Author: RDGorski

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The 4 Components of a Loaded Round of Ammo

Online Reloading Supplies

One of the first steps in getting started as a reloader is understanding the four basic components needed to create a loaded round of ammunition: brass case, primer, powder, and bullet. Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring that the loaded round performs as it should and doesn’t misfire. Understanding these basic components will help as you continue to learn more about reloading supplies and equipment.

Brass Case

If there is one component on which the other components rely, it’s the brass case. Brass case acts as a container for the powder while holding the primer and bullet at varying ends. There are many different reputable manufacturers of brass casings, so whether it’s for a pistol or rifle, you shouldn’t have a problem finding cases for the caliber you need.

Primer

The primer is a small cap-like device that ignites the powder initiating the combustion required for propelling the bullet. Primers come in an array of sizes so always check with a reloading manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure that the primer fits correctly. Surprisingly, primer performance varies considerably by manufacturer, and therefore, it’s best to stick with a brand you trust.

Powder

The powder, or reloading powder, is a substance that acts as the propellent for the round. Once ignited, the reloading powder turns into a gas, which creates tremendous pressure inside the casing. Eventually, the pressure becomes too great, forcing the bullet from the cartridge at an astonishing speed.

Reloading powders are typically divided into three categories: pistol, rifle, and shotgun powders; however, there is some crossover between them. Nonetheless, these categories offer good starting points for novice reloaders. It’s always best to buy a small amount of powder at first, and if it meets your needs, you can purchase a larger quantity.

Bullet

There is a seemingly endless variety of handgun and rifle bullets on the market, but some of the most popular types include:

  • Lead Round Nose (LRN)
  • Semi-Jacketed (SJ)
  • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
  • Hollow Point (HP)
  • Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT)
  • Soft Point (SP)

Each of these different bullet types has its own set of designated uses, such as for target shooting, hunting, or self-protection, and each is available in an assortment of weights and calibers. One of the main advantages of reloading your ammo is that you can easily and affordably test different types of bullets.

As with brass cases, there are numerous manufacturers of bullets, and so to avoid getting low-quality rounds, you should only use trusted brands, such as Hornady or ACME. This will help ensure that the bullets are made to strict tolerances with the optimal ballistic coefficient.

The Components of Reloading Success

As a novice reloader, it’s important to understand the individual components used in creating a loaded round of ammo, and how they function together. This will help increase the probability that the round will fire properly and safely. And while this is only a small part of reloading, with the right equipment and reloading supplies, you’ll be an expert in no time.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. Let us hear about your ammo reloading tips and experiences via email. You’ll find updated stream of insights and tips on our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Reloading Supplies& Equipment online. For further information and/or to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any question.

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ACME’s Hi-Tek “Lipstick” Bullets

Lee Reloading Supplies

With the introduction of their Hi-Tek coated bullets, the ACME Bullet Company has raised the bar on reloading and shooting. Commonly referred to as “lipstick” bullets because of the red coating in which they are encapsulated, the benefits of ACME’s coated rounds are unmatched.

What Is ACME Hi-Tek Coating?

The Hi-Tek coating used by ACME is a specially designed substance that forms a molecular bond with the bullet, or, more simply, the coating and bullet become one. This bond prevents the Hi-Tek coating from peeling or chipping, even under the most extreme of conditions. ACME uses a 92-6-2 alloy for its bullet casts, which, in this case, means that 92% of the round is lead, and the remainder is tin and antimony.

What Are the Benefits of Using ACME Hi-Tek Coated Bullets?

Several outstanding benefits make ACME’s coated bullets a top choice for reloaders and shooters alike, including:

1. Eliminate Lead-to-Bore Contact and Leading

When a lead bullet is fired it creates an incredible amount of friction. This friction is typically reduced using a lubricant, such as wax or oil. In addition to decreasing friction, the lubricant forms a barrier between the bullet and the metal gun bore to help prevent leading. Leading occurs when alloy from a bullet is deposited inside the bore. Over time, leading can compromise the rifling in the bore and the overall integrity of the barrel. The durable coating on ACME Hi-Tek coated rounds eliminates the possibility of lead-to-bore contact, thus eliminating the possibility of leading or damage to the bore.

2. Less Smoke, More Range-Friendly

Since the ACME rounds are coated, there is no need for wax or oil lubricants, and this is great news for range shooters. After all, bullets lubricated with wax or other lubricants create a lot of smoke when they are fired, and if you’re sighting your gun or target practicing, the smoke cloud can become quite thick. With ACME’s coated rounds, there is no lubricant and, therefore, no smoke, making them perfect for the indoor shooting range.

3. Bullets Feed Easily

If you’ve spent any amount of time firing semi-automatic handguns, then you’re probably aware that they are prone to jamming. This happens when the rounds get hung up on one another and fail to load smoothly, and it can be very frustrating, to say the least. The coating on the ACME bullets promotes smooth feeding and drastically reduces the chances of a jam occurring. And less jamming means more time spent sighting your gun for hunting season.

4. Reloading Is a Breeze

The next time you purchase reloading supplies, you’ll want to try the ACME Hi-Tek Coated bullets. Aside from the other great benefits, they make reloading a breeze. Moreover, they work seamlessly with standard reloading equipment, so you will not have to buy any specialized tools. Best of all, they are available in an array of calibers, so you can start using ACME bullets in all of your guns.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. Let us hear about your ammo reloading tips and experiences via email. You’ll find updated stream of insights and tips on our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Reloading Supplies & Equipment online. For further information and/or to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any questions.

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The Best Rifle Calibers for Reloading

Reloading supplies

Reloading your ammo is a great way to save money, plus it can leave you with a sense of accomplishment. And, believe it or not, reloading is a lot of fun. Whether you are an avid shooter or hunter, if you have never tried reloading, then you will definitely want to give it a shot. Once you have the proper reloading supplies and equipment, in no time, you’ll be turning empty shell casings into ready-to-use rounds.

However, the caliber of the round will determine how easy reloading will be and how much money you will save. Even though the overall reloading process is similar for every rifle caliber, some differences make certain rounds better than others. Here is a shortlist of the best rifle calibers for reloading.

.22 Caliber Rounds

There are several different .22 caliber rounds that are commonly reloaded, including the .22LR (long rifle), .220 Swift, and .223 Remington (5.56mm NATO). The .22LR is the most widely used cartridge in the world. Unfortunately, the .22LR is a rimfire round, not a centerfire round, which makes reloading the cartridge incredibly difficult and laborious. Therefore, the .22LR is not one of the best calibers for reloading.

On the other hand, the .220 Swift and .223 Remington are very popular among reloaders, especially the .223 Remington. The brass casings for the .220 and the .223 are relatively cheap, and there is an array of bullet types available for them, ranging from the ultralight 55gr full-metal jacket (FMJ) rounds to the formidable 80gr boat tail hollow points (BTHP). The .220 Swift and .223 Remington are perfect for hunting small to midsized targets.

.243 Winchester

The .243 Winchester is a caliber lauded for its accuracy and reliability, making it a must-have for serious shooters. It is effective for controlling varmints when equipped with 58gr V-MAX rounds, and near the other end of the spectrum, the 95gr SST (Super Shock Tip) is optimal for hunting.

Certainly the .243 Winchester is a capable round in the field, but it is also one of the top choices among reloading enthusiasts. Some claim that the .243 Winchester is the cheapest round to reload. The reason for this cost-effectiveness stems from the .243s popularity, and the availability of the reloading supplies. So, if you own a .243 Winchester and still spending your hard-earned money on overpriced ammo from the store, it is high time you start reloading.

.270 Winchester

An often overlooked caliber in general, the .270 Winchester is a versatile hunting round, capable of taking down prey as large as an elk. And while it is a formidable caliber for hunting, it’s not as effective in target or competition shooting. Unlike some rifle calibers, which have a wide range of bullet weights, Winchester .270 rounds only vary by about 30gr, with 110gr BTHP bullets on the low end and 140gr SST rounds on the high end.

It is true, the .270 Winchester is not going to win a popularity contest, but it nonetheless remains a prevalent, well-liked caliber among reloading enthusiasts. Reloading .270 ammo still provides massive savings over store-bought ammo, plus there are a bunch of handy reloading gadgets that work seamlessly with the caliber.

.308 Winchester

When the .308 Winchester hit the market, it immediately became one of the top-selling rifle calibers in North America, and many other countries. The .308 is an excellent hunting round, effective for medium to large targets. In addition, it is incredibly accurate, making it the preferred choice of military snipers, police sharpshooters, and competition target shooters. The .308s versatility comes from the numerous bullet weight options, which range from an ultralight 110gr V-Max round to the punch-packing 250gr A-TIP MATCH round.

If you are considering reloading your .308 Winchester ammo, do not waste another second stuck in indecision, and instead, do it! Reloading your .308 ammo will not only save you loads of money, but it will open up new possibilities for testing different bullet weights and types. There is no shortage of reloading supplies for the .308 Winchester, so start reloading today!

.45 Caliber Rounds

There are numerous variations of .45 caliber rifle ammo and the most common for reloading are the .45-70 Springfield (alternatively called the .45-70 Government) and the .458 Winchester Magnum. Both the .45-70 Springfield and the .458 Winchester are massive rounds and some of the largest commercially produced. They provide enough stopping power to take down anything really.

Just when you thought ammo for your small arms was expensive, consider that commercial-grade ammo for a .458 Winchester Magnum costs more than $10 per round. So, if you own a .45 caliber rifle and have been looking for a good reason to start reloading the ammo yourself, then the cost per round should be the only reason you need. And although the .45-70 Springfield and the .458 Winchester Magnum are not your typical run-of-the-mill hunting rifles, they are surprisingly prevalent.

Reloading Is Your Best Shot at Saving Money

It is no secret: reloading your spent ammo will help you save a ton of cash. However, there are certain rifle rounds that are more cost-effective than others for reloading, such as the .243 Winchester and the .308 Winchester. Of course, reloading your own ammo can help to save money, but it is also the perfect medium for spending time with family and friends, learning new things, and being productive. Best of all, when reloading is complete, you get to head to the gun range to see your hard work in action! For further information and/or to peruse our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or call Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any questions.

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How to Properly Reload a Cartridge

Reloading supplies

The fundamental steps for reloading a cartridge can be reduced to a few basic operations. Additional operations and reloading supplies will be required in some situations or omitted in others.

  1. Inspect and clean cases. Clean dirt and grime from each case before inspecting for deformities and splits. A sonic cleaner is good for removing carbon buildup and oxidization. To clean and polish brass, use a tumbler.
  2. Deprime the brass. Use a dedicated decapping die to punch the old primer out of the casing bottom, or (more common) the die that resizes your brass will also knock the old primer out.
  3. Lubricate cases to prevent them from getting stuck in the sizing die.
  4. Resize the brass. A resizing die is used to bring the brass back into the correct exterior dimensions.
  5. Trim the case to specified length if needed. Fired brass can lengthen beyond safe limits. Use calipers or a case gauge to check the length. Trim as required.
  6. Clean the primer pocket as required.
  7. Prime with correct primer size and manufacturer according to the reloading manual.
  8. Weigh and load the correct powder charge with a powder funnel. Double-check your reloading manual for data on powder type and proper load for your bullet weight and cartridge.
  9. Select proper die and adjust for proper seating depth. See your manual for proper settings.
  10. Review your setup.
  11. Run preliminary test rounds and examine each step for correct results.
  12. Complete a batch with periodic checks for accuracy.

Getting Started with Reloading Supplies

Reloading kits are great for beginners getting into this fun and rewarding hobby. The cornerstone of a reloader’s workbench is the press. It enables you to almost effortlessly complete functions with a pull of the handle. Different kits include different tools. The main press styles are single stage, turret, and progressive. Your shooting preferences and the amount of ammo you want to load help determine the most suitable press and other reloading supplies for you.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Reloading Supplies & Equipment online. Choose from Lee Precision, Dillon, Hornady, Redding, Mec, & Lyman. For more information and/or to peruse and shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any questions.

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Setting Up Reloading Supplies and Equipment

reloading supplies - Titan Reloading

Ammo reloading is and should be an enjoyable, rewarding, and money-saving hobby. It is all of that and more… as long as your process is safe and reliable. At the heart of an error-free process is proper handling of reloading supplies with special care given to powder and primers. Combining that with trusted manuals and precisely following the instructions for reloading supplies assures an error-free process that delivers desired results.

A clean and organized workspace is a productive and safe workspace. Start by clearing any remaining equipment and reloading supplies from a previous project off your workbench. That doesn’t mean pushing things to the side of your bench. It is best to have a storage place for everything and put everything in its place. Make sure powder and primers are well labeled, properly packaged, and stored apart from each other.

Next, go through your manuals, notes, checklists, and other instructions to identify what you need for the reloading project you are about to begin. Make sure only the equipment and reloading supplies that you are going to use are on the bench and then double-check everything.

Once everything is ready to go, run one round through your setup. Check that round for accuracy and recheck your setup. Pay particular attention to your powder load. Run nine more rounds through your setup and check everything out one more time. If everything is good to go and you have a clear mind, you are ready to do the job. It’s also smart to check more rounds on a regular interval such as one out of every ten. After seating a bullet and before the completed round is ejected from the press, you want to visually inspect it. Just a glance is all you should need to see if something is off the mark.

Know When to Stop

If you start pinching fingers or cases, your mind isn’t on the task at hand, and it’s time to stop. Same thing if bullets or primers are misaligned. Too tired? Something else on your mind? It’s time to walk away until you’re in the right frame of mind.

Your process should not be redundant. You should get the same results every time. If something goes wrong, stop to reexamine your setup and process. For example, spilling powder on a progressive press indicates a powder bridge, with heavy and/or light charges. Examine the powder trails. What happened? Why? How do you fix it so that it doesn’t happen again?

Have a Step-by-Step Sequence

Ask 10 experienced reloaders their exact reloading process and you’ll probably get 15 or 20 good answers. Customizing ammo to your specific needs is more valuable than you might realize. Experimenting with various reloading supplies, powders, and bullet types/weights enables you to find the most accurate combination for your firearm and application.

With research, practice, and experimentation, you’ll fine-tune a step-by-step process that performs to your expectations for each cartridge that you reload. You want to start with a basic documented process and document each and every change that you make until your results meet your expectations. Don’t expect to remember every detail about a load unless you document it. There are many ways to keep your documentation organized. You might consider a spiral notebook for load research and field notes but a separate composition book for your finished master notes.

Tip: Starting with a loading manual from the same manufacturer as the bullets you use will take you step-by-step through the entire process. Having a second manual on your bench allows you to cross-reference load data.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. Let us hear about your ammo reloading tips and experiences via email. You’ll find updated stream of insights and tips on our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Reloading Supplies & Equipment online. Choose from Lee Precision, Dillon, Hornady, Redding, Mec, & Lyman. For further information and/or to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any questions.