Of all the things needed, a reloading manual is the most important. The reloading manual provides the powder weight for different weight bullets to be loaded. Manuals can be found from most bullet manufactures and press manufactures. Recipes can be found on forums or can be downloaded from various online sources.

Since the 1950’s where there was only a handful of smokeless powders available, to today, there is well over a hundred different smokeless propellants available. Reloading depends primarily on what propellants are available. This is where you literally get bang for the buck. Depending on the how much powder per round depends on how many rounds can be loaded from a pound of powder. The less propellant used the more pew pew you get.

Somewhere in that reloading manual there is a chart called a “Burn Rate” chart. This chart illustrates relatively how fast a powder burns compared to other propellant’s. The chart illustrates fastest to slower burning propellants. This is useful for selecting a powder to use.

Reloading data in the manual usually is by caliber from .17 to .45, and by rifle and pistol cartridges. Use the index to find the caliber you would like to load for. For example, 9x19mm Parabellum. There will be data for different bullet weights, i.e., 95gr., 115gr., 124gr., 147gr., etc. There will be data for jacketed bullets, lead or cast bullets, JHP(jacketed hollow point), etc. Find the data table for the type of bullet that is to be used. For example, 147 gr. cast bullet.

Per the loading data find the weight of bullet and see what propellants can be used for that particular load. For example, Titegroup. You can compare its burn rate to other recommended powders. If this is the powder you have, then see what the recommended load is for the bullet weight. That is what each round will get in the cartridge case. This will be measured with a scale.

Pay attention to the starting grains to the max load grains. Do not exceed the max grains. It is usually recommended start somewhere in the middle. Such as Titegroup runs 2.5 to 2.8 grains of powder for a 147gr cast bullet( see above illustration). .3gr. variance is not a lot to work with. Staying in the 2.6-2.7 grains load range would be fine. Not exceeding 2.8gr. Other powders may have more variances up to several grains weight differences, such as bullseye.

For pistol, the expectations would be consistency and functionality of the ammo. For Rifle, a start load, would be low and work up to a higher load for accuracy and functionality.

When starting out in reloading, go by the recommended data that is available. DO NOT vary at all. Do NOT mix powders. DO NOT load above max load. When a round is discharged, the pressures that push a bullet out the barrel can be in the tens of thousands PSI. A double powder load can/will damage the firearm and will cause damage or death to the shooter. That is why a reloading manual is so important. Be safe.

Thank for reading. Till next week;

“Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your family friends…

Carolina Gunworks, your hero support