How to Reload Shell Casings

Research which polishing grit is ideal for your specific gun model, caliber size and the number of shells you intend to polish at a time. Walnut shell and corncob grit are easy to find in various particle sizes.

Place spent cartridges in the vibratory machine. Add the appropriate amount of polishing grit according to package instructions and set the machine's cleaning and polishing cycle.

Insert a carbide die in the reloading press and run all cases through the press to remove the spent primers and resize the cases. The primer is the small cap on the casing's end that ignites the powder when the firing pin strikes it.

Replace the die and expand the mouth of the casing by flaring out the case edges to wide it slightly in preparation to accept a new bullet.

Apply new primers with the priming tool.

Weigh the powder charge and load the appropriate amount for your shell casing size.

Install a bullet and insert the casing into the press. Seal the bullet to the correct depth in the casing.

Run the shell casing through the reloading press a final time to crimp the casing mouth against the bullet. The cartridge is sealed and ready to fire.