Rub the inside of the case with a soft cloth to remove powder residue and dirt. Reach into the case with a case neck brush. Lubricate the casings to keep them from getting stuck in the sizing die. Spread a light coating of case lubricant on a lube pad and roll several casings across the pad at once. Reapply lubricant to the pad as needed.
Cleaned and lubricated casings Primers Bullets the corresponding size of the shells you’ve collected Powder appropriate to the size of the shells you’ve collected
Some presses have a rotating tray that allows you to load several at once. You’ll still want to go through the process of de-capping all of the spent casings before you go loading any of them. It’ll be tedious, but worth it in the end.
Remove the casing and inspect the primer. It should be flush or slightly lower than the case base.
Weigh out the correct amount of powder. You can weigh each charge individually or use a volumetric powder measure or calibrated dipper. Add the powder using a funnel. Discard or return unused powder to the factory container. If it’s left on your measurement device or other equipment, the powder can damage it. Keep the reloading area clean and free of powder.
Hold a bullet over the open casing with one hand while you lower the press handle with the other. If the bullet needs to be seated deeper into the case, adjust the seater.
Empty hulls, checked for wear Plastic wadding of the appropriate gauge Shot of the desired “shot number” Primers Shotshell powder
Hold potential reload hulls up to the light and examine the mouth of each for splits and substantial wear along the crimping. If it’s too torn up, you won’t be able to use it to properly crimp back down, resulting in a faulty shell. Generally, it’s a good idea to throw away shells that have been stepped on or jammed with mud in some way. Shells that come from break-open shotguns that allow you to remove the empty shells directly from the gun are your safest bet. Put them directly into a box or bag to keep them, if you want to reload.
Most reload guides call for Red Dot shotshell powder for use in reloading, of a varying amount. 12 ga. shells are usually loaded with between 16 and 25 grains of powder. Most reloaders have a rotating plate that allows you to keep a load of each necessary “ingredient” queued up, allowing you to work relatively quickly. To advance between the steps, you simply rotate the plate and pull the handle again. You can go as quickly as you can do that simple action.
You’ve got some choice in the matter when it comes to what shot you want to load your shells with, depending on your purposes. 12 gauge shells generally use size 7. 5, 8, or 9 size shot, sold in big 25 pound bags. The smaller the number, the larger the little lead balls. If you’re shooting for sport, 8 or 9 is generally better, while you might want size 7. 5 if you’re hunting or reloading for some other purpose.
If you’ve altered the shells in any way–using different sizes of shot or made other manual-approved modifications–make note of it on the box so you know what you’re shooting.
