Reloading

The terms loading and reloading are almost interchangeable. Handloading is the act of assembling loaded ammunition on a non-commercial basis using simple equipment. Reloading is the reprocessing or recycling previously fired cartridge cases in to loaded ammunition.

A fired case requires that several operations be performed to restore it to a condition suitable for firing. As a reloader, you have control over these processes. The act of reloading ammunition can be a very rewarding part of the shooting sport and one that will enable you to shoot more ammo and shoot more often.

Most new shooters begin with factory ammunition, usually because it's the fastest way to try out their new gun. However, as the shooter becomes more familiar with a gun, eventually he will consider handloading his own ammunition. Let's look at several factors involved in this decision.

Economy

Saving money is usually the first reason to consider handloading. The cost of factory ammunition will eventually cause many shooters to look for a way to reduce costs in order to shoot more. Most manuals written on handloading point out that reloading gives you more shots for your pound.

The most expensive component of the cartridge is the brass case that easily accounts for 65% of its cost. If you buy and shoot 100 rounds of factory ammunition you will have 100 empty cases that have a significant retail value - leaving them on the ground at the range means that you have lost that money. The case can be reused several times before it is no longer suitable for reloading. The reloader can use this remaining case life to reduce his cost per shot, if you plan to do even a moderate amount of shooting; the investment for the equipment is relatively short.

The actual saving per shot depends on the cartridge you plan to reload. For example - to reload 100 .243 cartridges:

• £2.00 Primers
• £14.00 100 speer 100gr sp
• £10.00 Powder (approx)
• Total Cost = £26.00

Compare that to 100 factory loads at £18/20 or £90/100. Now you see the attraction.

Most reloaders will tell you that they started loading their own ammunition to save money, once they begin they quickly discover the second reason.

Custom-tuned Ammunition

When a new handloader takes his reloaded ammunition to the range, he often finds that it shoots better than the factory ammunition. Factory ammunition is great stuff, meeting industry standards and thoroughly tested. Handloading gives you the flexibility to tune ammunition to your rifle. Changing bullet seating depth and powder charge to suit your rifle makes all the difference.

A wise man once said, "The best ammo maker for your rifle is you". This is still sound advice today.

Soon after discovering the economy and improved accuracy that reloading offers, the shooter discovers how versatile one firearm can become when the broad assortment of bullet styles is explored.

Enjoyment

There is a great satisfaction in posting a high score or bagging that big buck with ammo that you have finely tuned to the needs of your firearm. There's a lot of truth in the old saying "if you want it doing right, do it yourself!"

Getting Started

This is where you have to justify the cost to get going.

A very rough guide to start reloading quality ammunition:

• £30 Dies
• £30-250 Press
• £60 Powder thrower
• £30-250 Scales

These are essential in one form or another. After this you can add vernier callipers, case tumblers, trimmers, polishers and all manner of accessories at a later date.

Good luck and good shooting.

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