Handloading & Reloading

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DC3-CVN-72

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I am about to start reloading and have been spending most of my time here, so here is my first FNG question. What is the difference between Handloading & Reloading ?:confused:
 
I had an friend who had been reloading for many years, and actually got me into reloading, and he differentiated the two terms like this:

Reloading - Loading in bulk, typically using a powder measure.

Handloading - Carefully loading each individual round, typically with a powder trickler, and in much smaller quantities for optimum performance.

Just another way to look at it.

V
 
oh good grief.

it's like this:

handloading is any cartridge manufacturing you do manually.
reloading and remanufacturing are synonymous. both are any cartridge manufacturing that involves brass that has already been fired and hence is being REloaded.

there is some overlap.

handloading can also be reloading if you are making cartridges by hand out of brass that has already been fired.

handloading might not be reloading if you're making cartridges out of entirely new components.

reloading might be handloading (see above)

reloading might also not be considered handloading if it is done in a large-scale mfg operation like alabama ammo or BH blue box "remanufactured"
 
I think I read in one of the ABCs of Reloading that handloading was using all new components and reloading used some components, namely the brass, over and over.
 
It's sort of about the way we approach things. Sorta like the difference between "carpentry" and "cabinet making" is mostly a matter of speed and serviceablity or precision and care for somewhat different goals.

"Reloading" implies that the shooter probably checked his stock and then picked a load out of a manual and then put some ammo together before going out to play and shoot. That doesn't denegrate the shooter/loader, it just implies that he's more interested in shooting than loading. That's the way I was the first few years of my loading and I knew it! But, as my accuracy improved and I slowed down with age, my goals changed.

"Handloading" suggests a more careful approach. It typically includes a systemized approach to developing the load and special care with cases, powder charges, seating depths, etc., as I do things today. Handloading should not imply an eletist view, it's just a different goal and technique to get there.

Obviously, as in cutting boards and driving nails, the terms can interchange because the basics are the same. :)
 
Reloads use spent cases, Handloads new cases. At least this is how most I know differentiate it.

Handloading implies a more methodical approach to me for the uber-accurate load. Reloads refer to plinking fodder.

For example - I have a bunch of 223 reloads with Varget that I just set the charge and load away. However, I have a bunch of handloads that I put together of varying powder charges in hopes of finding that uber-accurate recipe that will put together smaller groups when I do my part. In both cases, I've been using once fired brass, so by my definition route, they're all reloads.
 
If I have truckloads of loads that I shoot then reload my handloads does that mean that I have a buttload of reloaded handloads and I've hit the motherload?? :neener:
 
much like calling magazines "clips", and ar15s "assault weapons", you are free to continue using the terms in whatever manner you desire.
 
Or calling turrent presses "turret" presses, as some models are officially misnomered. (if its official, does it become correctly-nomered?)
 
Huh? The correct term is "turret" originally meaning a pivoted attachment on a lathe used to hold a variety of tools. There is no English word spelled "turrent".


As for the difference between reloading and handloading, I've always thought of the terms much like VHinch does. Handloading is to handcrafting as reloading is to building something.
 
turrent presses ?????

Never heard of one nor seen the word before.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB
 
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