by Jan Cox
The spring and summer months bring gun club shoots to this Mountain Valley area whether you live in Westwood, Susanville, Chester, Portola, Quincy, or nearby areas. Autumn brings hunting season for utilizing the skills practiced all summer. But what about winter?
If you live in a household like mine, this down time is great for preparing next year’s shells. It is a good hobby for those cold winter days. I asked my husband why he reloads shells. I thought the answer would be that by reloading shells, you can save a lot of money. But he reported that the main advantage is to get the particular load he wants. He explained that numbers 1 and also 7/8 are hard to find and that by loading his own he can use a particular shell size and create a certain velocity.
What is needed to reload:
- Empty Hulls–most people save them but you can buy them at any sporting goods store that sells reloading supplies.
- Reloading Machine–these range from a single, simple station to fancy progressive machines.
- Primers–the part that sets off the gunpowder.
- Wads–these hold the shot in place.
- Gun Powder–there are different brands, burn rates, and uses (for shot gun, rifles, pistols).
- Shot–this comes in different sizes. If you are shooting targets, 7 1/2, 8’s and 9’s are the most popular. The bigger the number, the smaller the shot size and the more shot per round.
- A reloading manual with directions and tables. Caution: Do not attempt reloading without the proper information which can be found in literature from sporting good stores that carry supplies.
When you are reloading, there are tables in the literature that come with a reloading machine that show the amount of powder and shot to use with which type of primer. These tables are set up for different gauges (10,12, 16, 28, and for a 410) and for attaining the desired velocity. Some people reload their shells 2-3 times while others up to 5 or 6 times.
By Googling “Reloading Shells”, you will find numerous articles of advice, and information on reloading your own shells. Or check out the stores in the area that carry reloading supplies and manuals. In Reno, try either Cabelas or Sheels, two major sporting good stores. Cabelas in located off I-80 at 8650 Boomtown Road, while Sheels is at the corner of 1-80 and Sparks Blvd in Sparks, NV at the Legends at Sparks Marina. Reloading supplies can also be found in some of the smaller stores found in the yellow pages or on-line by Googling “Sporting Goods Stores that carry reloading supplies.”
Photo by Jan Cox — Reloading Shells
