Reloading your own ammunition is a valuable skill that can save money, improve accuracy, and provide greater customization for your shooting needs. Whether you're a competitive shooter, hunter, or firearm enthusiast, learning how to reload properly allows you to fine-tune your ammo for better performance and reliability.
This beginner’s guide will cover everything you need to know to get started with reloading, including the essential equipment, safety precautions, and step-by-step process of creating your own cartridges.
Why Reload Your Own Ammunition?
Many shooters choose to reload for three key reasons:
- Cost Savings – Reloading is often cheaper than buying factory ammo, especially for high-volume shooters.
- Better Accuracy – Handloading allows you to fine-tune loads for precision shooting.
- Ammo Availability – When store shelves are empty, reloaders can produce their own ammo.
While reloading does require an initial investment in equipment and supplies, many find it a rewarding and cost-effective practice in the long run.
Essential Equipment for Reloading
Before you start reloading, you’ll need a few basic tools:
1. Reloading Press
The heart of your reloading setup, a press is used to resize and seat bullets into casings. The three main types are:
- Single-Stage Press – Best for beginners, loads one round at a time.
- Turret Press – Faster than single-stage, holds multiple dies for quicker operation.
- Progressive Press – High-volume reloading, multiple rounds processed simultaneously.
2. Dies & Shell Holders
- Reloading dies are caliber-specific tools that size brass, seat bullets, and crimp rounds.
- Shell holders securely hold brass cases in the press during reloading.
3. Case Tumbler & Cleaning Tools
Before reloading, brass cases should be cleaned using:
- Powder measure dispenses the correct charge into each case.
- Digital or balance beam scales ensure precise powder measurement to avoid overcharging.
5. Priming Tool
Primers must be seated properly to ensure reliable ignition. Priming tools can be:
- Handheld primer tools – for precision seating.
- Press-mounted primers – built into some presses for convenience.
6. Bullet Puller
Mistakes happen—having a bullet puller allows you to disassemble rounds safely and reuse components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reloading Ammunition
Step 1: Inspect & Clean Brass
- Collect spent casings and inspect them for cracks, dents, or signs of weakness.
- Clean cases in a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner for better function and reliability.
Step 2: Resize & Deprime Cases
- Insert the resizing die into the press and run each case through it.
- This restores the brass to its original dimensions and removes spent primers.
Step 3: Trim & Chamfer Cases (If Needed)
- If brass has lengthened from firing, trim it to spec using a case trimmer.
- Chamfer and deburr the case mouth to ensure smooth bullet seating.
Step 4: Prime the Cases
- Insert a new primer using a hand primer or press-mounted tool.
- Ensure primers are seated flush with the case base for consistent ignition.
Step 5: Measure & Load Powder
- Use a powder measure to dispense the correct amount of powder into each case.
- Double-check weight using a scale to avoid dangerous overcharges.
Safety Tip: Never exceed the recommended powder charge in your reloading manual. Overcharging can cause catastrophic failures.
Step 6: Seat the Bullet
- Place the bullet on top of the charged case and use a bullet seating die to press it to the correct depth.
- Ensure proper overall length to match published load data.
Step 7: Crimp (If Needed)
- Some loads require a crimp to secure the bullet in place, preventing movement under recoil.
Step 8: Inspect & Store Ammo
- Check for proper seating depth, primer flushness, and overall quality.
- Store completed ammo in labeled containers to keep track of caliber, powder type, and load details.
Safety Tips for Reloading Ammunition
- Always Use a Reloading Manual – Follow published load data from trusted sources like Hornady, Lyman, or Hodgdon.
- Avoid Distractions – Reload in a quiet, focused environment to prevent mistakes.
- Check Powder Levels Twice – Over or undercharging can be dangerous.
- Wear Eye Protection – Primers can be volatile. Safety glasses reduce risk of injury.
- Store Powder & Primers Safely – Keep in cool, dry places away from open flames.
Best Calibers for Reloading
Some calibers offer better cost savings and reloadability than others. Here are a few popular choices:
- 9mm Luger – High-volume shooters save money by reloading bulk 9mm.
- .223 / 5.56 NATO – Popular for AR-15 owners and competitive shooters.
- .308 Winchester – Ideal for hunting and long-range precision.
- .45 ACP – Heavier bullets allow for customization of power levels.
- .38 Special / .357 Magnum – Revolver shooters can benefit from reloading flexibility.
Reloading is especially useful for hard-to-find or expensive calibers like .300 Blackout, .44 Magnum, or 6.5 Creedmoor.
Is Reloading Right for You?
- If you shoot often, reloading can save you money and allow for customized loads.
- If you enjoy precision shooting, you can create rounds tailored to your firearm.
- If you reload for self-sufficiency, you won’t have to worry about ammo shortages.
However, reloading requires patience, attention to detail, and initial investment in equipment. If you’re willing to learn the process and follow safety protocols, it can be a highly rewarding skill.
Final Thoughts: Start Reloading Today!
Reloading ammunition gives shooters more control, accuracy, and cost savings than factory ammo. By following the right techniques and safety precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of handloading while tailoring your ammo to your exact needs.
Looking for reloading equipment, primers, powder, and bullets? Visit KYGUNCO for a wide selection of top-quality reloading supplies!
