Using Handloaded or Reloaded Ammunition

Glock damaged from an overcharged cartridge.

Given the current “Great Ammo Depression” going on in 2020, many shooters have turned to reloading their own ammunition or buy reloaded ammunition from someone they know. Some of you may have some reservations about reloaded ammunition. Maybe you know someone that lost a finger or had a firearm explode from handloaded ammunition. I have been reloading since I was a young teenager and enjoy trying to find the most accurate loads for my firearms. I learned early in my reloading the dangers of not following or having the correct load data. Luckily, the result was only a fractured case and blown out primer. My Ruger M77 rifle’s overpressure hole did its job and vented the excess pressure. I had overcharged the 20 rounds I was going to use for prairie dogs. I didn’t have the most current load data because the particular bullet I was loading was relatively new. This was also before the internet, so I had to go to a gun store and find the data I was looking for. The book with the data I needed was $75, and being a young teen, I didn’t have that kind of money. So, I did what any rational person would do……I memorized the type of powder and powder weight I needed to use. And that’s how I learned that lesson.

 The most common mistake in reloading, that results in injury or damage, is an overcharged round. The firearms community has seen an increase in the number of incidents of guns being broken or destroyed from reloaded ammunition this year. I want to get some information out there to help everyone out when it comes to reloaded ammunition, what to look for when buying it, and some questions to ask before you buy.  

1. Always. ALWAYS. Always. Always, use a current reloading guide when finding your reloading data. It is the digital age, people. Every powder manufacturer has load data for the powder they manufacture available for free on their websites (https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol). You can also go to the bullet manufacturer as well.

 If you get some load ideas from forums, double check it. Powder is like any other product and is always being improved. So, load data from a 20-year-old book could potentially be way overpressure today. Double check everything.

Example of a data card.

2. If you are going to purchase reloaded ammo from someone else that you did not reload yourself, there are a couple questions you should ask before you risk your safety and your firearm: 

First, do you know the load data the person used? Your purchased ammo should come with a card that has the bullet type, bullet weight, powder used, powder charge, Cartridge Overall Length (C.O.L.), primer, and date reloaded. Use this data when double checking against the manufacturer’s data.

Second, is this person a reputable source? Always use a reputable source. Meaning, if you are buying this reloaded ammo from a friend of a friend of a friend’s grandpa, you may want to reconsider. I know times are hard right now and buying ammo from a blacked-out van in a dark alley might seem worth it, but always double check the data to keep yourself safe. And make sure you have your concealed carry permit and firearm when buying ammo from said van.

Reloading ammunition or using reloaded ammunition can save money and give the shooter the ability to customize a load for optimal performance. The options are almost endless, and ammunition can be made for just simple plinking on the range with family and friends, to bagging that trophy elk on your “out west” hunting trip. The key component to reloading ammunition will always be safety. Using current and correct load data, loading within safe pressures, and knowing who is making your ammo will keep you and your equipment safe.

Ruptured case from an overcharge

—Chris #2