In the Shop with Roy:
Lathe Project
One of the questions I hear a lot is, “What do you actually use a lathe for in your shop?” The answer is: more than you might think. Sure, it handles gunsmithing chores, but it’s just as handy for solving everyday reloading problems — like this one.
I recently picked up an aluminum powder measure from RCBS that uses screw-in bushings to fit over cartridge case mouths. It’s a slick system that keeps powder flowing cleanly without spills. The only catch? The kit didn’t include bushings for some of the cartridges I load most often — .308, .30-30, .38 Special and .45 Colt.
Rather than order more parts, I looked at what I did have. A spare bushing meant for a cartridge I’ll never load was the perfect candidate for a little lathe work. After measuring the inside diameter of the bushing and the outside diameter of the case neck, it was clear only a few thousandths needed to come out.
With the bushing chucked up and a small boring tool in place, it took just a careful cut — remembering that removing material from one side affects both sides — to open it up enough for a perfect fit. A quick test confirmed it: the case slid in smoothly, and powder now drops cleanly without making a mess.
It’s a small job, but a perfect example of why having a lathe on the bench is so useful. Sometimes a simple custom fix beats waiting on parts — and keeps your loading bench running smoothly.
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