The Joy of Reloading for Competition

Introduction

We kick off the video by introducing the concept of reloading and why it’s particularly beneficial for those involved in competitive shooting like Tactical Games. Reloading allows you to customize your ammunition for better performance and can also save you money in the long run.

Entry-Level Reloading Equipment

Before you start reloading, you’ll need to gather some essential equipment. We’re using a basic, entry-level setup to demonstrate how you can get started without spending too much. Here’s what we’re using:

Hornady 115-grain full metal jacket bullets: Perfect for both practice and competition, these bullets are cost-effective and reliable.
Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool: A user-friendly and affordable tool for priming your cases.
Lee die set: Essential for sizing and seating your bullets. Lee dies are known for their quality and durability.
Hodgdon powder: Consistent and widely available, this powder is a favorite among reloaders.
Case check gauge: This tool ensures that your cases are properly sized for safe and reliable reloading.

We discuss each piece of equipment in detail, explaining why it’s important and how it fits into the reloading process.

Setting Up the Reloading Press

The first practical step in reloading is setting up your press. We’re using a Lee single-stage press, which is ideal for beginners because it allows you to focus on one step at a time.
We start by adjusting the sizing die so that it meets the top of the brass case when the ram is raised. This step is crucial for ensuring that your brass is correctly sized, which helps ensure that your rounds will chamber smoothly and safely in your firearm.

Sizing and De-Priming Brass

With the press set up, the next step is to size and de-prime your brass. Even if you’re working with new brass, we recommend running it through the sizing die. This step helps ensure consistency, which is key to producing reliable ammunition.
As you run the brass through the die, you’ll hear the spent primer pop out. At this point, it’s a good idea to check the primer pocket to make sure it’s clean and slightly recessed, which helps ensure reliable ignition during competition.

Priming the Cases

Next, we need to add a new primer to the case. We’re using the Frankford Arsenal hand priming tool for this step. It’s important to load the primers correctly, with the anvil side facing up. A little trick we use is to twirl the primers on the tray to flip them the right way.
When priming, make sure to wear eye protection and keep the tool pointed away from your face. After priming, check the depth to ensure it’s flush with the case. This step is critical for reliable ignition when you’re out on the range.

Checking Primer Depth

After priming, run your finger across the primer to make sure it’s seated properly. If it’s sticking out above the case, you’ll need to adjust the depth. Proper primer seating is key to avoiding misfires or light strikes during competition.

Flaring the Case Mouth

For straight-wall cases like 9mm, you’ll need to flare the case mouth slightly to seat the bullet properly. We use a Lee powder through expander die for this step. It’s important to flare the case just enough to hold the bullet, but not too much, as over-flaring can shorten the life of your brass.

Adding Powder and Seating the Bullet

Now that the cases are prepped, it’s time to add powder and seat the bullet. We’re using an electronic powder dispenser to measure out the powder, but a traditional scale works just as well. After the powder is added, we use the seating die to press the bullet into the case.

Final Checks and Quality Control

Before considering the reloading process complete, it’s important to conduct a final check on each round. Use the case check gauge to ensure the rounds are the correct size and will chamber properly in your firearm. This step is crucial for safety and performance.

Tips for Consistency and Reliability

Reloading is all about consistency. We share some tips on how to maintain uniformity in your reloads, which is key to achieving reliable performance during competitions. This includes checking primer depth, using consistent powder charges, and regularly inspecting your equipment.

Alternative Equipment and Budget Options

We understand that everyone’s budget is different, so we discuss some alternative equipment options that can help you get started without spending too much. Whether it’s choosing a different brand of dies or opting for a manual powder measure, there are plenty of ways to customize your setup to fit your needs.

Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Reloading can seem overwhelming at first, but by breaking it down into manageable steps and working with the right tools, it becomes much more accessible. We hope this guide has given you the confidence to start reloading your own ammunition for Tactical Games or any other competition. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to us. Happy reloading!