How to Make Perfect Ammunition

Written By David Freeman

2020

A potentially lifesaving tip: Label your powder measure. Or
keep only the current factory container next to it until finished.

Every manufacturing process has a Quality Control (QC) function. In a manufacturing plant, QC is separated from the assembly process so there’s no temptation to overlook defects. Since you’re the whole kit and kaboodle, you need to develop your own QC processes. Cutting corners while manufacturing ammunition can be a bad thing.

A good QC process begins with organization. MTM Case-Gard offers a universal reloading tray that works for most rounds you’re likely to reload. Get several; you’ll use them. While you’re at it, pick up some of their ammo boxes for your finished product.

Although MTM makes labels, I suggest you get a package or two of Avery’s 8066 File labels. Even if you don’t have a computer, you can handwrite on these and stick them on your ammo boxes. Knowing what I will load before getting to the bench, I preprint labels with the caliber, powder charge, bullet and date. These labels stick well, but you can pull them off when it’s time to use the box for a different load. Believe me, having those details on your ammo box will come in handy down the road. You don’t want to discover you’ve developed a tack-driver and not remember the recipe.

Yes, you’ll need tools, but keeping barrels on the loading
bench helps you check for proper sizing and headspace.

Inspect the Raw Goods

QC starts with examining your raw materials. Brass is the only reusable component, so it warrants special attention. Although many don’t clean their used brass before reloading, I suggest it. It looks pretty, but more importantly you can get a better view during inspection.

Start by keeping your brass separate by caliber. Separating by brand is generally unnecessary unless you’re loading high performance rounds for accuracy, hunting or long-distance shooting.

You can clean your brass chemically or in a tumbler. I use a tumbler exclusively now that I’ve discovered corn cob media works better than walnut shells. Add a bit of auto polish to make your brass shiny rather than spending two to three times as much on a specialized cartridge case polish.

I use a plastic kitchen colander to separate my brass from the media. I pick up and look at every cartridge as I take it from the colander and place it into a reloading tray. Check for splits, bulges, burs and enlarged or distorted primer holes. Depending on the cartridge type, you may have to trim it and clean up some edges.

When you’re satisfied with your brass, turn your attention to the primers. Make sure you’re using correct primers for the load and they’ve been kept clean and dry. When priming, inspect each round to ensure the primer is flush and not damaged from seating.

Take the time to label your work! David uses Avery file labels to keep track.

Powder Matters

You know the first rule of gun powder is to keep it dry, right? Still applies today. Keep your powder in its original container until you load it into your powder measure, and then either label the powder measure or leave the container near it until the leftover powder is returned to its original package. Why? Because I’ve had a reloading session interrupted, not getting back to it for days. When I did, I had no idea what powder was inside and I had to discard it rather than take a chance on using the wrong powder.

Getting the powder weight correct seems to be the number one challenge reloaders face. No matter what the brand, powder measure settings drift, so check periodically to make sure it’s still dropping the prescribed load. I use a digital scale when setting up and for checking every 10 to 12 rounds. I used to put my powdered cartridges in a reloading tray, and when it was full or I’d reach my limit for the session, I’d use a flashlight to look into all the cases for double-charged or uncharged cases. Now, I seat each bullet immediately after charging. Might work for you, might not. I still check the powder drop periodically.

When seating bullets, it’s imperative you get the overall cartridge length (AOL) correct. Too long, the rounds won’t chamber; too short and you’re increasing pressure. Use a caliper to check.

I keep some spare barrels at my loading bench to check fit and crimp. I’ve gotten to the range and found some rounds wouldn’t chamber because of bad seating and crimps. It’s easy enough to catch on the bench by just slipping the first few rounds into a barrel to make sure they chamber. If you’re loading revolver ammo, use a cylinder.

I developed these procedures after experiencing the consequences of interrupted range outings. In the worst case, it’s possible to blow up a gun, causing injury or death if you don’t pay attention to detail.

Slow down and hire yourself as a QC manager.

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