Reloading 22 Ammo

Published on February 5, 2021
Duration: 10:30

This video explores the feasibility of reloading .22LR ammunition using a specialized kit from 22 Sharpshooter. While technically possible, the process is presented as complex and time-consuming, requiring additional reloading equipment. The instructor demonstrates using the kit with both smokeless (Unique) and black powder substitute (Pyrodex) propellants, noting that black powder substitutes yielded more consistent, albeit lower-powered, results. Ultimately, the video concludes that the effort and cost involved make reloading .22LR impractical compared to purchasing factory ammunition.

Quick Summary

Reloading .22LR ammunition is technically possible with kits like the 22 Sharpshooter, but it's a complex, time-consuming process requiring additional tools. Black powder substitutes like Pyrodex offer more consistent ignition and accuracy than smokeless powders like Unique, though at lower velocities. Ultimately, buying factory .22LR is generally more practical.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Can You Reload .22LR?
  2. 00:08The 22 Sharpshooter Reloader Kit
  3. 00:33Prerequisites for Reloading
  4. 00:55YouTube Content Restrictions
  5. 01:11Testing Reloaded .22LR at the Farm
  6. 01:27Test 1: Regular .22LR with Unique Powder
  7. 01:49Initial Results and Velocity
  8. 02:03Failure of First Test Round
  9. 02:16Reloading .22LR: A Joke?
  10. 02:25Challenges of Rimfire Priming
  11. 02:52Time vs. Cost: Buying Ammo
  12. 03:08Rifle Functionality Test
  13. 04:01Priming Compound Issues
  14. 04:17Second Attempt: Doubled Priming Compound
  15. 04:22Testing Unique and Pyrodex Powder
  16. 04:44Switching to Cricket Pistol
  17. 04:58Test 2: Unique Powder with Cricket Pistol
  18. 05:11Successful Ignition and Velocity
  19. 05:17Target Hit and Accuracy
  20. 05:27Second Strike Capability
  21. 05:36Dud Round and Bullet Issues
  22. 06:12Accuracy Observations
  23. 06:20Test 3: Black Powder Substitute (Pyrodex)
  24. 06:37Pyrodex Performance and Velocity
  25. 06:52Smoke and Success with Pyrodex
  26. 07:04Pyrodex vs. Unique Powder Comparison
  27. 07:17Bullet Tumbling Observations
  28. 07:38Pyrodex Accuracy Conclusion
  29. 07:43Tin Can Plinking Test
  30. 08:43Successful Plinking with Reloaded Ammo
  31. 09:04Evidence of Plinking Success
  32. 09:07Summary of Reloading Process
  33. 09:25Quality of Reloaded .22LR
  34. 09:29Time Investment vs. Buying Ammo
  35. 09:47The Option to Reload .22LR
  36. 10:09Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually reload .22LR ammunition?

Yes, it is technically possible to reload .22LR ammunition using specialized kits like the 22 Sharpshooter. However, the process is complex, requires additional reloading equipment, and the results can be inconsistent and time-consuming compared to buying factory ammunition.

What equipment is needed to reload .22LR?

Besides a dedicated .22LR reloading kit, you will need essential reloading tools such as calipers, a gunpowder melter, a bullet mold, priming compound, and various propellants like Unique powder or black powder substitutes.

Does reloading .22LR with Unique powder work well?

Reloading .22LR with Unique powder proved challenging. The priming compound may not be hot enough to ignite it reliably, and when it does ignite, the rounds can be low-powered, tumble in flight, and exhibit poor accuracy.

Is black powder or Pyrodex better for reloading .22LR?

Black powder substitutes like Pyrodex showed more success in reloading .22LR. They ignited more reliably and produced more stable, accurate rounds compared to Unique powder, although the overall velocity was lower.

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