Reloading Your First Shotshell

At the heart of using Alliant Powder are the "How To" steps each reloader needs to follow to produce safe, high-quality rounds. In this area of our website, Alliant Powder offers step-by-step guide for reloading shotgun shells and centerfire cartridges. We encourage you to carefully follow each of the steps shown. This site is designed to help you complete all the important steps of reloading. We are grateful to the supporting corporations who helped make the content on this portion of our site possible.

Introduction to Single Stage Press Reloading

SHOTSHELL

Welcome to Alliant Powders' Guide to Reloading on a Single Stage Press.

A special thanks to: Lyman Products Corporation, MEC Loaders, and RCBS.

The components of a loaded shotshell are a case, primer, powder, wad, and shot.

Weigh Your Powder Carefully:

It is imperative to carefully check weigh powder and shot charges at the beginning of each loading session. Charge weights must be taken during actual ammo assembly. Take the average of ten charges and compare this with data specifications.

Some Progressive Presses:

For the experienced reloader and frequent shooter, progressive presses have the capability to produce ammunition at a faster rate.

Step 1: BUSHING AND BAR VERIFICATION

Verify that the correct powder bushing and shot bar are installed in the loading tool.

Step 2: COMPONENT SELECTION, VERIFICATION AND HOPPER FILLING

After verifying that you have selected the proper powder and shot for the desired load, fill the respective hoppers.

Step 3 CASE INSPECTION:

Carefully inspect each case to insure they all are of the same type. Do not attempt to load different types of cases during a single loading session.

Step 4 CASE RESIZING AND FIRED PRIMER REMOVAL:

Place a fired case on the press directly beneath the resizing die. Alternately, you may slip the fired case directly into the die. When the press handle is pulled down, the case is resized and the fired primer is removed.

Step 5: PRIMER SEATING

Place a new primer into the priming station and then position the case over it. A complete stroke of the press handle will properly seat the new primer.

Step 6: POWDER CHARGING

Place the case under the powder/ shot drop tube and press the right end of the powder/shot bar inward to the full left position. This will drop a powder charge into the case.

Step 7: WAD SEATING

Place a wad into the wad guide, and pull down the press handle to seat the wad in place. Verify correct seating by watching the wad pressure gauge.

Step 8: SHOT METERING

Shot metering is accomplished by pushing the powder/ shot bar from left to right.

Step 9: CRIMP STARTING

The crimp is started using a crimp starter which matches the original number of crimp folds (6 or 8).

Step 10: FINAL CRIMP

At the last loading station, the crimp is closed. The depth of the finished crimp should be very similar to that of the original factory round.

Step 11: LOADED ROUND INSPECTION

At this point you should have a fully loaded shotshell that looks and performs as good as a factory round. Give the finished product a thorough inspection. Safely discard any rounds that show the slightest imperfections. A case ring gauge at this final inspection is a good idea as this will insure that cases are properly resized.


You can also visit the National Reloader's Association website for information on reloading shotshells.

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