There are some important things you need to know about gun reloading. Load development is the process of experimenting with variables such as powder charge, bullet weight, and seating depth to find the best combination for your specific rifle.
A good starting point is to use a reloading manual from the manufacturer of your chosen ammunition. Also, be sure to have a dedicated bench and work area and be organized with your reloading supplies.
1. Use a good primer
Using a good primer is essential for safe reloading. A reloading manual will list the recommended primers for a given cartridge. It is also a good idea to use watertight plastic ammo cans for storage of primers and powder.
A reloader must never mix standard and magnum primers as this can cause dangerous pressure problems. There are many other factors that go into making ammunition including brass selection and preparation, bullets, powder and temperature stability.
2. Use a good powder
Reloading is an enjoyable and educational activity that helps gun owners fine-tune their ammunition to improve accuracy and performance. It also teaches valuable lessons about firearm safety, such as measuring powder precisely and never exceeding published maximum pressure levels.
Good powders can be found at local gun shops and reloading suppliers. They are often available online as well. It's important to have several reloading manuals to consult, since data from different sources doesn't always agree.
3. Use a good bullet
Whether you are hunting, competing in a precision rifle match, or just plinking cans, reloading your own ammo is a cost-effective way to get the most out of your rifle. Developing an optimized load requires time and careful interpretation of testing results.
The right bullet type for the task can make a big difference in terminal ballistics. Lighter bullets are faster but can lack the stopping power of a heavier round.
4. Use a good case
The brass casing is an important part of the overall reload. It influences chamber pressure, velocity, and accuracy.
Be sure to use quality once-fired brass that is sorted by weight and trimmed to the correct length. Also, be sure to deburr and chamfer the neck to eliminate sharp edges.
Don’t mix brands of cases or primers, particularly when working loads near max
pressures. It can cause unsafe conditions and damage your firearm.
5. Use a good powder measure
A good powder measure is an essential tool for reloaders. It ensures that your ammunition is loaded with the correct amount of powder, which improves accuracy and consistency.
Look for a powder measure with a simple operation and easy-to-read settings. It should also be durable and compatible with your firearms and powder types. It is also important to perform regular calibrations and maintenance to maintain its accuracy.
6. Use a good reloading manual
Reloading can be dangerous, so it’s important to understand and adhere to standard reloading procedures. This includes keeping a detailed reloading journal.
It’s also helpful to buy a good reloading manual. It’s best to get a manual from the powder and bullet manufacturer. This way, you can cross-check data from different sources. It’s important to start at the lower end of the published load range and work up.
7. Use a good reloading press
Reloading your own ammo can be a great way to save money. It can also help you become a better shooter by improving your ammunition and gun performance.
The first step in reloading is to clean your cases. This can take some time, but it's important to do it properly.
There are several different types of reloading presses available, from single stage to turret and progressive. Choosing the right type of press for your needs is important, as it will affect how much ammo you can load and what precision you can achieve.
8. Use a good reloading die
Using good reloading dies is critical for maintaining consistency and accuracy. This includes swaging the primer pocket and adjusting for bullet seating depth. A concentricity gauge should also be used to ensure minimal runout between cases.
Several mainstream reloading companies produce functional and affordable equipment. Most reloaders eventually invest in a case tumbler, either a vibratory or wet/rotary type. This helps clean and lubricate the brass for more consistent resizing.
9. Use a good reloading primer
A good reloading primer provides a hot, long-duration flame to ignite the powder for a successful ignition. It’s important to use a primer that is suitable for the cartridge you are loading, such as standard or magnum.
Keeping all of your bullets and reloading components in their original containers is very important. If you accidentally load a 7mm bullet into a 270 caliber cartridge, chamber and fire it, you could create dangerously high pressures that can cause serious injury or death.
10. Use a good powder
With national ammo shortages and skyrocketing prices, many shooters are turning to reloading their own ammunition. A good quality powder is essential to get consistent and reliable results.
Always start with a lower powder charge, then gradually increase it while shooting and checking for pressure signs. Overpressure can damage your gun, cause injuries and even be fatal. Use a powder that has been tested for safety by the manufacturer.