Author: DENNIS GORSKI

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5 Tips for Beginners and Experts about Reloading

reloading equipment

The founding fathers and the brave men who fought the American Revolution were often forced to melt down scrap pieces of lead and forge their own rounds just to be able to survive.
Those same values are what derive a modern reloader to craft their own ammunition today. So, to keep you on that path, here are our 5 best tips and tricks about reloading for both beginners and experts alike.

  1. The Size of Your Workspace Doesn’t Matter

    Space in your home comes at a premium. Some are blessed with large basements and buildings where square footage is no object. Others may only have a studio apartment. Thankfully reloading doesn’t require a large amount of space.
    A reloading bench only needs to be large enough to fit the essentials and wide enough for you to sit behind it. Don’t let a lack of space be the reason you don’t pursue reloading.

  2. Use a Single Stage Press

    One of the biggest mistakes made by beginners is the drive to go out and buy the biggest, the best, and the most expensive equipment on the market. This is akin to buying a Ferrari before you learn to drive.
    A single stage press can handle all your needs as a beginner, and it’s a great place to start your journey. Even experts benefit from these simple presses with many turning to them for high precision loads.

  3. The Scale is Very Important

    When it comes to reloading supplies, the scale for powder measure is the most important component. This is a piece of equipment where quality and price matters. Spend the money to get a high-quality scale. There is no point in the reloading process where you should be as precise as when measuring your powder load.
    Too much, and you have a hot round capable of inflicting damage to both you and the firearm.
    Too little, and you end up with weak loads that will greatly affect your accuracy, range, and efficiency.

  4. Cartridge Gauges

    Nothing will infuriate a firearms enthusiast like rounds that fail to load, fire or eject. In the world of semi-automatics, this is an ever-present threat.
    These handy little tools will ensure that your cartridges are within the extremely tight margins that semi-autos commands to routinely load, fire and eject.
    Even for those of you reloading revolver rounds, ensuring tolerance shouldn’t be an afterthought. Revolvers are more likely to chamber and fire a round that isn’t within specs, but you should be striving for perfection, and that means gauging your rounds.

  5. Ask for Help

    People that reach the top of their fields all get there with help and coaching. Regardless of your skill level, do not be afraid to ask for help or a second opinion. The only way to further your reloading expertise is with practice and help from others.

Reloading supplies can be a maze of products, terminology, and techniques; therefore the expert staff at Titan Reloading is always ready to help.To learn more or inquiries about the multitude of reloading products we carry please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us at 262.397.8819.

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Don’t Forget to Visit Our Showroom

Titanreloading Showroom

Even before we opened the doors to our showroom, we were already Master Distributors of the entire line of Lee Precision reloading equipment. Nowadays we also distribute shotshell reloaders for Mayville Engineering Company, Inc., which include the wildly popular MEC presses and dies. And we also carry reloading equipment from the highly reputed, Redding Reloading. Not to forget that we have a huge variety of Mighty Armory dies in stock and that we also distribute all Dillon Precision products.

And last but not least, we have our very own Titan products, which include a myriad of harnesses, primers, wrenches, and even our very colorful logo t-shirts, hats and press covers.
You can view and/or order any of these high quality supplies in our shop from Monday to Saturday during working hours.

Seeing is Believing and Trusting

Before opening our current showroom, we thought that our detailed online catalog was enough. After all it featured all the necessary product details of all our business offerings. What we didn’t realize then was that some of our customers prefer to interact with the products on a physical level. Most customers also value the intimate business relations that come with across-the-counter transactions. The face-to-face shopping environment enables clients to ask us all kinds of questions, to explore and browse our large inventory in-person, and to ultimately forge stronger and more sincere business ties with us.

A Family of Customers

Our showroom at 994 W. Sumner St. upholds all the principles and values that have made our online business a huge success. All our business endeavors are fully committed to ensuring total customer satisfaction through unwavering respect and business integrity. Feel free to visit our showroom for any product/business queries and/or needs or even to attend our free monthly reloading workshop. Your physical presence will help establish and enhance family like ties in our fast-growing Titan community.

For further information about our reloading supplies or to peruse our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us directly at 262-397-8819.

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An Investment in Reloading Supplies Will Yield Dividends

Reloading Supplies

Most things that you purchase immediately decrease in value as soon as you walk out of the showroom or store. However, in some limited cases, you can put out some money now, and in the long run, the investment will actually save you money. This is certainly true when it comes to the reloading supplies that we offer to our customers at Titan Reloading. If you obtain the necessary equipment and reload your own ammunition, you will be happy that you did when you start to realize the savings.

Believe it or not, if you work with us to obtain the reloading supplies that you need, you will save as much as 80 percent over the cost of the ammunition you have been obtaining from factories. This is an enormous difference, and the money that will remain in your pocket will be significant if you do a lot of shooting. Of course, aside from the economics, there is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes along with reloading your own ammunition.

The companies that we source our reloading supplies from are very worthy of your support. We have always carried an extensive line of Lee Precision Reloading Equipment. This is a family owned and operating business that has been setting the standard within this industry for over 45 years. The products that they offer are made right here in the United States of America, and this company really stands behind its work. Every product that they produce comes with a conditional lifetime guarantee, and they are unconditionally guaranteed for the first two years.

In addition to the Lee Precision Reloading Equipment products that we have in our inventory, we also have relationships with Redding Reloading Equipment and Dillon Precision Products, so we work with all of the leading names in the industry. We invite you to browse our inventory of reloading supplies right now www.TitanReloading.com , and if you have any questions, please give us a call at 262-397-8819.

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Introducing Dillon Precision Products and Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment

Our company has established a reputation as a premier Master Distributor of Lee Precision reloading supplies, and we are now in expansion mode. You will still be able to obtain all of the Lee reloading products that you need right here at TitanReloading.com, but we are happy to be able to announce that we have added two new product lines to the Titan family.

Dillon Precision Products

Dillon Precision Products

Mike Dillon was a man with a vision back in 1977. He saw a gap in the marketplace, and he started his own company, Dillon Precision Products. Through a lot of hard work and the development of truly game changing reloading supplies, DPP grew to become the largest company of its kind on the planet. We are now building our inventory of Dillon Precision Products, and we currently have presses, conversion kits, pistol and rifle reloading dyes, case gauges, case feeders, and press accessories in stock. You can check out our Dillon Precision Products page to see exactly what we have to offer.

Redding Reloading Equipment

We have taken another big step with the addition of Redding Reloading Equipment products. This is a name that resonates loudly among people within the industry, and they have been developing innovative solutions since 1946.

If you believe in buying American, you can’t go wrong with Redding Reloading Equipment. Their manufacturing facility is in Cortland, New York, and they get their steel castings from the state of Pennsylvania. Plus, all of the machinery that they use is made right here in the United States of America.

At the present time, we are offering Redding presses, powder measures, reloading dies, and competition shell holder sets, but we will be adding more Redding Reloading supplies in the future. You can visit our Redding Reloading Equipment page right now to learn more.

If you have any questions about any of the reloading supplies that we offer, contact Titan Reloading at 262-397-8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com for further information. And of course, if you live in the area, our showroom is located at 994 West Sumner Street right here in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Cartridge Cleaning Methods Explained

Dry Tumbler

The very first step in the reloading process is cleaning your scavenged cartridges. There are several ways to prepare them for reloading, so choose your favorite and add it to your reloading supplies.

Dry Tumbling

Dry tumblers utilize a cleaning media to effectively scour your cartridges clean. This media is typically crushed walnut shells or bits of corn cob. Your cartridges are “tumbled” with this media for several hours and end up free of debris and come out shiny as well. Because it doesn’t use water, you won’t need to wait for cartridges to dry out after they’ve been tumbled. However, the media that does the cleaning will need to be replaced frequently, as it will be collecting all the dirt and debris. You’ll have to clear your brass of any media bits before you reload.

It’s also important to sort your cartridges and only run like calibers together, as they can get stuck inside one another if sizes vary. A shell sorter tray can be a handy addition to your reloading supplies for this very reason.
Wet Tumbler

Wet Tumbling

Similar to a rock tumbler, this method uses a drum filled with stainless steel pins, cleaning solution, and water to get your cartridges remarkably clean. It’s great for large amounts of brass and can get flash holes and primer pockets clean as well, if you take the time to deprime before washing. The water and solution is replaced for each cycle, but the pins won’t ever need replacing. As water is involved, the brass will need to dry completely after washing. This method also requires you to remove the pins from the cartridges, which you can accomplish by using a magnet or media separator.
Hot-Tub-Sonic-Cleaner

The Ultrasonic Cleaner

This method is slightly different than other cleaners in this list of reloading supplies—it involves sound waves which vibrate through the cleaning mixture of detergent and water to separate the dirt and debris from your cartridges. This process is great for those who want to get a large amount of brass cleaned quickly, as it takes only a few minutes to run a cycle. The water will need to be replaced, but there will be no media to shake out of the cases. Your brass will need to be completely dry before being used for reloading.

Adding a cleaner to your reloading supplies can give you squeaky clean, like-new brass. Whichever method you choose to get your cartridges clean is up to you; the important thing is that you wash them well and let them dry appropriately before reloading. For further information or inquiries please contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com.

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Basic Reloading Supplies for the Beginner

Reloading Press

One of the first things to consider when thinking about trying your hand at reloading is the list of reloading supplies you’ll need. The following list of supplies will allow you to safely practice reloading ammunition.
Reloading Manual

Reloading Manual

A reloading manual is a must have amongst your reloading supplies. It has instructions for all things concerning caliber, primer, and bullet, and all the various sizes, weights, and types they come in. It is critical to follow these guidelines to the letter. Commit to only using recipes from reputable sources and avoid trying out recipes you find in randomly online.
Cartridge Case Cleaner

Cartridge Case Cleaner

You want your gun to function smoothly and effectively each and every time you fire, which means that everything going into it needs to be as clean as possible. This starts with the brass cartridges you pick up off the range that are covered in dirt or powder. Make sure these are free of debris before you get any farther in the reloading process. You can buy a tumbler or sonic cleaner for conveniently clean cartridges.
Reloading Press

Reloading Press

In essence, a reloading press does what it sounds like it does—presses things together. This includes pushing an old primer out of its brass case, resizing brass to its initial size using a die, pressing fresh primer into the primer pocket, fitting the bullet into its casing, and more. For those just starting, a single stage press will be an affordable option for your list of reloading supplies and a good learning tool.
Die Sets

Die Sets

Dies work with your reloading press to produce different calibers of ammunition. You will need different sets for each caliber you plan on reloading. Dies will allow you to get rid of used primer, refit cartridges to their proper size, open cartridges to push in new bullets, and more.
Powder Scale

Powder Scale

Obtaining a scale to measure your powder is imperative when assembling reloading supplies. For your safety, the proper amount of powder must be used in each cartridge you reload. The measurement for powder is “units of grains” which comes out to be 1/7,000th of a pound—this is not a reference to the individual powder kernels. Measuring by scale offers the greatest precision when reloading. Scales come in electric and traditional models; the latter may serve you best, as it always performs without power.

Once you’ve assembled the basic reloading supplies and become familiar with how to use them efficiently, you can begin to branch out to more specialized equipment to further enhance your reloading hobby. For further information or inquiries please contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com.

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Reloading Ammunition 101

Reloading Ammunition 101

When considering whether or not you’d like to take up reloading, there is some basic information to know before you begin.

What is reloading?

Reloading is the process or assembling shotgun shells, cartridges, and other various pieces, as opposed to buying fully assembled, factory-loaded ammunition.

There are several benefits to reloading your own ammunition [insert link to other blog post about benefits]. Many people handload because it’s more cost effective, increased accuracy, it’s environmentally conscious, and many do it just for fun.

Reloading Supplies

In order to start reloading your own ammunition, you have to have the correct supplies. Often, people will find that reloading kits are an easy solution because you can purchase everything you need to get started at once. This may be a good place to start if you’re a beginner. As you become more sophisticated in the practice, purchasing separate tools can be beneficial for experimenting. Essential reloading supplies include:

  • Press
  • Dies
  • Hand primer tool
  • Scale
  • Shellholders
  • Powder measure

Is Reloading Right for You?

Reloading isn’t for everyone, but those who have started truly enjoy the versatility and craft that it takes to reload and master their passion. For further information, inquiries or to peruse our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262-397-8819.

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The Benefits of Reloading Ammunition

Reloading Ammunition

People take up reloading for many different reasons including cost-saving, gun laws, increased accuracy, and simply as a relaxing hobby. Whatever the reason, these benefits can pay off when you decide to reload as opposed to buying. Here are a few:

Cost

Reloading ammunition has proven to be a real cost-saver. One of the most expensive parts of factory-loaded ammunition is the brass casing that holds everything together. These brass casings are completely reusable, which automatically reduces your costs. Why throw it away when you can use it multiple times?

Gun Laws

By reloading your own firearm, you can avoid ever-changing, restrictive gun laws that are often passed locally and statewide. As online purchases of ammunition become more restrictive, purchasing reloading supplies in large amounts can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Increased Accuracy

By having the opportunity to create your own ammunition, you can essentially create your own recipe by trial and error. Ultimately, many people find that with enough experimentation will lead to increased accuracy.

For Fun

For many, ammunition reloading is a craft and a hobby. While there are fundamentals for reloading your firearm, there’s also room to experiment on in order to customize, optimize, and increase accuracy. It can be time-consuming, but also a relaxing hobby given you have patience and time on your hands.

Lastly, it’s important to note the safety of reloading ammunition. Do your research before you start and be sure you’re buying quality reloading supplies. There is a big difference between reloading supplies so choose wisely in order to stay safe.

For further information, inquiries or to peruse our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or directly contact Titan Reloading at 262-397-8819.

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How Ammunition Works

Ammunition

There are plenty of guns and ammunition enthusiasts who know a few things about their weapon. A precious few know truly how ammunition operates within the context of the weapon. Especially if you’re considering entering the world of hand reloading or are considering purchasing reloading supplies, you should know how your ammunition operates. We’ve put together this quick and handy guide to show you just how ammunition fires and how that relates to your future (or present) in reloading!

Ammunition is composed of three parts that are all integral to the firing process—the primer, the propellant and the bullet itself.

At the back, the primer (filled with the priming compound) is the spark that ignites the whole show. The primer detonates the chemical explosive known as the propellant (or the powder charge). This is the power that propels the bullet from the weapon to the target. The head of the actual bullet is a cylinder made of metal that tapers to a point to reduce air resistance, allowing the bullet to go faster and go further and also penetrate the target.

When you pull the trigger of a gun, the spring hammers a metal firing pin into the rear of the bullet, igniting the small explosive charge in the primer, which ignites the propellant, which propels the bullet. The gas from the propellant shoots from the back of the bullet, increasing the pressure behind it, and forcing it down the barrel of the gun at tremendously fast speeds (1000 feet-per-second being typical for a handgun).

As the gas from the explosion shoots the bullet forward with force, the whole gun kicks backward with an equal force in the opposite direction. As the bullet fires from the barrel, the pressure of the explosion is suddenly released, causing the well-known BANG! Think of it like opening a bottle of champagne, but with much more pressure and much faster.

If you find this brief description of the chemical and physical reactions taking place inside a cartridge as fascinating as we do, then perhaps you should consider reloading! You’ll never regret knowing how to assemble your own ammunition and it all begins with quality reloading supplies!

For further information or inquiries please contact Titan Reloading at 262-397-8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com.

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Top 4 Reasons to Reload Instead of Buy

Lee reloading

There are two camps in the weapons and ammunition world: those who buy and those who reload. This may be on oversimplification to the uninitiated but the truth is, if you’re a serious gun owner you fall into one of these two categories. Bear in mind, one is not inherently better than the other and if you’re serious about gun safety and ownership then right away you’re on the right side of the fence.

There are plenty of reasons to buy instead of reloading. Maybe you don’t shoot as much or are nervous about doing-it-yourself. Fear not, because reloading can be easy, fun and fulfilling… and a heck of a lot easier on the wallet when you get right down to it.

So for those of you who aren’t reloading, here are the top 4 reasons to reload instead of buy!

4. It’s Cheaper

Your average 50-count of factory made 44 Magnum bullets will cost you around $35 a box. That’s not an insignificant amount of money. On the other hand, if you’re reloading that same kind of ammo and count, it’s going to cost you about $13; that’s a savings of $22!

3. You Can Shoot a Whole Lot More

Did you run out of bullets just as you were hitting your targets and now your local sporting goods store is already closed for the day? It’s happened to all of us, even those sportsmen with the best foresight.

But if you’re well stocked with reloading supplies, you’ll be hard pressed to run out of bullets again! Just reload and continue shooting!

2. Hit More of Your Targets

There are studies that have shown that hand reloading or using reloading supplies improves the accuracy of your weapon. Most of it comes down to bullet seating depth. Even if you buy the same caliber of the same brand, there can be massive variations in the chamber design. The cartridge may be designed to fit all chambers, but, upon firing, there will be a disparity in the distance between the rear end of the cartridge and precisely where the bullet engages the rifling after leaving the opening of the case.

This measurement can significantly differ within the official SAAMI caliber specification. Ammunition produced in a factory will no doubt be loaded to the shortest specification because this will allow the cartridge to chamber in all guns for that caliber without jamming into the action.

By reloading, you can create cartridges to the exact specifications of your weapon and improve firing accuracy across the board!

1. It’s a Heck of a Lot of Fun

The number one reason is that reloading your ammunition is just plain fun. It allows you to know your weapon better and mental stimulation, like reloading, can improve your brainpower, helping you stay sharper and more accurate for longer!

Don’t be a buyer for life, start with quality reloading supplies and start enjoying your weapon smarter, longer and more accurately! For further information or questions please contact Titan Reloading at 262-397-8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com.