Are you a gun enthusiast or hunter looking to save money on ammunition? If so, reloading ammunition may be a great option for you. Not only can reloading save you money, but it can also give you more control over the performance of your ammunition.
Reloading ammunition is a safe and rewarding process, but it also requires knowledge and practice.
So, is reloading ammo safe?
Yes, reloading ammo is safe when done correctly. It is important to always follow safety protocols and manufacturer reloading instructions. To ensure safety, always use the correct components, inspect each piece of equipment for defects or damage, and always wear the proper safety equipment. After loading, inspect each round for proper seating and crimping. Also, always use a proper powder measure and check the powder charge with a scale. With these precautions, reloading can be a safe and enjoyable activity.
In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of reloading ammunition, including the safety precautions you should take, the equipment you need, and the process involved. Let’s get started!
Is Reloading Ammo Safe?
Yes, it is safe to reload ammo when you do it correctly. These safety precautions must be followed:
- Follow all manufacturer’s instructions: It’s important to carefully read and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of any reloading equipment you are using. This includes reloading presses, dies, priming tools, powder measures, and other equipment. Failure to follow these instructions can result in accidents or damage to your equipment.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves: Reloading ammunition involves handling small components such as bullets, gunpowder, and primers. Wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from any flying debris or spills and gloves to protect your hands from cuts or abrasions.
- Keep your reloading area clean and free of clutter: A clean and organized reloading area can help prevent accidents. Keep your bench free of clutter, and ensure all equipment is securely fastened to the bench. This will help prevent equipment from tipping over or coming loose.
- Use a stable, sturdy reloading bench: Make sure your reloading bench is stable and sturdy to prevent accidents. A wobbly or unstable bench can cause equipment to tip over or come loose, potentially leading to accidents.
- Store reloading components safely: Gunpowder and primers are combustible materials, so storing them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames is essential. Keep these components in a secure location where they cannot be accessed by children or unauthorized individuals.
- Use a powder scale to measure gunpowder charges: Overloading a cartridge with too much gunpowder can be dangerous and can damage your firearm. Use a powder scale to measure the correct gunpowder amount for each cartridge.
- Dispose of damaged or defective components: Any damaged or defective components should be disposed of immediately. These components can be unsafe to use and can cause accidents or damage to your firearm.
- Regularly inspect your reloaded ammunition: Make sure to regularly inspect your reloaded ammunition to ensure it is in good condition. Discard any cartridges that show signs of damage or defects.
- Use a bullet puller to disassemble defective reloads: If you come across a defective reload, use a bullet puller to disassemble it safely. This tool lets you remove the bullet from the cartridge without damaging the brass.
- Use the correct reloading components: Make sure to use the correct reloading components for the caliber of firearm you are using. Using faulty components can be dangerous and can damage your firearm.
By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and those around you while reloading ammunition. It’s important to always handle firearms with care and to follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Why You Should Reload Ammo
Reloading ammo is fairly safe if you follow all the precautions and everything. But why should you reload ammo? What’s in it for you?
Cost savings
Reloading your own ammunition can be significantly cheaper than buying factory-loaded ammunition.
This is because you can buy components in bulk, which can reduce the cost per round. In addition, the initial investment in equipment can be offset over time by the savings on ammunition.
Speaking of money, did you know you could sell empty shotgun shells for money?
Improved Accuracy
Some people find that they can achieve better accuracy with hand-loaded ammunition because they can fine-tune the load to their specific firearm and shooting style. For example, you can choose different bullet weights, powders, and seating depths to achieve the desired performance.
Customization
Reloading your own ammunition allows you to customize your load to your specific needs. For example, you can choose different bullet types or powders to achieve different performance characteristics.
This can be useful for different types of shooting, such as target shooting, hunting, or self-defense.
Availability
In some cases, it may be difficult to find specific types of factory-loaded ammunition. Reloading your own allows you to produce your own ammunition even if it is not widely available.
Personal Satisfaction
Many people enjoy the process of reloading their own ammunition and find it to be a rewarding hobby. It can be satisfying to produce your own ammunition and control the process.
It’s important to note that reloading your own ammunition requires time, effort, and a significant investment in equipment.
It may not be practical or cost-effective for everyone. It’s important to carefully consider whether reloading your own ammunition is right for you before getting started.
What Type of Equipment Do You Need to Reload Ammo Safely?
Here are the seven main tools you need to reload ammo safely:
Reloading press
A reloading press is a mechanical device that is used to resize, prime, and seat the bullets in brass cases. There are several different types of reloading presses, including single-stage, turret, and progressive. Single-stage presses are the most basic and are designed to perform one operation at a time.
Turret presses are similar to single-stage presses, but they have a turret that allows the reloader to quickly change between different dies.
Progressive presses are the most advanced and are designed to automatically perform multiple operations simultaneously, allowing the reloader to quickly produce large quantities of ammunition.
Dies
Dies are used in a reloading press to resize the brass cases and seat the bullets. There are generally two types of dies: sizing dies, and seating dies. Sizing dies are used to resize the brass cases to the correct dimensions, while seating dies used for seating the bullets in the brass cases. Dies are available in a wide variety of calibers and bullet types.
Powder measure
A powder measure dispenses the correct amount of gunpowder for each cartridge. Powder measures are available in various designs, including volumetric measures and weighing scales.
Priming tool
A priming tool is used for seating primers in brass cases. Priming tools are available in various designs, including hand-held priming tools and priming tools mounted on the reloading press.
Case trimmer
A case trimmer is used to trim brass cases to the correct length. Case trimmers are available in a variety of designs, including hand-held trimmers and trimmers that are mounted on the reloading press.
Calipers
Calipers are used to measure the dimensions of various reloading components. Calipers are available in various designs, including digital and analog ones.
Powder scale
A powder scale is used to accurately measure each cartridge’s correct amount of gunpowder. Powder scales are available in various designs, including beam and electronic scales.
Potential Dangers of Reloading
There are five main dangers associated with reloading that you must be aware of before you start or even continue:
- Injury from handling small components: Reloading ammunition involves handling small components such as bullets, gunpowder, and primers. These components can be sharp or can cause cuts or abrasions if mishandled. It’s essential to wear protective eyewear and gloves when reloading to protect against injury.
- Explosion or fire from handling gunpowder and primers: Gunpowder and primers are combustible materials, and there is a risk of explosion or fire if they are not appropriately handled. It’s essential to store these components in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames and to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when handling them.
- Equipment failure: Reloading equipment can malfunction or break, leading to accidents. It’s essential to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when reloading equipment and regularly maintain and inspect the equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
- Using the wrong components: Using the wrong reloading components for the caliber of firearm you are using can be dangerous and can damage your firearm. It’s essential to use the correct components for the caliber of firearm you are using to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
- Overloading a cartridge: Overloading a cartridge with too much gunpowder can be dangerous and can damage your firearm. Using a powder scale to accurately measure the correct amount of gunpowder for each cartridge is essential.
By following proper safety precautions and handling reloading components and equipment carefully, you can help reduce the risks associated with reloading ammunition. It’s always important to handle firearms carefully and follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Are There Any Laws On Reloading Ammo?
There are no federal laws that specifically govern the reloading of ammunition, but some states and localities may have their own laws or regulations that apply.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your area before getting started with reloading.
In addition, it’s important to follow all safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions when reloading ammunition to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Final Words
Reloading can be a fun and rewarding hobby – under the condition that you take all the necessary precautions and avoid messing up. Missing up could mean a lost hand.
Overall though, I’d recommend doing it, especially if you’d like to save some money, improve accuracy, or even pass some time.
We hope you enjoyed this article, and let us know what you think about ammo reloading in the comments. Keep on prepping.
Please consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, consider sharing this content and subscribing to get 100+ free survival ebooks.