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LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS AT RCBS

The more you know about handloading, the more you’ll understand why millions of hunters and shooters are enjoying this exciting hobby.

RELOADING HUB

ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

RELOADING ARTICLES

Reloading Basics
Beginner’s Guide to Hand Priming Cartridges
Hand priming is one of the most important steps in producing safe, consistent reloads. This guide walks you through the process of using the RCBS Hand Priming Tool—from unboxing and assembly to proper priming technique, safety precautions, and tool maintenance. Whether you’re just starting out in reloading or refining your priming method, this article offers clear instructions and practical tips to help you achieve dependable results.
Reloading Basics
Reloading Vs. Buying Ammo: What's Cheaper?
This article explores the question of whether reloading ammunition is truly cheaper than buying it off the shelf. It breaks down startup costs, cost-per-round comparisons, and situations where reloaders see the biggest savings—from hard-to-find cartridges to high-volume shooting and premium components. Beyond money, it highlights performance, consistency, and the satisfaction that keep many shooters handloading.
Reloading Basics
Brand New to Reloading? Handloading Basics Explained
This article introduces newcomers to the world of reloading, explaining what handloading is, why people do it, and the basic concepts behind the process. It covers common concerns such as safety, difficulty, cost savings, precision, and availability while also highlighting the enjoyment many shooters find in crafting their own ammunition. Rather than a step-by-step guide, it offers a clear and approachable overview for anyone curious about whether reloading is the right hobby for them.
Product Tips
Simplify Reloading Case Prep: One Tool to Do It All
Tired of juggling a dozen hand tools just to prep your brass? This guide shows how the RCBS Brass Boss can streamline your reloading bench by handling deburring, chamfering, primer pocket cleaning, and more—all in one unit. Save time, reduce clutter, and get back to shooting faster with this all-in-one case prep solution.
Reloading Basics
Measure Twice: How to Use a Caliper For Reloading
In reloading, precision starts with proper measurement—and that means knowing how to use a caliper. This guide explains the different types of calipers, how to read them accurately, and why they’re essential for tasks like measuring case length, COAL, and headspace. Whether you're new to handloading or dialing in match-grade ammo, the right caliper can make all the difference.
Reloading Basics
Case Prep: Is it Really Necessary?
Is case prep really necessary for reloading? This guide breaks down what case prep involves—cleaning, sizing, trimming, deburring, and more—and when each step is worth your time. Whether you're chasing top-tier accuracy or just trying to keep things simple, you'll learn how case prep can impact performance and safety at the bench.
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS AT RCBS

RELOADING VIDEOS

KNOWLEDGE ON DEMAND

A wealth of information at your fingertips. The experts at RCBS are here to equip you with the tools and resources you need to make reloading a success.

FEATURED VIDEOS
RCBS RELOADING 101
LUBRICATING CASES
INSTALLING SHELL HOLDER
INSTALLING SIZER DIE
RELOADING 101
PRODUCING THE MOST ACCURATE AMMUNITION

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

The experts at RCBS are here for you step-by-step to get you up and running and reloading like a professional in no time at all. Below you will find the first few steps to get you started on your reloading journey.

1. CLEAN AND CHECK

Using a soft cloth, wipe each case clean to prevent dirt from scratching the case and the sizing die. Inspect the case for anything that would keep it from being safely reloaded, such as split case mouths, case head separations, excessive bulges and other case defects. Any case found to be defective should be thrown away.

2. LUBRICATE THE CASES (PART 1)

Because of the force involved, you’ll need to lubricate the cases before they go into a sizer die. Spread some lube on the pad and lubricate the body of the case. Make sure not to lube the shoulder of your cases as this can cause dents. If you’re using a carbide sizer die for reloading straight-wall pistol cases, you can eliminate this step. The carbide ring in the sizer die is so smooth that cases simply can’t get stuck in the die.

3. LUBRICATE THE CASES (PART 2)

Clean dirt and powder residue from inside case necks and simultaneously add a light coating of case lube with a case neck brush. This will reduce the sizing effort and prevent excess working of the brass. Roll the brush across the lube pad after every three or four cases for just the right amount.

Check out Reloding 101 and follow along with all of the step-by-step instructions and start reloading like a pro.

RELOADING COMPONENTS

Reloading your own ammunition starts with understanding the key components: brass cases, primers, powder, and bullets. Each plays a crucial role in building safe, reliable rounds. You’ll also need tools like reloading dies and shell holders, as well as a proper space to reload, to complete the process. Explore the Reloading Components section for information on the essential components you’ll need to start handloading the right way.

RELOADING VOCABULARY

Understanding common reloading terms is essential to mastering the handloading process. From “decapping” to “crimping”, each term represents a key step in creating safe, reliable ammunition. Knowing the language of reloading makes it easier to follow instructions, solve problems, and improve your skills. Explore the Reloading Vocabulary section to build your knowledge and gain confidence at 
the bench.

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