On 4/3/2013 3:09 PM, Stanley Schaefer wrote:

The automated scale bit is a solution in search of a problem. Just
not needed. The benchrest guys use measures and they're looking for
caliber-hole-sized groups. So minor weight variations in powder isn't
the main cause of group expansion. But if you've got the money to
blow, the equipment guys will thank you for your donation. All
factory ammo is made using powder measured by volume as well.

The other, really big, problem with those progressive presses is the
primer feed. All I've seen in production right now use stacks of
primers in a tube, anvil to face. If one goes off, you've got a
grenade. The manufacturers usually supply a chunk of pipe to mount on
the feeder so that if that happens, the blast goes up and not out.
Doesn't help at all if you drop the tube or fumble it outside that
shield. Guys have gotten skewered when that happens. The primer dust
needs to be removed from the working parts frequently. Priming is the
most dangerous part of handloading. One reason I like using the RCBS
hand primer is the blast shutter between the priming punch area and
the primer tray. Haven't popped one yet, but have mangled a few. The
trays are light plastic and the primers aren't stacked, not going to
generate a lot of shrapnel if they do go off. You'll be working with
little bits of primary explosive and they CAN bite!

Stan

Thank you for the note, Stanley.
Sounds like experience talking there.

I picked up the new Hornady reload book today.
Read the front section already and learned a lot of new stuff.
The proprietor at the local ammo shop offered to help, and also
suggested finding a local NRA instructor for the personal touch.

I'm ready to get started now.
My biggest concern is where to set up the bench...