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...]
powder
Reloading on a Budget: The Lee Loader
Do you want to reload without investing a fortune on expensive—and expansive equipment? Then you may want to consider the Lee Loader. In early 2012 I had just turned 21. My YouTube career started in earnest. With my very first center-fire handgun, a Smith and Wesson Model 10, I decided to try my hand at loading my own ammo for it. As a starving college kid, I opted for the … [Read more...]
Reloading Equipment – Chronographs & “Power Factor?”
Want to start loading better ammo? You're going to need a chronograph. In this article I want to look specifically at chronographs and their role in the reloading process. But first, let’s talk a bit about “Power Factor.” Power Factor Put simply, power factor is a measure of the recoil force exerted by a round of ammunition when it is fired. For recoil operated … [Read more...]
Reloading on A Budget: The Lee Hand Press
A few years ago I got into the reloading game with Lee Loaders. These kits allow you to literally hammer together custom ammunition with little need for additional gadgets. But unfortunately, the pistol loaders resize the brass cases when reloading. That is good so you can use the new rounds in many guns, but it takes much more effort to drive cases into the die with the … [Read more...]
Reloading Equipment – Additional Cool Stuff
In my last two articles I concentrated on the reloading dies and associated tools needed to complete the 4 reloading tasks outlined in my second article, "What is Reloading?" In the next two articles I want to look at some additional equipment which you may or may not need to undertake your specific reloading activities. Primer Filling & Automatic Primer … [Read more...]
Reloading Equipment – The Basics
There are four steps needed to reload a round of center fire ammunition: Clean and resize the case back to a serviceable size Remove the expended primer and replace it with a new primer Replace the gunpowder Replace the projectile and crimp it into the case There are a myriad of ways to approach these tasks, and many manufacturers who produce the necessary … [Read more...]