Ammunition Reloading and Custom Load Development
Professional Reloading & Lead-Free Ammunition Advice
For many shooters, ammunition reloading can seem complicated or even something of a dark art. In reality, with the correct equipment, components, load data and understanding of the process, it can be approached in a structured and methodical way.
Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of conflicting reloading information available online. Not all advice or load data is appropriate for every rifle, component combination or application, and we have seen first-hand the problems that can result from following unsuitable or poorly understood information.
At Corinium Rifle Range, our approach is straightforward: understand the rifle, understand the components and develop a load methodically and safely.
Lead-Free Ammunition & Custom Load Development
For many years, we have advocated the use of high-quality factory ammunition. However, the increasing transition towards lead-free ammunition (LFA) has made ammunition selection and custom load development increasingly important for many sporting rifle shooters.
Lead-free projectiles behave differently from traditional lead-core bullets. Projectile construction, materials, design, barrel characteristics, chambering and individual rifle performance can all influence the results achieved.
As a consequence, some shooters have experienced challenges with:
- Accuracy and consistency
- Group size
- Point of impact
- Projectile selection
- Ammunition performance
- Terminal performance
- Finding a suitable factory load for their individual rifle
Our aim is to help shooters understand these variables and find a reliable, accurate and appropriate ammunition solution for their particular rifle and intended use.
Understanding the Transition to Lead-Free Ammunition
The move towards lead-free rifle ammunition is already affecting many areas of sporting shooting.
In some circumstances, restrictions on the use of lead ammunition are already in place, while shooting organisations, estates, landowners, game dealers and other parts of the supply chain are increasingly specifying lead-free ammunition.
For stalkers shooting animals for personal consumption or certain pest-control applications, the impact may be different. However, where harvested game is entering the wider food chain, individual estates, landowners and game-handling businesses may require the use of lead-free ammunition.
Requirements can vary according to location, landowner and intended use, so shooters should always check the current requirements applicable to their particular circumstances.
Drawing on many years of experience using and developing lead-free ammunition, we have established a dedicated reloading facility to help shooters understand the challenges associated with LFA and get the best possible performance from suitable components.
We can assist with everything from fine-tuning an existing load through to developing a completely customised load from the beginning.
Our experience, combined with practical field testing and component evaluation, allows us to identify suitable projectile and component combinations for a range of sporting rifle applications.
Bring Your Own Reloading Equipment
Our facility allows experienced reloaders to bring their own reloading equipment and components, where appropriate, and work on load development in conjunction with range testing.
This can include:
- Reloading dies
- Powders
- Projectiles
- Brass and cases
- Existing load data
- Other appropriate reloading equipment
Being able to undertake development and testing at the same facility means you can make adjustments, evaluate results and refine your load without repeatedly travelling between a reloading facility and shooting range.
Custom Ammunition Load Development
Alternatively, we can assist with developing a custom load tailored to your individual rifle and requirements.
The process can include selecting appropriate projectiles and components, preparing small development batches and evaluating their performance through controlled range testing and velocity measurements using the latest technology from Garmin.
Throughout the process, we explain the principles behind the development work, helping you understand how component selection and load characteristics can influence the performance of your ammunition.
The objective is to develop a load that is accurate, consistent and appropriate for the intended application, subject to the limitations of the rifle, components and available load data.
Ammunition Reloading Tuition
A fully supervised and private one-to-one reloading tuition session, including use of the required equipment together with expert advice and guidance throughout.
Designed either for shooters who already reload their own ammunition, or for those who are contemplating reloading their own, this session focuses on fine-tuning bullet and component selection, load development and reloading techniques to help achieve consistent and reliable results.
Tuition can cover:
- Bullet and component selection
- Load development using QuickLOAD
- Case preparation and inspection
- Powder handling and selection
- Reloading techniques
- Bullet seating and cartridge preparation
- Developing and refining suitable loads
- Ammunition testing and evaluation
The session concludes with controlled range testing of the developed loads, using a structured ladder series to assess performance and consistency.
Our one-to-one approach allows the session to be tailored to your existing experience, equipment and objectives, with practical guidance throughout the process.
Weekdays £110, Weekends £120, per person, per hour.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
Practical Reloading & Load Development Experience
Our reloading facility brings together reloading tuition, load development and range testing in one location.
Whether you need help with an existing project, want to investigate suitable lead-free ammunition options, or are considering learning to reload for yourself, we can provide practical guidance based on real-world shooting experience.