If you ask someone why they reload you will get a mountain of answers.
All reloaders however agree. It requires discipline and there are some basic rules to be followed. This also will lead to a lot of different opinions. Here are some basics to always keep in mind.
- Always exercise care and common sense at all times when reloading.
In short THINK what you are doing and what the resulting actions will be. Mistakes at best will cause you to have to redo everything, but in worst cases have the potential to end your reloading adventures. – Forever !
I am not stating this to scare anyone, rather to emphasize the importance of this rule.
- Avoid All Distractions and do not rush the job.
We all know this to be true from experience.
- Develop a routine when reloading to guard against mistakes.
Reloading is a repetitive set of actions, cleaning, sizing, trimming, priming, charging and seating in short. By developing a routine you will not only minimize mistakes but also contribute to consistency and your accuracy down range.
- Keep your Reloading Area Tidy and Organised.
No one enjoys doing things in a disorganized and filthy environment, keeping things clean and tidy will contribute greatly towards the enjoyment of reloading.
- Keep Primers and Powder Safe and away from A Heat Source.
Powder and Primers are combustible. Always keep them away from heat sources in a cool dry atmosphere and do not store them together. Keep them in the storage containers the supplier shipped them in. The accidental ignition of a primer stored to close to Powders can have disastrous consequences.
- Understand the equipment and the process and what you are doing it for.
Know what your equipment is doing and how to operate it. “equipment” includes software applications you use. If you experience problems with equipment refer to rule no 1 of all equipment “RTFM” (Read The Freaking Manual). I have seen to many people open a box, take out the paperwork and throw it to one side just to get to the contents of the box. I know, I know, I have done this myself on occasion. But to be honest with yourselves. No manufacturer of an item would waste production costs on paperwork, so there is a very good reason the manuals were included. Hence Rule no 1 of all equipment.
- Be sure of your reloading data and work up to loads.
Make sure you always use load data that was obtained from official reliable sources such as manufacturers data manuals. Do not use load data that you got from internet forums and by word of mouth. Verify the data before loading and if a new load is in development start from the minimum and work up while checking for danger signals.
- Use a Reloading Scale and Verify.
To use a good accurate reloading scale is of utmost importance, Never eyeball a load this will surely lead to mistakes and can be fatal.
- Use A Powder Check System.
The best check to date is to do a visual check of each and every cartridge before seating the bullet.
This will prevent the possibility of a double charge or a no charge. If a round with a double charge is fired from your gun it can result in injuries to the shooter as well as bystanders, and also damage or even destroy your gun. If a no charge round is fired from your gun the pressure produced by the primer can be sufficient to lodge the bullet in your barrel, and if not noticed the following round will destroy your gun.
- Maintain Correct and Readable Records.
This is one of the rules created over time, when 20/20 hind sight kicked in. – Trust me.
Above is some of the basic rules and by no means all of them. Some readers might rap me over the fingers about “Wear Safety Eyeglasses”, but my personal feeling is that it should be natural instinct to protect your eyesight when there is a possibility of flying objects that can damage your sight. As such I will leave this up to the readers’ preference.
A lot of long time reloaders will know these by heart, and I do not want to preach to the converted. My hope is that this article can contribute to new reloaders, to have a more pleasant and well educated reloading adventure.
May common sense Prevail.
