Reloading review '95.

Are You Ready For Another Year Of Extraordinary Sales? Here Are The Companies With The Right Stuff!

By all accounts, 1994 was the best year ever for the reloading industry. Fueled in part by panic buying brought on by threats to the Second Amendment, the sale of reloading equipment and components last year was spectacular.

The forecast for sales in the reloading field for 1995 is extremely bright. The number of new reloaders joining the ranks is expected to increase dramatically. This, along with those already devoted to reloading, means another banner year for those dealers prepared to meet their customer's needs.

To better prepare you for the task, here's a review of the major players in the reloading game.

Accurate Arms

Regarding 1994, Marty Liggins of Accurate said it was, "The best year we've had!" That's says a lot. When Accurate burst onto the reloading scene a few years ago, it offered lower-priced smokeless powders. The tactic worked, with Accurate now doing a sizable business in handloading propellants.

The three top sellers for Accurate in '94 were: #5 pistol powder, Solo 1000 shotshell powder and 2230 rifle powder (particularly suited for .223 Rem.).

Accurate is offering two new shotshell powders this year, one near the beginning of the year, the other around mid-year.

Coming back on line is a favorite powder of cast-bullet and handgun silhouette shooters: 5744. Having exhausted the original surplus stock of this powder, Accurate has not offered 5744 to reloaders for several years. Now, 5744 should be available in the first pan of 1995.

Accurate published its first full-scale reloading manual in 1994. After using the manual for reference, I can say Accurate has done a great job in expanding its earlier free reloading guide. This book should be pan of every reloader's library.

Barnes Bullets

Besides the outstanding line of hunting bullets offered for centerfire handloaders, Barnes now manufactures projectiles for the most basic of reloading: muzzleloading.

The new muzzleloading bullets are solid copper in .451-inch diameter for loading with Barnes' sabot and new Barnes bullet alignment "starter." The bullets are available in two weights: 250 and 300 grain for .50 caliber barrels.

The new bullet is designed for improved ballistics and expansion on game at black-powder velocities of 1,500 to 1,800 fps. Barnes plans to introduce a .54 caliber muzzleloading saboted bullet later in 1995.

Barnes also makes some of the most sought-after hunting bullets on the market. From their original copper-tubing jacket/pure lead-core bullets, Barnes has moved into true solid bullets (no core), and has begun production of the pure-copper expanding "X-Bullets." Barnes has one of the most prestigious lines of high-performance bullets. How many other companies offer not one, but two .620-inch bullets for the .600 Nitro Express?

Barnes publishes a loading manual for its bullets, and has a computer ballistics program for use on IBM-compatible machines.

Blount (RCBS, CCI, Speer)

Never one to rest on past achievements, Blount Industries' subsidiaries were hard at work in '94, bringing out new products and trying to satisfy the unprecedented demands of consumers.

RCBS, the reloading equipment giant, has added several new products to its line. The Trim Pro case trimmer, in all its incarnations, is a major advance for the company's already proven design. The new safety hand-priming tool does much to soothe the nerves of handloaders worried about the possibility of primer tray detonation.

On the component side, CCI is shipping tens of millions of primers weekly.

Speer came out with their latest edition of the Speer Loading Manual in '94. This manual documents the many loads and applications of Speer bullets and is full of information about basics and advanced aspects of reloading.

Guy Neil of Blount sees no end in sight for the exhaustive demand by consumers for the Blount lines of reloading equipment and components.

Dillon Precision

The cornerstone of Dillon's success is its reloading press design. Combine that with marketing savvy and attention to customer satisfaction, and you begin to understand why Dillon has succeeded in the reloading market. The company has taken progressive reloading to the masses. Most Dillon products are sold direct to consumers, but over the past several years a select group of retail dealers have begun to sell its equipment.

Besides manufacturing Dillon loading presses and other equipment, the company has become a large distributor for a variety of reloading and shooting accessories from other manufacturers: powder, primers, bullets, reloading dies, and videos of interest to shooters.

Dillon has just moved to new, larger production facilities.

Forster Products

Forster's Co-Ax loading press is unique. Pre-adjusted loading dies can be quickly snapped in and out of the press. This is a heavy duty press, capable of case reforming and other wildcat functions.

Forster has a reputation as a leader in the field of precision ammunition making. One of their many well known tools is the Forster case trimmer with its many attachments and options.

Forster Bench Rest rifle dies and Ultra bullet seater are used by many handloaders to produce match-quality ammo for benchrest, long-range rifle, varmint and silhouette shooting.

Hercules

Hercules suffered a major fire in June 1994, stopping propellant production. No new Hercules powders were available, except Reloder 19 & 22 rifle powders which are imported from Europe.

The good news, according to Don Burton of Hercules, is the company was expected to be shipping powder by the end of '94 or early '95.

The first powders to come off the line will be the very popular, faster-burning propellants: Bullseye, Red Dot and Unique. These powders are used extensively by shotshell reloaders as well as handgunners.

Hercules powder canisters are receiving a facelift for 1995. Gone will be the cumbersome cardboard canisters - the ones you could never get the last bit of powder out of without slicing them open! The new canisters will be plastic and easier to pour.

Hodgdon

When asked what kind of '94 Hodgdon had, Tom Shepherd used one word, "Incredible!" He said the use of powders for shotshell reloading had been astounding. The amount of shotshell powder shipped was up from about 5 percent of shipments three years ago, to around 40 percent in 1994. Hodgdon's Clays series has turned into an immediate bestseller.

With strong sales to rifle shooters, H-4831 is considered the single most important powder in the Hodgdon line.

For '95, Hodgdon will release a new powder called Varget (a combination of the words: varmint and target). According to Shepherd, this is a "designer propellant," being marketed to precision rifle shooters. Exceptional velocities, without high pressures are the claims for this powder.

Users will likely be shooting .30 caliber rifles for long-range competitions and .224s for varmint hunting. Hodgdon says shooters should be able to get 4,300 fps with a 40 grain bullet in a .22-250! With a burning rate similar to IMR 4064, other applications may be silhouette, both handgun and rifle.

Hornady

Hornady is one of the largest and most comprehensive reloading manufacturers in the industry. Their products include loading presses, case accessories, scales, bullets, brass cases and a ton of other useful items.

The company's new products include the modestly priced ChronoMax chronograph and the MicroJust adjustable micrometer style seating stem as an option for any Hornady reloading dies.

Hornady is introducing a new line of Custom Grade Reloading Dies. They, according to sources at Hornady, will be superior to the well made Hornady New Dimension dies, which will still be marketed. The Custom Grade dies are geared for the competitive reloader and feature improved design tolerances and smoothness. The dies will come in all new, high quality packaging. The first calibers slated for production are .223, .243, .270 Win., .308 and .30-'06.

Coming soon is the new line of A-MAX low drag match bullets. These long awaited bullets are slated be available in January 1995, including to the new 7mm 162-grain bullet.

Kaltron-Pettibone

Kaltron-Pettibone, importer of the Vihtavuori Oy line of propellants manufactured in Finland, is in the enviable and agonizing position of having become unexpectedly popular. Everything was supposed to go like clockwork: The American shooters would gradually be exposed to the Vihtavuori line and orders would increase on a predictable trend.

No one counted on Vihtavuori taking off like a rocket. This was a case of word-of-mouth wildfire. The growth was cultivated with conservative amounts of advertising. The Vihtavuori's N 133 powder made major in-roads into the most conservative area of competitive shooting: benchrest. These shooters go to painful lengths to get the utmost accuracy from a rifle and cartridge. Competitive shooters in pistol, handgun and rifle silhouette, at Camp Perry, as well as varminteers all discovered Vihtavuori around the same time!

During 1994 there were two-month back orders for the entire line. The demands were four times what had been predicted and allocated for the year.

Kaltron-Pettibone expects to receive more than twice as much powder for distribution in 1995. This should ease the back order situation considerably.

Lee Precision

Lee has got to be the low-cost leader in reloading equipment. Their innovative designs keep costs very modest. Lee probably holds the record for the number of shooters introduced to the joys of "rolling your own."

Don't get the wrong idea; Lee products aren't just for beginners. Some of Lee's creations are used by the most skilled handloaders.

Lee manufactures a full line of loading presses, from single stage to progressive and shotshell. Rounding out Lee's products are casting equipment, scales and many accessory items.

In the near future, Lee will unveil a 20-pound casting furnace. Previously, bullet casters went to other companies for larger "pots" as they became more experienced or demanded higher volume.

John Lee says a new bullet feeder is coming out for the popular Pro 1000 and Loadmaster progressive presses. This addition will make the presses nearly "full auto" - you still have to pull the handle.

Lyman Products

Lyman is particularly strong in bullet casting and reloading. Many of its bullet designs are classics, as accurate today as they were 50 years ago. Lyman also makes a fine line of presses, scales, dies, trimmers and other products.

Ed Schmitt is enthusiastic about changes underway at Lyman. Recent products include their new cast-bullet lubricant Orange Magic - it even smells like citrus - and their new Pro-Line scales. Lyman also acquired the high-end electronic Autoscale and will be marketing a revised version. New reloading micrometers and two new publications have the place buzzing.

Due to Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette, Lyman has been flooded with orders for its popular #457125, a 500-grain .45-70 cast bullet. It is now coming out with a new 500-grain pointed design for the rifle silhouette market.

Lyman plans introduction of a new loading press, tentatively called the T-Mag II, following on the success of the original robust T-Mag. Also coming is a new casting dipper, and (thank goodness) newly designed bullet mold handles.

Magma Engineering

Paul Moore of Magma is enjoying unprecedented demand for Magma equipment (I've been waiting for one of his Master Caster casting machines for some time). Magma's line starts with the hand-powered Master Caster models, going up to automatic high-volume commercial casting machines.

As with the general surge in the reloading industry, more shooters are turning to cast bullets as a way to stretch disposable bullet dollars. They either learn to cast their own, or turn to commercial casters for their supply.

Paul says some of his customers are indoor shooting ranges, who collect up the scrap lead bullets and cast them into new bullets which the range reloads and sells.

Magma does conversions of the Star Lubrisizer to make it an automatic machine. The Star machines can be sent for modification or purchased complete from Magma. The upgraded Star unit can lubricate and size thousands of bullets per hour.

Paul Moore's book on bullet casting is a must-read for anyone who is involved with casting or thinking about getting into commercial cast bullet manufacturing.

Mayville Engineering Co. (MEC)

MEC's shotshell reloading line features presses from the popular 600 Jr. Mark 5 to the new automatic indexing 9000 Series. The 9000 H is a remarkable model. It is hydraulic, using a foot pedal for hands-free operation. All the reloader does is to insert the empty shells and wads.

MEC also has a full line of accessories plus two new products.

The company has jumped on the reloading scales bandwagon with their own brand which will weigh amounts up to 1,005 grains. The MEC 1000, designed for shotshell reloaders, has an extra large, extra smooth leveling wheel, dual agate bearings and a larger damper for fast zeroing.

Recently introduced is the MEC Dust Cover. It fits larger model presses without the need to remove shot or powder reservoirs. It keeps the press free from dust and dirt and is machine washable (the cover, that is).

The Fifth Edition of MEC's Steel Shot Reloading Manual was released late last year. It has over 175 recipes for steel shotshells plus a detailed chart with recommended loads for each waterfowl species.

Midway

For years Midway built its reputation selling directly to the shooter. Now, the company publishes a catalog especially for dealers. The 64-page catalog features 7,000 items from 100 manufactures.

Midway does not manufacture reloading presses (yet) but they manufacture or put their name on a good many reloading tools. Bargains can be had on tumblers, case prep tools, vibrator case cleaners, ammo boxes and much more. The recent introduction of a compact reloading stand has been a hit, plus the new gun vise and an assortment of cleaning rods and jags.

Well over half the Midway catalog is devoted to other manufacturer's products. Midway features all the big names: RCBS, Redding, Lyman, Lee, Remington, Winchester and many more. The only reloading components Midway does not carry are primers and powder. For a free three-month subscription to Midway's Dealers Catalog, dealers can fax a copy of their FFL to [phone].

MTM Molded Products

For 27 years, MTM has set the standard for the storage of reloaded ammunition. In talking with Alan Minneman (one of the Ms), I came to the conclusion that the company is the "Van Lines Of Ammo Handling." This after Minneman's description of the company as transportation/organization/storage specialists.

MTM has ammo cases from six-round capacity for hunters, up to 100-round boxes with handles, for silhouette championships. Lately they have branched into other areas of plastic wonder: a Range Accessory box, a box for storing reloading dies, and a Sportsman's Dry Box to keep all tools and ammo weather-proof.

Upcoming from MTM is a new pistol rest.

Multi-Scale Charge Ltd.

Multi-Scale makes after-market powder/shot charging bars for MEC shotshell loaders. The charge bars eliminate the bushings normally inserted into the MEC charge bars for dispensing powder and shot. The Multi-Scale bars are micrometer style using scales as indications for the adjustments. Shot capacity ranges from 1/2- to 2 1/4-ounce lead shot and powder meters from 12 to 55 grains.

Another product/company worth noting is the Shooting Chrony chronograph. Shooting Chrony and Multi-Scale share the same fax and street address. Although they are separate corporate entities, if you call, you will likely speak to the same person.

Shooting Chrony has an improved chronograph, the F-2. The new model will save 30 numbered shots, give their average and it can be interfaced with an IBM-compatible computer. It also features an optional remote control. The original Model F-1 is still available.

Nosler

Nosler Ballistic Tip rifle bullets have match-grade construction. The hunter and competitive shooter loading with Noslers will get some of the best accuracy from his firearm. This is the result of the unique jacket and plastic-tipped design from Nosler.

Nosler Partition bullets are a particularly good choice for the serious hunter, giving accuracy and penetration, while retaining good bullet weight.

Nosler also manufactures handgun bullets from 9mm to .451 caliber for .45 ACP and Long Colt.

Hot-selling items for Nosler in '94 were .224 caliber bullets for varmint hunters, especially the new 40 grain Ballistic Tip, and the 6mm 70 grain Ballistic Tip used by varmint hunters and some benchrest shooters.

Ponsness/Warren

Ponsness/Warren's new 950 Elite and L/S-1000 fully progressive shotshell reloading machines are best sellers. These are high quality machines for the serious shotgun shooter. Each loads volumes of shells in short order.

As an innovative accessory, Ponsness/Warren offers their new Hydro-Multispeed hydraulic system. The Hydro-Multispeed has three speed choices for full-automatic operation and a foot-pedal manual control for times you don't want the machine cycling at full speed.

Quinetics Corp.

Quinetics' new Ultimate Model Kinetic Bullet Puller is on the market and has features not found on earlier models. The New Twist chuck assembly allows the bullet and powder to be removed through the chuck assembly without removing the cap. This will save down-loaders a great deal of time while safely removing bullets from loaded ammunition.

Quinetics also sells a multi-caliber shell holder designed to replace standard shellholders with one adjustable unit.

Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding's broad range of manufacturing includes loading presses, reloading die sets, a series of powder measures, and molds for almost any bullet a caster could want.

Richard Beebe of Redding says the company's emphasis is to keep up with the demand for the existing line. The micrometer adjustable Competition Seating Dies, Custom Dies and many cast bullet molds are heavily back ordered.

Redding/SAECO's commitment to bullet casting has always been strong. SAECO has the largest selection of bullet molds of all commercial manufacturers. They manufacture one of the best lubrisizers and offer a lead alloy hardness tester.

Redding has seen a large new market open up in Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette. Cast-bullet shooters are beating a path to their door for base rifle mold designs.

Remington Arms 

Remington's factory handgun and rifle bullets are offered in numerous calibers. In rifle bullets, the Core-Lokt, Power-Lokt and Bronze Point can be purchased by reloaders. The newer Extended Range bullets are not yet available as components.

The company's famous Kleanbore primers cover all handgun and rifle reloading purposes. The Remington 7 1/2 Small Rifle Benchrest primer is a favorite among silhouette, benchrest and varmint shooters.

Remington's factory brass cases are among the most popular for handloaders, and its primers and wads are favorites of shotshell reloaders.

Sierra Bullets

Sierra makes more match-grade bullets (MatchKing line), in more calibers, than any other manufacturer. MatchKing rifle bullets are in such demand, they are occasionally hard to find.

The staff at Sierra has been hard at work producing two new videos on reloading. The videos will take reloaders through basic and advanced reloading. Sierra contacted two champion shooters to demonstrate the techniques. G. David Tubb is featured on the rifle reloading video and Doug Koenig tackles the handgun reloading chores.

Sierra also is updating its reloading manual. Already one of the finest guides for reloading, the new edition is expected to be even more comprehensive than its predecessors.

Starline

Starline manufactures handgun brass, not just the plain vanilla calibers, but some of the most exotic.

The company makes brass from .32 H&R Magnum up through .45 Win. Mag. plus the unusual 10mm Magnum and .445 SuperMag. When brass was needed for the Dan Wesson revolver chambered in .414 E. T. Gates, Starline was selected to make the brass.

Starline has redesigned their .45 Win. Mag. cases to make them even tougher, to withstand high pressures in semi-auto pistols.

Winchester/Olin

The new Winchester/Olin Ball powders Action Pistol and Magnum Rifle are making quite a splash in reloading circles, as well as workhorse powders such as 231,296 and 748.

Winchester makes available many of the handgun and rifle bullets found in its commercially loaded ammunition. The company also is a leader in the production of primers. Winchester primers were some of the most readily available during the '94 primer crisis.