Reloading Guide

The very last step in the reloading process is inspection and packaging. After all is done, I like to combine the inspection and packaging steps. As I put each completed cartridge into a box, I look it over to make sure everything is in order.

Crimping gets a bad rap. Just as we sometimes tend to fix construction mistakes with a hammer rather than taking the time to properly fit parts, we tend to view crimping as a way to “fix” a less than perfect bullet seating. The problem with crimping is that it sounds so logical. The word “crimping” kind of implies the process of locking a bullet in place. But, there is more to it than just that.

So, let’s discuss the topic of seating and crimping in the reloading process. Stated simply, the seating step simply means jamming a new bullet into a cleaned, resized, primed, and powder-charged cartridge case. Crimping “generally” refers to the act of bringing the neck of the cartridge case back to proper dimension after that bullet is stuffed in. There’s a lot more to both actions, especially if you want to be safe, so let’s take a closer look at both steps.

Bullets are bullets, right? Well, not really. There are a wide array of variables in bullet shape, weight, materials, and construction. Each of these variables can have a dramatic impact on the performance, and safety, of any given load. In other words, loading recipe data for one 147-grain, .308 bullet may be incorrect, and even unsafe, for another projectile of equal caliber and weight. Let’s take a closer look at some of the variables and what you need to know about each.

When it comes to reloading, the powder is the biggest variable. Not only do you need to worry about the exact amount of powder in a charge, you also need to consider the type of powder. By my rough count, and this is not at all official, there are somewhere around 150 types of powder on the market.

SERIES Part 1: Want to Reload Your Own Ammo? Basic Questions to Consider Part 2: The Reloading Process Part 3: The Gear You’ll Need and What It’ll Cost You Part 4: Brass Cleaning and Preparation to Load Part 5: Brass Resizing Part 6: Trimming Cartridge Cases Part 7: Repriming the Cartridge Case Part 8: Powder, Propellants, and Pressure Part 9: All About Primers Part [...]

SERIES Part 1: Want to Reload Your Own Ammo? Basic Questions to Consider Part 2: The Reloading Process Part 3: The Gear You’ll Need and What It’ll Cost You Part 4: Brass Cleaning and Preparation to Load Part 5: Brass Resizing Part 6: Trimming Cartridge Cases Part 7: Repriming the Cartridge Case Part 8: Powder, Propellants, and Pressure Part 9: All About Primers Part [...]

We’re continuing our coverage of reloading with an in-depth look at the options available for trimming up cases. This is how you ensure your recycled brass will fit in your gun.

If you plan to reload, you will have to get very familiar with your brass. Here we talk about how to resize cases, and what to watch out for. There are a lot of variations from the various manufacturers, and several things you must watch for.