There’s much in common regarding reloading techniques between traditional and lead-free bullets, but there are also crucial differences. In the early stages of the series, we’ll delve into the aspects common to both. Still, as we progress to developing loads and seating the bullet onto the cartridge case, there will be differences in reloading techniques compared to traditional bullets. The reloading workshop aims to provide the means to reload cartridges and achieve the set goal.

Times have changed

Motivation always plays a crucial role in reloading. In the past, cartridges were mostly reloaded either to reduce costs in high-volume shooting practice or to achieve precision for specialized use. Additionally, there has always been the matter of using the most suitable bullet when the selection of commercially available cartridges has been limited.

On the other hand, reloading has been a lifeline for many calibers, as from the late 1800s to the present day, a variety of cartridges have been made, many of which are now hard to come by. The new reloading workshop focuses on the latter two aspects. The possible future requirement for lead-free ammunition emphasizes the need to breathe life into many still-used cartridges, as their widespread popularity today is so limited that cartridge manufacturers have a high threshold for producing them. In lead-free bullets, the emphasis is initially on the most popular calibers, and others await their turn until resources are sufficient.

Examples of calibers whose cartridge availability will be limited when transitioning to lead-free bullets abound. The first problematic case among domestic cartridges is the slowly fading 7.62x53R or its earlier versions, which are already on the margins elsewhere. The past few decades have been unfavorable for this cartridge, and the current availability of reloads barely meets the demand. The firearm inventory has been updated, leaving this essential piece of Finnish history in less frequent use. Nevertheless, many still want to use their old familiar rifle, so reloading cartridges is the only potential way to introduce variety into the loads.

With the focus on loading lead-free bullets, it’s evident that this will also affect the reloading tools and techniques presented in the reloading workshop. The assumption is that we are not loading large batches now but smaller sets of hunting cartridges where cartridge performance and consistent quality are prioritized over price or speed of reloading. So, our focus is on performance, not price or reloading speed.

The reloading workshop will also address the selection of components used. This continues to be a stumbling block for many who reload cartridges. The bullet selection aims to mimic lead- containing bullets, which has often been a cause of disappointment and problems when starting to load copper bullets. If the wrong choice has already affected the loading process, accuracy may also suffer, and the impact on the target may be far from the desired outcome. Therefore, we aim to teach component selection and examine bullet manufacturers’ offerings in terms of which caliber the bullet is intended for. Powder selection will also be looked at from a slightly different perspective, as it now concerns loading with cartridge performance in mind.

RELOADING SCHOOL, Part 1

Recommended Tools for Rifle Cartridge Reloading in the 2020s

The differences in mindset and their impact on reloading cannot be underestimated. Experienced reloaders often share their opinions and insights, but the backgrounds of their reloading hobbies are usually only minimally explored. However, for many middle-aged and older “gun enthusiasts,” reloading often stems from when people reloaded cartridges with moose range practice in mind. This particular form of range practice was always a shooting activity aimed at maintaining reloading operations until the current shooting test. Practice was necessary, and for many, practice led to competition, which required more practice to achieve results. Cartridges were used up, and to offset costs, cartridges were reloaded. This involved reloading relatively large quantities of cartridges with cost savings in mind.

At the extreme end of cartridge reloading is benchrest shooting. In this activity, every smallest detail is significant, as the competition is conducted with precision down to fractions of millimeters. This shooting sport has advanced the mechanical precision of firearms more than any other throughout the sport’s history, and most of the knowledge related to the accuracy potential of cartridges stems from there. The reloading methods applied to benchrest shooting apply to all reloading, but it is not advisable to delve too deep into this abyss even when seeking ”birdshot-accurate” loads. Generally, appropriate adaptation is sufficient.

Tools

For hunters, reloading with cartridge performance in mind is an endeavor where consistency takes precedence over everything else. Therefore, tools needed for quantity-focused reloading can be dispensed with, and reloaders can focus on those tools that contribute to consistent quality from one cartridge to another. The foundation is a good reloading press, quality dies, a case trimmer, a scale, and a caliper.

There are reloading presses for every need, but the most recommended ones are reliable, durable, and simple single-stage presses from well-known brands. The Hornady L-N-L, RCBS Rock Chucker, and Redding Big Boss are the most familiar and recommended. Lee manufactures more affordable presses, but many later upgrade to higher-quality ones. A quality reloading press is a long-term investment that need not be upgraded later. That’s why well-known and reliable brands are the most recommended.

In reloading presses, the Hornady Lock-N-Load (L-N-L) is the press I personally use, and in my own experience, it has proven to be the most convenient. In this press, reloading dies attach to interchangeable quick-change bushings, which attach to the press with a bayonet mount. Once set and locked, the bushing can be swapped for another without adjusting and left as is. This serves those who reload multiple calibers for multiple rifles and facilitates quick changes between resizing and bullet seating. The benefit of quick-change bushings is their “floatability” meaning that when equipped with a slight clearance, they always align the die straight with the case holder. A minor detail that impacts cartridge consistency.

Bushings

Investing in bushings is worthwhile when loading modern, precise cartridges. Traditional bushings are inexpensive but often leave room for improvement in terms of consistent results. Let’s review the differences between conventional and contemporary bushings. The traditional case resizing bushing is relatively simple to operate. The inner surface of the bushing compresses the case from the outside. This usually occurs either for the entire case (full-length resizing) or just the neck of the case. In traditional bushings, both full-length and neck resizing result in the neck of the case being significantly undersized. During case extraction, the decapping pin’s calibration part pulls the case mouth open. Thus, the case neck undergoes treatment in two directions. First, it is undersized, and then the neck is opened to the correct size.

The main difference between modern and traditional bushings is the interchangeable neck sizing. The bushing is replaceable, and its purpose is to use a neck ring that best fits the material thickness of the specific case batch so that the case can be resized to just the right amount. Just the right amount refers to an external neck compression that keeps the bullet attached to the case without needing to calibrate the case mouth to the correct size during the extraction phase.

The advantages of modern bushings include less stress on the case from its most sensitive point and the straightness of the case neck and body section. By not separately calibrating the neck portion, you avoid the eccentricity of the case neck, which is very common when using a case mouth opening pin. Case brass easily yields asymmetrically, leading to unevenness among different cases.

Full-Length Resizing or Neck Sizing?

There is also a difference between traditional and modern practices in choosing between full- length resizing and neck sizing. The approach of the Riista magazine’s reloading school is to use full-length resizing, which is also the current practice in benchrest shooting. There are a few well-justified reasons for this.

When considering the consistency of cases between different reloading sessions, a fully resized case is always the same from one loading to another. In other words, the case is resized by the same amount each time, resulting in consistent cases from one loading to the next. When using neck sizing, the body of the case changes after each firing, and it eventually starts to bind when seating the bullet. So, when using neck sizing, you’re dealing with an uncontrollable case body that needs to be fully resized to fit into the chamber without binding. After this, the same cycle repeats, with the case changing after each loading session. This tends to cause variations in the cases used for reloading.

Full-length resizing has a clear advantage in terms of case concentricity. When the case is compressed into a full-length resizing die, simultaneously compressing both the case body and the neck, the case body and neck are always straight after resizing. When using neck sizing dies, the case neck may be compressed unevenly since there is no support from the sides. This uneven compression is often less than what occurs during case mouth calibration. Still, together with the rigidity of the case body, it can make seating the bullet tighter and cause the bullet to be inherently misaligned with the barrel axis.

Suitable full-length resizing bushings are available from various manufacturers nowadays. Some of the most well-known ones include the Redding Type-S Bushing Full Length Sizer Die, Hornady Match Grade, and RCBS Gold Medal Match Full Length Neck Bushing Die. Equally popular is the Forster Bushing Bump Neck Die. In addition to neck sizing, Forster’s bushing has a component that affects the case body, allowing the case shoulder to be pushed backward. Thus, this is a hybrid between a full-length resizing die and a neck sizing die, but it functions like a full-length resizing die. All of these bushings are more expensive than the basic bushings from the same manufacturers. Still, they are worthwhile investments in terms of case lifespan, the quality of the end result, and reloading convenience.

Choosing a modern bushing with interchangeable neck rings whenever possible is always advisable for the caliber being used. This is often feasible for all well-known and popular calibers in the United States, but the selection dwindles for rare and often European calibers. However, this should not be a cause for concern – reloading can still be done excellently with traditional bushings. Roughly speaking, the availability of bushings with interchangeable neck rings is very limited for calibers shooting bullets over .338. For example, when dealing with the 9.3x62, it’s best to stick to traditional bushing sets.

Case Trimmer

Case trimming refers to the uniformity of the case neck and, thus, the overall length of the case from one to another. This process is an essential factor in standardizing the reloading process. The task is usually performed after the first firing of a case in one’s own firearm, as the case has taken on its near-final shape after resizing.

There is an overwhelming variety of case trimmers available nowadays. Most modern developments focus on quickly trimming large quantities of cases, but when loading moderate amounts of hunting cartridges, such high-speed trimming is unnecessary. Traditional bench- mounted trimmers work just as they always have, but it’s advisable to equip these with a drill chuck adapter to incorporate machine power into the blade rotation. The purpose of this is not only to speed up the process but also to ensure consistent results. By using the steady and faster cutting of a drill over hand cranking, the required force is more uniform, and the precision of trimming from one case to another relies less on feel.

Primer Seater

Seating the primer into the case is a procedure that affects the accuracy, ignition reliability, and consistency of the muzzle velocities of the cartridge. Therefore, investing in a proper primer seater is advisable. Hand priming tools are the most commonly used nowadays, but a wide variety of them are available. It used to be typical to use primer seating attachments on reloading presses for loading practice cartridges, but these are inaccurate and ultimately slow to use and fill. Additionally, when using them together with resizing, a critical step may be missed. It’s essential to clean the primer pocket and remove any lubricating oil from the case surface before seating the primer.

The quality of hand priming tools varies, but it’s also essential to utilize the correct technique when using them. The technique is just as crucial in primer seating as the primer seater used.

Scale

Today, it’s hard to recommend anything other than a digital scale for reloading use. A good digital scale makes it easier to read the measurement accurately, and most importantly, a digital scale allows you to choose the unit of measurement. In reloading, it’s always advisable to avoid converting units of measurement whenever possible, so having the option to select between grams and grains is modern. Beam scales are either/or; if your reloading recipes are in the “wrong language,” conversion is needed. Converting and calculating always increase the risk of error, so a digital scale is the most recommended option.

However, a word of caution about scales: a basic beam scale is always far better than a cheap digital scale. The prices of these inventions from Eastern online stores may be tempting, but the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements are often downright atrocious. If you load with a certain value today, the scale might show completely different readings for the same charge tomorrow. That’s why when purchasing a digital scale, it’s advisable to stick to familiar and reputable brands and avoid the cheapest setups.

One good alternative to a digital scale is an automatic powder dispenser, which includes both a scale and a dispenser. With such equipment, you achieve two goals at once: precise powder dispensing and weighing. You input the desired charge weight into the machine, and the machine dispenses the charge into the pan. This method is easy, precise, and reasonably fast. Such devices are unparalleled, especially in the development of loads.

Bullet Seating Die

The bullet seating die is the final tool in the reloading process equipment list. These, too, can be divided into modern and traditional, with similar characteristics to the resizing dies. Traditional ones are simpler and cheaper and work just fine when loading larger quantities. However, it’s worth looking into more modern solutions for precise cartridges.

In a traditional bullet seating die, there’s a spacious sleeve where the bullet is pressed into the case mouth without any specific alignment of the case. The seating stem typically pushes the bullet to the desired depth, often by contacting the bullet tip or the edge of the stem. Common issues with these seating dies include bullets seating crookedly and variations in bullet seating depth. Nothing ensures that the case is straight in relation to the die, nor does anything guarantee that the bullet is seated straight into the case.

Modern bullet seating dies feature a caliber-specific spring-loaded sleeve that matches the shape of the cartridge case. This sleeve includes a bullet-sized guide that aligns the bullet straight with the case. Thus, the sleeve continuously guides the bullet and case, and the bullet seats into the case straight, without the possibility of misalignment. This significantly improves the consistency and accuracy of the cartridges, often reducing the occurrence of unexplained inconsistencies in the cartridges that show as flyers on the target.

While bullet seating may not be as crucial for loading large game cartridges, it’s still a factor where the tool’s quality affects the reloading outcome’s quality. When the tool has the potential to influence the consistency of the outcome, it’s worth investing in it. Precise reloading instills confidence, and confidence in the equipment used enhances performance. Success in reloading also instills confidence in the reloader, as it’s not uncommon for beginners to feel discouraged when their goals aren’t met at the outset.

What about the powder measure?

Just as discussions about reloading revolve around the powder charge, many people persistently consider a powder measure as a necessary piece of equipment. This holds when loading large batches or preparing, for example, a weekly training session for shooting practice. While a powder measure can undoubtedly be used when reloading hunting cartridges with performance in mind, its role should be viewed differently compared to what we’re used to. The use of powder measures always involves their throwing accuracy. The thrown charge varies depending on the charge weight, the type of powder used, the powder measure itself, and the hand operating the measure. With some combinations, throwing accuracy can be raised to a high level, but particularly with large granular powders, there is often room for improvement in throwing accuracy. This slight lack of throwing accuracy is of little consequence when loading practice cartridges, whose pressure levels are within the golden mean of loading tables.

However, when moving into the vicinity of firearm-specific maximum pressures, the accuracy of the powder charge becomes more significant. A typical mistake in reloading is as follows: a load is carefully developed, and once it approaches the firearm-specific pressure maximum, the reloading process is moved to “mass production.” Some loads end up with too much powder when using a powder measure due to the measure’s throwing error. The error doesn’t even have to be large if the pressure level of the load is near the upper limit for smooth firearm operation. When seeking precise cartridges, it also happens that if the ”window” of the load, i.e., the area of accurate operation, is narrow, the measure’s throw is enough to cause the group to spread. Thus, a load that worked well in testing loses accuracy due to the measure’s throws.

Instead of using a powder measure in small reloading batches, it’s advisable to either use an automatic powder dispenser and scale combination or to individually weigh the charges using a scale, powder scoop, and trickler. This isn’t very slow, and often, reloading small batches takes the same time as adjusting the powder measure and dispensing with it.

Reloading Supplies

In addition to the main accessories mentioned above, the number of products needed in reloading is relatively limited. In conjunction with resizing, either case wax, grease, or oil is needed to prevent the case from sticking in the resizing die. The choice of lubricant usually depends on the number of cartridges being loaded. Spray case lubes are popular among mass loaders, as they expedite and facilitate the even and rapid lubrication of large quantities of cases. Previously, a common method of lubricating cases was to use an oiling pad where cases were rolled, but nowadays, a more popular method is to use wax or grease applied to the case with fingers, providing a convenient and uniform lubrication. It’s worth considering the quantity of cartridges being loaded; if you’re making small batches of hunting cartridges, it’s easiest to use substances that don’t require separate trays or containers.

After resizing, cases need to be cleaned of the lubricant used. This prevents the lubricant from entering the cartridge case, which could cause various problems, including difficulties interpreting pressure signs on the case. Cleaning solvent and a cloth or paper are required for this task. A grease-free case is an essential part of the reloading process.

During case trimming, the case mouths must be deburred inside and out. This can be done with a standard hand deburring tool, which is used to rotate the case mouth clean. There are more precise tools available for this task, but experienced reloaders can remove burrs adequately with manual tools. While this step can be avoided with trimmers featuring 3-in-1 blades, since we’re still dealing with small reloading quantities, such tools may not necessarily be needed. After trimming, the next step is seating the primer into the case, but first, the primer pocket should be cleaned. This facilitates primer seating (as primers often leave residue) and improves ignition. Effective and affordable tools are available for cleaning and removing residue from the primer pocket.

A caliper is a tool that is constantly needed in reloading. It’s advisable to acquire a high-quality caliper and take special care of this tool. A caliper is necessary for measuring cases during the trimming phase and determining the overall length of loaded cartridges. Additionally, it’s recommended to get an attachment for the caliper that allows measuring the ogive of the bullet, i.e., the sides of the bullet’s tip. Bullets often have variation at the tips, which can interfere with reloading. Hence, an ogive measurement is more repeatable and precise, although it’s not the same as the cartridge’s overall length.

Personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves, is worth mentioning. It’s advisable to always wear nitrile gloves, thin cotton gloves, or thin mechanic gloves on your hands. This doesn’t reduce the need for hand hygiene after reloading, but it prevents the skin from contacting various substances.

In the following parts of the RIISTA reloading school, reloading will be discussed step by step from start to finish.