In the realm of survival, having a reliable source of ammunition can be as crucial as food and water. In a post-apocalyptic scenario where traditional supply chains have broken down, being able to produce your own ammunition could quite literally save your life. This guide explores various ammo recipes you can use, the equipment required, and the best practices for safe and effective production.
Why Make Your Own Ammo?
Producing your own ammunition ensures independence in a world where resources might be scarce. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Self-reliance: No need to depend on external suppliers or navigate through dangerous environments to acquire ammo.
- Customization: You can tailor bullets for specific firearms, enhancing their performance.
- Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment can be high, long-term savings are significant.
Basic Equipment for Reloading
To start making your own ammo, you’ll need the following equipment:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Reloading Press | A device to seat bullets, crimp cases, and sometimes resize cases. |
| Shell Holder | Securely holds the case while it’s being worked on. |
| Die Set | Includes dies for resizing cases, seating bullets, and crimping. |
| Powder Measure | Ensures you get the exact amount of gunpowder needed. |
| Scales | For weighing powders and bullets to ensure accuracy. |
| Case Trimmer | To cut cases to the correct length after repeated use. |
| Priming Tool | To insert primer into the case base. |
Simple Ammo Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe for reloading .223 Remington ammunition, which is popular for both rifle and AR-15 platforms:
- Case: Used or new .223 Remington case.
- Primer: Small Rifle Primer.
- Powder: 24 grains of Hodgdon Varget.
- Bullet: 55 grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet.
- Process:
- Resize and clean the case.
- Prime the case.
- Charge the case with 24 grains of Varget.
- Insert the bullet and crimp.
📘 Note: Ensure you follow load data from a trusted manual as variations in components can affect safety and performance.
Safety First
Here are safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear eye and hearing protection.
- Use a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
- Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid mix-ups.
- Never smoke around explosives or gunpowder.
- Test new loads in a safe environment before relying on them for critical tasks.
Advanced Ammo Recipes
Once you’re comfortable with basic loading, you can explore advanced recipes. Here are two:
Subsonic .300 Blackout
- Case: .300 AAC Blackout.
- Primer: Small Rifle Magnum.
- Powder: 10.8 grains of TAC.
- Bullet: 220 grain subsonic.
Handgun Defense Load
- Case: .45 ACP.
- Primer: Large Pistol.
- Powder: 8 grains of Winchester 231.
- Bullet: 230 grain hollow point.
Alternative Materials in a Survival Scenario
In dire circumstances, improvisation might be necessary. Here’s how you can utilize scavenged materials:
- Cases: Use copper or brass from old electrical wiring or scrap metal.
- Powder: In the absence of gunpowder, black powder can be manufactured from charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate.
- Bullets: Lead can be sourced from car batteries or fishing weights, but be cautious of lead exposure.
- Primer: Old primer pockets can be reused or improvised with match heads.
📘 Note: Improvising materials should be done with extreme caution as safety and reliability might be compromised.
Reloading ammunition can be a rewarding skill that not only keeps you supplied with ammo but also gives you a deeper understanding of how firearms work. This knowledge can be invaluable in survival situations where self-reliance is key. Remember, the journey from beginner to proficient reloader involves patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. Each step in the reloading process, from resizing cases to seating bullets, requires careful execution to ensure the ammo is not only functional but also safe to use.
What are the most common mistakes in reloading ammunition?
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The most common mistakes include overcharging or undercharging powder, using incorrect primer sizes, and not resizing cases properly. These errors can lead to dangerous situations like squibs or gun damage.
Can I reload shotgun shells as well as rifle and pistol?
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Yes, shotgun shells can also be reloaded. However, the process involves different equipment and steps, such as hull resizing, shot measuring, and crimping.
What are the signs of a dangerous reload?
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Signs include difficult extraction, excessive or unusual recoil, flattened or cratered primers, and cases showing signs of bulging or rupturing. These indicate a possible overpressure condition or an error in the reloading process.
