Bullets Category

Warning: Improperly Handloaded Ammunition Can Cause Serious Injury

Handloading ammunition is a precise and technical process that, when done incorrectly, can result in severe personal injury, firearm damage, or even death. It is crucial that only competent, properly trained adults engage in handloading. Always follow safety procedures, use the correct tools, and consult reliable sources of information to ensure your safety.

Since we have no control over individual handloading operations, we cannot accept liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use of improperly handloaded ammunition. For this reason, if you’re new to handloading or unsure about any part of the process, it’s vital to seek expert advice before proceeding.

Why Expert Advice is Essential

Handloading is more than just reusing spent brass and adding gunpowder; it’s about understanding how different components work together to ensure both performance and safety. Every firearm is unique, and even the same model from different production runs may have subtle variations that affect how it handles different loads.

Factors to Consider:

Bullet Weight and Length: The weight and length of the bullet affect accuracy, stability, and performance. Heavier or longer bullets may be better suited to slower twist rates, while lighter, shorter bullets often work well with faster twist rates. Finding the right match for your rifle is essential for consistent performance.
Powder Charge: Each type of powder has its own burn rate and energy release characteristics. The correct powder charge is critical to prevent overpressure, which could lead to catastrophic failures.
Seating Depth: Bullet seating depth influences pressure and overall cartridge length. Too deep, and you risk high chamber pressure; too shallow, and accuracy might suffer.

Every Gun Has Its Preferences

Many shooters, particularly those new to handloading, underestimate how much a particular firearm can “prefer” certain types of ammunition. Each barrel has its quirks—whether it’s due to the bore, twist rate, or overall wear and tear. Even two identical rifles may show different results with the same ammunition.

While factory-loaded ammo is designed to work in a wide variety of firearms, handloading allows you to tailor your ammunition to meet the specific needs of your gun. However, trial and error without guidance can be expensive and frustrating, as discovering the ideal load may take time. We recommend consulting with experienced handloaders or professional shooting experts to streamline this process.

Understanding Bullet Speed, Twist Rate, and Barrel Length

A key challenge for novice shooters, and sometimes even experienced professionals, is mastering the relationship between bullet speed (velocity), twist rate, and barrel length. Each of these factors influences your rifle’s ability to stabilize and accurately propel a bullet downrange.

Twist Rate: The twist rate of a barrel refers to how quickly the rifling spins the bullet as it travels down the bore. This is often represented as a ratio, such as 1:8, meaning one full turn of rifling in 8 inches. The twist rate determines which bullets are best stabilized. For example, faster twist rates are typically better for longer, heavier bullets, while slower twist rates suit shorter, lighter projectiles.
Bullet Speed (Velocity): The speed at which a bullet leaves the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps), is crucial to accuracy and performance. Some bullets perform better at high velocities, while others may destabilize if driven too fast. Matching bullet speed to the projectile’s design and intended use is essential for optimal results.
Barrel Length: The length of the barrel plays a significant role in how much velocity a bullet gains. Longer barrels generally allow more complete combustion of the gunpowder, resulting in higher velocities. However, a longer barrel may also increase friction and reduce maneuverability. Shorter barrels, on the other hand, can make a rifle more portable but often reduce bullet speed.

Understanding these principles is essential to avoid common issues such as keyholing (where the bullet tumbles instead of flying straight), excessive recoil, or inconsistent accuracy.

Challenges for Professionals

Even seasoned shooters may find it difficult to consistently source the right bullets. Supply chain issues, varying production batches, and changing availability can disrupt shooting schedules or competitions. For those who handload, maintaining a steady inventory of the right components, such as primers, brass, and specific bullet types, is crucial. However, the right components aren’t always readily available.

At 360 Arms, we aim to assist both novice and professional shooters by helping them identify the correct ammunition for their specific needs and ensuring a reliable supply of the necessary components.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re just starting with handloading or you’re an experienced shooter fine-tuning your loads, we’re here to offer expert guidance. Our team can help you better understand how to match bullet weight, length, speed, and twist rate to your specific firearm. We can also assist with sourcing reliable bullets and components to keep you shooting with confidence.

If you’re looking for advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Avoid costly mistakes by seeking help early, and ensure that your ammunition is optimized for both safety and performance.