Also published on our sister website http://makingwithmetal.com Building a precision rifle is an exacting process. You need to have knowledge, skills, tools, and a LOT of patience. In my last post, I talked about the planning, preparation, and experiences involved in completing this rifle build. In this post, I’ll walk through the steps I performed […]
Winchester 70 Rebarrel Part 1: Overview
Also published on our sister website http://makingwithmetal.com Metalworking and shooting are both passions of mine, so it follows that gunsmithing would be a natural fit. For me, here’s a powerful draw towards gunsmithing projects that involve accurizing, enhancing, and re-building firearms. So when I discovered that my Winchester Model 70 Heavy Varmint 22-250 rifle needed a […]
Reloading at the Range: Step By Step
When you reload precision ammunition, it’s an iterative process. Fire forming brass, working up loads, testing function, honing in on that “prefect load”. And the iterative nature can cause the process to take a LONG time! Going to the range every week can be a stretch for some people, and if you need to check […]
Compared! Brass Smith Ideal, Victory, and All-American 8 Presses
It’s exciting every time I get my hands on a new reloading press. So you can only imagine how exciting it is to get three new presses into the shop, all three new on the market! Lyman is just now rolling out these three new reloading presses to the consumer market, and I’ve reviewed all […]
224 Valkyrie: Project Planning Update July 2018
“It’s better to take your time and do something right than to rush”. That’s what I keep telling myself. And these words are well suited to describe my in-progress 224 Valkyrie project. After the 224 announcement and reveal last October, I felt an urgent need to get hands-on with this cartridge “right away”. In hind […]
First Look: Brass Smith Victory Press from Lyman
Here it is! The last in a line-up of three unboxing and setup videos covering all of the new Brass Smith reloading presses from Lyman. This story is all about the Lyman Brass Smith Victory Single Stage press with on-press priming. Be sure to check out the Brass Smith Ideal and Brass Smith All American […]
New: 224 Valkyrie Brass from Starline
Are you excited about 224 Valkyrie? I am! And it’s great to see more rifles and components geared towards this far-reaching AR-15 cartridge. And one of the exciting new products in this category is 224 Valkyrie brass from Starline! Starline Rifle Brass Why am I excited about 224 Valkyrie brass from Starline? Here are a […]
New from Lyman: Brass Smith Precision Powder Funnel Set
If you’re loading precision rifle ammunition, you’ll need a reliable way to dump powder charges into your cases. A good powder funnel is the answer! But some funnels will have too much static cling, holes that are too large or too small, and not seat well on the mouth of the case you’re charging. The […]
TriggerScan TS-11 Trigger Profiling Tool: Overview and Pistol Trigger Scans
The trigger is one of the most important components for any handgun, rifle, or shotgun. Trigger dynamics will affect accuracy, high-speed shooting characteristics, gun safety, and more. So it stands to reason that a good understanding of complex trigger dynamics is imperative when making a firearm purchasing decision, evaluating an old firearm, or quantifying changes […]
Forster Bushing Bump Die in 6.5 Creedmoor: Overview and Setup
If the goal for your reloads is precision without a compromise in function, the Bushing Bump Die from Forster is worth a look! Normally you’d have to choose between full-length sizing and neck-only sizing with the drawbacks inherent in each type of sizing. With the Forster Bushing Bump Die you get precise control over neck […]
First Look: Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Press from Lyman
It’s here! It’s finally here- the new and highly anticipated 8-station turret press from Lyman. This press, the “Brass Smith All-American 8” is a part of the complete lineup of new tools from Lyman under the “Brass Smith” brand. Why has this press been anticipated so highly since its announcement? A few reasons are: the […]
Ultimate Reloader Deal: Get 10% off Brass at Capital Cartridge
You are here because you reload, and to reload you need brass! I wanted to let everyone here know about an ongoing deal I’ve put together with Capital Cartridge: get 10% off your first order! Here’s some details, and a glimpse into some upcoming stories here on Ultimate Reloader: Here’s the coupon code: So if […]
Ultimate Reloader Spring 2018 Update
Hello everyone! I wanted to give you all a quick update on what’s coming here on Ultimate Reloader, as well as some pretty awesome changes to the GavinToobe YouTube channel (home of Ultimate Reloader). Here are the updates! GavinToobe YouTube Channel Refresh GavinToobe started out as the YouTube channel for Ultimate Reloader videos (mostly). In […]
Big Grains: Big Bore Ammo without the Big Bore Price
I’ve got to admit something: I’m totally obsessed with 500 S&W Magnum. Seems like every time I go to grab a handgun, it’s at the top of my mind. And I guess it’s not hard to understand why- it’s big, it’s bad, it’s powerful, and it’s just pure fun. But what’s not fun is paying […]
Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Presss: From Unboxing to Loading
Ever since the SHOT show this year, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get hands-on with the new Brass Smith reloading presses from Lyman. Well that time has come! Last week I got my Lyman Brass Smith Ideal press, and this week I got my Inline Fabrication Mounting plate (Brass Smith presses have same […]
Alliant 2400: Versatile Magnum Pistol Powder
There are some powders that are so versatile you’ll always want to have a supply on hand. If you shoot any magnum pistol, Alliant 2400 is one of those powders! I’ve been using Alliant 2400 for a decade now, and have gotten some great results using it for both 357 Magnum, and for 44 Magnum. […]
Overview: Hand Reloading Press from Buchanan Precision Machine
Working up and testing loads can take what feels like an eternity. When I lived in the city, working up a rifle load could take weeks. Amidst the chaos of a full-time corporate job and busy family life, the opportunities to load and shoot were difficult to come by. Let me sketch out a typical […]
224 Valkyrie: Coming Your Way!
Since I heard about 224 Valkyrie, I’ve been wanting to get hands-on with it. It’s taken a while, but I’m getting close to kicking-off a content series that will go in-depth on this exciting new cartridge. But I need your help! I’d love to hear your feedback, and get ideas on what exactly to show! […]
More Updates, and How to Support Ultimate Reloader
Hello everyone! It’s been a crazy couple weeks, but things are moving along, and I wanted to give some quick updates! First, thank you to everyone for your support! I appreciate all of the kind comments, and the loyalty many of you have shown. Video Hosting Backup Plan: Success In the last couple days I […]
Speed and Precision: Wilson Case Trimmer Power Adapter
What’s better than slow precision? Wait for it…….. Fast precision! And that’s what the Wilson Trimmer Power Adapter gives you. You start with the Wilson Stainless Trimmer, which gives you the highest level of precision for case trimming, and then “turbo charge” it with a power screwdriver. If you are unfamiliar with the Wilson Stainless […]
YouTube Firearms Ban and Ultimate Reloader: Here’s What’s Happening
Hello everyone- I wanted to pro-actively reach out to let you all know about how the YouTube Firearms Content Restrictions announced this week will affect Ultimate Reloader, and what I am doing about it. Here’s a brief message I put together explaining this new policy, and my action plan: Over the next two weeks you […]
Best Day Ever: Shooting Clays with the MEC 100E ATA
After a long cold Winter, each sunny day feels like magic. And it’s even better when you can get outdoors and do something fun with friends to enjoy the experience. This was just one of those days. I had recently put my MEC 100E ATA together, and was very eager to try it out. A […]
MEC 100E Clay Thrower: Unboxing and Setup
An unfair advantage. That’s what I want when I go to shoot clays with friends. Like the guy that has a Donkey Kong console in his man cave- and then invites friends over so that he can beat them. Oh, and I also just want to have fun shotgunning, and share that fun with friends. […]
Pistol Case Expanders: Overview, Comparison, Setup
Case expansion is critical when loading pistol ammunition. Too little case mouth expansion, and you’ll fail to place/retain bullets, and you’ll also shave the bullet if you’re loading hard cast lead bullets. Too much case mouth expansion, and you’ll over-work the brass and cause it to fail prematurely. So let’s take a look at some […]
Lyman Borecam Digital Borescope: Overview and Comprehensive Test Drive
Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside your rifle’s barrel? Is the bore in good condition? Is the bore clean? You may have wondered the same things about your pistol barrels. Until recently, borescope tools have been beyond the reach of everyday gun owners- not now! Since Lyman has introduced the Borecam Digital Borescope, […]
