Cortland, NY…..Redding Reloading Equipment was founded in Upstate, NY in 1946 and since that time we have continually tracked the economics of reloading as a method of reducing participation costs in the Shooting Sports. Reloading is a great hobby and for years has been both a cost savings means of participation and also has been the method for building advantages in competitive shooting sports disciplines through the creation of better performing ammunition. The primary barrier to entry has always been the initial cost of all the equipment needed to begin the activity.

The simple economic principle of return on investment applies to the cost of equipment as a fixed cost and the variable costs of components when compared to the cost of buying new ammo. Cost recovery of the fixed component is generally expressed in a time value.

With this year’s ammunition shortages and the subsequent and dramatic increasing in pricing of ammo, when available, the cost recovery interval of the needed equipment has shortened significantly. Traditionally, one could assume the cost of reloading was approximately half of the cost of new ammo with similar components. Savvy buyers could even reduce component costs and move the benefit ratio a bit higher. The initial investment in the needed equipment could be more than a reasonable consumer could bear.

Today, this is written on December 8, 2020, with costs skyrocketing for common plinking rounds such as SS109 5.56 now at $39.89 per box of 20, nearly $2.00 per round and the cost to load it around $0.30 with quality components and a 55 to 60 grain bullet yielding a comparable plinking round, the savings is much more dramatic. At a cost savings of $1.70 per round, the recovery time of the equipment cost is shortened dramatically. This of course is also a function of how many rounds one uses per month and that variable will impact the time. But two years ago, SS109 was readily available at $5.99 for a box of 20 and could be loaded for a little more than half that amount. It is true that component costs are going up as well and items are becoming more difficult to find but reloading still represents a good economic decision which has been made better with the current state of the market and the nation. Read more

RADFORD, Virginia –– Alliant Powder, a leading manufacturer of smokeless powder, released a new propellant that is the only flake powder specifically designed for the demanding needs of .410 bore skeet and field loads. Shipments of improved 410 are being delivered to dealers.

The new 410 powder’s efficient formulation delivers low charge weights and optimum loading characteristics. The flake granulation yields excellent charging characteristics while minimizing annoying bar leakage. It all comes together for superior patterns and consistent performance—shot after shot, lot after lot. Read more

ANOKA, Minnesota – – Federal Premium releases its new Swift Scirocco II centerfire hunting loads lineup. The new bullet promises to push effective range to new extremes while delivering a more lethal blow on impact. Shipments of this product have been arriving at dealers nationwide.

“We are happy to have partnered with Swift to load this fantastic long-range hunting bullet. Swift is known for bonded-core hunting bullets and is one of several Swift bullets that we load into our Federal Premium lineup,” said Federal’s Centerfire Rifle Product Manager Eric Miller. “The Swift Scirocco II produces excellent upsets at various distances and is an all-around, good choice for medium and big-game hunting.”

The Swift Scirocco II bullet’s streamlined design and high ballistic coefficient produce flat trajectories, while retaining more velocity and energy downrange. Aided by its proprietary polymer tip, the Scirocco II expands at minimal velocities yet offers high weight retention at close range thanks to its bonded copper jacket. Read more

PHOENIX –

We all like to carry spare ammunition when in the field, and Galco offers several great options for hunters. All are handcrafted from rich, premium Latigo dark havana leather for both beauty and long term durability.

The Butt Cuff has reinforced stitching between each loop to help prevent interior cartridge loop dimensions from changing, while a suede tongue and nylon lacing keep the cuff securely on the stock. The Butt Cuff carries between five and nine rounds, depending on the cartridge, and is available in both right and left-handed models. Read more

ANOKA, Minnesota – – New 16- and 28-gauge Federal Premium Prairie Storm FLITESTOPPER (FS) Lead loads use the updated FLITECONTROL FLEX wad and a mixed payload of standard pellets with FS lead to produce full, consistent patterns from these smaller payloads. The improved wad design can be used through both ported and standard chokes for better patterning and versatility. Shipments of this product have begun to arrive at dealers.

“Our all-new 28- and 16-gauge offerings use the full-length FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, which was introduced with the launch of Federal Premium’s redesigned Black Cloud waterfowl shotshells and HEAVYWEIGHT TSS turkey loads. The wad’s unique design improves pattern density and consistency when fired through ported and non-ported chokes,” said Dan Compton, Federal Shotshell Product Manager. “FLITESTOPPER pellets feature a raised cutting ridge encircling the exterior gives the pellets an unparalleled ability to slice through feathers and flesh, with no loss of penetration or adverse effect on ballistics and flight characteristics. This cutting action creates significantly larger wound channels.” Read more

Lapua, world-renowned for producing the finest cartridge cases and ammunition products, announces the addition of 6.5 PRC, 284 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC cartridge cases to their 2021 product offering.

The new Lapua 6.5 and 300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.

The 284 Winchester cartridge has experienced a recent resurgence in F-Class competition, where shooters compete to distances out to 1,000 yards. Members of the US Rifle Team, which Lapua sponsors, will enjoy having cases readily available in this classic cartridge.

The 300 Winchester Magnum has been a staple within the firearms industry since its development in the early 60’s. It is still used for competitive target shooting, hunting, and Mil/LE platforms to-date. Despite being outperformed by several other 30’s, it remains the top choice in North America for hunting. Read more

EAST ALTON, Ill. — Winchester announces its first shipment of ammunition to the U.S. government left the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant yesterday.

Semitrailers filled with 50 caliber and 5.56 ammunition are bound for destinations around the globe in support of the U.S. Warfighter.

“This is an important milestone for Winchester, our first shipment to the U.S. government after just assuming management and operational control of Lake City,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. “Our ability to execute through this transition process and make our first delivery within two weeks is a testament to our dedicated work force.”

The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in September 2019. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years. Winchester is now the world’s largest small arms ammunition manufacturer. Read more