With ammunition hard to find and expensive when you do, handloading (reloading) provides a cost effective alternative. It also allows the shooter to experiment with a variety of components to achieve optimal performance in their gun.
Reloading is a precision process that requires your full attention. Work in an area free from distractions, and only reload when you can give it your undivided attention.
Safety First
Reloading is a hands-on activity that involves handling materials that are dangerous when mishandled. As such, reloading should only be done when one can give the process their full attention. Reloading should also never be done while under the influence of alcohol or other substances that affect judgment and concentration.
The first thing a reloader needs is some empty brass, which is also known as “once fired” brass. It can be obtained in a variety of ways, including buying cases from the factory or scrounging used brass that shooters leave on the range. Empty brass must be sized, which is the process of reducing its outer diameter to match the diameter of the cartridge it will house.
During reloading it is a good idea to encourage movement to improve position, as opposed to standing still. It is a safety risk to be unnecessarily slow, as a gun might go empty unexpectedly at the wrong time and there will be no opportunity to perform a tactical reload.
Know Your Components
When learning a skill like gun reloading it is important to know your components. There are a wide variety of components available for reloading including brass cases, powders and bullets. It is also a good idea to have a reloading manual that details each component and the specific steps involved in reloading.
Reloading is a fun and rewarding activity. It allows you to experiment with a wide range of components to arrive at the perfect combination for your gun and environment. It also tends to be more accurate than factory ammunition.
The first step in reloading is cleaning and inspecting the brass case. It is important to closely inspect the brass for signs of overpressure that can cause the firearm to malfunction or even explode. If you are unsure about the integrity of your brass, it is best to throw it away. You can also scrounge brass that is left behind by other shooters at the range or purchase it from a reloading supplier.
Know Your Gun
Reloading your own ammunition saves you money on the cost of the cartridge components, especially the brass cases and primers. The process can be a lot of fun,
and it provides you with an enjoyable hobby that you can practice at your own leisure.
Using your own handloads also gives you the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of powder speeds, manufacturers and charge weights. This allows you to achieve optimal bullet performance in your firearm.
You must become very familiar with the mechanical characteristics of your gun. This includes understanding how to open and close the action, how to load, unload, and clear malfunctions. It is also important to understand that not all guns are mechanically the same, and what works with one model may not work with another. Always point your firearm in a safe direction, taking into account possible ricochets. Make this a habit, even when not reloading or firing. It will help to keep you and those around you safe.
Know Yourself
Reloading is a very precise process that requires your undivided attention. It is not something to rush through and should never be done when you are under the influence of alcohol or medications that impair judgment or motor function.
Make sure you clear your bench area and have it free from distractions such as television, visitors, pets, etc. It is also important to keep your reloading supplies and components organized and properly labeled. This will reduce confusion and the likelihood of combining the wrong materials together.
It is essential to understand the basics of reloading so you can develop your own custom ammunition for the firearms you own. Handloading is very rewarding and can save you a lot of money compared to purchasing fully loaded ammunition. Especially with the current difficulty in finding ammo and the high prices that come with it, it is a great time to start reloading your own ammunition. Follow all safety rules and enjoy the hobby.
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