RELOADING
Discussion on reloading handgun and rifle ammunition.
FACTORY TRICKS FOR RELOADERS
by: GLEN ZEDIKER
One of the main-most good things that can be said about factory ammo is that it has a shelf life that, given decent storage conditions, will likely exceed that of handloads. Or not. “Not” depends on what steps or processes were applied to the handload.
Sealants
The main culprit in decreasing stored life of a loaded round results from corrosion. Some call it “sticktion,” and I’ve had it happen a few times. What it is, is the case neck and bullet corrode — stick — together. That will elevate pressure. I had a rash of blown primers from the batch I used.
There are a few ideas on how to reduce or eliminate stiction, and the first starts with eliminating the catalyst for the corrosion. Don’t touch the bullets with your bare fingers! Don’t touch the cases either. I know a few commercial loaders who produce precision ammunition and they’re all about surgical-style gloves.
I have run some tests using bullet sealant (applied as a liquid then UV-cured) and such a product will, indeed, virtually eliminate any worries over corrosion. Most factory, and virtually all mil-spec, ammo uses some formulation of sealant (bullets and primers). The reason I tried it, though, was because of the promise of greater accuracy. Glued bullets tend to produce from a little to a lot smaller velocity spreads. My jury is still out on the value of this additional step, and when there’s a verdict I’ll let you all know how it played out.
Here’s a simple and easy sealant that works well. One bottle will last about 1000 rounds. Check it out at Midsouth HERE.
There are a few different bullet and primer sealers available. For the most part, these are fairly easy to apply and none are what I’d call expensive.
Giving loaded rounds a good cleaning, and then storing them at the least in air-resistant boxes, keeps the shine on and the corrosion away for a good long while.
Some run their loaded rounds in a routine-type case cleaner, like a vibratory tumbler. That’s all good, but I suggest not using anything but “pure” media to ensure that no residues are left behind.
I use denatured alcohol and a bath towel: place the rounds on half the towel, pour on the alcohol, fold over the towel and roll the rounds around. Let them dry and box them up.
Handling precautions during round assembly and then good storage afterward extends the shelf life of reloads.
4 Easy Mods To Improve Reloading-Die Performance:
by Glen Zediker - Wednesday, June 19, 2019
DOES MY SHORT BARRELED CONCEALED CARRY GUN REQUIRE DIFFERENT RELOAD DATA?
BY: Hodgdon Powder
FACTORY TRICKS FOR RELOADERS
by: GLEN ZEDIKER
One of the main-most good things that can be said about factory ammo is that it has a shelf life that, given decent storage conditions, will likely exceed that of handloads. Or not. “Not” depends on what steps or processes were applied to the handload.
Sealants
The main culprit in decreasing stored life of a loaded round results from corrosion. Some call it “sticktion,” and I’ve had it happen a few times. What it is, is the case neck and bullet corrode — stick — together. That will elevate pressure. I had a rash of blown primers from the batch I used.
There are a few ideas on how to reduce or eliminate stiction, and the first starts with eliminating the catalyst for the corrosion. Don’t touch the bullets with your bare fingers! Don’t touch the cases either. I know a few commercial loaders who produce precision ammunition and they’re all about surgical-style gloves.
I have run some tests using bullet sealant (applied as a liquid then UV-cured) and such a product will, indeed, virtually eliminate any worries over corrosion. Most factory, and virtually all mil-spec, ammo uses some formulation of sealant (bullets and primers). The reason I tried it, though, was because of the promise of greater accuracy. Glued bullets tend to produce from a little to a lot smaller velocity spreads. My jury is still out on the value of this additional step, and when there’s a verdict I’ll let you all know how it played out.
Here’s a simple and easy sealant that works well. One bottle will last about 1000 rounds. Check it out at Midsouth HERE.
There are a few different bullet and primer sealers available. For the most part, these are fairly easy to apply and none are what I’d call expensive.
Giving loaded rounds a good cleaning, and then storing them at the least in air-resistant boxes, keeps the shine on and the corrosion away for a good long while.
Handling precautions during round assembly and then good storage afterward extends the shelf life of reloads.
Some run their loaded rounds in a routine-type case cleaner, like a vibratory tumbler. That’s all good, but I suggest not using anything but “pure” media to ensure that no residues are left behind.
I use denatured alcohol and a bath towel: place the rounds on half the towel, pour on the alcohol, fold over the towel and roll the rounds around. Let them dry and box them up.
Handling precautions during round assembly and then good storage afterward extends the shelf life of reloads.
AMMUNITION
Calling all caliber connoisseurs! This is where you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about the latest ammunition news, reviews and more. From test runs and range reports to reloading tips and answers to common ammo questions, we have you covered.
Hornady Launches New Reloading App
The most comprehensive and trusted reloading reference for decades is now available in app form on Apple and Android stores.
Like the hardcover and eBook versions, the new Hornady reloading app provides everyone from the novice to the seasoned hand loader everything needed to successfully reload a variety of handgun and rifle cartridges.
Included with the free download are hundreds of pages of reloading information, bullet guides, tips, and techniques plus limited free data on recent offerings like the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC. Beyond that, reloaders only pay for the information they want and need. Reloading information is available for download in three ways: Á la carte, purchase the entire handbook or subscription-based.
4 Easy Mods To Improve Reloading-Die Performance:
by Glen Zediker - Wednesday, June 19, 2019
I love reloading handgun and rifle cartridges. For me it's a very fulfilling and relaxing activity. I use a single stage press and a turrent press and have not felt the urge to get a progressive press (yet). I'm wondering how many other club members reload and if so, which type of press they use.
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