I recently purchased the RCBS Rockchucker Master kit. I added a caliper, powder trickler and case trimmer. I have read both the Speer and Lyman manuals and have been educating myself on the net for the past month. I decided to start with a 30-06 Ruger No. 1 with the following components: New Winchester brass, Winchester large rifle primers, 165 gr Sierra Gamekings, IMR 4064. I have a couple of questions that I would like some advice on.
1) I started with new brass, resized and trimmed all. When deburring, how smooth is smooth? Some of the cases were difficult to remove the lip from the outer edge of the case while others were difficult on the inside of the case. I used the deburring and chamfer tool that came with the kit.
2) According to the Speer manual, when working up a load, they recommend 7 shot groups for "the highest degree of statistical confidence with the fewest shots". How do most people go about working up a load? 7 shot groups vs 5 shot groups? Start with the starting charge and work up by 1/2 gr intervals?
3) IMR's website lists the C.O.L. at 3.300" while Speer and Lyman list it at 3.340". I began with 3.340 and chambered a round with no resistance. How do I determine what the correct C.O.L. is for MY gun when starting a load?
4) While priming with the hand primer that came with the kit, one of the cases was much more difficult to seat the primer than the others. If I wanted to remove the primer to inspect the pocket, do I remove the primer as I would a spent case or do I follow other precautions?
Thanks for any and all info, tips or advice.