How to Reload Shot Shells

A reloader press packs the ingredients into a hull to reload a spent shell.

If you own and shoot a shotgun, either for hunting or target-shooting, you might accumulate quite a collection of spent shotgun shells. Rather than throwing them away, you can reload those shells with new shot and powder so that you can shoot them again. Though the tools and materials needed to reload shells require an up-front investment, you can end up saving money over the long term. Also, for many shooters, reloading is a relaxing and enjoyable extension of their hobby.

Things You'll Need

• Reloading press
• Reload recipe
• Shell hulls
• Wads
• Shot
• Primers
• Powder

Instructions

1. Determine where you will purchase your reloading materials. See the "Resources" section for suggestions.

2. Purchase the necessary materials based on the company recipe. It is crucial that you follow the recipe closely to avoid inaccurately reloading a shell, which can lead to malfunction or injury.

3. Place the spent shell in the first station on the reloader press.

4. Remove the spent primer and resize the metal base. This is often performed in a single downward pull of the handle.

5. Insert a new primer into the hull. This is typically performed with a single downward pull of the handle.

6. Drop the correct amount of powder into the hull. This is configured beforehand. Refer to the instructions for your reloader press for details.

7. Place a wad on the wad ram and pull down on the handle to place the wad in the hull.

8. Drop the correct amount of shot into the hull. This is configured beforehand. Refer to the instructions for your reloader press for details.

9. Crimp close the open end of the loaded shell. This is usually accomplished with a partial crimp with the first downward pull of the handle, then a complete crimp with the next.

10. Inspect the shell to ensure it is in good form and properly crimped.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to set the powder and shot quantities prior to beginning the reload process. Refer to your reload ingredients for the amounts and the reload press instructions for setup procedures.

References

• Megcha: Reloading Shotgun Shells
• Chuck Hawks: Beginning Shotshell Reloading
• Gun Shop Finder: Reloading Ammo 101
• MEC Reloaders Online: 9000 Series Shotshell Reloader Owner's Manual

Resources

• Alliant Powder: Reloader's Guide
• Hodgdon: Shotshell Loads: Reloading Data Center