Reloading

From GunCounter

Reloading ammunition is the process of taking a fired case and bringing it back into firing condition.

The basic steps for reloading a fired metallic (Rifle or Handgun)case are:

1. De-prime or remove the used primer.

2. Resize or return the case to it's original dimensions

3. Re-prime or seat a new primer

4. Add a measured amount of gun powder to the case

5. Seat a new bullet in the case

An additional step used with some types of ammunition and some types of bullets is to crimp the case neck to get a tight seal with the bullet.

As a general rule, only brass cases are reloaded.

The basic steps for reloading a fired Shotgun case are:

1. De-prime or remove the used primer

2. Resize or return the base of the hull to it's original dimensions

3. Re-prime or seat a new primer

4. Add a measured amount of gun powder to the case

5. Seat a wad into the case above the powder charge

6. Add a measured amount of shot to the case

7. Crimp the hull to hold the shot in place

Reloading is popular with may shooters for a variety of reasons, including;

1. Economic. The cost of components can be a lot cheaper than new factory ammo.

2. Performance. Developing a load or bullet/velocity combination that cannot be found in a factory load, often tailored to a particular firearm

3. Availability. Many older weapons, especially military surplus, use a ammunition type not common or even available in the United States.

Some of the basic tools used in the reloading process include the reloading press, reloading dies, reloading scale, and powder measure. Many, many other accessories can be purchased to aid in the reloading process, and the very first purchase that a prospective new reloader should make, is a new, current edition reloading manual. Virtually every major manufacturer of reloading equipment and components publishes a manual explaining the fundamentals and techniques involved in safe reloading in a far greater depth than can be covered by this glossary. Until you have read and understood at least one of these manuals, do not try to reload your own ammunition! If you fail to heed this advice, you could cause damage, injury, or possibly even death. Trust us on this, you don't want to go through life nicknamed "one eye" or "lefty" if you can avoid it, so read the damn manual.