Handloading Vs Reloading
- Thread starter Tex Critter
- Start date
I'm going to disagree slightly here. Reloading ammunition is the act of handloading not the other way around. Reloading refers to handloading cases that have already been fired. You can't reload new unused cases technically.
Handloading means loading ammunition by hand on a small scale, usually at home or the range. Reloading can be done on a large scale at a factory and I wouldn't call that handloading.
He's talking about reloading empty ammunition cases not magazines or the refrigerator.
Fudd
back40sniper
CGN Regular
- Location
- South east Sask.
My take on it is, when you are handloading you are trying to make the best,most accurate ammunition you possibly can. This would be for target shooting, benchrest, or hunting. Reloading is more for making large quantities or ammo , maybe plinking, gopher shooting or such so the minute details are sacrificed for higher production rates. YMMV
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
IMO the term reloading would mean using a press mounted on a bench to reuse spent ammo casings...handloading may refer to the act of using a handloader or hammer loader at the range perhaps where there is no access to the press.
Good question
IMHO a reloader is someone that tries to duplicate factory loads (for a lower cost) or makes ammo that "works" in his gun, so he can go out and shoot/hunt.
A HAndloader is someone that dicks around alot, maybe forms cases, maybe tries lots of different angles on a load, etc.
Bottom line: A reloader fills up his cases and bullets and goes shooting, a Handloader goes further. The Handloader wants to tailor his loads to his guns, the reloader wants to make ammo to shoot.
Nothing wrong with either. I am both, depending on firearm.
IMHO a reloader is someone that tries to duplicate factory loads (for a lower cost) or makes ammo that "works" in his gun, so he can go out and shoot/hunt.
A HAndloader is someone that dicks around alot, maybe forms cases, maybe tries lots of different angles on a load, etc.
Bottom line: A reloader fills up his cases and bullets and goes shooting, a Handloader goes further. The Handloader wants to tailor his loads to his guns, the reloader wants to make ammo to shoot.
Nothing wrong with either. I am both, depending on firearm.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I agree with Gate as well, the handloader is able to fashion specialty ammunition that the factory does not produce. The handloader is also able to hold his tolerances tighter than the factory, where the reloader might not be so inclined.
The difference is motive. The reloader is motivated by money while the handloader is motivated by excellence. Handloaders often spend more on equipment to squeeze every last bit of accuracy and performance out of a load or to develop something the factory doesn't offer.
On that basis I handload 12 gauge and centerfire rifle but reload 28 gauge.
Maybe we should use the British term "homeloading" which covers both.
On that basis I handload 12 gauge and centerfire rifle but reload 28 gauge.
Maybe we should use the British term "homeloading" which covers both.
