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An Introduction to Reloading

Why reload?

Almost every modern centerfire caliber is meant to be reloaded. Some, however, are harder to reload than others.

Although many are primarily interested in reloading due to a feeling of accomplishment at fine-tuning a rifle to fire as perfectly as possible, almost all reloaders are initially drawn to it for financial reasons. Prices of pre-loaded ammunition fluctuate up and down over time, and ultimately what was once an inexpensive rifle to shoot, can become expensive. Other calibers, such as 7.62x45mm, are unavailable in a non-corrosive or non-steel-core configuration. This can render a rifle unusable, unless you load for it yourself, if your range has rules against such ammunition.

Many experts will load their own ammunition, hand-tailoring each type of bullet to their preferences and that of the weapon they're loading the bullets for. Less adventurous types will consult a "reloader's manual", which contains "recipies" for different types of ammunition. To follow the recipe, a reloader simply acquires the same components and uses them in the same proportions as in the manual. Substitutions between bullets of the same weight are normal and expected during this process.

One thing which is central to all reloading endeavors, however, is the reloading press itself. Generally, all presses can be described as a means to repeatedly move components up and down to complete various stages of the reloading process. They largely vary in whether or not those stages can be performed in parallel, and how easy it is to convert between stages.

Types of Reloading Press

• Single stage presses have only one station (slot where an action, such as inserting powder or placing the bullet in the case, is performed). You set the correct die for stage 1 of the loading process, perform that on each round you're loading, then remove that die and insert the next die, then perform that action on each round, and so on.
• Hand presses, like single stage presses, have only one station. However, instead of being secured to a surface, the hand press is meant to be operated with your hands. I'm not sure if many people use hand presses to perform all the stages of reloading, however I do like them for case prep (decrimping military-primed cases in particular) while watching a movie.
• Turret presses are like a single stage press, except they have a revolving set of stations that dies can be put on. This reduces the bother level slightly, and reduces the chance that you'll accidentally skip a stage.
• Progressive presses are like a turret press in that there are multiple stations, but each time you pull the handle, the round being loaded rotates clockwise to the next station. Thus, each step is performed in parallel, and after a brief startup period, every time you pull the handle you will produce a new, completely loaded round. Progressive presses are the fastest user-level reloading technology, however fully harnessing their speed requires automated case feeders, etc. The top-rated Dillon press (the 1050) can produce over 1000 loaded rounds per hour in the hands of a skilled operator.

-- SeanNewton - 02 Mar 2007