How to reload lever action rifle saints and sinners?

How to Reload Lever Action Rifles: Saints and Sinners

Lever action rifles have been a staple of American firearms for over a century, and they remain popular among hunters, target shooters, and cowboy action shooters alike. These rifles are known for their reliability, simplicity, and versatility, but they require proper reloading techniques to perform at their best. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of reloading lever action rifles, from the saints (the benefits) to the sinners (the pitfalls).

The Saints: Benefits of Reloading Lever Action Rifles

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of reloading, let’s talk about why it’s worth the effort. Here are some of the benefits of reloading lever action rifles:

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• Cost-effective: Reloading can save you up to 50% of the cost of buying commercially available ammunition.
• Customization: By loading your own ammunition, you can tailor your rifle to your specific needs and preferences.
• Consistency: Reloading allows you to ensure that every cartridge is loaded to the same specifications, resulting in better accuracy and reliability.
• Fun and rewarding: Reloading can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy tinkering with mechanical devices.

The Sinners: Pitfalls of Reloading Lever Action Rifles

Of course, reloading lever action rifles is not without its challenges. Here are some of the common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Frustration: Reloading can be a trial-and-error process, and it’s easy to become frustrated with inconsistent results or equipment malfunctions.
• Time-consuming: Reloading can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re new to it.
• Complexity: Lever action rifles have unique reloading requirements that can be complex and require specialized knowledge.
• Safety risks: Improper reloading techniques can lead to accidents and injuries.

Basic Reloading Technique

Before we dive into the specifics of reloading lever action rifles, let’s cover the basic reloading technique. Here are the general steps:

1. Case preparation: Clean and inspect the brass cases for any defects or damage. Deprime the cases, and then resize them using a die.
2. Powder charging: Measure and pour the powder charge into the case, using a powder measure or scale.
3. Bullet seating: Place the bullet into the case, using a bullet seating die or a reloading press.
4. Crimping: Crimp the case mouth to ensure proper seating and prevent the bullet from coming loose during shooting.
5. Quality control: Inspect each cartridge for proper function, and then store them in a dry, cool place.

Reloading Lever Action Rifles

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about reloading lever action rifles specifically. Here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind:

Case Preparation

• Use the right brass: Lever action rifles require specialty brass that is designed to withstand the rigors of lever action cycling. Look for brass specifically marked as "lever action compatible" or "reloaded-friendly".
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• Deprime and resize: Deprime the brass cases and then resize them using a die to ensure proper fit and function.
• Inspect for damage: Inspect the cases for any damage or defects, and discard any that show signs of wear or trauma.

Powder Charging

• Use a progressive press: Lever action rifles require a high volume of powder, making a progressive press a must-have.
• Use the right powder: Choose a powder that is designed for lever action rifles, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for powder charge.
• Adjust for elevation: Adjust the powder charge based on the elevation of your shooting range to ensure proper function and accuracy.

Bullet Seating

• Use a bullet seating die: Lever action rifles require a high-precision bullet seating die to ensure proper seating and function.
• Start with a light load: Start with a light powder charge and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired accuracy and performance.
• Crump the case: Crimp the case mouth to ensure proper seating and prevent the bullet from coming loose during shooting.

Crimping

• Use a crimp die: Lever action rifles require a high-precision crimp die to ensure proper seating and function.
• Crimp lightly: Crimp the case mouth lightly to avoid over-crimping, which can damage the case or prevent proper function.

Quality Control

• Inspect each cartridge: Inspect each cartridge for proper function and accuracy before loading it into your rifle.
• Store cartridges properly: Store cartridges in a dry, cool place to prevent degradation or damage.
• Test your loads: Test your loads regularly to ensure proper function and accuracy, and make adjustments as necessary.

Conclusion

Reloading lever action rifles requires attention to detail, patience, and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can ensure that your lever action rifle performs at its best and provides accurate and reliable shooting.