How to reload rifle ammunition — Ron Spomer Outdoors

1. Press. This is the tool that pushes and pulls cases through the loading steps.

2. Dies. These are the metal chambers into which the expanded, fired case is pushed to squeeze it to original size. You can buy dies for loading any cartridge.

3. Scale. For weighing powder charges.

4. Shell holder. A platform that grips the shell rim and holds it in the press. One size fits many cartridges.

5. Lube. This oil or wax is applied to brass to prevent it from sticking in the die.

6. Chamfer/deburring tool. Bevels case rims so bullets start easily.

7. Case trimmer. Cuts case necks to original size after they stretch too long from repeated reloadings.

8. Funnel. This fits over the case mouth so you can more easily pour the powder in.

9. Calipers. Measures case length, bullet seating length and other important dimensions.

10. Priming tool. Seats the new primer in the case. Most presses include a priming arm, but some people prefer a separate, hand-held unit.

With those tools on hand, all you need are empty brass, fresh primers, powder and bullets. Some combination (from the recipes in the reloading manuals) should have your rifle shooting like the proverbial house a’fire, and then you can practice inexpensively until you really are a crack shot.

Basic Steps

With your handloading manuals and tools in hand, you are ready to build your first reloads. Let’s walk through the basic steps to clarify and boost your confidence:

Collect your brass and sort by brand. The headstamp on the bottom of each case should designate it as Rem, Fed, Win, Norma, etc. That is the brand. The headstamp should also indicate the chambering, i.e. 270 Win., 300 Wby. Mag., 223 Rem., etc. The case itself might be brass or brass coated with nickle (shiny silver.) Both are loadable. Steel and aluminum cases can be reloaded, but this is not recommended. Steel isn’t as ductile as brass and is more “sticky” in chambers when fired. Aluminum is too easily eroded and liable to split. I recommend you stay away from steel and aluminum cases.