The February 2013 edition of Shooting Sports USA magazine has an interesting feature by Glen Zediker, who sadly passed away in October 2020. In this Transporting Success, Part I article, Zediker explains the advantages of loading at the range when you are developing new loads or tuning existing loads. Glen, the author of the popular Handloading for Competition book, discusses the gear you’ll need to bring and he explains his load development procedure. In discussing reloading at the range, Glen focuses on throwing powder and seating bullets, because he normally brings enough sized-and-primed brass to the range with him, so he doesn’t need to de-prime, re-size, and then re-prime his cases.

Zediker writes: “Testing at the range provides the opportunity to be thorough and flexible. You also have the opportunity to do more testing under more similar conditions and, therefore, get results that are more telling. Once you are there, you can stay there until you get the results you want. No more waiting until next time.”

Zediker starts with three-shot groups: “I usually load and fire three samples [with] a new combination. I’ll then increase propellant charge… based on the results of those three rounds, and try three more. I know that three rounds is hardly a test, but if it looks bad on that few, it’s not going to get any better.”

Glen reminds readers to record their data: “Probably the most important piece of equipment is your notebook! No kidding. Write it down. Write it all down.”

There’s More to the Story…

Editor’s Note: In Zediker’s discussion of loading at the range, he only talks about throwing powder and seating bullets. In fact, Glen opines that: “There is little or no need for sizing.” Well, maybe. Presumably, for each subsequent load series, Zediker uses fresh brass that he has previously sized and primed. Thus he doesn’t need to de-prime or resize anything.

That’s one way to develop loads, but it may be more efficient to de-prime, re-size, and load the same cases. That way you don’t need to bring 50, 80, or even 100 primed-and-sized cases to the range. If you plan to reload your fired cases, you’ll need a system for de-priming (and re-priming) the brass, and either neck-sizing or full-length sizing (as you prefer). An arbor press can handle neck-sizing. But if you plan to do full-length sizing, you’ll need to bring a press that can handle case-sizing chores. Such a press need not be large or heavy. Many benchresters use the small but sturdy RCBS Partner Press, for sale now at Amazon for $114.99. You may even get by with the more basic Lee Precision Compact Reloading Press, shown in Zediker’s article. This little Lee press, Lee product #90045, currently retails for $44.99 at Midsouth.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

1. Palmetto State Armory — PSA AR-15 Lower Receiver, $59.99

⏺ Very good deal and AR lower — get one while you can

President Biden and his buddies in Washington want to ban ARs and other modern sporting rifles. The core component for a custom AR build is a milspec AR lower receiver. Now for just $59.99 you can get a quality PSA AR-15 “Stealth” Lower Receiver. This quality lower features no rollmark on the left hand side. These PSA lowers have quality 7075-T6 aluminum construction and will accept all standard components and popular trigger groups. At this low $59.99 price, you might want to buy a couple.

2. Bruno’s — BAT Actions IN-STOCK with Free Shipping

⏺ BAT makes exceptionally good actions which have won many championships

Did you know that the average wait time for a custom action is now about 12 months? Skip the wait and grab one of the many superb BAT Actions available right now at Bruno Shooters Supply. A wide selection of BAT actions are in stock now, ready for immediate delivery to your FFL. If you order during the current sale, these actions qualify for FREE SHIPPING.

3. MidwayUSA — Vortex Viper 5-25x50mm FFP, $679.99

⏺ Excellent FFP scope for PRS/NRL competition, good power range

Need a quality, durable FFP scope for PRS or NRL matches? An excellent yet very affordable option is the Vortex Viper 5-25x50mm riflescope. PRS/NRL competitors have praised this scope for its optical quality and toughness. The glass-etched EBR-2D MRAD reticle offers very precise MILrad markings for elevation hold-overs and/or wind corrections. For low-light conditions, this Vortex Viper offers 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting.

4. Amazon — RCBS Partner Press, $81.93

⏺ Good choice for secondary press for decapping and bullet seating duties

If you load at the range or need a secondary press the RCBS Partner Press is a great choice. The very affordable Partner Press is easy to use and easy to transport, making it a good choice for loading at the range. And it works well as a smaller, secondary press for your home reloading center. We’ve used a Partner Press effectively for decapping, neck-sizing, and many other tasks. The current $81.93 price is a bargain. Note: Accessory base plate not included.

5. Natchez — Rimfire and Centerfire Ammunition Sale

⏺ Great savings on big selection of rifle, pistol and shotgun ammo

Thankfully, ammunition is becoming more available these days, and prices are starting to come down. The latest Natchez Ammo Sale offers a wide range of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammo at great prices — up to 64% off. There are some great deals on bulk 9mm ammo, and pistol shooters will also find good defensive ammo with hollow-point projectiles. Natchez is also running some attractive deals on CCI and Remington rimfire ammo.

6. Graf & Sons — Hornady Sonic Cleaner, $109.99

⏺ Quality ultrasonic cleaning machine at very good price

Are you looking for a different way to clean you brass? Consider the Hornady Sonic Cleaner which removes carbon residue from the inside and outside of cartridge cases with high frequency ultrasonic energy and a specialized cleaning solution. Unlike case tumblers, the Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner effectively cleans the inner surfaces of cartridge cases as well as the primer pockets.

7. Midsouth — Radians 5-Lens Eye Protection System, $20.89

⏺ Very Good eye protection with 5 lenses — clear, yellow, orange, amber, gray

We recommend wearing quality eye protection whenever you go shooting — even with rimfire guns. This excellent Radians kit includes five different ANSI Z87.1-certified lenses, so you can select the optimal lens type for your shooting sport and light conditions. The Radians Glasses Kit, now just $20.89, includes clear, yellow, orange, dark amber, and dark gray lenses that are easily interchangeable and very durable. This kit includes neoprene carrying case, neck cord, and microfiber lens cloth bag.

8. Amazon — FalconTac First Aid Kit, $49.95

⏺ Very well-equipped first aid kit — for home, range, or vehicle

Wise firearms owners and outdoorsmen will keep a good first aid kit in their vehicles wherever they travel. The FalconTac Trauma first aid kit offers important treatment products for a wide variety of injuries, from minor cuts to bullet wounds. This $49.95 FalconTac Kit contains essential supplies for hemorrhage control, including military tourniquet, tactical pressure dressing, and compressed gauze.

9. Amazon — 14-In-1 Multitool, $20.99

⏺ Great price on versatile multi-tool that performs myriad functions

The 14-In-1 Multitool with Safety Lock offers great capabilities for a modest $20.99 price. This handy multitool includes a sharp knife blade plus a serrated knife. Then there are a dozen specialized components — multiple plier heads (long nose, round nose pliers, cutting pliers), Philips screwdriver, 3 slotted screwdrivers (small, medium, large), hook remover, double-sided file, small scraper, can opener, and bottle opener. This compact multi-tool stores easily in a backpack or your vehicle.

The February 2013 edition of Shooting Sports USA magazine has an interesting feature by Glen Zediker. In this Transporting Success, Part I article, Zediker explains the advantages of loading at the range when your are developing new loads or tuning existing loads. Glen, the author of the popular Handloading for Competition book, discusses the gear you’ll need to bring and he explains his load development procedure. In discussing reloading at the range, Glen focuses on throwing powder and seating bullets, because he normally brings enough sized-and-primed brass to the range with him, so he doesn’t need to de-prime, re-size, and then re-prime his cases.

Zediker writes: “Testing at the range provides the opportunity to be thorough and flexible. You also have the opportunity to do more testing under more similar conditions and, therefore, get results that are more telling. Once you are there, you can stay there until you get the results you want. No more waiting until next time.”

Zediker starts with three-shot groups: “I usually load and fire three samples [with] a new combination. I’ll then increase propellant charge… based on the results of those three rounds, and try three more. I know that three rounds is hardly a test, but if it looks bad on that few, it’s not going to get any better.”

Glen reminds readers to record their data: “Probably the most important piece of equipment is your notebook! No kidding. Write it down. Write it all down.”

There’s More to the Story…

Editor’s Note: In Zediker’s discussion of loading at the range, he only talks about throwing powder and seating bullets. In fact, Glen opines that: “there is little or no need for sizing.” Well, maybe. Presumably, for each subsequent load series, Zediker uses fresh brass that he has previously sized and primed. Thus he doesn’t need to de-prime or resize anything.

That’s one way to develop loads, but it may be more efficient to de-prime, re-size, and load the same cases. That way you don’t need to bring 50, 80, or even 100 primed-and-sized cases to the range. If you plan to reload your fired cases, you’ll need a system for de-priming (and re-priming) the brass, and either neck-sizing or full-length sizing (as you prefer). An arbor press can handle neck-sizing. But if you plan to do full-length sizing, you’ll need to bring a press that can handle case-sizing chores. Such a press need not be large or heavy. Many benchresters use the small but sturdy RCBS Partner Press, on sale now at Amazon for $77.99. You may even get by with the more basic Lee Precision Compact Reloading Press, shown in Zediker’s article. This little Lee press, Lee product #90045, retails for under $35.00.

Everyone needs a serious, full-size single-stage press such as the RCBS Rock Chucker for heavy-duty reloading tasks. But’s it’s also wise to have a smaller, more compact press for lighter duties such as decapping (primer removal), neck-sizing, and bullet seating. The new Lyman Brass Smith Ideal press fits that role perfectly, at an affordable price — about $80.00 retail.

With an $80 street price, Lyman’s new C-Frame press is an exceptional value. With beefy cast-iron construction, it is much stiffer than other presses in this compact category. The compound linkage is smooth. The base is big enough to provide good stability. For someone looking for a second press, or a smaller press to take to the range, the new Lyman Ideal may be the smart solution.

READ Full Lyman Ideal Press Review on UltimateReloader.com »

The Lyman Ideal press just started shipping. Our fiend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com got one of the very first. Gavin has created a helpful video showcasing the features of this compact press. Gavin was impressed, finding the Ideal press operated smoothly with plenty of power for most tasks. (We would still use a bigger press with more leverage for heavy case-forming duties). Here is Gavin’s video. The first 7 minutes cover unboxing and assembly. Starting at the 8-minute mark, Gavin uses the Ideal press to load 6.5 Creedmoor cases:

Lyman Ideal Press

The Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Press is a budget-friendly, cast iron single-stage reloading press built right here in the USA. Here’s the official info and specs:

The large opening and C frame design allows you to access the shell holder without hitting the support bar on other types of presses. Changing shell holders is a breeze and the press holds standard 7/8″x14 TPI dies from any manufacturer. The high quality steel ram is one inch in diameter and the 3 7/8″ opening allows you to reload cartridges up to 3.7 inches tall. The Brass Smith is a true ambidextrous press that can be accessed from either side and mounted the same.

Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Press — Specifications and Features:
Rugged Cast Iron Frame
Ambidextrous Design
Handles Cartridges Up To 3.7″ Long
Durable Powder Coat Finish
Compound Linkage and 1″ Diameter Ram
Accepts Standard 7/8″X14 Dies and Standard Shell Holders
Weight: 12.6 Lbs.

Stay Tuned — Lyman will be sending an Ideal Press to AccurateShooter.com. In the weeks ahead we will test this affordable C-Frame press both in the workshop and at the range…