By Bob Bonewitz (vmt_hntr) *Updated 1/5/06
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Taking into account the number of shooters we have today, it’s no wonder that eventually one will ask themselves—how can I shoot more and better without spending quite so much money in the process? In light of today’s cost of ammunition one thinks of that before buying all the things one needs to further their shooting interests. But make no mistake and I’m here to tell you after a period of time, you will wonder if reloading is what you wanted to do to save money. I find reloading an enjoying and relaxing hobby of and by itself. So if you are one that thinks reloading is for you; are somewhat mechanically inclined; and have a real desire to find out what it takes to get that rifle or pistol shooting better; want to try some of the wildcats down the road; load a better selection of bullets than what the factories offer; save some money (wasn’t that the first consideration) then bare with me in this “Reloading Primer”, to better understand the steps involved with loading your own ammunition. Those that already reload, I hope I can review what you already are doing, and maybe touch on a few things that we frequently forget in the pursuit of our hobby. I am not an expert, and there are details that each individual have found that work for them for their situation, but the basics still need to be there before one can broaden their horizons for further experience.
First and foremost get an understanding of what you are about to do and why. Having a mature attitude for what you are about to undertake is paramount. One would not start to drive a car without first finding out how and what makes the car do what it does. So it goes with reloading: know the steps it takes to making good quality and safe ammunition for whatever firearm you are going to load for. The following may not be all there is to this enjoyable pastime but the basics are well: basic. You will find, after a while, what works best for you by modifying or adding things that get the results that you want without compromising the end result—quality and safe ammunition.
Purchasing a good reloading manual should be at the top of the list as the first item to buy.
This manual will have a multitude of information and should be read several times to fully understand your first steps in reloading. Lyman, Speer, Sierra, Hornady, Accurate, Hodgdon and Nosler are all manuals that provide a place to start. The manual also has the ‘data’ required to load any number of standard calibers as well as a few you may never use. Taking the NRA Basic Reloading Course should not be overlooked as a means of getting hands-on experience with certain equipment used in reloading as well as having a fully qualified individual show and tell you how to use this equipment in a safe manner; also to answer any questions you may have pursuing this hobby. The Varmint Hunters Association and Midway USA have a 2-volume video on reloading featuring Jim Carmichael. Sierra also produces a 2-volume set on reloading; one for rifles and one for handguns.
In lieu of that, I will try to touch on the high points of reloading so if one wants to further pursue this most enjoyable hobby, one may do so with at least a bit of knowledge to go to a place that sells various items for reloading.