Even once you've selected all your preferred reloading equipment and begun using it, perfecting your reloaded ammunition can be surprisingly complex. I’ve had a number of questions, both from EMs and in person at the range, regarding the correct ways to adjust reloading dies. These are not simple questions, as pretty much every type of press and reloading die is slightly … [Read more...]
how to reload
Reloading 101 – Why is Crimping Different for Semi-Autos and Revolvers?
In my previous article, I indicated the generally accepted preference for roll crimps in revolver ammunition and taper crimps in semi-auto ammunition, and briefly mentioned the potential problems that can be caused by incorrectly crimped ammunition in both types of handguns. But why is there a difference? n a word: “headspace.” I don’t want to get into a detailed discussion … [Read more...]
Reloading 101: Projectiles
Let's look at the specifics of the actual loads, starting with the selection of projectiles. I’m going to focus on projectile selection for handguns as the process of selecting projectiles for rifle loads is a complex issue involving long range ballistics including topics such as supersonic, transonic and sub-sonic aerodynamics, not to mention the specific nature of the … [Read more...]
Reloading 101: Crimping Cases for Better Reloads
Some time back I raised the topic of crimping as part of a discussion on reloading dies, and promised to address the issue more fully at a later date—which is now. What is Crimping? During reloading, cases are resized and the case mouth is expanded (belled) to accommodate a new projectile. Crimping is the final task which presses the case mouth back around the projectile. … [Read more...]
Reloading 101: Projectile Selection
Let's start reloading! In the previous article I looked at some general issues relating to projectiles, but in this article I’ll focus on the various types of projectiles available and the process of selecting a projectile suitable for your specific shooting activity. Projectile Types There are numerous types of projectiles out there, and manufacturers seem to be coming up … [Read more...]