Author: ShannonH
Loading Your Own Ammo
By Frank Semeraro AKA “Big Gun”
Ammo is very scarce and expensive right now and I have had a lot of people ask me about reloading their own ammo. Before taking the plunge into the world of reloading there are a few things to keep in mind. Reloading is a very expensive hobby and when ammo is scarce, so are the reloading components. Reloading isn’t about saving money, it’s about having ammo when you need it and loading the cartridges to suit your needs.
To start off you will need the following minimum equipment that is a one time purchase:
- Reloading Press – The prices of a reloading press run between 150.00 and $1,000 dollars. I would recommend a single stage press for beginners. I personally use and recommend the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. This is an excellent press and will last longer than you do. You can pick up one of these for around $200.00
- Reloading Dies – You will need a set of reloading dies for each caliber you plan on reloading. I recommend the Lee Precision Carbide Dies. These dies fit almost every reloading press and when using carbide dies you don’t need to lube the cases. These dies will also last a lifetime.
The Die set will run you about $85.00 per caliber set and gives you all the dies to de-prime the cases, size the cases, seat the bullet and crimp the cases.
- Powder Measure – You will need an accurate powder measure to accurately throw a charge of gun powder into the case. I recommend the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure and you will also want to purchase a stand for it so you can mount it to your reloading bench and a funnel. This will cost you around $200.00
- Powder Scale – You will need an accurate powder scale to weigh your loads. It is critical that your charges fall into the acceptable range. I weigh every 10 loaded cartridges to make sure the amount of powder on the cases are safe to shoot. I recommend the Frankford Arsenal Digital Scale Model DS-750. This scale is very accurate and easy to use and can be found for about $35.00
- Calipers – You will need a good set of calipers to make sure the Minimum and Maximum overall case lengths are in spec. I use the Hornady Digital Caliper which cost around $40.00
- Priming Tool – You will find it much easier to prime your cases with a hand tool instead of using the press. I recommend the Lyman E-ZEE Prime. This is very easy to use and make priming the cases go very quickly. This will cost you around $100.00
- Reloading Bench – You can use a table or workbench for reloading. I made my own reloading bench from 2×4’s and a plywood top for under $100.00
So far you can see that this is not a cheap hobby and this is just the bare-bone minimum setup. Fortunately, this is only a one time purchase. The next part are the consumables which will be an on-going expense.
Consumables – These are the components you will need to start reloading your cartridges.
- Cases – You will need Brass or Nickle Cases for each caliber you will reload for.
- Bullets – You will need to decide the weight and type of bullets for each caliber. Lead, Lead Coated, Copper Plated, Hollow Point, etc. The average cost of bullets are about $100.00 for 500 rounds.
- Primers – You will need primers for your cases depending on if they are Large or Small Rifle or Large or Small pistol. Your cases will determine if you will need large or small primers. For safety reasons only use Rifle primers for Rifle Cases and Pistol Primers for Pistol Cases.
- Gun Powder – You will need multiple powders depending on the types of cartridges. There is no “One Size Fits All”
I would also recommend a reloading manual that contains the load data for each caliber cartridge based on the weight of the bullet. This is very critical since you can cause damage to your firearm or yourself if you don’t follow the reloading data specs. This is the manual I use.
Reloading is actually a very simple process as long as you follow the instructions. It is an expensive hobby but you will always have ammo when you need it. I usually have 50,000 rounds of ammo in my safe at any given time.
This is also a very time consuming process, so don’t think you will go to the garage and crank out a few thousand rounds on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
I hope you now have enough information to make the decision to Reload or Not to Reload.
If you have any questions you can always email me at biggun@fsemeraro.com
Also visit my youtube channel, I have reviewed many of the products mentioned.
Top 5 Mag Holders In 2020 On a Budget
Having an extra magazine comes handy in plenty of situations. Whether you need those mags for a specific purpose or just want to keep some handy just in case, you’ll need a mag holder for them. Unfortunately, some mag holders can run a pretty penny. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that these budget options won’t work perfectly for you.
1. Remora Mag Holder Carry All
The Remora Mag Holder Carry All is a mag holder that fits inside your waistband and carries anything you might need to have on you. You’ll be able to comfortably wear the Remora Mag Holder Carry All on your hip, front, or back.
Each of the compartments included in the holder can carry your basic needs such as a single stack .22 or a double stack .45 mag. You can even store small tools like speed strips, a knife, or a small flashlight.
The holster comes in multiple colors as well. It sells in black, white, punch, and punch pink. You can also upgrade the lining of the holster to a black denier or plush black. An optional sweat shield is also on the table which will help with the longevity of the mag holder as well as add to your comfort when you’re wearing it.
2. Remora Kydex Magazine Holder
The Remora Kydex Magazine Holder is a simple, handmade mag holder that’s meant to be worn inside the waistband. The compact case is made with military hardware and spec clips. It features a genuine leather backing and the Remora non-slip material on the side of the holder that presses against your body.
There is a genuine advantage to adjustable and detachable parts in mag holders because they give you a level of adaptability. This mag holder has adjustable hardware which allows you to make sure it’s comfortable for you to wear, specifically.
This holder is available for a long list of different gun models. This versatility gives you an option with this holster no matter what your needs are. You can also choose the color and draw side of the holder.
3. Combo Remora 2-In-1 Holster and Mag Holder
The Combo Remora 2-In-1 Holster and Mag Holder is made as a draw side specific that fits inside your waistband. It also has a swivel clip that you can adjust to match your personal cant so that it fits comfortably and naturally on your side.
As a no clip option, you can wear it inside your waistband or carry it in your pocket. Without the clip, the holsters are ambidextrous, which is very attractive if you’re left-handed and struggle to find a holster that can accommodate!
This holster and mag holder combo is also hand manufactured., so you know you’re getting high quality with every order.
4. Remora Single Mag Holder
Sometimes you don’t need anything too fancy or large to get the job done. If you don’t have a lot to carry and you don’t want to worry about a lot of extra bulk, the Remora Single Mag Holder might be the best fit for you.
The main thing to notice about this mag holder is that it has a single compartment. However, this single compartment isn’t heavily restricted to what it will hold. You can use it to carry a double stack .45 magazine or a .22 single stack magazine. Alternatively, you can use the holster to carry a small flashlight, knife, or speed strip.
The holder is made to be worn inside the waistband or in your pocket. It has a non-slip design that won’t shift around. The outside of the holder is the standard Remora black with a standard black denier interior.
5. Remora Dual Mag Holder
If you need a versatile mag holder, the Remora Dual Mag Holder fits the bill. It’s made to hold a single stack .22 or to double-stack .45 mag. You can also use it to hold a speed strip, a knife, or even a small flashlight.
This is another option from Remora that’s manufactured by hand. So, you know you’re going to get personalized quality with every order. You can also choose a color to make sure your mag holder fits your personality and style.
Just because you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a mag that works well for you. Any of these options will hold your mags and serve you well without forcing you to shell out all the cash in your bank account.
NOW AVAILABLE: RED DOT OPTIC HOLSTERS
Remora, the most comfortable holsters now available with amazing red dot optic concealability. Red dot holsters are compatible with small laser modifications, partial sweat shields. Plush lining upgrade are also available..
The red dot holster encloses the optic to protect the carrier from gouge and irritation. The red dot holster also protects the optic from sweat and body oils.
Remora’s low profile red dot holster leaves the top of the optic uncovered. The holster is designed to cover the sides of the optic
Remora offers custom holsters to meet any concealment needs our customers may have. 239-316-7770
