Handloading is the process used to create firearm cartridges by hand versus those put together en masse and sold commercially, generally in packages of 6 to 50. When previously-fired cases are used, the process is often called reloading. Generally, only Boxer-primed cases (see internal ballistics) are reloaded, though there are exceptions.

Reasons for handloading

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The most common motivations for handloading cartridges are increased accuracy and cost savings, though handloaders may sacrifice one for the other. Reloading fired cases can save the shooter a significant amount of money, as the case is usually the major cost of a cartridge. The handloader can also create cartridges for which there are no commercial equivalents, such as wildcat cartridges. Collectors of obsolete firearms often have to handload since many obsolete cartridges are no longer commercially produced. Hunters may desire cartridges with specialized bullets. Target shooters seek optimum accuracy. Many handloaders customize their cartridges to their specific gun. This is usually in the pursuit of accuracy, though it can also lead to an increase in case life. For these specialty applications, cost is usually not a primary motivator, and such cartridges may cost more than commercial ones. As with any hobby, the pure enjoyment of the reloading process may well be the most important benefit.

Variables in the reloading process

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The handloading process can realize increased accuracy through improved consistency of manufacture. Each cartridge loaded can have each component carefully matched to the rest of the cartridges in the batch. Brass cases can also be matched by volume and weight, bullets by weight and concentricity, powder charges by weight. Primers also play a role in accuracy and consistency, but the handloader usually has no ability to manufacture these, so the handloader is limited to experimenting with different primers available commercially. In addition to these items that are considered critical, the equipment used to assemble the cartridge also have an effect on its performance; dies used to size the cartridges can be matched to a given rifle's chamber, high precision scales can give more consistent and accurate measures of powder.

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Thonyremy (Thony Remy) Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:11:37 -0000
http://twitpic.com/snbpp - @JustVlad @ShottaDru @MiGhTyXtRa.It doesnt matter what brand i got em all. Im just reloading!!!
@karenxiao thx thx! Computer down in d studio. :( waiting 4 reloading!
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@karenxiao thx thx! Computer down in d studio. :( waiting 4 reloading!
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Reloading window 7 to fix unknown BSOD
@l_etranger_ reloading.
brianTmurphy (Brian T. Murphy) Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:33:46 -0000
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i'm so torn between going to bed and sitting here obsessively reloading things. hm. this is probably bad.
metalsmitten (MetalSmitten on Etsy) Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:32:12 -0000
i'm so torn between going to bed and sitting here obsessively reloading things. hm. this is probably bad.

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