How to load ammo yourself: methods and step-by-step instructions for every hunter

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

In specialized stores, a wide range of ready-made ammunition is presented to the attention of hunters. Therefore, the modern consumer rarely wonders how to properly load hunting cartridges. Judging by the reviews, this topic is mainly of interest to shooters from the outback, where there are outlets with a limited choice of ammunition. It is also interesting for experienced hunters who, for certain reasons, may not be satisfied with standard equipment, how to load cartridges correctly. It is these shooters who are distinguished by a creative approach to this process. You will learn how to load cartridges yourself from this article.

About standard ammo load

Before you wonder how to load cartridges, experts recommend that you familiarize yourself with the shell weight ratio of a rifle unit and its caliber. Every gun hascertain standard. To determine the mass of the projectile, in England they use a well-known formula, namely, divide the English pound (454 g) by the caliber. This formula is considered ideal for rifle units that weigh up to 3.9 kg and fire round bullets. In Russia, hunters calculate the optimal weight of the projectile, depending on the caliber of the weapon. Then, already knowing the weight of the projectile, calculate the weight of the powder charge. According to experts, each brand of gunpowder has its own ratios. For example, for those who are interested in how to load cartridges with Sokol gunpowder, experienced hunters will recommend using a powder-to-projectile ratio of 1/5 or 1/6.

If the gunpowder is smokeless, then 1/18. This ratio is also applicable to gunpowder "Bars", which has a high density. In addition, it provides a sharp fight. Due to the fact that Sunar powder is softer during firing, the ratio is increased to 1/16. Read more about how to properly load ammo, below.

About ammunition elements

Those who are interested in how to load hunting cartridges, first of all, need to know about the device of the ammunition, as well as what happens at the moment of the shot. In order for the shot to be fired, the powder charge must be ignited. This task is performed by the "Centroboy" or "Zhevelo" capsule. The first, according to experts, weakly ignites pyroxylin gunpowder. In addition, as a result of combustion, compounds are formed that are harmful to weapon steel. Second typethe capsule is more modern and considered more efficient.

Before you load the cartridges, you need to decide on the type of gunpowder. For this purpose, you can use black smoke powder. However, it does not burn out fast enough, with the subsequent formation of a plentiful smoky cloud, which will significantly limit the hunter's view. The advantage of this gunpowder is that it requires little pressure to burn. In this regard, such ammunition can not be strongly wavy. As a wad, hunters successfully use a newspaper. Suitable for long-barreled rifle units. Since smokeless powder burns much faster, it needs to be waxed more carefully. If the wad suddenly moves away, then the shot will not happen at all, at best it will drag on. Due to the fact that it burns out sharply at high pressure, such a parameter as the length of the barrel in this case will not play a role. It was thanks to pyroxylin powder that it became possible to shorten guns without the risk of reducing the combat range. Judging by the reviews, by 15% the quality of the shots will depend on what kind of wads and pads the hunter used. Ammunition can be equipped with felt, cardboard or polyethylene wad. There are also shot wad containers, with which the accuracy of the battle is significantly increased. To protect the gunpowder from the wad and close the cartridge after the equipment, special gaskets were invented.

Ammunition can have a metal, folder (it is a thick cardboard) and a polyethylene sleeve. How to charge brass cartridges, judging by the reviews, few people are interested. The problem is that they are heavy and expensive. In addition, today manyhunters shoot from modern guns, for which ejector mechanisms are provided. Their peculiarity is that the spent cartridges are discarded, and hardly anyone wants to lose expensive brass.

How to load ammo? Where to start?

According to experts, this process is a creative activity. The master needs to be as attentive and careful as possible. Before you load the cartridges, you should first prepare the workplace. To do this, remove unnecessary trash from the table and provide good lighting. Next, select the necessary tool. The use of improvised means is undesirable. It is worth equipping cartridges in small batches of 50 pieces. This will allow the master to avoid mistakes. You will have to work with a light mallet.

In addition, a home craftsman needs to purchase a navoinik, a pressing device, scales for gunpowder and shot, a special stand in which already equipped cartridges will be placed. It is presented in the form of a plane in which there are special holes with a diameter corresponding to the bottom of the sleeve. The machine for equipping ammunition is considered a vague concept, since each master can perceive this device in his own way. Judging by the numerous reviews, hunters press the primer into the sleeve using a steel spoon. However, this method is not recommended. It is best to use the convenient Barclay device for this purpose, with which you can squeeze out an already fired primer and press in a new one. On the shelves of hunting stores there are alsouniversal UPS devices. The machine is presented in the form of a manual press, through which the primer is pressed in, the gasket and wad are sent into the sleeve, and then the muzzle is twisted or rolled.

Start Equipment

How to load 12 gauge ammo? The essence of the procedure is as follows. First of all, you need to take a UPS device with a 12-gauge gun and a set of needles that will be used to knock out spent primers. This device can charge both 12 gauge cartridges and any other. You just have to choose the appropriate navoynik and correctly calculate the hitch. First, the capsule is removed. Next, the sleeve itself is prepared directly. If it is made of metal, then the master needs to wipe the cinder from it. If the sleeve is bent or has cracks, then it is immediately rejected. For cartridge cases made of cardboard and plastic, the muzzle is straightened. At this stage, the capsule is pressed in. Previously, metal sleeves were equipped with Centroboy primers, which were based on mercury fulminate. Today they produce 12-caliber cartridge cases for Zhevelo primers. According to experts, it is more expedient to press cartridges not with a hammer or a spoon, but with a special device provided for this. In this case, the shooter may not be afraid of damaging the primer. Also, properly equipped ammunition will not jam at the most crucial moment.

Second step

Now the master needs to measure the right amount of powder charge and pour it into the sleeve. How to properly load 12 gauge cartridges ifused "Centroboy" and smokeless powder? In this case, experts will recommend pouring a little black powder on the primer. At this stage, you will have to use a special measure or dispenser. Thus, the cartridge is loaded in a volumetric manner, which, according to experts, is completely safe. Previously, hunters were wary of smokeless powder, believing that it could only be weighed on high-precision scales. However, as practice has shown, if the charge with the right weight, and the dispenser is correctly configured, then the volumetric method of equipment is quite applicable.

About wading

The purpose of this procedure is to prevent the breakthrough of powder gases. Leakage is prevented by a basic felt wad and a similar piece of cardboard. It is with a cardboard wad that gunpowder should be covered. Next, a felt wad is placed. It is desirable that its thickness be at least 2 cm. As a result, the edges of the sleeve skirt should remain free so that the master has the opportunity to roll or twist them. Some hunters divide the felt wad in such a way that 10 mm parts are obtained. During the shot, they exit the barrel channel and do not break shot shells. If a bullet is used as a projectile, it is not necessary to separate the wad. A cardboard gasket is placed on the powder wad. Due to the fact that its task is to eliminate the weighting of the wad under the influence of shots, very dense cardboard became the material in the manufacture.

Final stage

AfterAfter the ammunition is equipped with a powder charge, it should be equipped with a projectile, namely shot, bullet or buckshot. According to experts, there are shot cardboard wads with the appropriate marking on the shot charges. For bullet cartridges, such a wad is not typical. The fact is that a bullet during a shot can crush it and deform the barrel of a weapon. If you work with the help of a special device UPS-5, which closes the muzzle in the form of an asterisk, you can also not put a wad on the shot cartridge. Judging by the reviews, there are no problems with wads for 12 gauge, since it is not difficult to cut them yourself, and they are also available in specialized stores. Difficulties arise with smaller calibers.

For UPS devices, special twists are provided, which close up the sleeves in the form of an asterisk. If the cartridge is made of metal, then you will have to use a special matrix. These spins can be manual and desktop. According to consumers, the latter is much more convenient to work with. Manual ones are more compact and you can take them with you on a hunting expedition.

About bullet cartridges

For those who do not know how to load cartridges with a bullet, experts advise using new cartridge cases with powerful primers. It is better to fall asleep smokeless powder. Which hitch to choose, the hunter calculates on his own. Installing a wad on top of a bullet is not worth it.

However, to prevent moisture from getting into the cartridge, wax can be applied during the installation of the bullet, twist without gaskets and roll the edges in the form of an asterisk. Judging by the reviews, manyhunters prefer to shoot the heavy bullets of Brenecke and Jakan. Today these ammunitions have felt wads attached. This element is used as a shutter, and also stabilizes the projectile during the flight. Mayer's turbine bullet should be equipped with a multiple wad that compensates for the impact of the shot. It is important that the turbine bullet does not deform. Therefore, round bullets are placed using starch filling. To do this, starch, baby powder or talc is placed in the sleeve on top of the gunpowder, to which small sawdust is added. Next, install the bullet itself. When twisting the muzzle of the cartridge case, you need to remember that this method of sealing can increase the pressure during the shot. Therefore, the weight of gunpowder is adjusted accordingly.

Many hunters use Polev bullets. Projectiles that contain a plastic wad can be placed directly on top of the powder. Such a bullet weighs a little and is equipped with a plastic container, through which it is guided in the barrel channel. In this case, you can do without an additional hitch. Any method is suitable for sealing the sleeve. Some hunters install a thin wad on the container, others simply twist the muzzle. There are shooters who equip shotgun shells with Polev's shells.

About equipping shot shells

Many beginners are interested in how to load a cartridge with shot? This process makes it possible to obtain ammunition for various purposes, namely for the extraction of fur-bearing animals and waterfowl. To properly load a cartridge, you need to know how to vary the wads and spacers, and what shot numberapply. As a result, a hunting rifle will have a different fight. For example, shot No. 5, 6 and 7 is recommended for fur-bearing animals, No. 3, 4 and 5 for small upland game. Capercaillie can be shot No. 1, and waterfowl - No. 3.

According to experts, the distance that a fraction will overcome directly depends on its size. The larger it is, the farther it will fly and the lower the density of its scree. Shotgun ammunition is equipped only with the help of a special machine. If the twist is performed poorly, then the contents of the sleeve may spill out. For this purpose, both factory-made machines and home-made ones are suitable. The main thing is that all technological operations are observed during work. In the past, black powder was widely used by hunters. However, during the shooting, it forms a large smoky cloud, which is only effective for historical reenactment. On the hunt, it only makes it difficult for the shooter to see. For this reason, many shooters prefer to load their cartridges with smokeless powder. In this case, you need to choose the right wads and gaskets.

You shouldn't use too heavy wads. Otherwise, they will catch up and break the shot scree in the center. The result is empty space. Too stiff wads will not provide sufficient obturation. As a result, a breakthrough of powder gases will occur, which will adversely affect the accuracy and range of the battle. To increase these parameters, special wad containers were invented.

How to load cartridges with a container? Judging by the reviews, some hunters inare experiencing difficulties in this case. For example, shooters are wondering if it is necessary to put a gasket or a wad, and where exactly? How to load the cartridge with shot in this case? The fact is that when the sleeve is filled, its muzzle is too long and inconvenient for rolling. Experienced shooters recommend doing it in the following way. First, you need to insert the primer into the sleeve. Then gunpowder 2.2 g is poured in. A 32-gram bullet or a container with a shot charge of 32 g is installed on top. In order for the gunpowder to provide high pressure, it should be carefully compressed. Due to the fact that the container is equipped with its own obturator, gaskets can be dispensed with. At the very end, the edges of the sleeve "star". Some arrows additionally twist. In the latter case, experts recommend using a plastic obturator gasket with low sides. As a result, accuracy and combat range will be increased by an average of 30%.

About buckshot

How to load cartridges with buckshot? This projectile is represented by large lead balls. Designed for hunting small ungulates and predators. Walking with canister cartridges on deer is prohibited. Ammunition is loaded with buckshot using the same machine as shotguns. In order for the shot to turn out to be of high quality, the master needs to rationally select the diameter of the balls and place them in the sleeve as tightly as possible. Many novice shooters in this case make a mistake, namely, they pick up buckshot, focusing on the sleeve. It would be more correct if we proceed from the size of the muzzle. In order for the lead balls to fly in concert, like a dense projectile and over a long distance,buckshots are placed in the pattern. For example, for a 12-gauge cartridge, a buckshot with a diameter of 6 mm is suitable. Such ammunition, judging by the reviews of hunters, is very effective when you need to shoot a wild boar.

It happens that the difference between the inner diameters of cases and muzzles is very significant. The situation is corrected with the help of containers that are inserted inside the sleeve. To do this, using the pattern in the section, taking into account the optimal weight of the striking element, the hunter selects the diameter of the balls with which he fills the container. It closes with a shot wad. Since the projectile must be securely fastened, a twist should be used at the very end. You can fix the buckshot in the sleeve in another more rational, but also more troublesome way. The card pattern is placed inside the sleeve and sprinkled with powder. Fixing the pattern is carried out with the help of thin sticks, for example, matches. Those who practice this method of equipment argue that the presence of matches will not spoil the shot, on the contrary, the sticks will prevent the deformation of the lined pattern while passing through the barrel channel.

About hitch

Among novice hunters, there is an opinion that the more gunpowder, the more powerful the shot. According to experts, this is not true. Gunpowder should be put in moderation. Manufacturers indicate weights of gunpowder on cans of products. However, the indicated indicator is not the average working, but the maximum, which is not desirable to exceed. Often beginners ask the question, how to load 16 gauge cartridges? How muchgunpowder needed? Previously, hunters determined the amount of shot and gunpowder by trial. Today, after performing a series of tests, special measures have been created. Therefore, before loading 16-gauge cartridges, you should prepare a shot weighing 29 g or 30 g, and to it gunpowder, respectively, 1, 7 and 1, 8 g. 35 and 40 g. The weight of gunpowder for such cartridges will be 1.9 g, 2.1 g, 2.25 g and 2.4 g.

How to load a 20 gauge cartridge? In this case, you will need a 22-gram shot sample for 1.4 g of gunpowder. You can also supply a hunting sleeve with 23 and 24 g of shot. Such cartridges will require 1.5 and 1.6 g of powder charge, respectively. If the hunter decides to use the 12-caliber Magnum cartridge, then he can be recommended to take a 40-gram sample for 2.8 g of gunpowder. For a 20-caliber ammunition equipped with a Polev bullet No. 3 and 7, a powder load of 2 g is needed. When equipping the same ammunition with a Shashkov bullet, the load must be increased to 2.2 g. This projectile is also suitable for loading a hunting cartridge 16 caliber. A weight of gunpowder of at least 2.1 g is allowed. A 2-gram can be used in 16 gauge if the hunter equips the case with a Brenneke bullet.

About 28 caliber ammunition

For those who want to know how to load a 28 caliber cartridge, the following method can be recommended. A cardboard pad is placed on the powder charge, the thickness of which is 3 mm. A s alted felt wad is placed on top. Next, the sleeve is filled with small dry sawdust. After doingof these actions, a ball bullet is placed. Now the sleeve mouth should be slightly compressed using a special matrix. The projectile must not fall out of the cartridge, even if it has to be fired from an adjacent barrel. In an effort to increase the accuracy of the battle, some hunters equip the ends of the barrels with transverse grooves, the task of which is to reduce the pressure inside the barrel, and therefore the recoil during shooting.

To those who want to equip a 28-caliber bullet cartridge, experts recommend using the Astafiev bullet. This projectile has a cylindrical shape and weighs 24 g. Its diameter is 14 mm, its height is 23.5 mm. You will need three cardboard spacers to work. The sleeve is equipped mainly with Sokol gunpowder with a weight of 1.2 to 1.4 g. Then, with the help of a special pile, the first cardboard lining is sent into the sleeve. Its convex side should be facing the muzzle. The other two can be directed towards the bottom with their convex parts. Next, a s alted felt wad is placed in such a way that the distance from the projectile to the upper edge is 3 mm. Before planting the bullet, it should be wrapped in polyethylene film. It will be held by paws, which are pre-carved in the sleeve and bent inward. Bullet cartridges of 28 caliber should be equipped with gaskets and wads, the diameters of which should be 0.7 mm larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve. Ammunition, judging by the feedback from hunters, provides a sharp and stable fight.