Even once you’ve selected all your preferred reloading equipment and begun using it, perfecting your reloaded ammunition can be surprisingly complex. I’ve had a number of questions, both from EMs and in person at the range, regarding the correct ways to adjust reloading dies. These are not simple questions, as pretty much every type of […]
Reloading
Reloading – Developing Your Loads
Developing the ideal load for your individual needs and firearm is the most challenging part of the reloading process. In this article I’ll cover the process that I have used to get to that “sweet spot” for my own reloaded pistol ammunition. The First Step Whilst it may seem an obvious step, actually determining your […]
Reloading 101 – Why is Crimping Different for Semi-Autos and Revolvers?
In my previous article, I indicated the generally accepted preference for roll crimps in revolver ammunition and taper crimps in semi-auto ammunition, and briefly mentioned the potential problems that can be caused by incorrectly crimped ammunition in both types of handguns. But why is there a difference? n a word: “headspace.” I don’t want to […]
Reloading 101 – Crimping (Revisted)
I have covered some general issues as well as some specific issues relating to semi-automatics and revolvers. In this article, I’ll be looking at some different types of projectiles, and their related crimping considerations. Crimping Considerations for Projectiles When I discussed projectiles, I identified some basic variations on projectile types, but omitted considerations related to […]
Reloading 101: Crimping Cases for Better Reloads
Some time back I raised the topic of crimping as part of a discussion on reloading dies, and promised to address the issue more fully at a later date—which is now. What is Crimping? During reloading, cases are resized and the case mouth is expanded (belled) to accommodate a new projectile. Crimping is the final […]
Reloading 101: Reloading Presses – Progressive Press
Still working out what the best reloading equipment is for you? In my last two articles I covered single stage and turret presses, but in this article I’ll focus on the most sophisticated type of reloading press, the progressive press. Progressive Presses In a turret press, a single case is held in a case (shell) holder […]
Reloading 101: Reloading Presses – Turret Presses
Buying a reloading press? You’re in the right place. In my last article I started by discussing the most basic form of reloading press, the Single Stage Press. The next level of sophistication is the so-called Turret Press, which I’ll cover in this article. Turret Presses The basic single stage press is limited in that […]
Reloading on a Budget: The Lee Loader
Do you want to reload without investing a fortune on expensive—and expansive equipment? Then you may want to consider the Lee Loader. In early 2012 I had just turned 21. My YouTube career started in earnest. With my very first center-fire handgun, a Smith and Wesson Model 10, I decided to try my hand at loading my […]
Reloading 101: Smokeless Powders
Perhaps the most important decision in reloading is which powder to choose. I will avoid using the term “gunpowder,” as the purists out there will point out that this term should be reserved for what is usually referred to as black powder, the original gunpowder. Modern cartridge based firearms use so-called “smokeless” powder as the […]
Reloading 101: Selecting A Reloading Press (Part 2 – Reloading Profiles)
In my last article, I provided a summary of what I personally see as the strengths and weaknesses of each type of reloading press. In this article, I’ll identify a number of reloading profiles and suggest a solution for each one. As you’d expect, the possible variations in reloading profiles for different shooters are as […]