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This is part of the About Hunting & Shooting online Reloading Course. Check my Ammo Loading Course Index for links to other existing articles, and be sure to bookmark it and check back there from time to time, since I'll be adding more as time goes by.
Back to page one - Introduction - Benefits of Handloading
This is a rundown of the tools you'll need to get started loading ammo.
1. Work
Area
Make that a clean, uncluttered, well-lit, distraction-free work area. You can't
afford to be distracted while loading ammo, as either an under- or overcharged
cartridge can easily lead to disaster at the range or in the field.
2. Loading Manual(s).
You will need at least one reloading manual. Manuals are available from several
different sources, including powder manufacturers, bullet makers, and the folks
who make reloading equipment. The cartridge you are loading may not be covered
in any given manual, and it's always nice to have a couple of different resources
to cross-check the data, -- so it's often a good idea to have more than source
of loading data at hand. Always use a manual, and start with 10%-15% smaller
powder charges than are called for, and work up from there!
3. Press
The press is the workhorse. Together with the loading dies, shell holders, and
sometimes a priming attachment, this is the tool used for the actual loading,
among other things. Many varieties are available, but the simplest press will
do quite well for most shooters. Progressive presses are popular with folks
who do a lot of loading, as they allow one to load more rapidly.
4. Dies & Shell
Holders
Generally speaking, you will need a set of dies for each caliber/cartridge you
load. Some sizes will be useful for more than one cartridge (i.e. you can load
.38 special and .357 Magnum with the same set of dies), but as a rule the die
must be tailored to the individual cartridge. Dies are used for depriming, sizing,
and bullet seating. Shell holders of appropriate size for the cartridge are
also needed, to be used in conjunction with the dies, on the press.
5. Case Lube
If you will be full-length resizing your cases (shells), you will need to lubricate
them, unless using a carbide size die (only available for straight-walled cases
such as .44 Remington Magnum, etc). This is necessary to eliminate binding of
the shell in the die, leaving a stuck shell which is an all too common occurrence
that will put the brakes on any loading session and necessitate the removal
of the case using a special tool designed for that purpose.
6. Priming Tool
You will need to prime your brass after resizing it. Various hand-held tools
are offered for this purpose, and most makes of presses make an optional attachment
that will allow you to use your press for priming. Most progressive presses
automatically prime shells.
7. Powder Measure
This is another tool that is offered by several different manufacturers. Its
purpose is to accurately measure powder charges into your primed cases prior
to seating the bullet. Alternately, low-cost measuring scoops and a powder funnel
will do the job as long as you pay strict attention to detail... different powders
bulk differently, and a given scoop of one type of powder will not necessarily
contain the same weight as the same scoop full of another type. Powder burning
rates vary widely, so use extreme caution, pay attention to detail, and
always follow your manual.
8. Scale
This is a very useful and necessary tool for the handloader. Available now in
electronic models as well as the old reliable balance type, a precision scale
that measures in grains and fractions of grains is a must for checking powder
charges. It's also handy for checking bullet weights, loaded cartridge weights
(if you suspect an under- or over-charged cartridge), etc.
9. Dial Caliper
A quality dial or digital caliper is used by the handloader for taking many
varieties of measurements, including (but not limited to) case length, overall
cartridge length, bullet diameter, case mouth diameter, etc. I can't imagine
loading without a good dial caliper.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it's really pretty manageable. There are many other tools that may become necessary or desirable with time, such as case trimmers, tumblers, reamers, etc, but you can load a lot of ammo without all those extra goodies. Still interested? Read on!
Reloading
Components
You'll need this stuff to build your ammo
Russ Chastain
One Year ago this week: 10/19/99 - Is it Really Worth the Pain? - Some thoughts on bowhunting for deer in the Southern US.
Two Years ago this week: 10/14/98 - Learning to Grunt - A lesson a buck taught me that I'll never forget.
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