Videos tagged with Handloading Safety

This guide details the process of creating DIY hollow point ammunition from FMJ rounds using a drill press, as demonstrated by Civilian Tactical. It covers the modification steps, testing for cycling and accuracy in a Girsan CMX, and evaluating terminal ballistics in ballistic gelatin. The instructor, an experienced firearms expert, advises caution and recommends factory ammunition despite the potential for DIY hollow points to be effective.

This video demonstrates the flammability of smokeless gunpowder, specifically from 7.92x57mm Mauser ammunition, often associated with the Kar98k rifle. The content creator, acting as a hobbyist, manually extracts powder from a casing and ignites it to show its rapid combustion. While showcasing basic ammunition components, the demonstration highlights the need for careful handling of propellants.

This video explains that most firearm "kaboom" incidents are caused by user error, primarily over-pressurized handloads or squib loads. It clarifies that modern firearms, especially reputable brands, rarely fail due to inherent quality issues. The speaker, drawing on personal experience, emphasizes the dangers of both under- and over-loading ammunition, detailing how obstructions in the barrel can lead to catastrophic failures.

This discussion features Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills Ammunition, offering insights into advanced shooting techniques with micro-compact pistols at extended ranges, the nuances of handloading high-pressure cartridges like the .454 Casull, and the performance characteristics of modern ammunition, including monolithic copper bullets and specialized loads like Honey Badger. Hoffman emphasizes the importance of using modern loading manuals and understanding pressure testing evolution. He also highlights the effectiveness of new cartridges like the 6 ARC for long-range shooting on AR platforms.

This video details a comprehensive ballistics gel test for various .38 Special loads fired from a Smith & Wesson 642 snub-nose revolver. The expert instructor analyzes bullet expansion, penetration, and wound channels, offering critical insights into ammunition performance for self-defense. Key takeaways include the importance of bullet design for reliable expansion in short barrels and safety considerations for handloading .38 Special ammunition.

This video provides a critical product recall notice for specific lots of Accurate 2495, 4064, and 4350 powders manufactured by Western Powders before October 1st, 2016. It details signs of degradation, affected lot numbers, and a safe disposal procedure involving filling containers with water. The instructor emphasizes not using the recalled powder for reloading and provides contact information for refunds.

This guide, based on insights from a firearms instructor with over 40 years of experience, details the primary causes of firearm 'kabooms' (barrel separation or catastrophic failure) and how to prevent them. The two main culprits identified are overloaded ammunition and obstructed barrels, often caused by squib loads or excessive fouling. The instructor emphasizes the importance of responsible handloading practices and diligent firearm maintenance, including regular barrel cleaning and inspection.

This video provides expert guidance on safely developing reduced firearm loads, emphasizing the dangers of deviating from minimum charge weights and the risks associated with filler materials. It details methods for ensuring correct powder levels in bottleneck cases using simple gauges and recommends the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook as an authoritative resource for reduced load data, particularly when using cast bullets. The instructor highlights the benefits of reduced loads for fun, economy, and reduced recoil, while stressing the critical importance of meticulous safety practices.

This guide details the process of developing safe and effective powder charges for handloaded ammunition, emphasizing the importance of powder burning rate charts and incremental load testing. It stresses meticulous safety protocols, including proper powder handling, workspace cleanliness, and verification of components, to prevent dangerous mishaps. The expert instructor highlights that while precise weighing is crucial during load development, volumetric measurement can be sufficient for consistent accuracy once a load is established.

Hickok45, an experienced reloader, emphasizes the safety benefits of using bulky smokeless powders. He demonstrates how their volume makes it easier to visually detect double charges in cases, particularly for calibers like 9mm, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum. This technique is crucial for preventing dangerous over-pressures during the handloading process.