Safety First: The Cornerstones of Responsible Reloading
Required Protective Gear: Your Shield Against Harm
Before you touch a single reloading component, make sure you have the appropriate safety gear. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s mandatory.
Safety Glasses: The absolute minimum. Eye protection is paramount. Reloading involves small projectiles and potentially dangerous materials. A good pair of safety glasses or, ideally, shooting glasses, will protect your eyes from anything that could be ejected or explode.
Hearing Protection: Reloading can be noisy. Repeated exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing. Earplugs or earmuffs are essential.
Gloves: While optional, gloves are recommended. They provide a better grip, protect your hands from chemicals, and keep your hands clean.
Understanding Pressure: The Invisible Force
One of the most critical concepts in reloading is understanding pressure. When a cartridge is fired, the powder rapidly combusts, generating a large amount of expanding gas. This gas creates pressure inside the case, pushing the bullet down the barrel. Exceeding the recommended pressure limits can lead to catastrophic failures, including firearms explosions.
Always adhere to the load data provided in reliable reloading manuals. Never try to “hot rod” your loads by exceeding the recommended powder charges or altering the components without thorough research and testing. A chronograph is an essential tool for measuring the velocity of your loads and cross-referencing them with expected velocities.
Following Proper Techniques: The Path to Safe Reloading
The way you handle each step in the reloading process impacts your safety. Careless practices lead to errors which result in dangerous loads.
Correct Primer Seating: Ensure the primer is fully seated in the primer pocket. A primer that is not seated properly can lead to misfires or, worse, a chain reaction.
Powder Charging Accuracy: Use a reliable powder scale and powder measure to ensure accurate powder charges. A small error in powder weight can have a significant impact on pressure.
Proper Case Preparation: Prepare your cases by cleaning them, resizing them, trimming them to the correct length, and deburring the case mouths. These steps are essential for proper bullet seating and consistent performance.
Finding Trustworthy Information: The Backbone of a Safe Reloading Experience
Relying on unverified information is a recipe for disaster. Only use load data from reputable sources.
Reloading Manuals: The gold standard. Reputable reloading manuals, such as those published by Lyman, Hodgdon, and Hornady, provide detailed load data for a wide variety of cartridges, powders, and bullets.
Manufacturer Websites: Many powder and bullet manufacturers offer load data on their websites. These resources are usually reliable, but always double-check the data.
Essential Components: The Building Blocks of Your Ammunition
Cases: The Foundation of Your Rounds
Cases are the foundation of your reload. You have a choice between new and once-fired cases.
New Cases: Provide a clean slate and are less likely to have any existing damage.
Once-Fired Cases: Offer cost savings. However, inspect them thoroughly for any damage (e.g., cracks, bulges) before reusing them.
Case Preparation: Getting Your Brass Ready
Preparing the cases for reloads is a crucial step:
Cleaning: Clean the cases to remove dirt and debris.
Resizing: Resizing returns the cases to their original dimensions after firing.
Trimming: Trimming ensures that all cases are the same length. This improves accuracy and helps maintain consistent chamber pressures.
Deburring: Deburring the case mouths removes any sharp edges created during trimming, making it easier to seat the bullets.
Primers: Initiating the Fire
Primers provide the initial spark that ignites the gunpowder.
Recommended Primer Types: Small pistol primers or small rifle primers.
Primer Selection: Compatibility between primers and the chosen powder is very important.
Bullets: Delivering the Projectile
The bullet is the projectile that exits the barrel.
Popular Bullet Weights: 40 grain, 50 grain, and other weights are popular choices.
Bullet Selection Considerations: The intended purpose of the ammunition determines what bullet to use. Target shooting requires a bullet suited for it, while self-defense demands a bullet designed for expansion and penetration.
Bullet Construction: Different bullet designs influence performance in target shooting and for self-defense.
Powders: Fueling the Performance
Powder is the propellant that drives the bullet down the barrel.
Recommended Powders: Hodgdon Lil’Gun, Alliant Blue Dot, and other powders are often used, but this is not an exhaustive list.
Powder Selection Considerations: Selecting the right powder involves balancing the desired velocity, case capacity, and safety. Consult reloading manuals for the best recommendations.
Reloading Tools: The Instruments of the Trade
You need the appropriate tools to get the job done safely and correctly:
Press: The central tool for resizing, priming, and seating bullets.
Dies: Resizing dies, bullet seating dies, and often a crimping die.
Scale: For accurately weighing powder charges.
Powder Measure: For dispensing powder into the cases.
Case Trimmer: For trimming cases to the correct length.
Calipers: For measuring case lengths and overall cartridge length.
Primer Seater: For seating primers at the correct depth.
Loading Information: A Starting Point
Disclaimer: The following load data is for informational purposes only. Always consult reputable reloading manuals and use the data provided there as a starting point. The information provided here should be verified with a reloading manual. Reloading is dangerous, and any actions you take are at your own risk.
Load Data with a 40gr Bullet
| Bullet Weight | Powder | Primer | Case | COL | Velocity (approx.) | Notes |
| ————- | ————- | ————– | ————— | ——– | —————— | ————————————- |
| 40gr | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Small Pistol | Federal | 1.580″ | 1700 – 1800 fps | Start: 6.0gr, Max: 6.5gr, compressed |
| 40gr | Alliant Blue Dot | Small Rifle | Speer | 1.580″ | 1650 – 1750 fps | Start: 5.5gr, Max: 6.0gr |
| 40gr | Accurate #7 | Small Pistol | Fiocchi | 1.580″ | 1750 – 1850 fps | Start: 7.0gr, Max: 7.5gr |
Important Notes: Always begin with the starting load and gradually increase the powder charge. Always monitor for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum loads.
Load Data with a 50gr Bullet
| Bullet Weight | Powder | Primer | Case | COL | Velocity (approx.) | Notes |
| ————- | ————- | ————– | ————— | ——– | —————— | ————————————- |
| 50gr | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Small Pistol | Federal | 1.590″ | 1550 – 1650 fps | Start: 5.8gr, Max: 6.3gr, compressed |
| 50gr | Alliant Blue Dot | Small Rifle | Speer | 1.590″ | 1500 – 1600 fps | Start: 5.0gr, Max: 5.5gr |
| 50gr | Accurate #7 | Small Pistol | Fiocchi | 1.590″ | 1600 – 1700 fps | Start: 6.5gr, Max: 7.0gr |
Important Notes: The data is a starting point. Work your way up from the starting load. Never exceed the maximum load.
Important Considerations for Load Data
Pressure Signs: The appearance of your spent primers is important. Overpressure loads may show signs of flattening, the appearance of ejector marks on the case head, and/or the case’s primer pockets becoming loose.
Velocity Variation: There is a wide variance in velocity from gun to gun. The velocity of your particular rifle or pistol may vary slightly from the values presented above.
Starting Low and Working Up: Always start low with the recommended starting loads and gradually increase the powder charge in small increments. This helps you identify signs of overpressure before exceeding safe limits.
Cartridge Overall Length (COL): The cartridge overall length is the overall length of the loaded cartridge. This is a critical measurement. Always follow the COL specified in the reloading manual.
Powder Weight and Measurement: Never exceed the maximum recommended powder charge. It is essential to accurately measure the powder charge using a high-quality powder scale.
Components Matter: The bullet’s weight and style have a significant impact on the load.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have the components, it’s time to reload. This process requires precision, patience, and a dedication to safety.
Case Preparation: Clean the cases, inspect them, resize them, trim them to the correct length, and deburr the case mouths.
Priming the Case: Use a priming tool or the priming station of your reloading press to seat the primer.
Powder Charging: Place a case in the reloading press and use your powder measure and scale.
Seating the Bullet: Place the bullet on top of the case and seat it to the correct COL with a seating die.
Crimping: In most instances, a light crimp is beneficial, but it may not be necessary for all bullets. Consult your reloading manual.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues: Addressing Challenges
Even with careful preparation, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to address them.
Failure to Fire: Make sure the primer is seated correctly. The firing pin might not be reaching the primer properly.
Case Stuck in the Die: Lubricate the cases properly before resizing.
Overpressure Signs: Immediately stop reloading and examine the load data.
Accuracy Problems: Examine the bullet selection, seating depth, and powder selection.
Conclusion: Reloading Safely for a Rewarding Experience
Reloading the 5.7x28mm cartridge can be a rewarding hobby, providing a way to tailor ammunition to your specific needs, saving money, and increasing accuracy. But this process requires knowledge, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Always prioritize safety by following the recommendations outlined here and by referencing and referencing reliable reloading manuals.
Liability Disclaimer and Safety Reminders: Essential for Every Reloading Session
VERY IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only. Reloading is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death if not done properly. This information is not a substitute for consulting reliable reloading manuals and seeking advice from experienced reloaders. It is your responsibility to verify all data with reputable sources before reloading.
Liability Waiver: The author and publisher of this guide are not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the use of this information. Reloading involves inherent risks, and you assume all responsibility for your actions.
Always Consult Multiple Sources: Reloading is not a field where one should rely on a single source of information. Consult reputable reloading manuals, manufacturer websites, and experienced reloaders to verify the data and ensure safe reloading practices.
By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of having a rewarding and safe experience reloading the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
