication and machining, technology, videography/sound, photography, retro iron, and the list goes on! Recently, […]
Cleaning Reloading Dies with an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Disgusting. That’s the word I use to describe my crusty jar of mineral spirits that I use to clean dies. It’s a mess to use, and when I blow dry the dies there’s a fine mist of mineral spirits that you can smell in the shop air. You may know the feeling: the excitement of […]
Unboxing the RCBS Ultrasonic Cleaner
In preparation for loading 45 ACP on the RCBS Pro Chucker 5, I thought it would be a great idea to “get serious” about my die cleaning setup. Well, I’m about to show you a huge upgrade from my “shake the dies in a can of paint thinner method” that I’ve used for years. I’m […]
RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Press Assembly Part 2
In this post, I’ll continue where we left of in my last post (see RCBS Pro Chucker 5 Press Assembly Part 1) by taking on the assembly of the new-and-improved RCBS Uniflow powder measure. This new version of the Uniflow that’s included with the Pro Chucker 5 features some great updates that include a quick-change […]
RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Press Assembly Part I
Now that we’ve unboxed and mounted the RCBS Pro Chucker 5, it’s time to finish assembling the press so that we can start reloading some ammo! In this post (and video, see below) I’ll cover the first steps involved in assembling the RCBS Pro Chucker 5. In my next post, I’ll finish press assembly. The […]
RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Integration with Ultimate Reloader Bench System
Following-up on my unboxing video for the RCBS Pro Chucker 5, it’s now time for the important task of mounting this new press to the reloading bench. Since many of you have asked about my “Ultimate Reloader Reloading Bench System” I thought I would provide more details and information about how this system works in […]
Happy Father’s Day 2015 from Ultimate Reloader
Today is Father’s Day, and I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the dads out there, and to wish you all the best today. I started today with my wife and girls, and felt extremely fortunate to have them to share life with. I am hoping that you all can be […]
RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Unboxing
They day has come: in this post you’ll get a look at the new RCBS Pro Chucker 5 reloading press. This post is the first hands-on post in what will be an extensive series on the new RCBS progressive reloading press platform (shared by the RCBS Pro Chucker 5 and Pro Chucker 7). I won’t […]
RCBS Pro Chucker Presses Have Arrived
The day has finally come! It’s not too often that new progressive reloading “systems” are introduced, and this year RCBS is doing that with the all new “Pro Chucker” presses – available in 5-station and 7-station variants (and you can even convert them back and forth without buying a new press). After working with RCBS […]
DIY 40 S&W / 10mm Quick Changeover Setup
My metal lathes are tools that I just can’t do without. I am frequently amazed at how often a metal lathe will come in handy around the house and shop, especially for gunsmithing and reloading accessories/tools. I’ve written several times about how I’ve machined shims for various reloading fixtures. Examples include calibrating my Hornady Lock-N-Load […]
Redding offers Master Hunter 2-Die Set
If you are looking for the best quality dies available on a reasonable budget, it’s hard to beat Redding dies. Furthermore, the construction and features of the Redding Competition Seating Die are very compelling (micrometer seating depth adjustment, sliding collar seating stem, etc). Until recently, you had to either buy dies individually from Redding or […]
Video: Custom Bullet Feed Setup: Reloading 40 S&W on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
I enjoy the process of designing and building things, and I guess the “inventor” in me can’t help but want to create new products. It’s always a pleasure to see what other people come up with, and to help them market and sell their inventions (Example: Doug Williams’ 38/357 quick switch kit). Recently, one of […]
Video: Loading 40S&W with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
40 S&W is one of the most popular cartridges with handgun shooters, and it’s not hard to see why. Packing a powerful punch in a package smaller overall than 45 ACP, it’s a great cartridge for target shooting as well as defense/carry. Recently, I picked up a Glock 20 and 40 S&W conversion barrel, and […]
It’s Official, RCBS Pro Chucker 5 and 7 Content Coming!
I wanted to give everyone a quick update on the new progressive reloading presses from RCBS. I have been working with RCBS on planning a series of content that will highlight the new “RCBS Pro Chucker 5” and the “RCBS Pro Chucker 7” progressive reloading presses. I am happy to announce that Ultimate Reloader will […]
Glock 20: The Ultimate 10mm and 40S&W Shooting Setup
For a long time I’ve been looking forward to producing a blog/video series covering 10mm Auto and 40 S&W. What’s not to like about taking 9mm to the next power level? 40 S&W essentially does that. Want to go extreme? 10mm Auto packs a major punch, it’s the most powerful semi auto handgun cartridge that […]
Lee Loadmaster Video Breaks New Record
I’ve found that there’s a HUGE demand for 45 ACP reloading content. It’s because of this that I prioritize this kind of content (9mm, 45 ACP, .223, …) when I go to produce content related to a specific reloading press. Recently, one of my videos set a new record for Ultimate Reloader – over a […]
RCBS Announces new 7-Station Reloading Press
I started loading on a 3-station progressive press. Soon after starting my reloading career, I realized I wanted more stations. “Wouldn’t it be great to have separate stations for seating and crimping” I thought to myself. Soon I was loading on a 5-station press. Well, later on I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great […]
50 BMG Reloading: Getting Closer to the Goal
Well, I’m one step closer to reloading for the 50 BMG. This week I got in a shipment of Hornady A-MAX 750 grain match bullets. WOW! these things are HUGE. Check out how big the projectiles are compared with a full .223 Remington cartridge: Just for fun, I decided to compare the weight of the […]
Hornady Rifle Bullet Feeder Part 5: Loading 308 for the AR-10
I am known to be a bit of an extremist. If shooting an AR-15 is fun, wouldn’t shooting an AR-10 be more fun? I actually enjoy both, but I do shoot my DPMS LR-308B quite a bit. That means I’m loading 308 Winchester quite a bit, and that’s what this post is about: loading for […]
Revisiting Case Lube Alternatives
Over the years, I’ve talked quite a bit about different case lube products and techniques for both rifle and pistol reloading. Depending on your goals, the cartridge being reloaded, and what you have on-hand, your options will typically be honed down to a few “best options”. But the more you talk with seasoned reloaders, the […]
2015 is Here: What Do You Want To See on Ultimate Reloader?
Hard to believe another year is already upon us! I’m really excited to share with you all some content plants for Ultimate Reloader, and also hear about what you want to see on this website and on my YouTube channel. Reloading Equipment and Products I’ve got some great equipment overviews lined up for 2015 including case […]
AR-15 Build DVD Sale! Build an AR-15 in 2015
If you’ve been waiting to build your own AR-15 rifle, now is the time. Make a New Year’s resolution to build your own custom rifle! To help you out, I’ve lowered the price of this AR-15 build DVD to $9.90 for a limited time!
Hornady Rifle Bullet Feeder Part 4: Loading 30 Caliber Conversion Kit
In this post, I’ll give you an overview of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Rifle Bullet Feed 30 caliber conversion kit (Hornady product # 095345). With this kit, you can convert your .22 caliber Hornady Lock-N-Load Rifle Bullet Feeder to load 30 caliber bullets for cartridges like 308 Winchester, 30-06, and many others. In the above picture you […]
Merry Christmas 2014 from Ultimate Reloader
Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas this year, and a time that’s filled with family, friends, celebration, and [hopefully] shooting! Hopefully you all will find some great reloading gear under the tree as well! I recently got a shipment from Santa that included both Hodgdon CFE 223, and Hodgdon CFE Pistol, so look for some blog content related to […]
