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Reloading Dangers

lee reloading supplies

At Titan Reloading, we work hard to support the growth of the reloading community and to inspire new shooters to take up the hobby. Reloading is cost-effective, enjoyable, and safe — as long as it is done according to established safety protocols. However, working with your own reloading supplies does carry inherent risks, and it’s important to understand these risks before you start down the reloading path.

Consider the following when determining whether reloading is right for you:

Injuries and Firearm Damage

Double-charging a round or using too much powder can create a dangerous situation that can result in permanent damage to your firearm or personal injury. This is one of many reasons it is recommended you only reload when you can work uninterrupted and with full focus. Old shell casings can crack, working with lead is always slightly risky, and ignoring manufacturer guidelines can create hazardous situations.

Do not start reloading if you’re not prepared to give it your full attention and follow established guidelines.

Reliability

As a rule, reloaded ammunition is more reliable and more accurate than factory ammunition. However, this is only true when the reloader understands the reloading process and uses his or her reloading supplies correctly. Failure to follow instructions could put you in a vulnerable position. You must be ready to accept responsibility for the performance of your ammunition.

Again, reloading is only for people ready to take it seriously and approach it with the proper care.

Titan Reloading offers free reloading clinics every month that cover the basics of reloading supplies and established safe practices. For further information or any questions about reloading, good habits, or how to ensure your ammunition always performs as expected, contact us at 262.244.7023 or visit www.TitanReloading.com.

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A Quick and Easy Reloading FAQ

Reloading is an exciting hobby that gives you more control over your rounds and can even save you money in the long-term. At Titan Reloading, we consider ourselves firm advocates of safe reloading in addition to being providers of high-quality reloading supplies. That’s why we offer free reloading workshops and use our blog as a channel through which to share useful reloading tips.

Today, we’ve compiled a relatively brief FAQ representing some of the most common questions we see from the reloading community.

Is Reloading Cheaper?

Yes and no. In some cases it’s more cost efficient to buy ammo, in others to reload. It depends on what you shoot and how often you shoot. Additionally, reloading takes a considerable amount of time, so it helps if you enjoy the process for what it is. Simply reloading to save money might not be the right approach.

Is Reloading Safe?

Reloading is extremely safe as long as you follow established storage protocols, treat your reloading supplies with respect and adhere to verified load data. Clean workspaces and attention to detail are critical, but most important is sticking to the guidelines that are already available. Reloading, like many hobbies, is as safe as you make it.

Is the Equipment Expensive?

Stocking a full reloading setup can be quite costly, but the expense is largely upfront. Once you have the equipment and reloading supplies you need, you can continue to use that equipment for decades as long as you take proper care of it. The only time you’ll need more equipment is when you decide to start reloading a different ammunition type.

Overall, it’s best to speak with a professional to get an exact idea of what you’ll need and how much it may cost. Titan Reloading is ready to help answer and walk you through any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us at 262.244.7023 or visit www.titanreloading.com for more information.

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Tips for Setting Up Your Reloading Station

Reloading Station

When you first begin reloading, you’ll have a relatively simple setup with just a few types of reloading supplies. However, as your interest in the hobby expands it is inevitable that you will begin to amass more specialized equipment for a variety of tasks. If you don’t approach setting up your work station with future growth and organization in mind, you could end up with a serious problem. Not only does a sloppy work station make your reloading less efficient, it can also cause safety problems down the line.

Here are some simple tips for setting up a strong work station:

Organization

Keep all of your small supplies (brass, primers) in separate storage bins. Make sure you label the bins with specific information related to the reloading supplies they contain. Knowing exactly which supply is in exactly which container helps keep you efficient during the reloading process and prevents mistakes. Organization is critical in maintaining a safe work environment. Keep hazardous and dangerous materials sealed and either locked away or high enough that kids cannot reach them.

Cleanliness

Clean your work station after every reloading session. Do not leave loose loading supplies on your work bench. Maintaining your work station is important; spilled powder and loose brass represent wasted money and significant safety threats (especially if you have kids or pets). When you design your work station, use a bench or table that is easily cleaned and exceptionally sturdy.

Comfortable Chair

You’re going to be spending long hours sitting at your bench inspecting, prepping and checking final rounds. Buy a nice, comfortable, and ergonomic chair to ensure you’re comfortable while you work so you don’t rush your tasks. A comfy chair can make marathon reloading sessions much more enjoyable!

Log Books

It’s important to record your work for easy refreshing when starting a reloading session. Get dedicated log books to keep your records in and keep them at your bench. I use two, the Research Log and the Load Log. The research log is where I record my steps and notes as I’m working up the loads. I keep notes on load recipes and the results in groupings, firearm function, firearm cleaning etc. This log is especially useful in time as you never need to reinvent the wheel. Once I have found my desired results I record this data in the Load Log for easy access.

For more information or inquiries about reloading supplies please visit www.titanreloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023.

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Rules of Safe Gun Handling

Gun Safety Rules

At Titan Reloading, we’re big believers in your Second Amendment rights. We believe that carrying a firearm is one of the absolute best ways to protect yourself and your family from harm. Generally speaking, people seeking reloading supplies are experienced enough with firearms to handle them safely and with common sense. However, it’s always worth reiterating some of the core rules of safe gun handling — we see frequent accident reports that could have been avoided had these rules been followed.

Firearm Management

Firearms should only be loaded when you are prepared to use them, either via concealed/open carry or at the shooting range. At home, store your weapons and ammunition separately in a safe area that children cannot access. Your firearms are your responsibility. Your reloading supplies should also be stored in a secure location.

Pointing the Gun

The most important rule in firearm safety is this: Never, ever point a gun at something you are not intending to shoot. The muzzle of your weapon should always be aimed in a safe direction. Accidents can and do happen; you can avoid them with proper muzzle direction. Always assume a weapon is loaded and hot.

Trigger Discipline

Watch movies or television and you can tell the difference between trained shooters and actors pretending to know how to handle a weapon. Keep your trigger finger away from the trigger until it is time to pull — your finger should always be outside of the trigger guard unless you are actively shooting. Don’t be afraid to correct poor trigger discipline of friends and family.

Double-Check Your Target

Remember that bullets move at extremely high velocity and will often penetrate their targets. Know what’s in front of you, but also know what’s behind your target. You are responsible for the rounds fired, regardless of your intentions. Checking behind your target is a simple step that can avoid major problems.

Take a Firearms Safety Class

Regardless of your level of shooting experience, a firearms safety class can teach you how to handle a weapon, how to clear jams and other problems, and how to clean and maintain your weapons in between uses. Unless you’ve been trained in some official capacity (via the military or the police, for example), you will learn new things in a safety class.

Titan Reloading considers itself a member of the greater shooting community and hopes that all reloaders will act safely and responsibly when handling their weapons. For more information or to attend one of our classes please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023.

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More Safety Rules for Reloaders

Reloaders

At Titan Reloading, we’re big fans (obviously) of reloading as a hobby. We love helping new reloaders find their way around reloading supplies and reloading equipment, and we work hard to make the reloading community a welcoming place through our dedicated staff and our monthly reloading workshops. It’s important to us that reloading grow and thrive.

Safety is a major concern in reloading, for new and experienced reloaders alike. We’ve touched on safety before, but it’s always worth revisiting. Here are a few safety tips that can help you keep your reloading process safe and consistent:

Find Focus

Do not split your attention between reloading and another task. Wait for the kids to go to bed, leave the television in another room, and don’t converse with visitors in the middle of a reload. Reloading ammunition improperly has serious repercussions; treat the process seriously. If you can’t find a quiet moment, try again the next day.

Don’t Guess or Estimate

Reloading supplies have specific ways they’re meant to be used. At no point in the reloading process should you be guessing or making estimations. Follow a safe, proven workflow and do not deviate from this workflow until you’re certain you understand every element of reloading. If you get stuck, contact the product manufacturer or your fellow reloaders for help.

Use Proper Storage

Keep your powder and primers away from children and away from sources of heat. Store each of your reloading components in a designated, labeled space so that you always know where things are and how to find them. Keep reloading supplies secured when not in use and clean your workspace thoroughly after every reloading session.

Hygiene

It sounds strange, but hygiene matters in reloading. Lead is a potentially dangerous chemical. You should never eat or drink at your reloading bench and should always wash your hands after each session. Do your best to keep your hands in the work area while working to prevent lead from ending up on your face, neck, or anywhere else.

For more information about reloading safety or which reloading supplies will work best for your needs please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023.  Our workshops are free to attend and occur on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. – look forward to meeting you!

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Curious About Reloading Supplies? Stop By Our Workshop!

Reloading supplies

Like other hobbies, when you first get started with reloading you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with information. There’s vocabulary to learn, gear to buy, workflows to master, and tons of other details to understand before you can become a safe and efficient reloader. If you’re curious about getting started in the world of reloading but don’t know where to begin, consider attending one of Titan Reloading’s free reloading workshops.

Our workshops take place on the second Thursday of every month and start promptly at 7:00 p.m. in our showroom (660 Grand Ave., Hartford, WI 53027). The workshop is a great place to learn more about reloading supplies, processes, and efficient work habits. Veteran and rookie reloaders are all welcome; it’s important to us that we support the reloading community as a whole. We do prefer that attendees RSVP ahead of time so we know what size crowd to expect; or you can contact us to mark down your reservation. We do have limited space in the showroom but can accommodate small and medium groups as needed.

Reloading is a rewarding and sometimes challenging hobby with an infinite learning curve. There’s always something new to discover, whether it be a more efficient use of your reloading supplies, a different type of brass to pack, or a new method for reloading that gives you more accuracy in your shots. The more you talk to other reloaders and share your experiences, the better you’ll get at reloading. Our workshops are designed to be a tool through which reloaders can interact and share, building better habits and learning new things along the way.

Titan Reloading offers a wide range of reloading supplies and we’re happy to walk you through the basics if you’re considering taking your first steps into the world of reloaders. For more information  about reloading, our showroom, or our free reloading workshops, please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023.

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A Note on Brass Etiquette

Brass

One of the best things about having a full stock of reloading equipment is that you’re free to reload your own ammunition at any time, saving money and taking greater control over the precision of your shots. But even with reloading equipment set up and ready, you need brass to start reloading. The brass you use is critical for your firing results; high quality brass with few firings will always work better than low end brass that’s been through the ringer.

Now, it’s true that collecting brass at a firing range is one way to increase your brass reserves without spending money. But it’s important to take into account some key bits of range etiquette before you start filling bags with spent rounds:

Observe Range Rules

Every firing range has different rules regarding the collection of spent brass. Some allow you to pick up brass fired by others, while some prefer you only collect your own brass. If you’re unsure about the rules at your particular range, ask an employee before you make assumptions. Always be respectful to your range, its employees, and your fellow shooters.

Stay Safe

Even if your range allows you to collect spent brass, you shouldn’t be wandering around collecting it while the range is hot. Collect brass at the end of the evening or when no one is actively shooting. Your collecting of brass should never create a safety hazard or inconvenience for the other shooters at the range. And don’t forget that brass is often hot!

Check Your Brass Later

Don’t waste time at the firing range inspecting every piece of brass you see. Collect the brass that looks good and wait until you’re home with your reloading equipment to check it out. Once again, your gathering of brass should never annoy or inconvenience the other shooters on the range; stopping to inspect every piece of brass could distract other shooters or cause other annoyances.

Titan Reloading is an industry leading supplier of reloading equipment. For more information about our brass collection or reloading please visit www.TitanReloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023 with any questions. We also offer free monthly reloading clinics so be sure to check that out!

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A Reloading Supplies Checklist for Beginners

Reloading Supplies

Getting into the world of reloading isn’t without its difficulty. There’s gear to acquire, vocabulary to learn, and processes to understand. Like any other hobby, there is a significant learning curve to reloading that must be conquered before you will feel comfortable, efficient, and competent. It takes time and effort.

At Titan Reloading, we love seeing new people learning how to reload their own ammo. That’s one reason we offer free monthly reloading workshops for anyone who wants to come by and learn. But there are many common questions we hear from new customers, and the most common is, “What reloading supplies / equipment do I need to start reloading on my own?”

We usually suggest the basic kit for starters consisting of a single-stage “O” press, a die for each caliber you intend to load, case lubricant for resizing, a priming tool (preferably one that allows for priming off-press), a scale for measuring charges, a powder thrower, a funnel for cleanliness, blocks for your ammo, and a caliper and trimming tool for measuring and trimming stretched shells. You’ll also need a funnel to keep your workspace clean (and to stop yourself from wasting or spilling powder), a deburring tool, and a primer pocket cleanser. And don’t forget your reloading manual, as this will ensure you’re following the correct procedure for optimum, safe results.

If you’re brand new to reloading supplies, that probably looks like quite a bit of equipment. But once you develop an understanding of how each component fits into the reloading workflow, you’ll see why it’s not possible to safely reload ammunition with anything less. Reloading supplies represent a large initial investment for more control over your ammo and more savings over time — don’t forget that reloading your own ammunition allows you to save up to 60 percent off the cost of factory ammo.

For more information about reloading supplies or our workshop please visit www.titanreloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023 with any questions.

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Browse High-Quality Reloading Equipment in Our New Showroom!

reloading equipment

It’s no secret that reloading your own ammunition can save you hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing factory ammo from your local gun supplier. While there’s certainly a learning curve to reloading, once you understand the basics you’ll be able to easily reload your own ammunition and re-use cases. In order to get started, you’ll need to gather the right reloading equipment. This initial investment can be intimidating for those new to the hobby.

At Titan Reloading, we stock incredible, high-quality reloading equipment renowned for its precision and craftsmanship. See firsthand by visiting our new showroom. Located at 660 Grand Ave. in Hartford, Wisconsin, the Titan Reloading showroom has all of the reloading equipment you need to get started as a reloader. In our showroom you can get a feel for the equipment before you purchase it and be confident that you’re making the right decision.

If you’re new to the world of reloading, don’t worry – we offer free reloading workshops on the second Thursday of every month (please contact us to RSVP). Otherwise, the showroom is open Monday through Wednesday from 8am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 3pm. Evening and weekend appointments are available if needed. It’s all about making things convenient for you.

Seeing our reloading equipment in person is a great way to get a deeper understanding of each of the machines and accessories, not to mention it gives you a chance to talk shop with one of our experienced reloading experts. If you’re in the Hartford area, we’d love to have you in the shop so we can highlight our favorite new reloading equipment and explain its benefits in detail.

For more information or inquiries please visit www.titanreloading.com  or contact us at 262.244.7023.

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Precision Reloading Supplies You Can Afford

Reloading Supplies

The hard truth is that reloading supplies aren’t cheap. Molds, melters, lock rings, brass, bullets, and everything else you need for your reloading workflows often come at a high premium from the few specialty shops that offer them. For a long time, it seemed like purchasing precision reloading supplies just had to be expensive and there wasn’t any way around it.

At Titan Reloading, we don’t think you need to break the bank just to get the reloading supplies you need. Instead, we’ve managed to stock hundreds of amazing reloading products all at a fraction of the normal cost. Titan Reloading is able to provide you with reloading supplies that ensure you save 40-60 percent off the cost of factory ammunition – an enormous savings for anyone who considers ammunition a part of their professional or recreational lives.

Titan Reloading is a Master Distributor of Lee Precision Reloading Products. All of the merchandise we stock is brand-new and comes direct from the Lee factory. Lee Precision’s reloading supplies are renowned for their high quality, and they’re proudly made right here in the United States. In fact, Titan Reloading and Lee Precision share the same hometown: Hartford, Wisconsin.

Whether you’re an expert reloader or you’re just now exploring the alternatives to purchasing factory ammunition, Titan Reloading has you covered with all the reloading supplies you need. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been reloading your own ammo for years or are starting tomorrow – we are your one-stop shop.

Reloading your own ammunition is a rewarding practice that helps you save money while also educating you thoroughly on the way your ammo works. It will increase your firearms expertise, give you a valuable (and marketable) skill, and save you tons of money over the long run. Buying bullets is simply too expensive for anyone who makes shooting a primary hobby.

For more information or if you have any questions about reloading, reloading supplies, or how to get started, please visit www.titanreloading.com or contact us at 262.244.7023.