There are several reasons why shooters decide to reload ammunition. What you most frequently hear is “saves you money!” However, those who have money to burn and continue to buy factory ammunition may not be aware of the greater degree of accuracy achieved by properly self loaded ammunition created for a specific firearm. Those who argue that the high dollar premium factory ammo is the best way to go should take a moment to consider why reloading equates to greater accuracy.

An expert marksman once said, “There are three good reasons why you should reload your cartridges: 1. shoot better 2. increase accuracy and 3. save money.” Accuracy is the topic of this discussion, and the main reason why greater accuracy may be achieved by loading your own ammo.

The first conclusion many will jump to, that accuracy increase is the result of determining the best powder charge for a particular gun, is true. Muzzleloaders know how adjusting a powder charge effects accuracy in regards to rifle characteristics and range distance. Adjusting cartridge charges is useful, but isn’t the most critical factor in achieving greater accuracy. Guides are available which should provide the powder type and load for various cartridge types. It is critical to know what the safe acceptable powder charge for particular ammo and firearm is. Safe powder charge adjusting has advantages that will be discussed in a future article.

No two firearms of the same caliber are exactly the same. Machine specifications and quality vary from one manufacturer to the next. There is often even a degree of discrepancy within firearms manufactured of the same make and model. Machine parts wear and pieces vary to some degree so that, although good enough to pass Quality Control, it is practically impossible to manufacture all firearms of a specific type to an exact specification. Greater variances exist from one manufacture to the next in regards to firearms designed to shoot a specific caliber cartridge. A particular gun too will wear over time and thus tolerances will change.

Ammunition manufacturers use general industry specifications to create cartridges for firearms. To ensure that the ammo will seat properly or “fit” into any gun of a particular caliber the ammo may be slightly short, or fit just a hair lose in the cylinder or chamber.

It is when the end of the bullet seats up against where the rifling starts in the bore, the cartridge is snug but not stuck in the chamber, and is inserted all the way, that point where you seemingly have a “perfect fit” that you may achieve maximum accuracy. This assumes you have the correct powder charge, powder type, case, bullet, primer, and other critical factors put into practice, as you become a knowledgeable reloader.

Basically, what it comes down to is you are specifically tailoring ammunition for your gun. You will learn to measure the correct chamber headspace and bullet seating depth for precision ammunition loads. This not only maximizes accuracy, but also extends the life of your brass and firearm.

If you have two .357 handguns, you wont seat the bullet at the exact same depth for both guns. Those slight manufacturing discrepancies will become apparent as you take measurements and adjust to find the precise seating depth for a specific firearm. There may be exceptions, say for example you have two high quality firearms with consecutive serial numbers “twins” you may find they spec precisely the same, as far as you can tell. But as a general rule, there are noticeable variances that you will become all to aware of when you learn how to load your own precision ammunition.

Proper seating depth is vitally important to reloading. The deeper the bullet is seated in the cartridge the higher the pressure during discharge. If seated too deep, dangerous pressure can be generated which will likely result in destruction of the firearm and perhaps life threatening injury. Reloading does come with risk, which can only be mitigated by safe practices and proper education. The rewards are well worth the time and effort, so take the time to learn as much as you can. You will have not only created ammo personalized for your firearm, but you will enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself and better than the ammunition companies.