Once the shooting bug has bitten and you begin sending a large number of rounds down range you soon realize you are spending a lot of money on ammunition. Short term measures may include buying ammo in bulk , on sale, or shooting less expensive ammo. Often people consider handloading their own ammunition.
Reusing the brass case eliminates the largest expense in a round of ammunition, reducing costs between 50% – 60% on your practice ammunition and 30% – 50% on premium self-defense and hunting ammunition.
Handloaders often joke they do not save any money; they just get to shoot twice as much. That is a good thing, as there is no substitute for practice.
In addition to reducing the cost of the ammunition, Handloading allows you to tailor ammunition to a specific need. Most factory practice ammunition is “middle of the road” for ballistic performance. Competitive shooters may want to produce lower power rounds to re-acquire the target more quickly. Increasing the power of practice ammo to replicate the recoil and point of aim performance of Premium self-defense ammunition will allow more realistic practice sessions.
Rifles shooters know their guns seem to “like” certain ammunition to be most accurate. This can be a factor of barrel length, rate of twist on the rifling, chamber length and a slew of other variables. Shooters that do not handload normally have to buy several types and brands of ammunition in different bullet weights and styles to find the most accurate round for a specific gun. Handloaders can adjust their powder charge and projectile depth to “tune” the round for maximum accuracy.
Projectiles are selected based on the intended purpose: low cost for practice, high accuracy for target shooting, and expansion, penetration and weight retention for hunting. Powder is selected for a certain characteristic such as price, burn rate, and volume. Even the brand of primer can effect the accuracy and performance of the finished round.
If this all sounds complicated, it is. However, handloading can be as easy or complicated as you care to make it.
Bullet and powder manufactures offer reloading manuals and on-line “recipes” for virtually every caliber. These sources will list safe loads for different bullet weights and types and commonly available powders. Often a combination for the most accurate load is highlighted. Once a shooter finds a load they like, many never stray from that recipe. Others use the recommendations as a starting point and then experiments with minor variations in powder loads or bullet seating depth to further increase accuracy.
To understand the process, new loaders often learn from friends or fellow shooters. If you do not know someone that handloads, instructional videos are available from the equipment manufactures as well as on-line sources.
An initial investment is necessary to get started with manufacturers such as:RCBS, Lee, Hornady, andReddingall offering starter kits ranging from approx. $125 – $400. For that you get a basic single stage press, powder scale, powder measure and other equipment necessary to get started. You will also need to separately purchase the dies and shell holder for the specific caliber you intend to load.
The single stage press while slower offers a great learning experience in each step: reforming, priming, charging, seating, and crimping. There are faster ways to reload with systems called “Progressive” loaders that perform multiple functions with each pull of the lever; however I suggest you start slow and learn the basics before accelerating. Many people use single stage presses for rifles and pistol all there life and consider crafting their own ammunition as much of a hobby as shooting.
Next month we’ll talk about safe gun storage.
Until then …….Safe Shooting!