Reloading

This page is neither about how to reload a pistol in the quickest manner nor a guide to different types of magazines. This page covers a less frequent but fascinating activity - ammo reloading. It is not so much a part of a conscious consumption lifestyle, but rather an old practice that our ancestors used to implement. Practice that didn’t extinct when the ammo production rates went up drastically.

Why reload the ammo when there is almost an infinite supply of it? Several reasons might turn this bizarre idea into a justified one. First and most obvious, money. Depending on the caliber and rarity of the ammo, a box of 25 rounds may cost you up to 100 dollars, and if you shoot frequently, regular purchases might leave a hole in your budget. Another reason includes difficulty in acquisition. There are many antique or outdated calibers you simply cannot find ammo for, which doesn’t necessarily mean they need to hang somewhere above the fireplace, dusty and unused. Last but not least, personal satisfaction. It might be very satisfying to know that you have personally built a load and that you can do it again and again. Besides, it can become a very tranquil and soothing hobby. Reloading is precise and delicate work, so if you enjoy temperate activities, you may find it to your liking.

What does reloading equipment include? That is a kind of activity that requires some tools you simply cannot do without. The first thing that comes to mind is a reloading press. That is a tool that offers precise alignment of dies and shell holders and is basically a foundation of your workbench. There are three common press types: single-stage reloading press, turret press, and reloading progressive press. It is up to you which one to choose, any of them will do nicely.

Other essential reloading tools include reloading dies and shell holders. A die set may comprise from one to three separate dies, all caliber-specific. Resizing dies expand the neck of the brass that gets deformed after the cartridge is shot, while decapping dies remove fired primers from cases. A shell holder keeps the case fixed in place and allows it to be aligned, pushed into, and withdrawn from dies. It is vital to use a holder that fits your particular cartridge to avoid malfunctions. 

Since reloading calls for precision at every stage, measuring tools are an absolute must. Things like calipers and micrometers are essential for determining the case’s measurements, while powder scales will help you not to put too much propellant and avoid a micro-scale explosion.

Quite often cases turn out to be longer than needed. In situations like this, a case trimmer comes to aid, allowing you to adjust the length of the cartridge case. Since this is a mechanical process, the internal and external parts of the case neck need to be further machined. Chamfer tools let you chamfer the inside, and deburr tools allow you to deburr the outside edge. All of this allows the bullet to sit into the brass without being deformed.

The given list of tools is by no means complete. In addition to all the mentioned ammo reloading equipment, Gritr Sports has powder funnels, bullet pullers, and, of course, reloading manuals that enunciate the reloading process in a more detailed and nuanced manner. Whatever reloading supplies you need, we have them. This is the place to get all the tools you need, produced by the most reliable reloading brands like Hornady and Redding.