Cartridge Reloading - What's the deal?

Fireforming your cases

Fire-forming cartridge cases is a process used in reloading ammunition, and it serves several purposes. The primary goal is to shape a cartridge case to a specific chamber or firearm, ensuring a precise fit. Here's a breakdown of the purposes of fire-forming cartridge cases: 1. **Conforming to Chamber Dimensions:** - Fire-forming helps in matching the dimensions of the cartridge case to the specific chamber of a particular firearm. This is important because chambers can vary slightly between individual firearms, even of the same make and model. 2. **Improved Accuracy:** - A case that has been fire-formed to a specific chamber is more likely to provide better accuracy when fired in that same chamber. This is because it eliminates any excess space between the cartridge case and the chamber walls. 3. **Customization for Improved Performance:** - Reloading enthusiasts often fire-form cases to create custom loads tailored to their specific needs. By fire-forming, reloaders can achieve a particular case shape that may enhance ballistic performance or accuracy. 4. **Wildcat Cartridges:** - Fire-forming is commonly used when working with wildcat cartridges. Wildcat cartridges are non-standard or custom-designed cartridges that may not have commercially available brass. Fire-forming involves using a parent case that is readily available and altering it to the desired wildcat cartridge specifications. 5. **Brass Conditioning:** - The process of fire-forming can also help condition the brass, making it more malleable and potentially extending the life of the cartridge case. 6. **Reducing Case Stretch:** - In some instances, fire-forming can help reduce case stretching that may occur during the initial firing of a new case in a firearm with a large chamber. The fire-forming process typically involves firing a cartridge loaded with a minimal or partial powder charge, which allows the brass to expand and take the shape of the chamber without generating excessive pressure. It's essential for reloaders to follow safe reloading practices and adhere to recommended load data during the fire-forming process to ensure safety and optimal performance.

Season 2; Episode 1 - Projectiles and Load Data

This episode kicks off season 2 by getting straight into the types of projectiles a loader might encounter. Then, the configurations of projectiles are reviewed, as well as how those types and configurations impact load data selection. This is followed by reviewing the expectations of the performance of the cartridge based on the load data used. Lastly, we review upcoming episodes for our listeners and our subscribers. Dr. Harral

Re-Introducing Cartridge Reloading

This is a quick "pre-season" pitch to explain how our episodes will be numbered moving forward, introduce our subscription service, and encourage your feedback and topic suggestions!

Loading for Success

Summary: The meeting was focused on the topic of ammunition reloading, with Dr. Huard Harral providing detailed explanations and recommendations on various aspects of the process. He emphasized the importance of matching the composition of projectiles for load consistency and functionality, finding the perfect sweet spot for reloading ammunition for accuracy, and using a single-stage press for ammunition production. He also explained how to set up the bullet seat and crimp die, stressing the importance of not over-crimping and crushing the case. Dr. Harral also discussed the importance of proper ammunition handling to prevent injury to firearms, providing personal anecdotes and recommending the use of a digital scale for accuracy and efficiency. He provided a detailed explanation of the reloading process and equipment, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and recording data. Additionally, he and Daniel Holzwarth discussed the different categories of ballistics, focusing on the transitional category and its importance in ensuring accurate shots at long distances. The meeting also covered the importance of recording atmospheric data when loading ammunition and how it affects the pressures generated. Dr. Harral demonstrated how to use a data collection tool to record and organize load data, and suggested other methods for recording load data. Finally, Dr. Harral and Daniel had a detailed discussion about tracking brass and reloading cases, discussing the different methods of tracking and the limitations of reloading certain types of cases. Overall, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the ammunition reloading process, emphasizing the importance of safety measures, accuracy, and data recording. Dr. Harral provided detailed explanations and recommendations on various aspects of the process, and engaged in discussions with Daniel to ensure a thorough understanding of the topics covered.

The Mechanics of the Shotshell, and other topics

Summary: The meeting covered various topics related to shot shells, ammunition, and firearms. Dr. Harral provided a comprehensive explanation of the technical aspects of shot shells, including the length of a shotshell, types of crimps used, and the mechanics of a shotgun shell. He emphasized the importance of using the correct crimp and load data to ensure safety and performance. The group also discussed the original color codes for shotshell hulls and their significance, as well as the challenges of cliches and tailpieces. The meeting also covered the technical details of payload and pressure calculations, including the effect of payload on feet per second, trajectory, and distance. Dr. Harral emphasized the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from them and the trade-off between a fast, flat-shooting projectile and a heavier, slower-moving projectile that maintains its kinetic energy longer. The group also discussed the complex relationship between ammunition and firearm companies and the benefits of using the right ammunition for specific firearms. The meeting highlighted the importance of continuous learning and responsibility in the firearms industry. Dr. Harral provided valuable insight into the complex process of creating a shotgun shell and the technical details of payload and pressure calculations. The group also discussed the importance of understanding the relationship between ammunition and firearms and the benefits of learning through multiple ways, including reloading sessions.