Ammo Reloaders are individuals that for one reason or another reload their own ammunition for their firearms. Care and attention to detail is required for reloading ammo. Reloading can be very rewarding and safe if you are patient and study the reloading guides and books.

Reloading Press Image

Reloading Press

So why do people become ammo reloaders?

  • Saves Money – Reloading can save about 1/3 the cost of purchasing factory loaded ammunition.
  • A Enjoyable Hobby – It’s fun and enables you to shoot more.
  • The Ability to Fine Tune Ammo – Create custom ammo for each of your firearms to improve accuracy or for a special application.

There are many other reasons but these are the most common. It started out that only hunters were ammo reloaders but attendance at shooting ranges has increased significantly over the last couple of years, so target shooters and individual gun owners have now gotten into reloading for the same reasons stated earlier.

Some believe it is very expensive to start reloading and yes the equipment can get expensive. But if you start out with the bare necessities, your initial investment will pay for itself in no time and as you get more proficient you can start to add some specialty tools and equipment specific to your needs.

There are two basic types of ammo reloading:

  • Metallic Cartridge Reloading – Rifles and pistols
  • Non-Metallic Cartridge Reloading – Shotgun

The metallic cartridge reloading process starts with an empty brass case and involves removing the spent primer (depriming), installing a new primer (repriming), adding some powder and then setting the bullet all using specialized reloading equipment.

To get started in reloading at a minimum investment, the recommended items required are:

  • A Reloading Guide (Preferably two) – Required reading before attempting any reloading.
  • A Single Stage Press – Preforms a specific action with each pull of the handle.
  • A Set of Dies (Specific to your ammo) – Dies preform the actual work in the press on the cartridge case.
  • A Shell Plate or Shell Holder – Holds the cartridge in place on the press.
  • A Powder Measure – Measures and dispenses the required charge of powder.
  • Powder, Primers, Cases and Bullets – Specific to your ammo

There are some basic reloading kits available that contains some of these items and more except for the dies, always buy your specific dies separately. You will also need a small dedicated space for your reloading supplies and press. Keeping this area clean and organized will help in maintaining consistent, safe loads.

If ammo reloading is something you want to pursue, it’s important you become a Student-of-the-Trade. That is, read and study every piece of reloading information specific to your firearms as possible. The satisfaction of improving the accuracy of your shooting with your own custom loads that you developed is beyond words. So join the many ammo reloaders already reaping the benefits of reduced shooting costs, a great hobby and custom loads.

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