Final thoughts about rifle reloading

This is the last of a multi-part series about reloading rifle cartridges.

Although we have been through an initial look into the art of reloading during the past four weeks, readers must realize much more info is available on this subject.

This next topic should be obvious, but there is a need to say this to all who participate in this activity. No smoking or drinking while reloading. Do not have a beer or two or light a cigar or any other burning material anywhere near the reloading bench. Also, stop and tidy up the bench from time to time. It is not good to have two types of powder on the bench.

We haven’t mentioned all of the tools available for reloading. There is a manual case trimmer which requires the reloader to turn a handle to trim the case.

An electric case trimmer uses a spring to hold the case in position and push the cutter. The machine then trims the case to the desired length. The manual trimmer costs $125 and the electric $330.

Weighing the powder is important and being exact with the weight, from round to round, will provide consistency. A balance-beam type of scale sells for $85. The reloader sets the scale at the desired weight and adds powder, a little at a time, until the scale is balanced.

Another type of powder scale is electrical, digital and hands-free, except for pushing a button. Powder is loaded into a plastic tube, the scale is set at a prescribed weight, a button is pushed and the powder is deposited into a pan. The machine stops when the proper amount of powder has been dispensed. This machine is priced at $410.

Another electric tool is the trim mate case prep center. This machine has four tools spinning at the same time. The reloader can move the case from one tool to another to clean the primer pocket, chamfer the case, deburr the case and clean the case neck in a matter of seconds. It costs $160.

The last tool a reloader should have is a chronograph. This measures the speed of the bullet when at the range. Price is $115.

OK, so the new electric tools are a bit expensive, but they save gobs of time. Plus, they will last for years. Used or second-hand versions may be available, at a reduced price. Or a group of five friends could pitch in to purchase the timesaving tools.

This is an activity a family could learn together, with the youth growing up and passing along reloading skills to their families.