How to Reload

A basic step-by-step guide on how to reload your ammunition

Reloading your own ammunition can become a real headache if you are not sure where to start the process. Here is a quick guide on where to start and what equipment to have for the reloading process with a used case.

Checklist of reloading equipment you wil need

13 Steps to reloading a used case

1. 1. Inspect your brass individually for any deformities or defects that may have been caused during your previous shooting session.
2. 2. Decap your primer from fired cases using your bullet press and punch die.
3. 3. Clean your brass using a case tumbler and media. Continue until all powder residue and oxidation is removed.
4. 4. After you have removed your brass from the tumbler, measure your cases with a micrometer to determine the length of each case when it was fired.
5. 5. Clean the primer pocket using a soft cloth. This will prevent dirt from scratching the case and the sizing die.
6. 6. Lubricate the cases – be sure to keep the lube on the outside, no lube should get into the inside of the case.
7. 7. Use a sizing die and reloading press to resize your cases towards your specific size.
8. 8. Camfer and deburr the cases to remove any burrs left on the case mouth after trimming and allow a new bullet to be easily seated into the case.
9. 9. Use the neck annealing tool, gas and burners to expand the mouth of the case.
10. 10. Time to prime the case. A hand press priming tool, or a bench-mounted tool can be used for this step.
11. 11. Charge your case with propellant using a reloading scale & dispenser to measure the correct amount of powder you need. Use a powder trickler and powder funnel to add the powder to your case.
12. 12. Seat your bullet in to the loaded case with a press. Have a look at your brand press manual to see exactly how your press works in doing so.
13. 13. Remove your loaded ammo, now you are ready to shoot!

If you have any questions about any of the reloading equipment or about the steps while you are reloading, contact the reloading department or visit your nearest Safari Outdoor branch. You can also send an email to [email protected], and feel free to share your reloading experience, tip & tricks with us in the comments below.

Sources:

1. RCBS: Introduction to handloading – Step-by-step reloading
2. RCBS: Introduction to handloading – Tools & Accessories
3. Guns And Ammo: Step-by-step approach to reloading
4. Foundry Outdoors: 7 Steps to reloading ammo – A beginners Guide
5. Instructables: Reloading Rifle Brass
6. Image Credit: Hornady Reloading