TIP 1.
If you shoot no more than two boxes (40 rounds) of ammo per year, simple hand reloading tools are ideal, plus a simple powder scale and a few other accessories will work just fine.
Lee Precision has a range of simple reloading tools to suit the above handloader.
However, if you intend to do lots of shooting you’ll need to consider other reloading tools. For example, buy an O-frame, bench mounted reloading press – these are ideal for reloading more than hundred rounds in one session.
You can buy all the reloading tools you need in kit form these days. Such kits usually supply a case trimmer, powder scale, lube pad, deburr tool, etc, and are great value for money.
RCBS offer such reloading kits.
TIP 2 – Ammo Reloading.
What four things should you do before reloading a bunch of fired cases someone has given you?
- keep separate from other cases
- sort them according to make
- inspect cases to ensure their condition is satisfactory
- Full-length size the cases since chamber dimensions vary from rifle to rifle (this ammo reloading tip is very important – failure to do this can result in reloaded ammunition failing to chamber properly).
You are ready to go!
TIP 3.
Have you ever wondered why case necks get dents in them while full-length resizing during reloading?
Excess case lube is the reason. The lube is trapped as the case is resized.
Avoid applying lube to the shoulder and neck of cases. Its not necessary. A thin film of lube on the body of the case is all that is required. Use an RCBS case lube pad to do this properly.
TIP 4.
Do you roll your own? That is, reload your own ammunition.
Aside from the economy, there are lots of other good reasons for reloading one’s own ammunition.
- ammo reloading is lots of fun!
- improved accuracy
- flatter trajectory
- increased striking energy
- availability of bullets structured for a specific size and type of game
- special loadings not commercially available (e.g fur bearers, benchrest, big bore shooting)
- shoot obsolete or wildcat cartridges
