Reloading 10mm Ammo for Beginners

Introduction

Are you feeling frustrated with the increasing prices of ammunition? Are you eager to have more influence over how your firearms perform? Reloading your own ammunition could be the answer you’ve been seeking. It not only has the potential to save you money in the long term, but it also grants you the ability to personalize your loads for optimal precision. In this inclusive guide, we will take you step by step through the process of reloading ammunition, covering everything from why it’s advantageous to reload to the essential equipment and safety precautions. So, let’s embark on a journey into the realm of reloading ammunition for beginners.

Top Reasons to Reload 10mm Ammo

1. Cost Savings: Shoot More for Less

One of the main reasons why many shooters opt to reload their own ammunition is the opportunity for cost savings it provides. While it may not guarantee overall savings, reloading allows you to shoot more without breaking the bank. By reusing brass casings, which contribute significantly to the cost of factory made ammunition, you can save money per round. The amount you save depends on the caliber you reload, with pricier calibers like .308 potentially offering savings of over 50%. For instance, while factory made.308 Gold Match ammo can set you back around $2 per round, reloading your own can bring that cost down to a mere 70 cents per round. 10mm is expensive too.

2. Customization and Accuracy Optimization

When you reload your own ammunition, you gain the ability to personalize your loads for each of your firearms. This leads to better accuracy and performance. Unlike factory made bullets, which are designed to meet general standards, reloading allows you to fine tune your loads according to the specific characteristics of your firearm. This involves choosing the perfect bullet type, weight, powder charge and primer that align with your intended purpose. Through experimentation with different components and load combinations, you can discover the ideal formula that enhances accuracy and consistency. As a result, you’ll achieve tighter groups and an overall improvement in shooting performance.

The Basics: Reloading 10mm

Before you start the reloading process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the basic elements and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and safety precautions in place. Reloading ammunition involves either repurposing used brass casings or assembling new rounds from scratch. While it may seem complex and intimidating at first, with a good understanding and the right tools, it becomes a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Now, let’s explore the key steps involved in reloading ammunition.

1. Gathering the Necessary Equipment

Before you begin reloading, it’s important to gather the necessary equipment. While there are many reloading kits out there, it’s advisable to invest in a complete kit that includes all the essential tools. Here’s a breakdown of the basic equipment you’ll require;

Press: The reloading press is the heart of your reloading setup, responsible for performing the various steps involved in reloading.
Die Set: A cartridge-specific die set is required for resizing and de-priming the brass casings.
Powder Scale: A powder scale is used to precisely measure the powder charge for each round.
Powder Funnel: This tool helps in pouring the powder into the brass casings without spills.
Case Loading Block: A case loading block holds the cases in an organized manner during the reloading process.
Hand Primer: A hand primer is used to seat new primers into the primer pockets of the brass casings.
Calipers: Calipers are essential for measuring case length and overall cartridge length.
Case Lube: Case lube is applied to the brass casings to prevent them from sticking during resizing.
Reloading Manual: A reloading manual is a valuable resource that provides load data, recipes, and safety guidelines.
Case Trimmer: A case trimmer is used to trim the brass casings to the correct length after resizing.
Deburring Tool: A deburring tool is used to remove any burrs or sharp edges from the mouth of the brass casings.
Case Tumbler: A case tumbler is used to clean and polish the brass casings, removing dirt and oxidation.

It’s important to note that while reloading kits often include most of these components, some items like the case trimmer, deburring tool, and case tumbler may need to be purchased separately.

2. Ensuring Safety First

Ensuring safety should be your topmost concern when reloading ammunition. It is of utmost importance to strictly adhere to proper safety measures and follow the instructions provided by equipment manufacturers and reloading manuals. Here are a few vital safety precautions to remember:

Before you start reloading, it’s important to educate yourself about the process. Make sure you read reliable reloading manuals, join online forums and seek guidance from experienced reloaders. Learning from others experiences can help prevent accidents.
Remember to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for your safety. Always put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from any powder spills or flying debris. It’s also a good idea to consider wearing ear protection to shield yourself from the loud noises that can occur during reloading.
When it comes to load data, rely on trustworthy sources like reputable reloading manuals or online data provided by powder manufacturers. Avoid relying on hearsay or guesswork as incorrect powder charges can lead to dangerous overpressure situations.
Take your time and double check every step of the reloading process. Inspect the brass casings carefully for any defects, ensure accurate powder charges and verify proper seating of primers and bullets. Being thorough and meticulous is crucial as mistakes can have serious consequences.
Store primers and powders safely in a dry environment with controlled temperature away from sources of heat or open flames. Keep them out of reach of children or anyone who may not fully understand their potential hazards.

By following these safety guidelines and exercising caution throughout the reloading process, you can enjoy reloading your own ammunition while minimizing the risks involved.

3. The Reloading Process: Step by Step

Now that you have all the necessary equipment and safety measures in place, let’s go through the step by step process of reloading ammunition. It’s important to note that this is a general overview and specific steps may vary depending on the type of cartridge and components you’re using. Always refer to your reloading manual for detailed instructions and load data specific to your caliber.

Step 1: Clean Your Brass – The initial step in the reloading process involves cleaning the brass casings. You can achieve this by using a case tumbler with either corn cob or stainless steel media. The objective is to eliminate any dirt, debris or oxidation from the casings, ensuring smooth functioning and preventing cycling problems.

Step 2: Inspect the Brass – After cleaning, carefully examine each brass casing for any defects like split case mouths, cracks, bulges or signs of excessive wear. If you’re working with range pickups or previously fired brass, be especially thorough in your inspection. Discard any casings that display signs of damage or excessive wear.

Step 3: Resize and De Prime – Once the brass casings are clean and inspected, it’s time to resize them. The resizing die is used to bring the casings back to their original dimensions, guaranteeing proper chambering in your firearm.
Furthermore, when resizing the casing, the resizing die also serves to remove the spent primer. To ensure smooth and easy resizing, it’s advisable to apply a small amount of case lube on the casings.

Step 4: Trimming and Deburring – Once you’ve completed the resizing process, it’s important to inspect and adjust the length of your brass casings. Over time, casings can stretch, so trimming them to the proper length is essential for consistent performance and proper chambering. Use a case trimmer to trim the casings according to the recommended length specified in your reloading manual. Additionally, use a deburring tool to eliminate any burrs or sharp edges from the mouth of each casing.

Step 5: Priming Process – With your casings successfully resized and trimmed, it’s time to seat new primers. Utilize a hand primer tool for this task. Take care while seating each new primer into its respective primer pocket on every casing. Ensure that all primers are seated uniformly and fully within their pockets. Remember to follow your reloading manual’s guidelines regarding primer type and size.

Step 6: Powder Charging – Now comes the step of charging each casing with an appropriate powder charge. Consult your reloading manual for precise guidance on powder charge weight specific to your bullet and cartridge combination. Employ a powder scale for accurate measurement of powder charges for individual casings.
In order to fill the casings with powder accurately and minimize spills, you can make use of a powder funnel.

Next, proceed to seat the bullets. This involves using a bullet seating die to carefully position the bullets at the desired depth. The specific depth will depend on the combination of bullet and cartridge you’re using. To achieve the desired overall cartridge length (COAL), use calipers to measure and adjust the seating depth accordingly. Consistency in seating depth is crucial for ensuring accuracy and smooth feeding in your firearm.

Depending on your ammunition type and firearm, you may choose to apply a crimp to secure the bullet in place. If needed, a crimping die can be used to gently compress the case mouth around the bullet, ensuring it stays firmly in position during feeding and recoil. This step is especially important for ammunition designed for semi automatic firearms. Some dies already have a built in taper crimp feature, eliminating the need for an additional crimp die.

Once you’ve completed all steps of the reloading process, it’s essential to perform a thorough final inspection of all reloaded ammunition. Check for any signs of defects or abnormalities, ensuring proper primer seating, correct powder charge levels and accurate bullet seating.

Remember to label your reloaded ammunition with the load data and date of manufacture for future reference. It’s a good practice to keep a record of your loads, as this will help you track their performance and easily identify any issues that may arise.

When it comes to safe storage, make sure you store your reloaded ammunition in a cool, dry and secure location. It’s important to keep it away from children or unauthorized individuals. Additionally, always label the ammunition with the load data and exercise caution when handling or transporting it.

If you happen to have any unused or defective ammunition, it is crucial to dispose of it safely. You can use a bullet puller tool to disassemble loaded rounds and then recycle or dispose of the components appropriately.

Additional Tips and Considerations

It’s often suggested that beginners start with a single stage press instead of a progressive press when getting into reloading. Single stage presses are simpler and easier to learn, allowing you to focus on mastering the basics of reloading.
To gain valuable insights and support, consider joining online forums or local reloading clubs where experienced reloaders share their knowledge. Learning from their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and speed up your learning process.
Keeping detailed records of your reloading activities is crucial. Make sure to maintain a comprehensive log that includes load data, bullet types, powder charges and results. This information will prove invaluable in tracking performance, identifying optimal loads and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Investing in high quality components is essential for consistent and reliable performance. While it might be tempting to cut corners for cost saving purposes, prioritizing quality brass, bullets, primers and powders is key. Quality components not only enhance accuracy but also ensure safety.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for each component you use. This includes following load data instructions as well as seating depths specified by bullet manufacturers or any specific instructions provided by powder or primer manufacturers.

Reloading 10mm Can Save You Money

Reloading your own ammunition can be an incredibly rewarding and cost effective pursuit for firearm enthusiasts, especially when it comes to the 10mm caliber. By following the proper techniques, taking necessary safety precautions and using high quality components, you can experience the advantages of improved accuracy, personalized customization options and potential savings in costs. It’s crucial to always prioritize safety and thoroughly educate yourself before embarking on this reloading journey. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll acquire proficiency in reloading and gain full control over your shooting experience. So get your gear ready, load up your rounds with care and savor the satisfaction that comes from shooting ammunition meticulously crafted by your own hands.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Reloading ammunition involves inherent risks, and it’s crucial to follow proper safety procedures and guidelines. Always consult reloading manuals and seek guidance from experienced reloaders.