Tag: reloading supplies

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Advanced Reloading Supplies for Performance and Satisfaction

reloading supplies

Choices come down to what you want from your reloading supplies or what you are willing to accept from factory cartridges. It only takes a basic understanding and a little practice to be quickly rewarded with superior and cost-effective ammo. From there, it becomes about incrementally optimizing your ammo’s performance. Hand selecting your reloading supplies and equipment lets you fine-tune your ammunition to your own needs. You can optimize for more ange, better accuracy, and more power from every round.Hence, so many highly experienced shooters insist on using their customized ammo as often as possible.

Being familiar with the four basic components of reloading supplies(case, primer, propellant, and projectile) is merely the first step to the fascinating and time-honored tradition of self-loading. Each component has multiple variations that can be combined in assorted ways with numerous variations of each of the other components.

You can develop the right cartridge that allows your firearm to deliver the performance that you want and need. Reloading supplies and equipment become essential for users of obsolete cartridges and non-standard or wildcat cartridges. Obsolete isn’t always a historically old cartridge. Rounds like the Winchester Super Short Magnum were only manufactured for a short amount of time. Fortunately, few cartridges have totally unique case dimensions. Most centerfire cartridges were created from a parent case and can be formed using an existing case. Dimensions are known, so die manufacturers can make them. With most bullet diameters being more or less standard, your ability to reload obscure cartridges across a wide spectrum is better than ever.

With accuracy being the primary goal of most enthusiasts, the best combination of bullet performance and velocity, experimentation for that single perfect round is endless. Improvements in accuracy are usually incremental and rarely exponential. For hunters, weather and other environmental factors require developing specific rounds for specific situations. Even target shooting under controlled conditions requires different rounds for varying distances with each firearm used.

As you begin your experimentation with different reloading supplies and equipment, you need to first hone the basic procedures. As you become a more precise reloader, you’ll need to decide where you want to begin making changes. This becomes a lifelong hobby as you make one change at a time, and adjusting accordingly. You likely begin by trimming cases to consistent and proper length. And then step up to weighing your cases and bullets because manufacturing tolerances vary. In time, you begin weighing each powder charge down to the last kernel but only after trying several different powder shapes. What comes next? You might ask? Do you clean your primer pockets? Have you tried neck-sizing only, and competition dies?

If you want rounds that are better than store-bought, you’ll need to put in some work.

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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Back to the Future with Reloading Supplies

reloading supplies

Do you know what were some of the most common items found in both frontier trading posts and general stores? Not surprisingly, the answer is ammo reloading supplies! Basic components like black powder, flash powder or caps, bullet molds, patches/wadding, lubricant, and other necessities for reloading and maintaining guns.Often, people even manufactured some of these reloading supplies themselves to save money and to be more self-sufficient.

Our forefathers began arriving in North America in the 15th century with more advanced weapons (for that time) and large stores of reloading supplies. The German-made blunderbuss, an early version of the shotgun, was a favorite among early colonists. It featured a flared muzzle and a broad opening for fast and easy loading. Another common weapon was the matchlock musket, which used a match – in the form of a small burning rope to ignite gunpowder through a small hole in the gun’s loaded barrel. American firearms and reloading supplies have come a long way since those times.

Pioneering the American Wilderness

The American tradition of making your own ammunition dates back to the Revolutionary War, and before. In 1776, a crowd of New Yorkers and a group of soldiers lead by General Washington tore down a lead statue of King George II and sent it to be melted into musket balls. In need of reloading supplies, soldiers often melted lead into slugs with hand clamp molds. Pioneers were also hand-pressing bullets at cabin firesides.

From the time of the earliest pioneers, gunsmiths were vital members of small settlements. It was these pioneering and skilled gunsmiths who developed the American long rifle that became known as the Kentucky, Ohio, or Pennsylvania rifle. Of course, the most important feature was the extended barrel with twisting grooves that guided whatever was used as a bullet to spin as it exited the barrel, ensuring a straighter shot and better aim. These rifles were so prized that they were often elaborately carved and decorated with finely etched brass or silver plates.

Without skilled gunsmiths and trading posts for reloading supplies, bringing civilization to the American wilderness would have certainly taken much longer and been much more difficult. In some ways, it’s comparable with the modern reloader’s back to the future solution to get around the national ammo shortage since the pandemic began.

Many other advances in gun technology and reloading supplies occurred between the Civil War and the early 20th century. The Spencer Repeating Rifle Company patented a design at the start of the Civil War capable of repeated firing from a single ammunition load (a favorite of President Abraham Lincoln). Innovations also included rear-loading and breechloading systems from Sharps, Maynard, and Burnside.

Today, the availability of different caliber and bullet types has increased exponentially with a matching availability of reloading supplies. The next time you are ready to place an order, take a moment to appreciate the history of ammunition and the advancements in gun technology along the way.

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 shop our online store please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 with any questions.

You’ll find a constantly updated stream of insights and tips from our blogs, newsletters, help videos, and FAQs.

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Olympic Biathlon and Competition Level Reloading Supplies

Olympic Biathlon and Competition Level Reloading Supplies

The Olympics’ biathlon competition will take place from February 5- 19.Biathlon combines two sports into one race – cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship. The best of competition is determined by clock time with a penalty for each missed shot. Biathletes must balance speed on the ski course and on the range along with shooting accuracy. They shoot from both prone and standing positions in various sequences depending on the event. Each shooting stage involves 5 shots at 5 targets positioned 50 meters downrange. From the prone position, the target area is 4.5 cm (1.771 inches). From standing, the target is 11.5 cm (4.528 inches).

Optics are not allowed; only non-magnified diopter rear and globe front sights are permitted. For every target missed, the athlete is penalized. Depending on the event, the penalty can be one lap around a 150 m loop, or a one-minute penalty added to their time. The penalty loop is separate from the regular course.

The Winter Olympics biathlon uses the .22 LR cartridge only. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge was standardized for International Biathlon Union (IBU) competitions in 1978. Current rules require that the muzzle velocity not exceed 360 meters per second (1,181.1 feet per second). Bullets must weigh between 2.55 and 2.75 grams.

Athletes must carry their rifles at all times. The minimum rifle weight is 3.5 kg (7.716 pounds)without the magazine and ammunition. Biathlon rifles are usually equipped with straight-pull actions, integrated magazine carriers, and ergonomic stock designs suitable for both prone and standing shooting positions. One unique feature on a biathlon rifle is a pistol grip with an integrated thumb rest to isolate the movement of the trigger finger from the thumb, which tend to move together as a sympathetic reflex.

Competition Rounds and Reloading Supplies

Obviously, almost none of us compete at the Olympic level but other competitions can be just as demanding of equipment and ammo. The targets become more challenging, and rifles are specialized to the various competitions. Highly proficient shooters must bring equipment, ammo, and personal performance all together at the same time to achieve peak results. Where we fit in is with reloading supplies and equipment that have less “wiggle room” when it comes to reloading custom ammo.

Finding a good 200- and 300-yard load for your service rifle shouldn’t be an agonizing process. While firearms are generally accurate, they can be further maximized by loading ammo that is specific to them. With some studying and by controlling every step of the reloading process you will produce exceptionally reliable ammunition.

Practice makes “almost” perfect and that takes thousands of rounds. Reloading precision rounds not only improves your overall performance, but for those on a budget it allows you to practice as often as time allows.

Recommendation for Improving Your Precision Loading Process

Many highly accomplished shooters believe quality brass is the foundation of great ammo. Begin by inspecting every cartridge case and discarding those that are worn.

Most top shooters also anneal the brass. Annealing extends brass life and makes neck tension more consistent (important for accuracy). The process is heating the neck and shoulder of the case — but never the body and base. An effective and inexpensive method is using a torch to heat the cases only to the point of a dull red glow and then quenching in water. It’s important not to overheat the case. This might not be the perfect process, but it is better than nothing. Andhey, reloading is about trying different techniques to find what works best for you.

Sizing and trimming cases to length is essential for ammo to be functional. Stretching does occur but can be trimmed with a case trimmer. When primer pockets become stretched they are no longer reliable.

Weight sorting brass can be optional depending on the quality of brass used. When working with superior quality brass that comes from the same lot, it dramatically decreases the need to weight-sort.

We recommend full-length sizing when shooting fired brass for the first time in any rifle. Neck sizing with Lee’s Collet Dies generally provides increased accuracy because the spent cartridge becomes “fire formed” to your specific chamber. Neck sizing is only preferred when reloading cases that have been fired out of your rifle. Collet neck sizing results in cases lasting up to ten times longer without the need for trimming near as often, as when full-length sizing.

As you might guess, top shooters spend almost an excessive amount of time to achieve a precision powder charge. The number of high-caliber shooters using very high-end pharmaceutical grade scales is split at about 50-50 with those using more common high-grade powder scales. It’s worth noting that pharmaceutical grade scales (costing over $500) can achieve accuracy down to a single kernel of powder. It is also very time-consuming and not always worth the time, especially for practice rounds. This is why 50% use a less costly and faster scale.

Handloading provides a solid education in how ammunition works, ammunition pressure curves, bullet selection, and accuracy. When you load your own ammunition you will have consistency. Best yet, it’s an enjoyable pastime!

Titan Reloading is dedicated to helping novice and veteran shooting enthusiasts safely and properly reload their own ammunition every time. Let me hear about your ammo reloading tips and stories at mailto: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. For more information and/or 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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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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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

Buy reloading supplies & equipment

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.