Home loading may begin as a way to save money but for many shooters it becomes a fascinating way of tailoring loads to their own special requirements. And just like catching a trout on a fly you’ve tied yourself, there’s a particular satisfaction in killing cleanly with your own cartridges.

Why load your own?

Economy. The prices of ready-made cartridges are low and unless you are shooting a lot of cartridges the savings to be made on most of them are small. Most of them – but not all. Non-toxic shot is expensive and this is where you can achieve real economies.

Effectiveness. Some people feel they can improve on the ballistic performance while others may need special loads – a very light load perhaps for dealing with small pest species at close range.

Unusual calibres. If you are shooting with a large bore shotgun it may be impossible to buy read-made cartridges and even for a 10-bore they can be hugely expensive so home loading is the only option.

What’s the law?

The law is fairly relaxed.  You do not need a shotgun certificate to buy the components, though some suppliers may ask to see it.  There is a limit to the amount of propellant you can keep – 5kg, and this includes the weight of primers as well, since they too are explosive.

There are no special legal requirement for storage other than keeping the powder well away from any source of heat.  Otherwise normal health and safety rules apply.

Is it safe?

Yes – provided you follow the obvious safety procedures. For instance, don’t smoke. Always keep your workplace tidy and be meticulous in handling powder and primers.

The biggest safety concern is not in the actual loading process but in using the cartridges. Do not be tempted to experiment until you have a sound understanding of the principles involved. Be scrupulously careful in the accuracy of your measurements – always measuring by weight rather than volume.

The performance of powders and primers can vary. You will soon discover from your own experience which brands you prefer. The important thing is to follow the loading manual produced by the powder manufacturer, or follow advice from the supplier. There are also some independent loading manuals - - the Speer loading manual is particularly recommended.

What do I need?

Reloader.

These can cost anything from about £50 to £200. Some will incorporate containers which automatically deliver the required quantities of powder and shot. If you are producing large numbers of uniform cartridges this is obviously an advantage, but for the beginner the simplest type of reloader will prove perfectly effective.

Scales.

You are weighing very small amounts and must be absolutely accurate so you do need specialist scales. A reloading or scientific supplier can provide them. 

Propellant and percussion caps.

There are many types of powder and caps, and experience will eventually govern your choice but in the first instance simply take advice from your supplier.

Wads.

The choice of fibre or plastic wads is down to personal preference but BASC’s research is showing that fibre wads tend to produce better patterns and are certainly better for the environment.

Shot.

Lead, steel and bismuth can all be bought loose in a variety of sizes. However if you are looking for something unusual you may have to do an internet search and import if from the USA where there is an extremely wide selection.

Cartridge cases.

The empty cartridge cases will be your own or those you can get from friends. Select ones in good condition, as new as possible (old ones tend to be brittle), check that there are no splits or deformities in the plastic, no corrosion in the metalwork and that the top will crimp without any difficulty.

Where can I buy the bits?

Most gun shops will sell all the components you need and there are one or two specialist dealers. Clay and Game Shotshell Reloaders of Boston, Lincs, have an extremely helpful website: www.claygame.co.uk 

How to do it

1. Using the reloader remove the old primer from the case

2. Insert a new primer and press it home

3. Measure the appropriate weight of propellant and pour it into the reloader

4. Insert a wad and press it home

5. Measure the correct weight of shot and pour it into the reloader

6. Crimp the end…

7. ...and your cartridge is finished.