Basic Equipment Needed To Reload Shotgun Shells

So, you are ready to purchase a set of reloading equipment but still find yourself stuck at deciding which ones you need. This could be quite challenging especially if you are a beginner.

However, finding the right devices will be much easier with a little help. In this guide, we will equip you with all the basic equipment needed to reload shotgun shells. We are going to focus on equipment that is cost effective.

With that said, let’s get started!

Basic Equipment Needed To Reload Shotgun Shells

• Case Cleaner

Whether you will be shooting indoors or outdoors, once you fire the brass cartridge is going to contact some dirt. This means that every time you fire, you will need to remove dust before reloading the gun. However, you don’t need to clean your brass to a shining level, it’s only about removing the dirt.

This is the reason why you need a case cleaner to help you get the job done. Despite the fact that there are other cheaper alternatives such as using warm water and some detergent, you will need to let them thoroughly dry, something which could be challenging. Having a specialized brass cleaner will provide the vibration needed for the drying process.

• Reloading Press

This equipment is instrumental in completing most of the reloading steps. It uses its mechanical feature to squash different components together.
A reloading press is used to:

• • Press the bullet into the casing.
  • Press the casing onto an enlarging die to open the mouth for insertion of bullets.
  • Press a casing into an empty primer pocket.
  • Frame the casing around the bullet to enable removal of the bell.
  • Press the casing inside a resizing die which modifies the brass its original form.
  • Press a brass case against a decapping pin to remove the old primer.

You can also use different equipment to achieve these steps. For instance, we regularly use a priming tool such as Lee Auto Prime when inserting new primers. However, for simplicity, using a reloading press is recommended. Most of them are designed with a priming arm which allows you to push a new primer into the correct position.

If you are starting, we recommend beginning with a one stage press that allows reloading step by step. In order to perform different steps, you will need to configure by changing the reloading die.

• Die Set

These are cylinders which are constructed from steel and are used as “inserts” with the reloading press. Since the inner side of a reloading die is designed to rhyme with the shape of its kind of cartridge, you require a set of dies to load each caliber you wish to.

• • Sizing and decapping die.
  • Expanding die.
  • Seating and crimping die.

However, some pistol die sets such as Lee Deluxe Pistol Die, contain four dies thereby separating the crimping and seating functions making the operation a little easy. You will require a set of dies alongside a shell holder for every caliber you need to reload.

• Powder Dispenser

This device allows you to measure the volume of powder you will be dispensing with each pull of a lever. Despite the fact that you can weigh using your hand, the process is tiresome.

• Reloading Scale

This device is ideal for ensuring accuracy when weighing the powder. Both digital versions and beam work pretty well.

• Powder Scale

When it comes to changing cartridges, powder scale is very useful. Either an electronic or mechanical scale is used to ensure that the dispenser is realizing the right amount of powder each time.

• Calipers

While calipers might not be included in many kits they are important items. They measure the length of the cartridge accurately. Ensuring that your bullets seat comfortably to feed reliably is important; which is exactly what calipers help you do.

• Reloading Manual

Never reload an ammunition without using a reloading guide. The published guidelines are vital in ensuring that the steps are done correctly with the right amount of powder being used.

Conclusion

Ensuring that you have the right reloading equipment every time is very important for the success of your shooting. However, there are several things that you must follow to ensure that your gun remains in good condition. You must be careful when handling the equipment to avoid accidents.

This guide provides you with some of the most basic equipment needed to reload shotgun shells. After reading this guide, you should be able to purchase the devices with much ease.