Category: Reloading Supplies

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Build Your Personal Ammo Factory with Reloading Supplies

Personal Ammo Factory with Reloading Supplies

As a general rule, you should have several hundred or a couple of thousand rounds on hand or at least the reloading supplies for your most essential and most used calibers. You also want other reloading supplies that give you the flexibility to manufacture alternative rounds.

Here are the basics to get started:

  1. Reloading Bench

    You probably want to do some reading and research before getting started but when you’re ready to take action, the first two things you want in your reloading factory are a workbench and a trusted manual. Preferably a large sturdy workspace with plenty of storage. For details about creating your first workspace, check out the previous blog Workbench Ideas for Your Reloading Supplies. If you’re not going to build your own, any highly stable and strong commercially available workbench will work.

    It does need to serve two primary purposes. First, a place to prepare cases and to operate your press. Second, a place to store reloading supplies, sorted brass, and finished ammo. You want to keep everything within arm’s reach but use special caution when storing primers and powder. The first thing that goes on your bench, in a dedicated space, and within arm’s reach is your trusted manual.

  2. Reloading Press

    Now, you are ready to start making decisions based on your experience, needs, and budget. You can select from a single stage press, turret press, or progressive press. Almost every experienced reloader recommends starting with a single stage. These presses hold one die at a time in a very rigid frame. Each pull of the lever completes one step of the process. Things to consider include automatic primer arm, small and large primer cups, adjustable for right- or left-hand use, and able to reload handgun and short rifle cases.

    With a turret press, you rotate the dies manually and press the round through each step. It should hold four dies so that you can complete rounds without the time-consuming need to change dies. With each handle pull, the die plate rotates to the next station without needing to screw in a different die.

    With a progressive press, a pull of the lever automatically completes every step for multiple rounds at the same time. This can be an excellent choice if you are shooting more than 500 rounds a week. Removable turrets allow for the change of calibers in seconds.

    Unless you’re shooting precision bench rest competition, all the name-brand presses do mostly the same thing and in the same way. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit.

  3. Reloading Supplies -Dies, Components, and Case Prep

    All reloading presses take removable dies. You select dies depending on the caliber you will be reloading. You will also need different dies depending on what step you’re at in the process. A die is what the brass and bullet are pressed into to form your finished ammo. Every caliber has its own die; a .357 die will not load a 9mm and vice versa.

    The process is to take clean brass, resize it by pressing the brass into a resizing die, trimming the case length if needed, and then expand the neck of the case so a bullet will fit.

    The next step is to insert a primer, charge the case with powder, seat the bullet, and press it in with a seating die. If your cartridge requires it, the case will need to be crimped.

    Besides the mechanical equipment, your ammo factory needs reloading supplies. You’ll need brass, bullets, powder, and primers. Depending on the cartridge and the load, these components will vary. This is when you must refer to your reloading manual. Only use the reloading supplies and components designated for a specific load. Substituting powders, primers, and bullets can be disastrous. We don’t want you to injure yourself.

    You’re going to need brass prep tools. If you are just getting started, you may want to go with new brass until you collect some used brass and/or if you don’t have the budget for prep tools. Unfired brass doesn’t usually need much work unless you’re doing precision shooting. Once you start reusing brass, it will be dirty and stretched out. Before putting in a fresh primer, powder, and bullet, the casings need to be cleaned and sometimes trimmed. Tools to get started include case trimmers, tumblers, and sonic cleaners.

    Start with the ammo that you use the most. Over time, you’ll want to move up to faster presses and acquire the dies as well as other reloading supplies and tools that you need for every gun that you own.

    Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

Reloading Supplies & Equipment Online: Titan Reloading

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

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Is Reloading a Safe Hobby?

Reloading Equipment Online

Many beginning shooters use nothing but factory rounds. At least until better precision and lower costs become a concern. That can be years down the road or in a mere few months. Eventually, these beginners make friends and acquaintances with guys having many more years of experience and know the ins and outs of reloading supplies and ammo. That’s a good thing about our hobby and Titan Reloading also wants to help you shorten the learning curve.

Be as Precise About Reloading as You are with Your Shooting

At Titan Reloading, we highly encourage everyone to practice precision reloading. Just like it takes time on the practice range, it takes time to learn about reloading supplies and the process. Life is not without risks and mistakes can happen when loading ammunition whether the mistake happens at a factory or in your garage.

Inspect your casings.

The two things you are most likely to come across are dents and micro-cracking. Neither should be reused. Dents can happen during the reloading process if too much compression is applied which sometimes leads to outer casing dents. Look for cracking everywhere but particularly around the base of the rim where they might appear as a bright ring. Dents and cracking don’t often occur unless a case has previously been improperly reloaded.

Primers not properly seated.

The primer is properly seated when it sits down inside the primer pocket of the casing. Inspect the bottom of the rim or case to verify the primer is not protruding. If the seating is not correct, remove it and reseat it or use a small flat tool to gently nudge it into the pocket.

Be precise with your powder loads.

With a single stage press, load powder into all the cases in the tray before moving on to seating bullets. Before pressing the bullets, examine the powder loads in the case with a flashlight. What you are primarily looking for is that you did not mistakenly double load any of the casings. With a progressive press, you can use a powder level check system to prevent over or excessive powder loading.

Press the bullets to the right depth.

Before crimping, examine your work to be sure all bullets have been pressed to the correct depth. If the bullet is too deep, it might be that you don’t have enough powder in the case. Too shallow indicates too much powder. Neither is desirable and neither matches the manual specs.

Here are a few testimonials from experienced shooters:

  • Dave H. I count myself among the many shooters I know that reload for cost savings. I keep a healthy amount of reloading supplies on hand for both hunting rifles and handgun target practice. I have a couple of expert reloader friends that taught me how to do it right when I was getting started. After 12 years, I have no complaints and have only experienced the rarest of dud rounds. While other buddies are having a tough time finding the factory ammo they need, the reloading supplies that I have on hand continue to fill the bill with big savings.
  • Duke T. For economic reasons, I first started using reloaded rounds that I bought from a couple of different small businesses. I got decent results but couldn’t always get exactly what I wanted or had to wait a long time for custom loads. About six years ago, I bit the bullet (so to speak) by investing in the reloading supplies and equipment I need to do it myself and have never looked back. Not only do I get the cost savings, but it enables me to tailor my loads to my specific needs. I’m a bit fussy. Not only do I customize rounds for specific purposes, but I also fine-tune for things like the time of the year and how weather affects performance. Self-loading is the only way I’ve found to account for all the variables.
  • Bill W. I have hand loaded at least 12,000 rounds of 9mm and 380 – NEVER HAD A PROBLEM.
  • Frank B. In almost 43 years of loading my own, I’ve only had one fail to fire during a match. I set that round aside to look at closely later. I found the primer had gotten into the pocket upside down. I redoubled my diligence when installing primers and never expect to have it happen again.

Put Trust in Yourself

If you can use power tools, you can reload your own ammo. With reloading supplies, you need to educate yourself, exercise caution, and check your work as you go. By doing your research before getting started, reloading ammo becomes a fun and safe hobby.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition. Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from 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 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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Reloading Supplies are Key to Being an Independent Shooter

Reloading Supplies Online

Always be prepared by knowing how to load your own ammunition! Having a stock of reloading supplies and trusted equipment is the only sure-fire way of always remaining an independent shooter.

Here are five reasons why its the right time to start acquiring the reloading supplies, tools, and knowledge needed to reload your ammunition.

  1. Maintain availability.

    By now, this one should be obvious to you. When the ammo shelves are bare, you want to still be able to grab a pound of powder, a box of projectiles, and primers to reload your own. Always having reloading supplies on hand enables you to reload your own whether you want to chamber obscure cartridges or common cartridges without depending on anyone else.

  2. You completely learn your guns.

    It’s good when you read articles or watch podcasts about what others have said about your gun and the ammo you should be firing. But nothing will teach you more about your own gun and how you shoot it than loading and shooting your own ammunition. Knowing how your ammo works also helps you understand how your gun functions. Trying different reloading supplies is the way you learn how different rounds perform when you pull the trigger. It’s how you fine-tune to that last tenth of a grain that gets you consistently punching the center ten ring. Developing and testing your own loads is how you develop full reliance on your guns.

  3. Full control.

    With store-bought ammo, the only control you have is with your shooting technique. There are a few variations, but these are still limited to the combinations commercially available. Reloading supplies in small batches is the inexpensive way to test bullet brands, types, shapes, and weights not commercially offered for your cartridge. Special loads have quickly solved a lot of problems for independent shooters. It’s about developing a load for a particular firearm that combines the magic balance of velocity and accuracy.

  4. A most enjoyable hobby.

    Learning about and selecting the right reloading supplies to make your own ammunition is just plain fun, rewarding, and enjoyable. It is an ongoing learning experience. If your shooting is weather-dependent, reloading is a great way to relax with your hobby in the warmth of your home on a cold, windy, and rainy day.

  5. Affordability must go on this list.

    Some factory ammunition (when available) is relatively affordable. But when it’s not widely available it becomes expensive. And some factory ammunition is always prohibitively expensive. If you enjoy shooting a cartridge in the ‘always prohibitively expensive’ category, reloading your ammo is the way to still enjoy your favorite shooting without breaking the bank.

It’s Up to You as an Independent Shooter

With experience, you’ll develop your own loads that all hit a dime at 100 yards by fine-tuning a specific powder and bullet combination. But do it safely by experimenting with the various load recipes listed in reloading manuals. You will quickly learn that you can build better ammunition than you can buy. And you can build it for a lower cost. Most factory ammunition is relatively good but still doesn’t compare to the accuracy that you achieve by weighing every charge of powder to the tenth of a grain for consistent pressure in every round that comes out of your gun. For low cost, factory ammo can’t approach that degree of fine-tuning.

Titan Reloading has the reloading supplies, equipment, and other components needed by independent shooters who want to enjoy their hobby in an uncomplicated way. Reloading is enjoyed by so many because it’s practical and enjoyable as well as affordable. Who can argue with that? Sometimes you’ll want to shoot stuff off just so you can reclaim the brass to try a new load. Nothing wrong with that.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from 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 more information and to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading the Master Distributor of Lee Precision reloading equipment & supplies at 262.397.8819.

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Important Reloading Safety Procedures

Reloading Ammunition

One of the most basic understandings about reloading is that using the wrong cartridge and primer can result in injury to yourself and possibly people around you. Incorrectly loaded ammo can also be unreliable during an emergency.

A first step in safety is understanding the equipment and reloading supplies that you are working with. We offer an entire video library to help you reload safely and get the most from the experience. With an understanding of the equipment, you’ll be ready to begin the hands-on process by following these basic safety rules.

Safety Glasses and Gear

As you wear safety glasses at the gun range, you also need to wear them when reloading. Probably the most obvious reason is in case of an accidental primer explosion. If you wear prescription or reading glasses, there are safety glasses (with side shields) that fit over your regular glasses. In addition to the risk of a primer explosion, other operations such as pressures applied by presses can eject metal shavings and powder as shrapnel. Safety glasses should be a requirement for everyone in the room while you are reloading. Gloves should be worn as protection from sharp tools, pinch points, and chemicals found in reloading supplies. It’s also a good practice to wear a protective apron.

Clean and Organized Reloading Space

You only want the equipment and reloading supplies on your workbench that you need for the tasks at hand. Make sure that your workspace is clean and spacious before the next session, not only for safety purposes, but for efficiency and time. Furthermore, it is in your best interest to properly label containers to avoid accidentally mixing materials.

  • Clean up any spills immediately.
  • Allow only one canister of powder and primer type on the bench at a time.
  • Powder and primers should be kept in their original containers. Clearly label these if using another container and discard anything you can’t identify.

Pay Attention to Details

Give reloading your complete, undivided attention, and make time to do it right. Clear the area of TV, phone, and visitors. Have your manuals and handbooks for every bullet you are reloading – never guess. Reloading is a precision process that requires you to follow instructions including load data and equipment setup instructions. Of course, no alcohol or drugs.

Keep Primers and Powder Away from Heat Sources

Think about any possible source of ignition. Any heat source can set off primers and powder including electrical sparks from power tools, open flames, and smoking. One of the wisest safety steps you can take is storing powder and primers away from all other equipment and reloading supplies (preferably in a different room and in fire-resistant containers like an ammo can). Don’t store primers in bulk because a few hundred primers going off at the same time can be the same as a hand grenade. Handle loaded primer tubes with care – a dropped tube can explode(primers should not be stored in tubes).Additionally, primers and powder should be stored away from extreme heat, cold, and humidity that can affect how they function.

Reloading Scale

Again, reloading requires precision from which a safe and accurate powder scale is required. Never use a food scale, postage scale, or any other scale not intended to weigh powder. Clean your scale before each reloading session and calibrated it regularly. It should be “zeroed” before each session. Calibrate and zero it if is bumped, jarred, or whenever the accuracy is questionable.

Avoid Lead Exposure

Lead exposure is known to cause severe medical issues. Your body accumulates lead over time and is not efficient at filtering it back out. Most primers and bullets contain lead. It can also accumulate on your equipment and workspace. Good hygiene is a best practice to protect yourself from lead.

  • Wash hands after handling ammunition materials and after shooting.
  • Don’t eat or drink while reloading.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Ensure proper ventilation and avoid inhaling reloading room dust.
  • Use a face mask when cleaning up and emptying cases.
  • Avoid reloading in carpeted areas because carpet collects lead particles and results in potentially dangerous static electricity.

Use Manuals and Keep Records

Manuals and handbooks have already been mentioned for a good reason. They provide specific instructions for caliber recipes. It’s essential to follow instructions to the letter. Leave experimentation to the professionals. Published data is FACT. If you are new to reloading, use only beginning to moderate loads until you gain experience with the cartridge, your firearm, and your loading equipment. You want to use current data because over time components change. Keep records of each lot that you reload and use starting loads before working up to the maximum in increments. Your records should include test results for each incremental step.

Keep the manual open to the cartridge type and size you are reloading for quick and easy reference during the process.

More Safety Procedures

By following the basics, you can expect to be safe and productive when reloading. But there is always more you can do for safety such as securely fastening equipment to your workbench, so a press doesn’t fall on your foot. And…

  • Keep reloading supplies and components out of the reach of children.
  • Educate yourself before trying a load you don’t have experience with.
  • Create and follow a safety checklist for each load that you manufacture.
  • Use a powder check system, either visual or manual, to make sure your bullets are not double charged or under-charged.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the event of accidental ignition.
  • Clean your reloading press and maintain it regularly.
  • Clean up spilled powered immediately and don’t reuse spilled powder.
  • Don’t force primers under any circumstance after beginning the reloading process.
  • Think before doing anything that you haven’t done before.
  • Always make enough time to observe proper safety precautions.

Reloading is as Safe as You Make It

Safety is all about learning what to do, what NOT to do, and having the discipline to do it right.

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a great experience while avoiding harm or malfunctions to yourself and equipment.

Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from 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 more information and to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading the Master Distributor of Lee Precision reloading equipment & supplies at 262.397.8819.

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Reloading Remains the Source to Becoming an Independent Shooter

Buy Reloading Supplies Online

Millions of new people have taken up shooting in the past year or so. Millions more have been buying ammunition and reloading supplies at record rates. All at the same time that COVID-19 reduced the output of supplies and equipment. The shelves might be close to bare at the moment but the scarcity could be ending soon.

If you are being impacted by these shortages, one of the best things you can do is have the ability to reload your own ammo in case your favorite ammo is again in short supply. If 2020 was the year of record gun sales, 2021 is going to be the year of record ammo sales.

When the shelves are bare, it’s a darn good feeling to be able to reach for your own pound of powder, a box of bullets, and some primers to load your own. Having a good set of reloading dies, some components, and a reliable manual makes it possible to keep shooting the same cartridges for years to come.

Reloading also gives you knowledge that you can’t get by using only factory rounds. Using only factory ammunition means not having hands-on knowledge of bullet components. You’re unlikely to learn the intricacies and the importance of consistent bullet weights and how it affects accuracy. You won’t be aware of the powder types suitable for a particular cartridge.

Knowledge of reloading supplies and several special loads gives you multiple options beyond the factory offered combinations. If you need or want a particular bullet, type or weight, or powder not factory offered for your cartridge, reloading is the quickest and best way to solve that problem. You can use commonplace bullets when available at an attractive price or go with something of your own choosing. You can also hand load the best bullets money can buy. You can improve accuracy by sizing only the case’s neck. By reloading, you call the shots and have a lot more possible solutions to any ammo shortage.

Once you’ve loaded your own ammunition, you’ll never look at factory ammunition the same again.

Reloading is in Your Future

Experience, knowledge, and the right reloading supplies are how you increase your options and improve accuracy with any rifle or handgun. You can fine-tune (or detune) individual rounds for an almost endless combination of bullet/cartridge/velocity to fit your needs in this moment or your needs in the future. We’re all in the same predicament trying to keep up our ammo supplies today. We also know that the industry will again match supply with demand even at a higher level of demand. But the future will surely bring new causes for shortages. You want to have options when it comes to keeping your guns loaded. If you have always relied on factory ammo, now is the time to begin learning how to reload and stocking reloading supplies.

Let us hear about. Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. Share your ammo reloading tips and stories at mailto:dennis@titanreloading.com. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

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

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Workbench Ideas for Your Reloading Supplies

Reloading Supplies online

When it comes to your workbench and ammo reloading supplies, there’s nothing more satisfying than efficiency, effectiveness, and precision.

A two-level workbench is good for storing equipment and reloading supplies on the upper shelf with the lower surface dedicated as your main working surface. You want to make it deep enough to store larger equipment in the back where it is out of the way (such as case tumblers and other preparation tools). A good rule of thumb is 5 feet wide by 3 feet deep. Along with the upper shelf, that width should leave room for future expansion with a lower shelf underneath and off to the side of your work stool.

It’s common sense that your reloading workbench should be sturdy and secure enough for working with presses. It’s a good idea to fasten the back of the bench to a wall with screws going into studs at each end of the bench and in the middle. Depending on the wood selected for the working surface (1¼ or 1½ plywood is good); you may want to use backing boards or metal plates underneath where tools will be bolted down (for something like particle or strand board).

Reloading Supplies and Equipment Storage

Give some thought to the upper shelf for your reloading supplies and smaller tools. A good approach is raising the shelf completely off the work surface by supporting it at the ends and one support in the middle that comes down to the work surface. Building multiple cubbyholes works for reloading supplies like bullets, brass, and powder. Also, plan for dies, shell holders, and other equipment.

Dust Covers

Dust covers protect your reloading equipment while not being used. Think about the environment your reloading bench is in. You can wrap individual tools for protection or use a tarp to cover the entire bench when it’s not being used.

Let me hear about some of your great ammo reloading workbench tips at dennis@titanreloading.com. Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from 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 more information and 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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Tips for Your Reloading Hobby

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Reloading should be both fun and cost-efficient. Since going live as Titan Reloading.com on August 19, 2010, we have made many friends all over the world. People contact us constantly for information and advice about the best reloading supplies. We continue striving to provide superior product support and believe it is the core of our success. Today, I want to share a few tips that have become obvious over the years. Whether you are new to reloading or have decades of experience, I encourage you to come back often to learn and share tips on the hobby, money-saving tips, and tips for beginners.

#1. Create a Reloading Space. Whether you live in an apartment or house, you need to carve out some space for your reloading hobby. We’ve seen people use spaces as small as three feet by three feet and others take up an entire basement with more than one dedicate reloading bench. If you’re space challenged, a bench plate can be the solution you are looking for. The purpose is to maximize your benchtop real estate. The system has a steel base plate that you mount to your bench and a steel plate that you attach to the base of each of your presses and accessories. When you finish with one piece of equipment, it’s easy to pull it off the bench plate to mount another piece of gear on another plate.

Another space-saving option is a reloading stand that also works with the bench plate. A reloading stand works both as a space saver in small areas or as additional room for the reloader who has no more room on his main bench. The Lee reloading stand is only 26″ wide by 24″ deep and has a steel shelf with two bench plate receivers for presses and mountable accessories.

#2. Use a Reloading Manual. Before you try your buddies’ favorite loads and especially before trying what you read in online forums from unknown strangers, learn the safety and accuracy that comes from loads that have been tested by experts. Use a comprehensive reloading manual to develop safe minimum and maximum loads. No matter how knowledgeable you are, you will find new and interesting information put together by specialists. Even journeyman shooters developing their own loads use a good manual to look up other cartridges with similar capacity and pressure values.

#3. Use a Kinetic Bullet Puller. We all make mistakes but with a bullet puller, you don’t waste the brass. More than one shooter has taken a batch of new rounds to the range only to learn something isn’t right. For whatever issue you run into, a kinetic bullet puller lets you quickly break down your mistakes and reuse the brass.

#4. Build Your Reloading Bench. Referring back to tip #1, a custom bench can maximize the space you have available. The best benches are heavy-duty to last a lifetime and withstand the rigor of pulling thousands of loads. When building it out of wood it should be glued and screwed together. The legs and supports should be heavy-duty with cross-bracing. Top plywood is best at 1” or 1½” in thickness. I suggest a topcoat of polyurethane with a few coats of sealant to prolong the life of the wood and protect it from solvents, gun oil, etc.

#5. Start With Basic Equipment and Reloading Supplies. The simplest way to get started is with a Lee Loader kit. Along with that, you’ll want a single-stage press for the most cost-effective and easiest way to begin reloading. A single stage press teaches you the process basics.

#6. Range Brass for Practice Ammo. Range brass can be okay for practice and maybe shooting in local matches. But it’s not recommended for defense or hunting. Be safe; only collect range brass at the end of your session or when no one is actively shooting. Don’t waste time at the firing range inspecting every piece of brass you see. Instead collect the ones that look good and inspect them at home.

Titan Reloading wants to be part of your reloading experience. You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

For further information and to shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading the Master Distributor of Lee Precision reloading equipment & supplies at 262.397.8819 with any questions.

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Understanding the Shortage of Reloading Supplies

Shortage of Reloading Supplies

All of us feel it. The volatile political climate, physical threats from the virus, and economic turbulence.

We’ve implemented important changes to assure we deliver the best possible customer service during this time. Titan Reloading has suspended all international shipping due to unpredictable deliveries. Also, we have temporarily suspended all Back-ordering and Pre-ordering due to unpredictable stock availability. Importantly, we have implemented our ‘Notify System‘ found in every listing to keep you updated when the reloading supplies and equipment you want are back in stock.

At times like these, many people are doing a lot more target practice. At the same time, people are building up their supply of finished ammo and ordering more reloading supplies. Furthermore, more people have decided to begin reloading and to start with basic equipment and supplies.

It’s been a near-perfect storm of influences causing the reloading supplies shortage. There are a lot more of us getting started with shooting. The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Checks (NICS) system never captures all of the firearms sold but it does show how high the trend has been for more than a year. In 2019, the NICS recorded a total of 28,369,750 background checks. For 2020, there were 39,695,315 background checks. That’s 11,325,565 more firearms sold in 2020 than in 2019. January 2021 shows this very rapid pace accelerating even faster with an additional 4,317,804 monthly background checks. This is a new monthly high with only the last few months of 2020 coming anywhere near this many. The demand for ammo and reloading supplies continues to skyrocket.

But the shortage isn’t only caused by high demand. Raw materials and manufacturing have also been limited. It begins all of the way back at the mines for raw materials. When the economy shut down, so did mining operations for everything from copper, to lead, and most other raw materials. Some of these raw materials come from overseas where mining operations were shut down by major COVID 19 outbreaks.

When Will Reloading Supplies Be Readily Available Again?

Manufacturers tell us that they are making every effort to increase the supply but this all started during a manufacturing down cycle. A few smaller manufacturers had even gone out of business. The bigger ones had reduced operations.

It will take time. Probably a long time before demand and supply will find a new balance.All of this is happening as demand far outpaces full capacity manufacturing. Along this timeline, there will be more newcomers and everybody will start shooting more than they have been during the shortage.

Some other experts expect the shortage to lessen this spring. Others say towards the end of the year. But no one knows for sure. While we all work through the shortage, as Titan Reloading will do its best to keep prices down and supplies in stock for all. Your best action is using our ‘Notify System’ found in every listing for in stock updates.

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 or email dennis@titanreloading.com with any questions.

 

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Long-Range Reloading Techniques and Supplies

Reloading Supplies for Sale

If you’re ready to start long-range reloading, you should already have the basic equipment and reloading supplies ready to go.

Precision long-range cartridges are best loaded one at a time. The Redding Big Boss 2 is a top of the line single station press that has the largest window opening and longest usable ram stroke of any in its class.

One thing that we are certain is that you have brass that has already been fired and is ready to prep and reload. Before going hands-on, it’s a good idea to read the directions and helpful guidelines, as noted below, a few times to be sure you are confident in your reloading.

Step 1: Start by cleaning your already fired brass in a tumbler using a media like Lyman Corncob Media Medium. Include some brass cleaner to improve the cleaning and extend the life of the media, as well as your reloading supplies.

Step 2: When you take the cases out of the tumbler, be sure to remove all of the media from each case. This includes cleaning the inside of the case neck with a case brush to get out any remaining powder and media residue.

Step 3: De-prime your brass using a de-capping die or universal de-capping tool. Before you insert the case into the die, be sure to sufficiently lubricate it.

If you have a match die set that includes both de-capping and full-length sizing as a single operation, steps 3 and 5 will be combined.

Step 4: Taking note of the SAAMI specifications (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute), use a primer pocket uniformer to cut the primer pocket to the correct depth. Don’t skip this step because it’s critical for the proper seating of the primer. Also, use a flash hole deburring tool to clear and clean the flash hole from inside the case. Check the flash hole in the primer pocket to make sure that it is completely clear.

Step 5: Resize the full length of the case using match dies. This is a piece of equipment that you may need to spend a few extra dollars on for long-range reloading. The Redding Type S Match FL Die Set with titanium nitride coated bushing is critical if you want maximum accuracy in your reloads. (As a reminder, be sure your cases are properly lubricated before using the full-length die to avoid sticking.)

Step 6: Use your micrometer to measure the case neck. For many cases, you’ll need to turn it down to original tolerances using a neck turning tool.

Step 7: On to the case length. You’ll need a set of calipers and a case trimmer. You shouldn’t have any problem getting the case length back to specification at increments of 0.001”.

Step 8: You need to deburr the mouth of the case and a chamfer is recommended to ease the fitting of very-long-drag (VLD) and boat-tail bullets.

Step 9: You’re now ready to prime your prepared case. Use a hand priming tool and be careful not to compress the primer. But do make sure that it is seated level in the bottom of the pocket.

Step 10: You’re close to a precision long-range load. Now, select your powder, pick your load, and charge the cases.

Step 11: Using the correct bullet for your caliber, seat it to the desired depth. Recommended is a match grade seating die, like the Redding Competition Seating Die. Follow your manual for details about bullet seating.

These are the steps to precision reloading for long-range shooting. As you become an expert, you may find that you prefer slightly altering the sequence of the steps. But this is the most common sequence.

The equipment and reloading supplies that you select are critical to your load development. However, there is nothing like spending time on the range experimenting with different powder loads and bullets to perfect the best cartridge for your specific rifle. Two experimenting methods that you might want to check out are the Incremental Load Development Method (aka “Ladder Test”) and Load Development System (Optimal Charge Weight). Altogether, this creates the recipe that will have your buddies asking for your secrets.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Reloading Supplies & Equipment online. Choose from Lee Precision, Dillon, Hornady, Redding, Mec, & Lyman. For more information and 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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Reloading Supplies vs Factory Ammo

Reloading Supplies

Many people take up reloading because of the financial incentive. But with experience and by experimenting with different reloading supplies, you’ll soon come to appreciate the improved accuracy compared to factory rounds.

The basic fact is that no two guns are the same. Manufacturers develop round specifications to “best fit” as many different guns as possible. Hand loading not only allows you to fine-tune rounds to your make and model, but with practice you’ll fine-tune your rounds to match both your individual gun and the specific type of shooting that you’ll be doing with those rounds.

Why Hand loading Is More Accurate

It can’t be denied that it takes time to perfect rounds for your gun. But with a little coaching from guys that came before you, the amount of time will be greatly reduced. In a nutshell, what you want to accomplish is matching the best powder, primer, case, and bullet for your gun along with a careful and consistent process to load each round. It’s all about your choice of reloading supplies and process.

None of that happens with factory ammo. Each gun manufacture has different tolerances for the gun barrel and chamber. Some chambers are tighter than others and the free bore varies. Factory ammo is made to fit the tightest chamber and the shortest free bore. If they didn’t, their rounds will fail to chamber in some rifles. Factory ammo is not designed or made to shoot well from your specific rifle.

Precision Makes Perfect

Once you nail down the reloading supplies and process that you use, there are more advanced steps that you can take to further improve your results with hand loading. Some of these will further improve your performance or some might not fit your individual needs. As you progress from novice, to intermediate, to expert, you’ll find more precision techniques to improve your rounds.

  • Determine the free bore of your rifle so that you can seat bullets with a consistent COL (cartridge overall length) within 0.02” of the rifling (some people allow .010” to .040″ jump to the lands). Minimizing bullet jump improves accuracy.
  • After firing a round in your rifle, the case forms to match your chamber. That neck sizing improves your accuracy. However, after several firings, you will need to resize the full length to move the shoulder back slightly.
  • Another advanced technique is separating rounds based on the case and bullet weights. The advantage over factory ammo is that allowable factory tolerances can be two or three grains above or below the stated weight.
  • Other advanced techniques include neck-turning (making the thickness of the neck even all-round), a uniform/consistent primer pocket, and a uniform flash-hole.

For the Best Results, Measure Consistently

You might be surprised how frequently factory loadings change from lot to lot. This is a big advantage with hand loading when the process is to carefully measure everything. Using the same reloading supplies and process, you are able to achieve the same results time and time again even after hundreds or thousands of rounds.

The more you track the performance of your reloading supplies and fine-tune your process, the more impressed you’ll be with the results. If you’re still not positive that hand loading is more accurate do a simple test. Fire a series of five-shot groups with both factory and hand loaded ammo to see which is more accurate. If you have it right, you should find that the hand loaded ammo produces smaller groups. Results will vary but by using the right reloading supplies it’s common for hand loads to have an average group size around 0.6 MOA. Run of the mill factory ammo will likely produce> 2 MOA groups.

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