When I started the “Budget Precision .223” project- I had high hopes. Hopes that I’d like a bolt action rifle in .223, hopes that I’d find a great load, hopes that everything would work together (including the LEE Deluxe Challenger Press Kit), and most of all that I’d have fun. Well, all of those things […]
Budget Precision .223: Priming, Charging, Seating
In my last post, I covered the first half of the precision reloading process using the LEE Deluxe Challenger Kit. In this post, we’ll finish off the process by covering priming, charging, and bullet seating. When these steps are complete, we’ll have ammunition we can take to the range and shoot in the .223 TC […]
Budget Precision .223: Case Prep and Sizing
Now that we’ve setup and tested the TC Compass Rifle and un-boxed the LEE Deluxe Challenger reloading kit, it’s time to start loading some budget precision .223 Remington ammunition! I’ve already fire-formed some loads using Starline .223 Brass, and now it’s time to take a look at sizing/de-priming, checking our sizing setup, trimming brass to […]
Budget Precision .223: LEE Deluxe Challenger Kit Unboxing and Setup
Have you ever taken a “leap” hoping that things would work out, and then they did? That’s how this project (Budget Precision .223) has turned out so far. Would the TC Compass shoot as good as my other one in .308 Winchester? Could this scope live up to the reviews I read on Amazon? Yes. […]
Budget Precision .223: Project Kick-Off and TC Compass Setup
It’s a common misconception that you HAVE to spend big bucks to put together a precision shooting setup. Yes, a Porsche will have better fit and finish compared to a Subaru WRX STi, but the Subaru can still match the performance of some Porsches at a fraction of the cost. The Subaru may not be […]
Loading PRECISION 308 Hunting Ammunition (MEC Marksman)
Can hunting ammo be as accurate as match ammo? Let’s find out! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. […]
Insane! Loading 223 / 5.56 with the Mark 7 Evolution + Mr. Bullet Feeder
I’m back at it with the Mark 7 Evolution 10-station progressive reloading press! In case you’ve missed the previous stories, you can check them out here: Mark 7 Evolution: Unboxing, Overview, Setup, Loading 9mm Mr. Bullet Feeder: Unboxing, Setup, Loading 9mm Mark 7 Evolution Caliber Change 9mm to 223 This time I’ll be picking up […]
Ultimate Reloader Deal: Save $20. on Starline .223 Brass
Recently, I’ve been shooting a LOT of .223 in both AR-15 rifles, and my latest bolt action rifle, the TC Compass chambered in .223 Remington. With the Compass, I’ve had GREAT results with Starline’s new .223 Brass as you can read about here: Budget Precision .223 series on Ultimate Reloader. If you are one of […]
TESTED: Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Powder
There are some powders that are noteworthy for both their performance, and their versatility. When it comes to rifle powders, the first one that comes to my mind to fit these criteria is Hodgdon Varget. In this article, we’ll go “in-depth” with Varget, including a look under the microscope! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making […]
Fourteen Reloading Presses Compared: Single-Stage Shootout
All pictures, data, and content copyright 2019 Ultimate Reloader. Please ask permission before using. You could say this story is the culmination of the twelve years I’ve been working on Ultimate Reloader stories. It all started with the desire to share information about reloading presses, and it kind of got out of hand at some […]
NEW from Thompson Center: Discussion at SHOT Show 2019
If you’ve been watching and reading much here on Ultimate Reloader, it’s likely you’ve seen my Thompson Center 308 rifle review, and my Budget Precision 223 series. I’ve gotten great results from these rifles, and have some content coming up that will build on what I’ve been showing! While at the 2019 SHOT Show, I […]
Dillon Reloading Press Buyer’s Guide
Dillon Precision has a number of presses to choose from. How do you choose? Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration […]
THE Progressive Press Shootout (12 presses compared)
Here it is! The long-awaited Progressive Press Shootout! This article and accompanying video is the most exhaustive and most in-depth look at progressive press reloading equipment. My goal is to help raise your level of awareness regarding what’s on the market and also to supply you with the insights, data, and supporting information to make […]
5 Shots, One Hole: 6 Dasher Load Development Initial Results
Load development is a critical pathway that leads to “great things” for those of us that are obsessed with precision and accuracy. What’s difficult about load development is how time consuming it can be. Variables include brand of brass, powder type, powder charge, primer type, bullet type, bullet seating depth, and more. If you multiply […]
High Tech Reloading: Mark 7 Evolution and Revolution detailed walkthrough
When I first saw Mark 7 Reloading equipment at the 2018 SHOT Show, my jaw dropped to the floor. “Wow” I thought to myself- an advancement of reloading technology on both the mechanical side and with numerous sensors and automation to boot. 10 stations- are you kidding? This is just the kind of technology that […]
300 PRC Custom Build Overview
It’s taken a lot of planning and preparation, but now it’s time! It’s time for the most in-depth rifle build I’ve ever taken on: my 300 PRC full-custom. This will be a rifle that I can reach further with, and every detail will be exactly what I want for maximum precision and accuracy. So in […]
TESTED: Remington 700 Long Range 300 Remington Ultra Magnum
Anyone that knows me knows that I’m drawn to extremes. So when I heard about 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) I was curious- what would it be like to shoot such an extreme cartridge? Fast forward a number of years and here I am with my own 300 RUM rifle! This exploration of 300 […]
Gavin’s First PRS Match: The Gear
In my last post, I talked about what an amazing experience it was preparing for and shooting in my first PRS match. It was fun, it was challenging, and it changed the way I think about shooting a rifle. In this post, I’ll talk about all of the gear that I used to compete in […]
LEE Rifle Dies: In-Depth Overview and Setup
If you’re in the market for a new set of rifle dies, the sheer number of options and types of dies can be a bit overwhelming! Lee rifle dies have a great reputation for value and performance, but there are a total of seven die set types available from Lee (in almost every conceivable chambering), […]
Choosing a press
Choosing a reloading press can be like shopping for a laptop. After hours or even days of pondering, you can feel no closer to an educated decision… Reloading presses range from simple (single stage) to complex (Progressive reloader with case feeder). There are quite a few considerations and features to consider. Each press has its strengths and […]
