Handloading or reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components (case/shotshell, primer, powder, and bullet/shot), rather than purchasing completely assembled factory loaded cartridges. Generally only Boxer-primed cases (see internal ballistics) are reloaded.^[1]. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 175 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (480 × 1639 pixel, file size: 177 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 175 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (480 × 1639 pixel, file size: 177 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... A Glock 22 hand-held firearm with internal laser sight and mounted flashlight, surrounded by hollowpoint ammunition. ... Rimmed, centerfire . ... The percussion cap or primer was the crucial invention that enabled firearms to fire in any weather. ... Internal ballistics, a subfield of ballistics, is the study of a projectiles behavior from the time its propellants igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel. ...

Reasons for handloading

Economy and increased accuracy/performance are the common motivations for handloading cartridges. Reloading fired cases can save shooters a significant amount of money. Hunters may desire cartridges with specialized slugs or specific performance as regards bullet velocity. Target shooters seek the best achievable accuracy, as well as the best shot-to-shot consistency. Many handloaders customize their cartridges to their specific firearms, usually in pursuit of accuracy: they can assemble precision ammunition using cartridge cases that have been fire-formed in the chamber of a specific firearm^[1]. Hunting is, in its most general sense, the pursuit of a target. ... A bullet is a solid projectile propelled by a firearm or air gun and is normally made from metal (usually lead). ... In physics, velocity is defined as the rate of change of displacement or the rate of displacement. ... The shooting sports include those competitive sports involving tests of proficiency (accuracy and speed) using various types of guns such as firearms and airguns (see Archery for more information on shooting sports that make use of bows and arrows). ... A wildcat cartridge, or wildcat, is a custom cartridge for which ammunition and firearms are not mass produced. ...

Collectors of obsolete firearms often have to handload because cartridges are no longer commercially produced. Handloaders can also create cartridges for which there are no commercial equivalents, such as wildcat cartridges^[1]. As with any hobby, the pure enjoyment of the reloading process may be the most important benefit. A wildcat cartridge, or wildcat, is a custom cartridge for which ammunition and firearms are not mass produced. ...

There are three aspects to ballistics: internal ballistics, external ballistics, and terminal ballistics. Internal ballistics refers to things which happen inside the firearm during and after firing but before the bullet leaves the muzzle. The handloading process can realize increased accuracy and precision through improved consistency of manufacture, by selecting the optimal weight and profile of the bullet, and tailoring the velocity of the bullet. Each cartridge re-loaded can have each component carefully matched to the rest of the cartridges in the batch. Brass cases can be matched by volume and weight, bullets by weight and bearing surface, powder charges by weight, type, and case filling (the amount of empty space between the top of the charge and the base of the bullet). In addition to these items that are considered critical, the equipment used to assemble the cartridge also have an effect on its uniformity/consistency and optimal shape/size; dies used to size the cartridges can be matched to a given weapon's chamber. Modern handloading equipment enables a firearm owner to tailor fresh ammunition to a specific firearm, and to precisely-measured tolerances far exceeding the comparatively wide tolerances within which commercial ammunition manufacturers operate. Where the most extreme accuracy is demanded, such as in rifle benchrest shooting, handloading is a fundamental prerequisite for success^[1]. Ballistics (gr. ... Internal ballistics, a subfield of ballistics, is the study of a projectiles behavior from the time its propellants igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel. ... External ballistics is the part of ballistics tht refers to the behavior of a bullet after it exits the barrel and before it hits the target. ... Terminal ballistics, a sub-field of ballistics, is the study of the behavior of a projectile when it hits its target. ... A die is a tool used in the manufacturing industry to create a wide variety of products and components. ... Benchrest shooting is a sport in which very accurate rifles are shot at paper targets from a rest or bench from a sitting position. ...

Equipment

The basic piece of equipment for handloading is the press. A press is a device that uses compound leverage to push the cases into the dies that perform the loading operations^[1]. Presses vary from simple, inexpensive single stage models, to complex progressive models that will eject a loaded cartridge with each pull of a lever, at rates of 10 rounds a minute{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]].. Leverage is related to torque; leverage is a factor by which lever multiplies a force. ... Look up die in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Hornady single stage reloading press with die

Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 356 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (1632 × 2743 pixel, file size: 540 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 356 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (1632 × 2743 pixel, file size: 540 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Presses

Single stage presses are the simplest. They perform one step on one case at a time. When using a single stage press, cases are loaded in batches, one step per batch at a time. Batches should be kept small, about 50 cases at a time, so that a batch is never left in a partially completed state. Once a case is charged with powder, it should be finished as soon as possible, since high humidity can degrade the powder.^[1]

Progressive presses handle several shells at once, with each pull of the lever performing a single step on all the cases at once. Progressive presses hold all the dies needed, plus a powder measure and a primer feed, and often also include an additional station where the powder levels are checked, to prevent over or under charges. Progressive presses also often feature case feeds that will hold hundreds of cases to be loaded, and all the user has to do is hold the bullet in place over the appropriate case mouth, and pull the lever.{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]].

Shotshell presses are a special case, and are generally a single unit that handles all functions. Shotshell reloading is similar to cartridge reloading, except that instead of a bullet, a wadding and a measure of shot are used, and after loading the shot, the shell is crimped shut. The shotshell loader contains stations to resize the shell, measure powder, load the wad, measure shot, and crimp the shell.{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]]. Due to the low cost of modern plastic shotshells, and the additional complexity of reloading fired shells, shotshell handloading is not as popular as cartridge handloading.{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]].

Dies

Reloading dies and shell holders for 7.5mm Swiss

Dies are generally sold in sets of two or three dies, depending on the shape of the case. A three die set is needed for straight cases, while a two die set is used for bottlenecked cases. The first die of either set performs the sizing and decapping operation. The middle die in a three die set is used to expand the case mouth of straight cases, while in a two die set the entire neck is expanded as the case is extracted from the first die. The last die in the set seats the bullet and may apply a crimp. Special crimping dies are often used to apply a stronger crimp after the bullet is seated^[1]. Progressive presses often use an additional "die" to meter powder into the case (though it is arguably not a real die as it does not shape the case){{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]].. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 425 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1123 × 1584 pixel, file size: 354 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 425 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1123 × 1584 pixel, file size: 354 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Standard dies are made from hardened steel, and require that the case be lubricated, for the resizing operation, which requires a large amount of force. Rifle cartridges require lubrication of every case, due to the large amound of force required, while smaller, thinner handgun cartridges can get away with alternating lubricated and unlubricated cases. Carbide dies have a ring of tungsten carbide, which is far harder and slicker than tool steel, and so carbide dies do not require lubrication^[1]. The term hardened steel is often used for a medium or high carbon steel that has been given the heat treatments of quenching followed by tempering. ... Monotungsten carbide, WC, or Ditungsten Carbide, W2C, is a chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon, similar to titanium carbide. ...

Modern reloading dies are generally standardized with 7/8-14 (or, for the case of .50 BMG dies, with 1-1/4x12) threads and are interchangeable with all common brands of presses, although older dies may use other threads and be press-specific. .50 BMG rounds and 20MM Vulcan round, with a golf ball and a stick of RAM posed to provide scale. ...

Dies for bottle neck cases usually are supplied in sets of at least two dies, though sometimes a third is added for crimping. This is an extra operation and is not needed unless, a gun's magazine or action design requires crimped ammunition for safe operation, such as autoloading firearms, where the cycling of the action may push the bullet back in the case, resulting in poor accuracy and increased pressures^[1]. Three dies are normally supplied for straight walled cases, with an optional fourth die for crimping. Crimps may be taper crimps, suitable for rimless cartridges used in autloaders, or roll crimps, best for rimmed cartridges used in revolvers^[1].

There are also some specialty dies worth mentioning. Bump dies are designed to move the shoulder of a bottleneck case back just a bit to facilitate chambering. These are frequently used in conjunction with neck dies, as the bump die itself does not manipulate the neck of the case whatsoever. A bump die can be a very useful tool to anyone who owns a fine shooting rifle with a chamber that is cut to minimum headspace dimensions, as the die allows the case to be fitted to this unique chamber. Another die is the hand die, typically produced by Wilson. A hand die has no threads and is operated - as the name suggests - by hand or by use of a hand operated arbor press. Hand dies are available for most popular cartridges, and although available as full-length resizing dies, they are most commonly seen as neck sizing dies. They typically use an interchangeable insert to size the neck, and these inserts come in .001 steps so that the user can custom fit the neck of the case to his own chamber or have greater control over neck tension on the bullet{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]]..

Shellholders

A shellholder, generally sold separately, is needed to hold the case in place as it is forced into and out of the dies. The reason shellholders are sold separately is that many cartridges share the same base dimensions, and a single shellholder can service many different cases. Shellholders are also specialized, and will generally only fit a certain make of reloading press, while modern dies are standardized and will fit a wide variety of presses^[1].

Scale

Hornady Powder Scale

A precision scale is a near necessity for reloading. While it is possible to load using nothing but a powder measure and a weight to volume conversion chart, this greatly limits the precision with which a load can be adjusted, and the variation inherent in measuring by volume means that maximum or near maximum loads should be avoided. With a powder scale, an adjustable powder measure can be calibrated more precisely for the powder in question, and spot checks can be made during loading to make sure that the measure is not drifting. With a powder trickler, a charge can be measured directly into the scale, giving the most accurate measure^[1]. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 324 pixelsFull resolution (2837 × 1148 pixel, file size: 520 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 324 pixelsFull resolution (2837 × 1148 pixel, file size: 520 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

A scale also allows bullets and cases to be sorted by weight, which can increase consistency further. Sorting bullets by weight has obvious benefits, as each set of matched bullets will perform more consistently. Sorting cases by weight is done to group cases by case wall thickness, and match cases with similar interior volumes. Military cases, for example, tend to be thicker, while cases that have been reloaded numerous times will have thinner walls due to brass flowing forward under firing, and excess case length being later trimmed from the case mouth.

Both balance scales and electronic scales are available, and while electronic scales are easier to use (and generally have English to metric unit conversions) the balance scales can be more accurate for a skilled user, as they let the user discern differences of less than the stated accuracy of the scale. The simplicity of their construction is often reassuring when compared with the complexity of an electronic scale, which may not give any visible clues to defects or loss of calibration should that occur. Such reassurance is greatly valued when dealing with handloads, since the dangers posed by a badly-charged round are severe.

Priming tool

RCBS Priming Tool

Single stage presses often don't provide an easy way to prime cases. Various add-on tools can be used for priming the case on the down-stroke, or a separate tool can be used. Since cases loaded with a single stage press are done in steps, with the die being changed between steps, a purpose made priming tool is often faster than trying to integrate a priming step to a press step. A purpose made tool is also often more consistent than a model that fits on a single stage press, resulting in a more consistent primer seating depth^[1]. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 716 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1750 × 1465 pixel, file size: 404 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 716 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1750 × 1465 pixel, file size: 404 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Powder measure

Hornady Powder Measure

Beginning reloading kits often include a weight to volume conversion chart for a selection of common powders, and a set of powder volume measures graduated in small increments. By adding the various measures of powder a desired charge can be measured out with a safe degree of accuracy. However, since multiple measures of powder are often needed, and since powder lots may vary slightly in density, a scale accurate to 0.1 grain (6 mg) is desirable^[1]. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 267 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1131 × 2540 pixel, file size: 319 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 267 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1131 × 2540 pixel, file size: 319 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Bullet puller

Impact Bullet Puller from RCBS

Like any complex process, mistakes in handloading are easy to make, and it's far better to be safe and re-do a questionable step than to hope things will come out all right. A bullet puller is the answer to the question of what to do with the mistakes. Most pullers use inertia to pull the bullet; they are shaped like hammers, and the case is locked in place inside. A sharp blow on a hard surface will suddenly stop the case, and the inertia of the heavy bullet will pull it free of the case in a few blows. The bullet and powder are trapped in the bullet puller, and can be reused (though powder should not be, as it may mix with other types from previously unloaded cartridges). Minor scoring on the bullet as a result of the original seating may not look aesthetically pleasing, but most research indicates these bullets are every bit as accurate as pristine bullets. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 316 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (845 × 1600 pixel, file size: 322 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 316 × 598 pixelsFull resolution (845 × 1600 pixel, file size: 322 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... This article is about inertia as it applies to local motion. ...

Primers are a more problematic issue. If a primer is not seated deeply enough, the cartridge (if loaded) can be pulled, and the primer re-seated with the seating tool. Primers that must be removed are best deactivated first--either firing the primed case in the appropriate firearm, or soaking in oil will achieve this (oil is used because most primers are designed to be water resistant.)

Case Trimmer

Hornady Manual Case Trimmer

Cases, espeically bottleneck cases, will stretch upon firing. How much stretch is based on load pressure, cartridge design, chamber size, and other variables. Periodically cases need to be trimmed to bring them back into proper specifications. Most reloading manuals list both a trim size and a max length. Long cases can create a safety hazard through improper headspace and possible increased pressure^[1]. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 323 pixelsFull resolution (2861 × 1155 pixel, file size: 522 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 323 pixelsFull resolution (2861 × 1155 pixel, file size: 522 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Several kinds of case trimmers are available. Die-based trimmers allow you to put a case into the press as when reloading, but the top of the die is open and a file is used to trim any excess length. Manual trimmers usually have a base that has a shellholder at one end and a cutting bit at the opposite end, with a locking mechanism to hold the case tight and in alignment with the axis of the cutter, similar to a small lathe. Typically the devices is cranked by hand, but sometimes they have attachments to allow the use of a drill or powered screwdriver. Completely powered case trimmers are also available. They usually consist of a motor and special dies or fittings that hold the case to be trimmed at the appropriate length, letting the motor do the work of trimming{{{author}}}, {{{title}}}, [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]]..

Materials required

223 Remington brass

The following materials are needed for handloading ammunition^[1]: Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 486 pixelsFull resolution (1313 × 798 pixel, file size: 349 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 486 pixelsFull resolution (1313 × 798 pixel, file size: 349 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

• Cases or shotshell hulls. For shotshells, plastic or paper cases can be reloaded, though plastic is more durable. Steel and aluminum cases do not have the correct qualities for reloading, so a brass case is essential (although nickel plated brass cases, while not as reformable as plain brass, can also be reloaded)
• Gun powder of an appropriate type. Generally, handgun cartridges and shotshells use faster powders, rifle cartridges use slower powder. Powder is generally of the 'smokeless' type in modern cartridges, although on occasion the older 'black' powder more commonly known as 'gunpowder' may be used.
• Bullets, or shot and wads for shotshells.
• Primers

Case lubricant may also be needed, depending on the dies used. Firearm brass is the case portion of an ammunition cartridge which holds the other components together. ... A shotgun shell is a self-contained cartridge loaded with shot or a slug designed to be fired from a shotgun. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Paper (disambiguation). ... The steel cable of a colliery winding tower. ... Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... A Browning 9 millimeter Hi-Power Ordnance pistol of the French Navy, 19th century, using a Percussion cap mechanism Derringers were small and easily hidden. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A bullet is a solid projectile propelled by a firearm or air gun and is normally made from metal (usually lead). ... The percussion cap or primer was the crucial invention that enabled firearms to fire in any weather. ...

Reloading process

The operations performed when handloading are^[1]:

• Case cleaning (optional, recommended for fired cases)
• Case inspection (look for cracks or other defects; discard visibly imperfect cases. Bent case mouths may be repaired during resizing)
• Lubricate cases (carbide dies do not require lubrication)
• Size/Resize the case (for previously fired cases, primer is pressed out in this step with most die sets)
• Ream or swage crimp from primer pocket (reloading military cases only)
• Measure and trim the case length (as needed; rarely required with handgun cases)
• Clean primer pocket (optional; primer pockets will have deposits from combustion)
• Deburr, ream case mouth and size case neck (optional, as-needed; trimmed cases need to be deburred)
• Expand or chamfer case mouth (not required with boattail rifle bullets)
• Clean the lubricant from the cases
• Seat a new primer (primer pockets may become loose after multiple loadings; lack of effort required to seat new primer indicates a loose primer pocket, and case should be discarded)
• Add a measured amount of powder (critical step; Incorrect powder charges are extremely dangerous)
• Seat the bullet in the case
• Crimp the bullet in place (optional; some may hold the bullet with neck tension alone)
• Cartridge inspection

Case Tumbler

When previously-fired cases are used, they must be inspected before loading. Cases that are dirty or tarnished are often polished in a tumbler to remove oxidation and allow easier inspection of the case. Cleaning in a tumbler will also clean the interior of cases, which is often considered important for handloading high-precision target rounds. Cracked necks, non-reloadable cases (steel, aluminum, or Berdan primed cases), and signs of head separation are all reasons to reject a case. Cases are measured for length, and any that are over the recommended length are trimmed down to the minimum length. Competition shooters will also sort cases by brand and weight to ensure consistency^[1]. Look up ream in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Swaging is a metal forming technique in which the metal is plastically deformed to its final shape using high pressures. ... Crimp or crimping can mean: Crimp (gambling) Crimp (wool) Crimp (joining) Crimp (recruitment) Crimp (climbing) Grain crimping Hair crimping Crimping Pliers This is a disambiguation page — a list of articles associated with the same title. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 594 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1956 × 1974 pixel, file size: 577 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 594 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1956 × 1974 pixel, file size: 577 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... The most fundamental reactions in chemistry are the redox processes. ...

Removal of the primer, called decapping, is usually done with a die containing a steel pin that punches out the primer. Berdan primed cases require a different technique, either a hydraulic ram or a hook that punctures the case and levers it out from the bottom. Military cases have crimped-in primers, and decapping leaves a slight ridge that inhibits seating a new primer. A reamer or a swage is used to remove this crimp^[1]. Hydraulics is a branch of science and engineering concerned with the use of liquids to perform mechanical tasks. ...

When a cartridge is fired, the internal pressure expands the case to fit the chamber in a process called obturation. To allow ease of chambering the cartridge when it is reloaded, the case is swaged back to size. Competition shooters, using bolt action rifles which are capable of camming a tight case into place, often resize only the neck of the cartridge, called neck sizing, as opposed to the normal full length resizing process. Neck sizing is only useful for cartridges to be re-fired in the same firearm, as the brass may be slightly oversized in some dimensions for other chambers, but the precise fit of case to chamber will allow greater consistency and therefore greater potential accuracy. Some believe that neck sizing will permit a larger number of reloads with a given case in contrast to full size resizing, although this is controversial. Semiautomatic rifles and rifles with SAAMI minimum chamber dimensions often require a special small base resizer, that sizes further down the case than normal dies, and allows for more reliable feeding. Obturate means to block or obstruct. ... A bolt-action firearm is one that is manually operated (i. ... A semi-automatic firearm automatically loads a round into the chamber after the weapon is fired, but still requires a trigger pull for each round that is fired. ... Saami or SAAMI can stand for: Sami peoples Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

Once the case is sized down, the inside of the neck of the case will actually be slightly smaller than the bullet diameter. To allow the bullet to be seated, the end of the neck is slightly expanded to allow the bullet to start into the case. Boattailed bullets need very little expansion, while unjacketed lead bullets require more expansion to prevent shaving of lead when the bullet is seated. For Pb as an abbreviation, see PB. General Name, Symbol, Number lead, Pb, 82 Chemical series Post-transition metals or poor metals Group, Period, Block 14, 6, p Appearance bluish gray Standard atomic weight 207. ...

Large Rifle primers

Priming the case is the most dangerous step of the loading process, since the primers are pressure sensitive. The use of safety glasses or goggles during priming operations can provide valuable protection in the rare event that an accidental detonation takes place. Seating a Boxer primer not only places the primer in the case, but it seats the anvil of the primer down onto the priming compound, in effect arming the primer. A correctly seated primer will sit slightly below the surface of the case. A primer that protrudes from the case may cause a number of problems, including what is known as a slam fire which is the firing of a case before the action is properly locked when chambering a round. This may either damage the gun, and/or injure the shooter. A protruding primer will also tend to hang when feeding, and the anvil will not be seated correctly so the primer may not fire when hit by the firing pin. Primer pockets may need to be cleaned with a primer pocket brush to remove deposits that prevent the primer from being properly seated. Berdan primers must also be seated carefully, and since the anvil is part of the case, the anvil must be inspected before the primer is seated. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 609 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (972 × 957 pixel, file size: 185 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 609 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (972 × 957 pixel, file size: 185 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... For other uses, see Anvil (disambiguation). ...

The quantity of gunpowder is specified by weight, but almost always measured by volume, especially in larger scale operations. A powder scale is needed to determine the correct volume setting for the powder measure, as loads are specified with a precision of 0.1 grain (6 mg). One grain is 1/7000 of a pound. Competition shooters will generally throw a slightly underweight charge, and use a powder trickler to add few granules of powder at a time to the charge to bring it to the exact weight desired for maximum consistency. Special care is needed when charging large capacity cases with fast burning, low volume powders. In this instance, it is possible to put two charges of powder in a case without overflowing the case, which can lead to dangerously high pressures and a significant chance of bursting the chamber of the firearm. Non-magnum revolver cartridges are the easiest to do this with, as they generally have relatively large cases, and tend to perform well with small charges of fast powders. Some powders meter (measure by volume) better than others due to the shape of each granule. When using volume to meter each charge, it is important to regularly check the charge weight on a scale throughout the process. rEVOLVEr (2004) is the fourth studio album release by Swedish thrash metal band The Haunted. ...

Competition shooters also often sort bullets by weight, often down to 0.1 grain (6 mg) increments. The bullet is placed in the case mouth by hand, and then seated with the press. At this point, the expanded case mouth is also sized back down. A crimp can optionally be added, either by the seating die or with a separate die. Taper crimps are used for cases that are held in the chamber by the case mouth, while roll crimps may be used for cases that headspace on a rim or on the cartridge neck. Roll crimps hold the bullet far more securely, and are preferred in situations, such as magnum revolvers, where recoil velocities are significant. A tight crimp also helps to delay the start of the bullet's motion, which can increase chamber pressures, and help develop full power from slower burning powders (see internal ballistics). rEVOLVEr (2004) is the fourth studio album release by Swedish thrash metal band The Haunted. ... Internal ballistics, a subfield of ballistics, is the study of a projectiles behavior from the time its propellants igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel. ...

Legal aspects

Since many countries heavily restrict the civilian possession of ammunition and ammunition components, including primers and gunpowder, handloading may be explicitly or implicitly illegal in certain countries. Even without specific restrictions on powder and primers, they may be covered under other laws governing explosive materials. In addition, there are legal liability concerns that effectively prevent large organizations such as police departments from handloading. The percussion cap or primer was the crucial invention that enabled firearms to fire in any weather. ... Smokeless powder Smokeless powder is the name given to a number of gunpowder-like propellants used in firearms which produce negligible smoke when fired, unlike the older black powder which it replaced. ... This article is concerned solely with chemical explosives. ...

Most, though not all, firearms manufacturers explicitly advise against the use of handloaded ammunition. Generally, this means that the maker's warranty is void and the manufacturer not liable for any damage to the gun or personal injury if handloaded ammunition is used. This arises because firearm manufacturers point out that while they have some influence and scope for redress with ammunition manufacturers, they have no such influence over the actions of incompetent or over-ambitious individuals who assemble ammunition.

Atypical handloading

Berdan primers, with their off-center flash holes and lack of self contained anvil, are more difficult to work with than the easily removed Boxer primers. The primers may be punctured and pried out from the rear, or extracted with hydraulic pressure. Primers must be selected carefully, as there are more sizes of Berdan primers than the standard large and small pistol, large and small rifle of Boxer primers. The case must also be inspected carefully to make sure the anvil has not been damaged, because this could result in a failure to fire^[1]. Hydraulics is a branch of science and engineering concerned with the use of liquids to perform mechanical tasks. ...

It is typically agreed that rimfire cartridges (e.g. .22 Long Rifle) are not hand-loaded, although there are some shooters that unload commercial rimfire cartridges, and use the primed case to make their own loads, or to generate special rimfire wildcat cartridges. These cartridges are highly labor intensive to produce^[2]. A rimfire is a type of firearm cartridge. ... The . ...

Some shooters desiring to reload for obsolete rimfire cartridges alter the firearm in question to function as a centerfire, which allows them to reload. Even if custom brass must be manufactured, this is often far less expensive than purchasing rare, out of production ammunition^[1]. Cartridges like the .56-50 Spencer, for example, are not readily obtainable in rimfire form, but can be made from shortened .50-70 cartridges or even purchased in loaded form from specialty dealers^[3]. The Spencer repeating rifle was a manually operated falling block, repeating rifle fed from a tube magazine with cartridges. ...

An unusual solution to the problem of obtaining ammunition for the very old pinfire cartridges is even available. This solution uses specialized cartridges that use a removable pin and anvil which hold a percussion cap of the type use in caplock firearms. To reload a fired case, the pin is removed, allowing the anvil to slide out; a percussion cap is placed in the anvil, it is re-inserted, and the pin serves to lock the anvil in place, as well as to ignite the percussion cap^[4]. A pinfire firearm cartridge is an obsolete type of brass cartridge in which the priming compound is ignited by striking a small pin which protrudes radially from just above the base of the cartridge. ...

Accuracy tips

Several different powder samples

Precision and consistency are key to developing accurate ammunition. Careful sorting of components is the first step to this; bullets should be sorted by weight, and each lot of matched bullets should be stored separately and marked with the exact weight. Each lot of cases should start new, purchased as a single lot, and stay together as they are reloaded. Powder for a lot of ammunition should come from a single can, and primers should come from the same box. If a powder measure is used, the same person should measure each load, using the same technique for every measure, since differences in technique can result in the powder packing slightly differently in the measure. If an analog scale is used, then the same person should perform all measurements, in the same light and from the same position--digital scales remove the variance in observation, but they also remove the ability to push the limits of the scale's precision. The positions of the dies and the adjustments of the powder measure should be checked periodically during loading, to make sure that the adjustments are not drifting. Carefully following these techniques will make each cartridge as much like every other as possible, and this is one of the fundamentals of accurate shooting. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 493 pixelsFull resolution (1567 × 965 pixel, file size: 362 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 493 pixelsFull resolution (1567 × 965 pixel, file size: 362 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ...

Tuning load to gun can also yield great increases in accuracy, especially for standard, non-accurized rifles. Different rifles, even of the same make and model, will often react differently to the same ammunition. The handloader is afforded a wider selection of bullet weights than can readily be found in commercially-loaded ammunition, and there are many different powders that can be used for any given cartridge. Trying a range of bullets and a variety of powders will determine what combination of bullet and powder gives the most consistent velocities and accuracies. Careful adjustment of the amount of powder can give the velocity that best fits the natural harmonics of the barrel (see accurize and internal ballistics). For ultimate accuracy and performance, the handloader also has the option of using a wildcat cartridge; wildcats are the result of shaping the cartridge and chamber themselves to a specific end, and the results push the envelope of velocity, energy, and accuracy. Most, but not all, reloads perform best when the powder selected fills 95% or more of the case (by volume). Accurizing is the process of improving the accuracy of a firearm. ... Accurizing is the process of improving the accuracy of a firearm. ... Internal ballistics, a subfield of ballistics, is the study of a projectiles behavior from the time its propellants igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel. ... A wildcat cartridge, or wildcat, is a custom cartridge for which ammunition and firearms are not mass produced. ...

While bullet weight is the most common factor in sorting bullets, it is not the only factor. Sorting by the length of the bearing surface (that area between the base of a flat-based bullet and the ogive, or the area above the base of a boattailed bullet and the ogive) often yields better performance in custom made rifles, particularly in competition firearms. The bearing surface of the bullet has a significant effect on a number of factors, including the energy required to swage the bullet into the rifling, the friction of the bullet in the bore, and most importantly, the 'jump', or the distance the bullet travels before it engages the rifling. Measuring the bearing surface requires the use of a bullet comparator and micrometer combination. Sorting by this method ensures that the amount of bullet protruding from the case after being seated is consistent across the entire population of loads, which then ensures that the distance to engage the lands of the rifling is as close to identical as is possible for each bullet. Varying the 'jump' invariably cause variations in chamber pressure which in turn affects velocity and downrange performance. This is particularly critical since the burn rate of smokeless powder is proportional to the pressure, so a slight change in pressure during the initial bullet movement can result in far greater changes as the burn continues. Sorting by bearing surface is generally done as a second step, first sorting by bullet weight (generally to within 0.1 grain (6 mg) in weight) and then sorting each weight category by bearing surface. Swaging is a metal forming technique in which the metal is plastically deformed to its final shape using high pressures. ... Smokeless powder Smokeless powder is the name given to a number of gunpowder-like propellants used in firearms which produce negligible smoke when fired, unlike the older black powder which it replaced. ...

Cost considerations

Those who reload with the primary goal of maximizing accuracy or terminal performance may end up paying more per reloaded round than for commercial ammunition--this is especially true for military calibers which are commonly available as surplus. Maximum performance, however, requires the highest quality components, which are usually the most expensive. Reloaders who reload with the primary goal of saving money on ammunition, however, can make a few tradeoffs to realize significant cost savings with a minimal sacrifice in quality.

Bullets

.270 Caliber Sierra Bullets

While the case is usually the most expensive component of a cartridge, the bullet is usually the most expensive part of the reloaded round, especially with handgun ammunition. It is also the best place to save money with handgun ammunition. This is because the bullets are used one time, and the case lasts for many reloadings. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ...

For the truly frugal, the cheapest method of obtaining bullets is to cast them. This requires a set of bullet molds, which are available from a number of sources, and a source of known quality lead. Linotype and wheelweights are often used as sources of lead, and blended together to achieve the desired Brinell hardness. Other sources of scrap lead, such as recovered bullets, lead cable sheathing, lead pipe, or even battery plates, can yield usable lead with some degree of effort, including purification and measuring of hardness. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Linotype machine. ... The Brinell scale characterises the indentation hardness of materials through the scale of penetration of an indenter, loaded on a material test-piece. ...

Other advantages of casting bullets, or swaging them from lead wire (which is pricer but avoids many quality control issues of casting) is the ability to precisely control many attributes of the resulting bullet. Custom bullet molds are available from a number of sources, allowing the handloader to pick the exact weight, shape, and diameter of the bullet to fit the cartridge, firearm, and intended use. A good example of where this is useful is for shooters of older military surplus firearms, which often exhibit widely-varying bore and groove diameters; by making bullets specifically intended for the firearm in question, accuracy of the resulting cartridges can be significantly increased.

Cast bullets are also the cheapest bullets to buy, though generally only handgun bullets are available in this form. Some firearms, such as those using polygonal rifling like Glock and H&K, advise against the use of cast bullets. For shooters who would like to shoot cast bullets, aftermarket barrels are generally available for these models with conventional rifling, and the cost of the barrel can generally be recouped in ammunition savings after a few thousand rounds. Glock is an Austrian weapons manufacturer (named after the founder Gaston Glock) founded in 1963 in Deutsch-Wagram, near Vienna, Austria. ... Heckler und Koch GmbH (H&K) is a German weapons manufacturing company famous for various series of small firearms, notably the MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 personal defense weapon and the G3 and G36 assault rifles. ...

Soft lead bullets are generally used in handguns with velocities of 1000 ft/s (300 m/s) or lower, while harder cast bullets may be used, with careful powder selection, in rifles with velocities of 2000 ft/s (600 m/s) or slightly more ^[5]. The limit is the point at which the powder gas temperature and pressure starts to melt the base of the bullet, and leave a thin coating of molten and re-solidified lead in the bore of the gun--a process called leading the bore. Cast lead bullets may also be fired in full power magnum handgun rounds like the .44 Magnum with the addition of a gas check, which is a thin zinc or copper washer or cup that is crimped over a tiny heel on the base of appropriate cast bullets. This provides protection for the base of the bullet, and allows velocities of over 1500 ft/s (450 m/s) in handguns, with little or no leading of the bore. .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda The . ... General Name, Symbol, Number zinc, Zn, 30 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 12, 4, d Appearance bluish pale gray Standard atomic weight 65. ... For other uses, see Copper (disambiguation). ...

Most shooters prefer jacketed bullets, especially in rifles and pistols. The hard jacket material, generally copper or brass, resists deformation and handles far higher pressures and temperatures than lead. Several companys offer swaging presses (both manual and hydraulic) that will manufacture on a small scale jacketed bullets that can rival or surpass the quality of commercial jacketed bullets. Two swaging equipment manufacturers offer equipment and dies designed to turn .22 Long Rifle cases into brass jackets for .22 caliber (5.56 mm) bullets^[6]. Handloaders have the choice to swage but most choose to purchase pre-made jacketed bullets, due to the obscure nature of swaging and the specialized equipment. The process of manufacturing a jacketed bullet is far more complex than for a cast bullet; first, the jacket must be punched from a metal sheet of precise thickness, filled with a premeasured lead core, and then swaged into shape with a high pressure press in multiple steps. This involved process makes jacketed bullets far more expensive on average than cast bullets. Further complicating this are the requirements for controlled expansion bullets (see terminal ballistics), which require a tight bond between the jacket and the core. Premium expanding bullets are, with match grade bullets, at the top tier in expense. For other uses, see Brass (disambiguation). ... Swaging is a metal forming technique in which the metal is plastically deformed to its final shape using high pressures. ... The . ... Terminal ballistics, a sub-field of ballistics, is the study of the behavior of a projectile when it hits its target. ...

A more economical alternative was made available to the handloader in the 1980s, the copper plated bullet^[7]. Copper plated bullets are lead bullets that are electroplated with a copper jacket. While thinner than a swaged bullet jacket, the plated jacket is far thicker than normal electroplate, and provides significant structural integrity to the bullet. Since the jacket provides the strength, soft lead can be used, which allows bullets to be swaged or cast into shape before plating. While not strong enough for most rifle cartridges, plated bullets work well in many handgun rounds, with a recommended maximum velocity of 1250 ft/s (375 m/s)^[8]. Plated bullets fall between cast and traditional jacketed bullets in price. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Electroplating is the the coating of an electrically conductive item with a layer of metal using electrical current. ...

While originally sold only to handloaders as an inexpensive substitute for jacketed bullets, the plated bullet has come far. The ammunition manufacturer Speer now offers the Gold Dot line, commercially loaded premium handgun ammunition using copper plated hollow point bullets^[9][10]. The strong bond between jacket and core created by the electroplating process makes expanding bullets hold together very well, and the Gold Dot line is now in use by many police departments^[11]. .357 Magnum rounds. ...

Maximizing case life

Digital calipers for measuring case length

Since the case is the single most expensive part of a loaded round, the more times a case can be re-used, the better. Cases that are loaded to a moderate pressure will generally last longer, as they will not be work hardened or flow under pressure as much as cases loaded to higher pressures. Use of moderate pressure loads extends the life of the case significantly, not to mention saving quite a bit of wear and tear on the barrel. Work hardening can cause cracks to occur in the neck as the hardened brass loses its malleability, and is unable to survive swaging back into shape during the resizing operation. Rifle brass tends to flow towards the neck (this is why rifle brass must be trimmed periodically) and this takes brass away from the rear of the case. Eventually, this will show as a bright ring near the base of the cartridge, just in front of the thick web of brass at the base. If brass is used after this ring appears, it risks a crack, or worse, a complete head separation, which will leave the forward portion of the brass lodged in the chamber of the gun. This generally requires a special stuck case removal tool to extract, so it is very undesirable to have a head separation. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 395 pixelsFull resolution (2369 × 1171 pixel, file size: 517 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 395 pixelsFull resolution (2369 × 1171 pixel, file size: 517 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Work hardening, or strain hardening, is an increase in mechanical strength due to plastic deformation. ...

With bottlenecked cartridge cases, choosing the right sizing die can also have an impact. Full length sizing of cartridges is often thought to greatly shorten case life by work hardening the full length of the case, which can cause the case to split, although some studies show that the number of reloads possible with a case is essentially the same for either full length sizing as for neck sizing only. If the reloaded cartridges are going to be used in the same firearm in which they were previously fired, though, and if that firearm has a bolt action or other action with a strong camming action on closing, then full length resizing may not be needed. A collet neck sizing die can be used to size just the case neck enough to hold the bullet, and leaves the rest of the case unsized. The resulting cartridge should be able to fit back into the specific rifle that previously fired it, though the fit will be tight and require more force to chamber than a full length resized case, especially on rifles with factory chambers which tend to be out of round to begin with. The use of a neck sizing die in conjunction with moderate pressure loads may extend the life of the case significantly by minimizing the amount of case that is work hardened. One final form of limiting case wear is, unfortunately, limited strictly to benchrest shooters with custom-cut chambers. The chamber of these rifles is cut so that there is just enough room, typically just a few thousands of an inch, in the neck area. The result of using this type of chamber is that fired rounds don't require any resizing whatsoever once the case is fired. The brass will 'spring back' a bit after firing, and will properly hold a new bullet without further manipulation. Some refer to this as a 'fitted' neck, however it is a function of both the carefully cut precision neck and the case adjusted to fit with very little clearance.

Work hardening happens to all cases, even low pressure handgun cases. The sudden increase in pressure upon firing hits the brass like a hammer, changing its crystalline structure and making it more brittle. The neck of the case, if it becomes too brittle, will be incapable of standing the strain of resizing, expanding, crimping, and firing, and will split during loading or firing. While a neck split during firing is not a significant danger, a split neck will render the case incapable of holding the bullet in place, so the case must be discarded or recycled as a wildcat cartridge of shorter overall length, allowing the split section to be removed.

The simplest way to decrease the effects of work hardening is to decrease the pressure in the case. Loading to the minimum power level listed in the reloading manual, instead of the maximum, can significantly increase case life. Slower powders generally also have lower pressure peaks. If the manual lists pressures for each load given, then pick a powder and load that gives a low peak pressure.

Annealing brass to make it softer and less brittle is fairly easy, but annealing cartridge cases is a more complex matter. Since the base of the case must be hard, it cannot be annealed. What is needed is a form of heat treatment called differential hardening, where heat is carefully applied to part of the case until the desired softness is reached, and then the heat treatment process is halted by rapidly cooling the case. Since annealing brass requires heating it to about 660 F (350 C), the heating must be done in such a way as to prevent the base of the case from being heated and losing its hardness. The traditional way is to stand the cases in a shallow pan full of water, then heat the necks of the cases with a torch, but this method makes it difficult to get an even heating of the entire case neck. A better method according to some is to mark the case (with the head standing in water) with a 660 F (350 C) temperature sensitive crayon at the point to which it is to be annealed (just behind the shoulder for bottlenecked cartridges, near the bullet seating depth for straight wall cartridges). Latch the cartridge base into a holder, such as a shell holder, that will securely hold it while you spin the case. Place the neck of the case in a propane torch flame, and heat it until the crayon mark changes color, indicating the correct temperature--the surface of the brass will also attain a bluish shade as it oxidizes slightly due to the heat. Once the correct temperature is reached, quickly quench the entire case in water to stop the annealing process and to prevent the heat from reaching the base of the case. Attempting to do this entirely in air, without standing the case in water, will most likely anneal the case near the head, softening the case where it must be hard to function properly, as the heat flow will reach the head before the quenching can be done.^[12] Annealing, in metallurgy and materials science, is a heat treatment wherein a material is altered, causing changes in its properties such as strength and hardness. ... Heat treatment is a method used to alter the physical, and sometimes chemical, properties of a material. ... A differential hardening is a method used in forging swords and knives to increase the hardness of the edge. ... Propane is a three-carbon alkane, normally a gas, but compressible to a liquid that is transportable. ...

Cases that have small cracks at the neck may not be a complete loss. Many cartridges, both commercial and wildcats, can be made by shortening a longer cartridge. For example, a .223 Remington can be shortened to become a .222 Remington, which can further be shortened to become a .221 Fireball. .30-06 Springfield can become .308 Winchester, which can become .308 x 1.5 or any number of specialized benchrest shooting cartridges. Since the cracking is likely due to a brittle neck, the cases should be annealed before attempting to reform them, or the crack may propagate and ruin the newly-formed shorter case as well. A wildcat cartridge, or wildcat, is a custom cartridge for which ammunition and firearms are not mass produced. ... The . ... The . ... The Remington XP-100 (from eXperimental Pistol number 100) is a bolt action pistol produced by Remington Arms from 1963 to 1998. ... .30-06 Springfield cartridge specifications. ... NATO 7. ... Benchrest shooting is a sport in which very accurate rifles are shot at paper targets from a rest or bench from a sitting position. ...

Minimizing powder cost

Powder is another significant cost of reloading, and one over which the handloader has significant control. In addition to the obvious step of using a minimum charge, rather than a full power one, significant cost savings may be obtained through careful powder choice. Given the same bullet and cartridge, a faster burning powder will generally use a smaller charge of powder than required with a slower powder. For example, Accurate Arms lists 5 powders as suitable for a .44 Magnum firing a 240 grain lead semi-wadcutter. AA #2 is a very fast pistol powder, while AA #9 is a very slow pistol powder, and loads are listed for both of these. The minimum loads listed are 9.0 grains (0.6 g) of AA #2 for a velocity of 1126 ft/s (343 m/s), and 19.5 grains (1.3 g) of #9 for 1364 ft/s (416 m/s). The difference is 777 loads per pound (1710/kg) for AA #2, and 358 loads per pound (789/kg) for AA #9. All the Accurate Arms pistol powders cost the same per pound, about US$16, so the difference is US$0.0206 vs. US$0.0447, equating to over 2 cents per round. Where the tradeoff comes is in terms of power and accuracy; AA #2 is designed for small cases, and will burn inconsistently in the large .44 Magnum case. AA #9, however, will fill the case much better, and the slow burn rate of AA #9 is ideal for magnum handgun rounds, producing 20% higher velocities (at maximum levels) while still producing less pressure than the fast burning AA #2. A medium burning powder might actually be a better choice, as it would split the difference in powder weights while delivering more power and accuracy than the fastest powder^[13]. .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda The . ...

One solution that is applicable to revolvers in particular is the possibility of using a reduced-volume case. Cartridges such as .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum are just longer versions of their parent rounds of .38 Special and .44 Special, and the shorter rounds will fire in the longer chambers with no problems. The reduced case capacity allows greater accuracy with even lighter loads. A .44 Special loaded with a minimum load of AA #2 uses only 4.2 grains (270 mg) of powder, and produces a modest 771 ft/s (235 m/s). rEVOLVEr (2004) is the fourth studio album release by Swedish thrash metal band The Haunted. ... “.357” redirects here. ... .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda The . ... Left to right: .38 Special, .17 HMR and . ... The . ...

External links

• The Firearm FAQ on Reloading, A walkthrough of the reloading process, with instructional videos.
• Varmint Al's Reloading Page

Other resources

Ballistics

• Powley Computer
• Muzzle Energy Calculator

Cartridge Information

• Cartridges of the World 8th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, DBI Books, 1997, ISBN 0-87349-178-5
• Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders vol I, Book by P.O. Ackley; Plaza Publishing, 1962, ISBN 978-9992948811
• Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders vol II, Book by P.O. Ackley; Plaza Publishing, 1966, ASIN B000BGII48
• The Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions, Book by John J. Donnelly, Stoeger Publishing, 1987, ISBN 978-0883172698
• Designing and Forming Custom Cartridges, Book by Ken Howell, Precision Shooting, 1995, ISBN 0-9643623-0-9
• Cartridge Dimensions at Steves Pages
• Cartridge Dimensions at 6mmBR.com
• Cartridge history, loading, and dimensions at ReloadBench.com

Reloading

Accurate (2000). Accurate Smokeless Powders Loading Guide, Number Two (Revised), Prescott, AZ: Wolfe Publishing. Barcode 94794 00200. 

• Accurate Online load data
• Barnes Reloading Manual Number 3; Edited by Dave Scovill, LP, 2001
• Black Powder Handbook & Loading Manual, 2nd Edition; Book by Sam Fadala, Lyman Publications, 2001 UPC #011516971005
• Handloads.com
• Hodgdon Online Reloading Info
• Hornady (2003). Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 6th Edition, vol I, Grand Island, NE, USA: Hornady Mfg Co. * Lapua Shooting and Reloading Manual 2nd Edition; Book by Nammo Lapua, LP, 2000, ISBN 951-97156-2-2
• Waters, Ken, Ken Waters' Notebook, Wolfe Publishing Co, 2006, ISBN 1-879356-61-9
• Modern Reloading; Book by Richard Lee, LP, 1996
• Nosler, Inc. (2002). [www.nosler.com Nosler Reloading Guide], 5th Edition, Bend, OR, USA: Nosler, Inc.. Barcode 54041 50005. 
• Sierra Reloading Manual 5th Edition; Book by Sierra Bullets, LP, 2003
• Speer Reloading Manual Number 13; Book by Speer, Blount, Inc., 1998

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u} Nonte, Jr., George C. (1978). Basic Handloading.. USA: Times Mirror Magazines, Inc. LCCN 77-26482. 
2. ^ Reloading Techniques: .22 Win. Magnum Rimfire, Performance Shooter, April 1996
3. ^ Picture of loaded centerfire .56-50 Spencer cartridges
4. ^ Revive your antique pinfire firearmsP
5. ^ Low Pressure & High Velocity with Cast Bullets, from Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors
6. ^ Corbin, maker of commercial and consumer grade bullet swaging equipment, including the equipment to turn .22 LR cases into jacketed bullets
7. ^ Ranier Ballistics has been making plated bullets since 1983
8. ^ Ranier Ballistics plated bullet FAQ, listing maximum recommended velocity
9. ^ Speer Gold Dot desription and patent number
10. ^ Patent 5,079,814, for an electroplated hollow point bullet (the Speer Gold Dot)]
11. ^ Comparison of various 9 x 19 mm expanding bullet loads, including the Speer Gold Dot plated bullet
12. ^ Gun Tests article on case annealing.
13. ^ Accurate Arms, source of loading information for fast vs. slow powder comparison