At first it was 9mm, .38 Special, .45 ACP, .223 and .308 Win.
ammo that was not available.
As a result, many folks are considering handloading.
Why Should I?
Reloading is a necessity for many shooters, including myself.
I asked him what he was intending to accomplish.
There has been a lot of discussion on just how much a person can save by reloading.
A considerable amount of variables enter this equation.
Obviously, this ratio is perhaps skewed by the increase prices of todays components.
But remember, new ammo has escalated in price as well.
Many shooters enjoy seeing bug-hole groups from range sessions.
Even if youre not interested in benchrest competition, much can be gained from their handloading knowledge and technique.
The Right Resources
If you have never reloading before, youll need a good press.
While many different single-stage presses suffice, I really like Redding Reloadings T-7 Turret press.
If you are using fired cases, a primer pocket uniforming tool is extremely helpful.
Ideally, we strive for consistency and conformity of our cases in every aspect.
Cleaning and uniforming the flash hole is a good start in the process.
A case trimmer is another very helpful tool to have.
In my experience, Reddings 2400 Match Precision Case Trimmer trims and uniformly squares the case mouth.
After this process, all cases will be exactly the same measurement and dimension.
A deburring tool is then utilized to debur the inside and outside of the trimmed case.
Reddings Instant Indicator checks datum line headspace against SAAMI minimums and allows for minimal shoulder bump.
This tool will help establish proper bullet seating for your chamber.
Reddings Competition Powder Measure such as their PR-50 does a great job.
Making sure every round has exactly the same amount of powder may shrink your groups dramatically.
There is a ton of .308 caliber bullets available to accomplish a multitude of applications.
Seating bullets precisely for your chamber spec is essential.
Reddings Competition Seating die controls and constrains all of the components to assure a concentric bullet seating process.
A micrometer assures the exact seating depth and makes adjustments so painless.
to determine the correct seating depth, there are many ways to accomplish this with a variety of tools.
Some benchrest competitors seat the bullet into the lands.
As a hunter, I never do this and always back off the lands at least .015 .030.
Conclusion
Some of these steps may seem complicated, but theyre really not.
If I can do it, anyone can!
Hodgdon also has a plethora of reloading data available.
It can be great pastime, therapeutic perhaps, and so gratifying.
For several years I have been shooting some friendly competition matches.
At first, I sometimes embarrassed myself.
Today, we are experiencing reloading components and factory ammo increasing in price.
This is a most welcome and appreciated gesture.
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