If you're reloading ammunition and you don't own a chronograph, you're flying blind. Load data from a manual gives you a starting point, but your rifle, your barrel length, your lot of powder, and your ambient temperature all affect what actually comes out of the muzzle. A chronograph tells you what's really happening — not...
Category: Reloading
Reloading is estimated to be practiced by roughly 12% of all firearms users. Some reload to save money (over time, after you get over the initial investment of getting set up), others reload to build cartridges that are no longer commercially available. Still others realize that reloading also allows the user to adapt their ammunition to suite specific shooting scenarios, weapons, and preferences, enhancing accuracy, consistency, and performance. Adjusting factors such as the powder charge, bullet weight, and seating depth, enabling a level of personalization that factory-loaded ammunition does not provide. This level of precision and customization not only improves overall firearm efficacy but also deepens the user’s understanding and mastery of their weapon. That and it’s just plain fun!
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Short-Action vs Long-Action Cartridges Explained
If you spend any time around bolt-action rifles, you’ll hear shooters toss around terms like “short action” and “long action.” It sounds simple enough—one is short, the other is long—but there’s a lot of myth and half-truth floating around this subject. The reality is more nuanced, and once you understand how cartridge length, magazine dimensions,...
Guide to Reloading .50-70 (.50-70 Government) Ammunition
If you’ve arrived at this page, you may be thinking about reloading .50-70 (.50-70 Government). Perhaps you’ve recently acquired a Springfield Trapdoor, Spencer, or perhaps a Rolling Block rifle in .50-70 Government and you may be wondering how you’re ever going to shoot that thing. A reasonable first question that should come before that is...
Ammo Daddy Press: Hand-Building Paper Shotgun Shells
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Bullet Shapes: An Exploration of Massive Impact
The science behind bullet design is intricate, revealing a delicate balance between penetration, accuracy, range, and impact energy. Knowledge about different bullet shapes, materials, and treatments can significantly enhance the shooter's effectiveness and overall shooting experience.Want to learn more? Here's an excellent book on the topic:If you want to dig deeper into the mechanics behind...
The Ultimate Guide to Depriming Spent Primers
Depriming, also known as decapping, is a crucial first step in the reloading process. It involves removing the spent primer from a fired cartridge case to prepare it for resizing, cleaning, and reloading. Whether you're a beginner reloader or an experienced handloader looking for best practices, understanding the correct depriming techniques will improve efficiency, enhance...
Why Do We Lubricate Cast Bullets?
MethodCostEquipment NeededBest for VelocitiesEase of ApplicationMessinessLubricator/SizerHighRequires a sizer1,000-1,800 fpsPrecise & efficientLowPan LubingLowNo special tools1,000-1,500 fpsTime-consumingMediumTumble LubingVery LowNo special tools600-1,200 fpsQuick & inconsistentHighPowder CoatingMediumOven, powder, containerUp to 2,000 fps+Labor-intensive, effectiveLowRegardless of the method you choose, preparing your cast bullets remains constant. They should be inspected for defects and sized correctly. The bullet lube, whether solid or...
How to Understand Primers
Federal primers are the softest, igniting with light hammer springs (ideal for tuned revolvers).CCI primers are harder, preferred for semi-autos and AR-15s to prevent slam fires.Winchester primers balance between sensitivity and cup strength.Pre-1950s military primers contained potassium chlorate, which left corrosive salts requiring water-based cleaning. Modern primers use lead styphnate, which is non-corrosive.Understanding the distinctions...
Gun Powder! Why are there different kinds?
There are several reasons why there are many different types of gun powder. Here are some of the key factors: Historical Development: Gun powders have evolved over centuries of experimentation and technological advancements. Different formulations were developed based on the available resources, knowledge, and requirements of the time. Application-Specific Requirements: Various firearms have different operational...
Why 2-, 3-, and 4-Die Reloading Die Sets?
Each type of die set has its benefits. A 2-die set is simple and affordable, a 3-die set offers the advantage of improved accuracy with the neck sizing die or the flare needed for straight-wall cases, and a 4-die set provides all the tools needed for a variety of ammunition and gun types. The choice...