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Ammunition Reloading Tips

Reloading ammunition is the only way some enthusiasts can afford to pursue their shooting hobby. According to one reloading equipment manufacturer, savings of 60 percent is not unreasonable. Anecdotal accounts seem to bear this out. Another reason to reload your own ammunition is quality control. Machines operate within narrow but evident tolerances. Customization is another reason to load your own. As always, there are tricks and tips to make the task easier.

Powder Measure
- You could use a balance scale if you had a very accurate counterweight.
  
  The amount of powder you put into a cartridge demands critical attention. Make a shelf over your reloading bench on which you can mount your powder scale at eye level. This will also give you a convenient place to mount your powder measure and store your reference books.
Case Cleaning
- Brass cases, properly maintained, can be reused as many as 10 times.
  
  Brass cases must be cleaned and decapped before reloading. Take a small electric motor that you can mount to the workbench, add an inexpensive drill chuck and a brass bore brush. Clean the inside of the cartridge as you press it on the brush. Let it spin while you clean the outside with a soft cloth and mild buffing compound. Don't use a product with ammonia because it can weaken the brass.
Chamber Casting
- Proper casting techniques yield very detailed results.
  
  If a reloaded cartridge does not fit well, you might have to make a cast of the chamber to determine the problem. If you heat the barrel with hot water before pouring in the casting material, it will slow the curing process and allow air bubbles to dissipate. Tightly patch a cleaning rod and insert it all the way to the chamber. Now you just tap the end of the rod to release the cast.

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