Reloading ammunition is a great way to save money and customize your shooting experience. This process involves taking apart pre-fired brass cases, adding fresh propellant powder and primer, then seating a new bullet or projectile on top of the case. Reloaders can choose from components in many different calibers and even create their own special blends for unique ballistic characteristics.
Getting started with ammunition reloading is easy but there are a few key pieces of equipment needed to get the job done safely and effectively. The five most important pieces of equipment for reloading include a press, dies, case trimmer, scale and powder measure.
A press is used to hold components in place while the reloader performs many steps of the process. There are several types of presses, such as single-stage, turret and progressive models. Single-stage presses are ideal for beginners because they only require a few pieces of equipment and take up less space in a workshop or garage. Turret and progressive presses allow an individual to complete multiple steps at once, making them faster and more efficient.
Dies are used to shape brass cases as well as seat bullets or projectiles onto the cases. There are a variety of sizes and styles of dies available, so it’s important for reloaders to choose the right ones for their specific needs.