Getting into reloading? Well, before we start talking about reloading presses, I’d like to briefly examine the concept of reloading rates as applied to assessing the performance of reloading presses. Reloading Rate – Definitions Throughout this series of articles I have emphasized the different reloading requirements we all have, as well as the different approaches […]
Reloading
Reloading 101: The Economics of Reloading
In my previous article I identified a desire for cheaper ammunition as a potential reason for wanting to reload. But exactly how cheap is “cheaper” ammunition, and does it justify the cost of the reloading equipment required? To answer these questions, let’s look at the economics of reloading, starting with the direct costs for reloading. […]
Reloading 101: Selecting A Reloading Press (Part 1)
Having now covered the various types of reloading presses available, in this article I’d like to address the issue of deciding on what press/tools to buy. To approach this issue, firstly I’ll try and summarise what I see as the strengths and weaknesses of each type of press. This article is really meant as a […]
Reloading and Range Etiquette
Today, I’d like to talk about Range Etiquette. Specifically, issues which may occur as a result of using YOUR reloaded ammunition on a firing range. Safety Issues Quality factory ammunition is produced by automatic machines to exacting standards and subject to formal quality control processes. Your own reloaded ammunition on the other hand will only […]
Reloading 101: Reloading Presses – Single Stage
At last we get to the serious part of the topic of reloading, reloading presses. This is a complex area, simply due to the variety of choices available, both in terms of equipment type and manufacturers. Over the next few articles I will attempt to de-mystify the issues which need to be addressed in order […]
Beginner’s Guide to Reloading: The 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 Equipment – Chronographs & “Power Factor?”
Want to start loading better ammo? You’re going to need a chronograph. In this article I want to look specifically at chronographs and their role in the reloading process. But first, let’s talk a bit about “Power Factor.” Power Factor Put simply, power factor is a measure of the recoil force exerted by a round […]
Ballistics 101: What Is Ballistic Coefficient?
When a bullet flies through the air, forces called “drag” are exerted upon it. These forces slow down the bullet as it flies, but they don’t act the same way on every bullet. While the subject of aerodynamics is extremely complex, one way to account for differences in bullet drag that is commonly used in the […]
Reloading Equipment – Additional Cool Stuff
In my last two articles I concentrated on the reloading dies and associated tools needed to complete the 4 reloading tasks outlined in my second article, “What is Reloading?” In the next two articles I want to look at some additional equipment which you may or may not need to undertake your specific reloading activities. […]
Reloading Equipment – Dies
In my last article I started looking at basic reloading equipment, including a number of the types of reloading dies/tools that are used. In this article I want to complete the discussion on reloading dies and their associated equipment. Replacing the Projectile Replacing the projectile is a simple matter of placing the new projectile on […]