Saving Cash by Ammunition Reloading

Chad Reimer

When it comes to reloading ammunition, it can be one of the easiest hobbies for any firearms enthusiast to get into. Reloaders have the option of choosing how much or how little equipment they want to work with. The majority of people that reload ammunition do it for savings on ammunition, as well as higher precision than most mass produced cartridges on the market today. A few years ago, before the rise of the metals on the market hit in full swing, reloading was considered a hobby for those seeking extreme accuracy and looking to save a small amount of money.

Now reloading is becoming a more popular pastime, providing a relief for the recent crippling ammunition prices. The ammunitions market is currently seeing a huge percentage being purchased through government contracts, as well as private security firms working in the Middle East. Because of these factors, and the rise in metals like lead and copper, reloading is becoming more enticing. Over the past half-decade the prices of ammunition took a steep hike and now are almost double their previous prices, so it’s no wonder more people are turning to more affordable means of acquiring ammunition.

The basic required tools for hand reloading ammunition are the press, caliber specific dies, and a priming tool. If you are looking to reload spent shells, then you might want to consider things like a media cleaner, case trimmer, and pace setter; these tools ensure you’re consistent in all areas of reloading spent shells. As for black powder each hand loader has their own idea what is best for their particular needs; most loaders find something that works well for them and use it religiously. 

Hand loading supplies sales for reloading dies, presses, and other accessories to cater to the needs of the hand loading enthusiast have approximately quintupled. Some of the more popular brands of reloading equipment are Hornady, RCBS, and Lee Precision. Another benefit of reloading is the ability to hand load cartridges that have all but been forgotten, particularly WWII Japanese rounds and other military rounds which are no longer mass produced.

Aside from the equipment a reloading guide is probably the single most important piece of the reloading puzzle, aside from having proportionate powder, as well as dimensions. The reloading guide is a great way to ensure you are not left with a squid round, which does not leave the bore, or an explosion inside your firearm. Another possible problem is the over handling of black powder, which can create a number of strange issues including inconsistent burning and a loss of accuracy. Overconfidence, in addition to relying on memory or not reading, can lead to many devastating problems.

Safety should always be the first priority. During my reloading, I always measure twice and pour once, as well as making sure my work area is clean. One of the biggest reloading problems is a cluttered working environment. Reloading, when done properly, can be safe and help a shooter to save a large portion of their ammunition funds.

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