Remanufactured Ammunition, often referred to as "reloads" or "reloaded ammunition," pertains to cartridges that have been assembled using previously fired cartridge cases.
If a casing is reloadable, it must be brass. Reloading a brass casing is the process of cleaning the residue off it from when it was fired, correcting any slight dings, bends or creases, refitting a primer, adding new propellant, and a new projectile.
This process yields a usable cartridge from a casing that has already been fired.
Here's a detailed exploration:
Basic Definition
Remanufactured ammunition involves the process of taking previously fired brass cases, cleaning them, and refitting them with new primers, propellants, and projectiles to produce functioning cartridges.
Steps in Remanufacturing
Inspection and Sorting
Spent brass cases are inspected for defects, damages, or signs of excessive wear.
Cleaning
Cases are cleaned to remove residues, dirt, and tarnish. This is often done using tumblers with media or ultrasonic cleaners.
Resizing
The spent brass is resized to restore it to its original dimensions.
Re-priming
The old primer is removed, and a new one is inserted.
Charging
The case is filled with a measured amount of propellant.
Seating
A new bullet (projectile) is seated into the case.
Crimping
The mouth of the case is often crimped around the bullet to ensure it stays in place.
Final Inspection
The completed rounds undergo a final check to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
Advantages
Cost-Efficiency
Remanufactured ammunition is typically less expensive than new factory ammunition, making it appealing for regular shooters or those on a budget.
Customization
Handloaders can tailor rounds to specific performance characteristics, optimizing for accuracy, recoil, or other factors based on individual preference.
Sustainability
Using spent brass multiple times is environmentally friendly, reducing waste.
Considerations
Quality Control
The quality of remanufactured ammunition can vary based on the source. Well-respected commercial reloaders have stringent quality control, but individual handloads can vary.
Potential Wear
Brass cases can only be reloaded a limited number of times before they may develop issues like case splits or weakened case heads.
Warranty Concerns
Some firearm manufacturers advise against using remanufactured ammunition, stating that it may void the firearm's warranty.
Usage
Remanufactured ammo is popular among competitive shooters, hobbyists, and those who shoot often, due to the potential cost savings and the ability to tailor rounds for specific needs.
In the shooting sports world, remanufactured ammunition offers a cost-effective and customizable alternative to factory-new rounds.
However, users should be aware of the potential risks and ensure they're sourcing their remanufactured ammo from reputable sources or following best practices if reloading themselves.
