It goes without saying that reloading data is one of the most important aspects of reloading for pistol, rifle, and shotgun. I spend a lot of time finding and keeping track of load data– it’s an imperative part of how I manage my workflow and cartridge knowledge base. In case you haven’t seen it yet, […]
Tag: Reloading Data
Keep your AR-15 Running Smoothly: BCG Maintenance
If you own an AR-15 you may have had a similar thought process: “Hmmmmmmm…. why is my AR-15 jamming/malfunctioning all of a sudden?”. I recently had an AR-15 start misfiring (light strikes) and after considering the primers I had loaded with and other factors I decided to disassemble, clean and lubricate the Bolt Carrier Group […]
RCBS Grand Shotshell Loader Part I: Unboxing
Today I’m excited to launch another series of content: reloading shotshell with the RCBS Grand progressive shotshell reloading press. In this series I’ll take you through the entire process with this press including unboxing (this post), setup, and progressive reloading of 12 gauge shotshells. It’s going to be fun, and it’s always awesome to learn […]
2014: What’s Coming on Ultimate Reloader
Hi all- I’m excited to launch a new year of content and stories on Ultimate Reloader, and wanted to take this opportunity to give you all a preview of what’s coming this year! These stories and themes will give you an idea of what’s coming, but there will be much more content that I can’t […]
Free Reloading Data Ledger – Keep Track of your Load Data
In my last post, I provided some tips for finding and managing load data. Since posting that post, I decided to take my own advice to keep better records. Call it a New Year’s resolution for 2014 or what you will, it just sounded like a good idea to me. As a part of this […]
Finding, Validating, and Managing Load Data
One of the most vital aspects of ammunition reloading is good load data. If you want to know what components to buy, attain maximum performance, and be safe at the same time you need to have access to quality load data. Your load data is one of your greatest assets as a reloader! In this […]
AR-15 Build DVD Black Friday Weekend Sale!
If you have been waiting to build an AR-15, now is the time! Order your parts now and you can complete your AR-15 for Christmas! If you want complete step-by-step guidance to show you how to put your rifle together, check out the AR-MPR precision rifle build DVD, now priced lower then ever and only […]
By Request: Generic Ammo Box Labels (PDF)
It’s great to be able to print out your own ammo box labels, this is a super-important part of keeping track of your ammunition. A while back I posted free ammo box labels for a variety of cartridges. Based on some requests from all you readers, I’ve included a “generic” ammo box label in this […]
Tips to Optimize Progressive Rifle Loading
If you’ve loaded rifle ammunition with a single-stage, you know just how long this process can take. Separate sizing, priming, charging (sometimes weighing each load), seating, and crimping can really take a long time. In some cases, this extra time and effort is worth it (long-range competition shooting for example). It’s also possible to crank […]
Poll: Zombie Stuff: Yay or Nay?
There’s a HUGE trend of popularity for zombies in popular culture right now. From The Walking Dead series on TV to art festivals/events to shooting products – if you’re into zombies, likely you’ll find an experience or product to entertain your fancy. I understand movies, shows, and comics featuring zombies, but here’s the question: Do […]
Featured Article: Going heavy and suppressed with the .32 H&R Magnum
“The soundless death coming from the ‘nowhere’ always shattered the guerrilla morale. The initial shock and the ensuing panic usually prevented the enemy from executing necessary defensive measures. By the time their leaders decided what to do, it was too late for them to do anything but flee or perish. So whenever given a chance […]
A few Hornady 366 Tips and Tricks: Bench Integration, Primer Shutoff
I’ve been using the Hornady 366 for a while now, and have tweaked a few things and completed some setup tasks that I thought I’d share with you all. Now that I’ve completed these setup work-items, the 366 is running smooth, and operation is super-convenient. UR Reloading Bench Integration I’ve gotten a ton of requests […]
Video: Hornady 366 Shotshell Press Loading 12 Gauge
In this video I show loading 12 gauge previously fired shells and give you a few setup tips. The Hornady 366 press has a total of 8 primary stations, and a 9th station to the side for full-length sizing. There’s a *lot* to keep track of when loading shotshell, and I’m hoping that the video […]
How to weigh the costs and benefits of reloading your own ammunition
We’ve all been there- walking past that neglected tool in the garage or exercise equipment in the den with accumulated dust so thick you could write your name in it. Then, you think back to the weeks that you agonized over which make/model to go with, and the rush of excitement when the delivery truck […]
Poll: Where are you finding reloading primers and powder?
It appears that the reloading component shortages are not easing up any time soon. This makes it really hard on us shooters that reload ammunition. So my question for you is: where are you finding reloading components? I’ve deployed a variety of tactics to keep my shelves stocked, primarily looking in obscure places online (for […]
Free Rifle Cartridge Guides
One of the first things you need to do when reloading your own ammo is to study up on the cartridge you’re loading for. A reloading manual is a great resource for this kind of information, but many times you need *more* data and information. Well, if you’re reloading for rifle, there’s some great free […]
New! Ultimate Reloader Shotshell Reloading Cost Calculator (free)
Wondering what it will cost to load your own shotshells? With this calculator, you’ll be able to evaluate the cost and benefit of loading new shells or reloading your used hulls. Happy loading! -Gavin
Hornady 366 Shotshell Loader – first shells
Ammunition reloading is a process that may seem simple and straight-forward to the seasoned sportsman, but usually involves many challenges at first. I enjoy these challenges, and that was my primary motivation for branching out into shotshell reloading here on Ultimate Reloader. After lots of planning and painful component acquisition delays, I now have completed […]
Preparing for Shotshell Reloading: Components
Just like everyone else right now, I’m having to exercise much patience when shopping for reloading components. Shotshell components are typically much easier to find than some other more popular reloading components (small rifle and pistol primers, 9mm and 22cal projectiles, etc) – but it’s been a challenge to get all geared up for shotshell […]
Powder and Primers in Stock: Ballistic Products
It’s an understatement to say that it’s “really hard” to find reloading components right now! It takes extra work, searching, and creativity to find acceptable components for the reloading that you want to perform (in many cases favorite primers and powders are just not available). This week I had an unfortunate occurrence, a pink slip […]
Versatile Powders: W231 Load Data
Being able to use a single powder for multiple applications is a great benefit. This standardization can allow you to keep your powder measure loaded with the same powder, make bulk powder purchases more equitable, and generally make your life easier. One great example for pistol loaders is Winchester W231 and Hodgdon HP-38 (the same […]
Hornady 366 Shotshell Press – Unboxing
I’m excited to formally kick off shotshell reloading content here on Ultimate Reloader! In this first post, I’ll walk through the unboxing of a Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press. In the included video you’ll experience this unboxing experience along with me for the first time. The Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press was actually introduced as […]
QuickTip: Fast shellplate changes on the RCBS Pro-2000
If you reload for multiple cartridges, chances are you’ll be removing and replacing shellplates quite often. I’ve discovered a fast way to perform shellplate changeovers on the RCBS Pro-2000 and wanted to share with you a QuickTip that will help you speed up shellplate changes. This tip is a simple one- in order to speed […]
Resources: Fundamentals for Super-Accurate Rifle Reloads
Recently I blogged about reloading accurate rifle ammunition: 5 Tips for Reloading Accurate Rifle Ammunition In this blog post I outlined some primary considerations and processes: Start with proven loads and load data Fire form your brass Optimize bullet seating depth Optimize bullet concentricity Experiment I wanted to expand on some of these points by […]
5 Tips for Reloading Accurate Rifle Ammunition
There are many reasons to handload your own rifle ammunition. It’s fun, it’s economical, and you can attain maximum accuracy by carefully loading custom ammunition for your rifle. If you’re new to handloading rifle ammunition, here are some basic considerations for accuracy: Start with proven loads and load data Fire form your brass Optimize bullet […]
