Most gun owners prefer reloading their ammunition to save resources, including money, while some do it for their love of the craft. No matter how you put it, reloading your ammunition is a valuable skill that can not only help you remain within your budget but also optimize the productivity and efficiency of your weapon. If you are looking for ways to reload your ammunition, you might require some essential supplies to help make the process easier. Keep reading for the most useful supplies for reloading ammunition for handguns and rifles.
Reloading Manual
Even if gun shooting is a hobby, it is crucial to remain in touch with the latest resources available for reloading ammunition. Reloading manuals serve as a guide for the safe reloading of ammunition and can change over time. Not keeping up with these changes can prove very dangerous and have potentially fatal consequences for the gun owner. Various handbooks are available online for each type of weapon to help you make the best decision about your weapon.
Case Cleaner
Once a cartridge case has exited a gun, it will likely require cleaning before it can be used. Depending on where it was shot, dirt and powder residue would necessitate a thorough cleaning process. Although it is possible for you to DIY this step of the process, it can be a headache to follow every single step of the process. A brass tumbler is recommended for cleaning cartridges, which uses a vibrating motor to achieve its results.
Reloading Press
A reloading press is a crucial tool to speed up ammunition reloading and allows you to perform multiple steps on one machine. The device is used to clean the old primer, resize your case, add a new primer, insert, and place a new bullet, and seal it to ensure optimal efficiency. While you can perform these steps with different tools, having one device for multiple purposes can simplify the process.
Powder Dispenser
This tool makes it easy for you to dispense powder for each cartridge with a single lever pull instead of trying to weigh each charge manually. You can also perform this step by hand, but it can needlessly prolong the process and might be affected by human error. Investing in a good powder dispenser is highly recommended.
Powder Scale
Both digital and mechanical scales are used to measure the right amount of powder charge for each cartridge. The scale allows you to ensure that the powder dispenser would put an accurate amount of gunpowder in each cartridge case and keep things safe. Most starter packs for gun owners getting into reloading ammunition include a scale by default. Always make sure everything works properly.
Calipers
A pair of calipers is essential to measuring things accurately. The cartridge length is one of the most important measurements required for the reloading process. Any inaccuracies in the measurement process can prove potentially dangerous for the chamber pressure and put a gun owner at risk of getting harmed. It’s important to always have the right materials on you.
Other Tools
Rifle ammunition might require extra tools like a case trimmer, chamfer and deburring tools, case lube kits, and optional equipment. These tools are essential to trim the brass and lubricate your cases before use. Always do your research when working with these weapons. As much as they are fun to collect, they can also be dangerous. Having the right set of tools makes all the difference.
Conclusion
Whether you are a new gun owner or a veteran, this handy guide can help you make the best decisions for reloading your handguns and rifles. Investing in a good set of tools can save you time and money and make the process fast and convenient. It’s best to invest in the right tools to not waste money and to make sure you are safe. Rifles can be dangerous to own so it’s best to have all the knowledge before making any rash decisions.
