Reloading Problems . . . . need help?

      Most of us have encountered unusual problems while reloading.   Have you ever wondered "What the heck caused this?"  (or)   Have you ever wondered why your handloads don't deliver better accuracy than factory loads?   While reloading (for the last 40 years), I've encountered some of the most unusual problems that you can imagine.

      The first step in reloading is to be SURE that your reloading information is 100% accurate.   The Internet is a great source of information.   However, there is no substitute for using published reloading manuals.   In fact, I recommend owning at least 3 different reloading manuals for reference material.   Some manuals are much better than others at explaining the basics.   Other manuals include articles about the latest reloading tools and reloading techniques.   Sometimes the load information will vary between manuals.   For those shooters that read these manuals carefully, you can usually understand why these variations happen.   Reloading manuals should always list the barrel length on their test guns.   They also use components made by a variety of different manufacturers.

      Internet forums allow you to compare notes or ask questions to other shooters who "may" have more reloading experience.   You can learn a lot from some shooters, but be sure to accept information from someone that actually knows what they're doing.   There's no doubt that reloading forums are a great source of information, but you'll still need to use common sense.   Many shooters are willing to help any way they can, but there will always be well-intentioned shooters that pass on their mistakes.   Some problems are almost impossible to describe on an Internet forum, because there is usually some small piece of information that isn't completely explained.   Always verify new information with a trusted reloading manual whenever possible.

      This unusual .223 Remington case (above) was made by a shooting buddy while setting up a Dillon RL550 reloading press.   This amusing mishap occurred after converting the press to load a different caliber.   He swapped out the "quick change" head, then he installed the powder measure without raising the powder measure height.   One quick phone call to Dillon, and he would have received the very best tech support available.   However, these situations usually happen "after hours" and who can you reach at 9:00 at night?

      My goal is to get new shooters interested in reloading, and to get more shooters motivated enough to preserve our shooting sports.   It's too bad that so many Americans have been "conditioned" by watching anti-gun propaganda on TV.   That has made too many people willing to give up our gun rights.   I'm available to help fellow shooters (by email) as much as possible, and you don't need to be one of my customers to get technical support.   I believe that only the most motivated shooters will get involved to protect our right to keep and bear arms.