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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@dmm92 Cached! Try reloading.
ngmoco (ngmoco) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:43:26 -0000
@dmm92 Cached! Try reloading.
Though getting my "bonus content" loaded required a lot of reloading BioWare's social website over and over and over.
balatro (Gordon) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:23:51 -0000
Though getting my "bonus content" loaded required a lot of reloading BioWare's social website over and over and over.
Nice surprise waiting for me when I got home. My ammo reloading equipment arrived!
FreedomScout (FreedomScout) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:55:13 -0000
Nice surprise waiting for me when I got home. My ammo reloading equipment arrived!
@JosieVilla Blades dont need reloading ;P
jpatcol (Jesse Coletta) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:43:43 -0000
@JosieVilla Blades dont need reloading ;P
OpenLeft is having loading problems, just keep reloading and it will come up, working on it
adamjbink (Adam Bink) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:42:13 -0000
OpenLeft is having loading problems, just keep reloading and it will come up, working on it
Car in front of me has a confederate flag butterfly sticker, and one that reads "keep honking, i'm reloading" what a treasure.
MegShaffer (Megan Shaffer) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:40:46 -0000
Car in front of me has a confederate flag butterfly sticker, and one that reads "keep honking, i'm reloading" what a treasure.

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