If you are an avid gun user, you may be spending a lot of money on ammo. Did you know you can save money by reloading spent casings? Competition shooters, hunters, and casual gun lovers all can benefit from reusing shells. There are four easy steps to reloading your ammo.
1. Clean the Casings
First things first, you’ll want to start with a clean 45 brass once fired. You can purchase clean brass, or clean your own. This can be time-consuming and loud, as the best way to clean casings are in a tumbler. This is an important step to ensure your ammo fires safely.
2. Resize the Casing
The brass you are using may need to be resized. Using specific tools, you can remove dents or trim too-long casings. Doing this early in the reloading process will save you headaches later and ensure the rest of the pieces fit into your ammo.
3. Replace Primer
The primer is the part of the bullet that begins the whole firing process. It will need to be replaced to fire properly. You can pull out the old primer, clean the housing, and then place a new primer. There are hand tools that can help you with this process.
4. Add Gunpowder
There are several types of gunpowder. You will want to choose the type that is best for the caliber you are shooting. You should also consider how you plan to shoot, whether for hunting or competition purposes. Once you have decided on what gunpowder to use, you should look up how much is needed for your caliber of casings. Then, using a powder measuring tool, add the gunpowder.
5. Add Bullet
The final step is to add your new bullet. This will need to be seated in the casing and requires specific tools. You will need a press to properly secure the bullet. Once the bullet is added, you are ready to fire.