Did you know that gun owners in the US have 393.3 million weapons in general? Along with possessing these weapons, users must also know how to use them properly. This is to avoid dangerous accidents to happen, not just to you but also those around you.
Reloading is one of the hardest skills in shooting. It requires patience, stillness, precision, and focus. It requires everything while you’re under pressure.
Reloading could go right or wrong. So if you’re worried about embarrassing yourself at a shooting tournament, we have the things you need to know.
Read on to learn more about the 8 common reloading errors and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Lube Cases
This can lead to damaged cases and sticky brass. Remember to always lube your cases before you start reloading. You can use a variety of different lubes, but the most important thing is to make sure that you lube the inside and outside of the case.
A good way to remember to lube your cases is to put a light coat of lube on all of your 223 brass before you start reloading.
2. Incorrectly Setting Die Height
Die height is the distance from the top of the ram to the center of the die. This is critical because it sets the depth that the case enters the die.
You’ll have a problem when the die is not set at the correct height of the shell holder. This can cause problems with chambering, feeding, and extraction.
If you set the die too high, the case will not enter the die far enough and you will not resize the shoulders. If you set the die too low, the case will enter the die too far and the case will be crushed. The ideal die height is when the case just kisses the top of the die.
Improper die height can also lead to case head separation. To avoid this error, make sure to follow the instructions for setting die height in your reloading manual.
3. Overlooking Case Damage
Case damage is anything from a small ding to a large crack. This can lead to feeding and chambering problems, as well as increased pressure and potential safety issues.
To avoid this, always inspect your cases before reloading them to ensure that it is in good condition. Look for cracks, splits, or other damage that could cause problems. If there is any damage, it is best to discard the case and start with a new one.
4. Overcharging the Case
This happens when the reloader adds too much powder to the case. Overcharging the case can lead to a dangerous situation because it can cause the gun to explode.
To avoid this problem with charging cases with powder, the reloader must be very careful to follow the instructions and not add too much powder. Weigh the powder before you pour it into the case. If the reloader is unsure, they should ask a friend or professional for help.
5. Wrong Powder Choice
This can be a dangerous mistake, as using the wrong powder can cause the gun to malfunction or even explode. The best way to avoid this error is to make sure you choose the correct powder for the type of ammunition you are loading. You can find this information in the reloading manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
6. Over-Crimping the Bullet
Over-crimping the bullet is one of the common reloading errors that can cause several problems. It can cause the bullet to be seated too deeply in the case, which can lead to feeding and cycling problems.
This is when the brass is crimped too tightly onto the bullet, causing the bullet to be pushed too far into the case. This can cause problems with feeding and chambering the round, and can also cause the bullet to come loose from the brass. Additionally, over-crimping can deform the bullet and cause it to tumble in flight, which can result in poor accuracy.
To avoid over-crimping, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for bullet seating depth and crimp size. Also, ensure that you are using the correct size to die for your brass and that you are not crimping the brass too tightly.
7. Not Resizing the Brass
This can cause the brass to be too large for the chamber and cause dangerous pressure buildup. This is especially common with pistol brass. When you did not properly resize the brass, it can cause several problems.
The brass may not fit properly in the chamber, which can lead to a dangerous situation. The brass may also not seal properly, which can cause a loss of pressure and accuracy.
Always do regular brass inspections and resize the brass before reloading to ensure proper fit and function. Resizing the brass is easy to do and should be done every time you reload.
8. Forgetting to Trim the Brass
Every time you fired the brass, it lengthens slightly. If you do not trim it back to the correct length, it can cause problems with feeding and chambering. Brass that is too long can also cause increased pressure, which can be dangerous.
Brass that is too long and will not fit into the chamber correctly. This can cause some problems including jams, misfires, and difficulties ejecting the brass.
To avoid this error, always measure the brass before reloading and trim it back to the correct length. This is especially important if you are using brass that has been fired several times. Always use a quality case trimmer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Learn the Common Reloading Errors
If you’re new to reloading and don’t know how to reload ammunition, be sure to avoid these common errors. This includes overlooking case damage, incorrectly setting die height, forgetting to lube cases, and overcharging the case. Furthermore, wrong powder choice, over-crimping the bullet, not resizing, and forgetting the brass should watch out to avoid any reloading problems.
These common reloading errors are avoidable by following the proper reloading procedures. Be sure to also use the correct reloading equipment.
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