is it safe to fire reloads through a semi?

SPUSCG · March 6, 2008, 07:21 PM

ive heard reloads are the same as reg ammo, but there are warnigs on many semis saying not to use reloads. why is this?

mniesen89 · March 6, 2008, 07:23 PM

All firearm manufacturers state that you should not use reloaded ammo or something of that nature....it all goes back to CYA! Cover Your A**!

rwilson452 · March 6, 2008, 07:26 PM

because if your reload has a KABOOM they want an out. if it fails to function in any manner they want an out. Some people shouldn't reload but do. far too many reloaders want to find out how hot a load is too hot. running overspec loads will dramatically increase wear.

Quote:

ive heard reloads are the same as reg ammo, but there are warnigs on many semis saying not to use reloads. why is this?

mrawesome22 · March 6, 2008, 10:15 PM

is it safe to fire reloads through a semi?

It depends on the competence of the loader.

Dave R · March 6, 2008, 11:02 PM

I shoot reloads through a semi all the time.

Speer's manuals have loads "starred" for use with semi's, to mimic the performance of the rounds they were designed around (i.e. 30.06 for Garands.)

cnjaxx · March 7, 2008, 04:55 AM

I do it all the time. I don't use store bought ammo

ShootingNut · March 7, 2008, 06:46 AM

+1 mrawesome22
That say's it all!
I rarely shoot factory anymore, and (knock on wood) haven't had any serious problems with my reloads. I have bought store reloads, supplied by a local person, that had cracks in the sides of the casings though.
Like awesome say's!
SN

roy reali · March 7, 2008, 08:32 AM

It depends on where you live.

freakshow10mm · March 7, 2008, 08:58 AM

The only firearm manufacturer I am aware of that has no "don't shoot handloads" statement in their manual is T/C Arms, due to the numerous "improved" and wildcat chambers available for their guns. They do caution you on handloading a bit with the usual "if you don't know, don't do it".

Crimp · March 7, 2008, 09:51 AM

I agree, it's a CYA legal thing. Except for carry ammo, I shoot nothing but handloads.

DBotkin · March 7, 2008, 10:34 AM

If I had to shoot commercial ammo, I wouldn't shoot much. ESPECIALLY in a semi-auto.

30Cal · March 7, 2008, 01:05 PM

There are generally a couple concerns that are unique to semi-autos that should be understood.

Other than that is that God forbid a lawyer go hungry in this country.

CPTMurdoc30 · March 7, 2008, 05:14 PM

You should use Small Base dies for reloading ammo to go in to a semi auto.

Other than that you need to make sure you have enough umph to operate the rifle weather it is a gas gun (AR) or recoil gun (Binellie SBE).

BigJimP · March 7, 2008, 07:09 PM

I use reloads in all my semi-auto handguns and shotguns - all the time.

I'm confident my reloads are more consistent and higher quality than most any factory loaded shell - and I see it in the tighter groups in my handguns and on the pattern board on my shotguns.

But you need good practices and good procedures if you're going to reload and get first class results. Sloppiness is not ok if you're reloading ....

hanno · March 7, 2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

I'm confident my reloads are more consistent and higher quality than most any factory loaded shell - and I see it in the tighter groups in my handguns...

+1

T. O'Heir · March 7, 2008, 09:44 PM

My M1, real semi'd M14 and M1 Carbine have been fed nothing but my handloads since I got them other than the factory ammo purchased to gather brass. Factory ammo did not bother any of 'em either.
The only thing you must do when loading for a semi-auto rifle is full length resize every time. Small base dies do the same thing, but you don't absolutely need them. FL resizing will do. No neck sizing only at all.
Nor do you absolutely need a crimp. You do want to be sure the primers are seated properly.
"...running overspec loads will dramatically increase wear..." And significantly increase the likelihood of a catastrophic failure.

tplumeri · March 7, 2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

It depends on where you live.

??

crowbeaner · March 7, 2008, 10:03 PM

Something nobody else mentions much is the need to use a MEDIUM RATE powder to insure the time/pressure curve and the port pressure fall within the mfg. specs. Slow burning powders will cause the release of powder gas out the ejection port possibly into your face because the gases haven't finished the burn when the action opens. Medium powders peak and fall off so the burn is finished by the time the case ejects. They also make sure the case will eject properly instead of sticking to the chamber because the case is still expanded when the action starts to open with the slow burning powders. Most .223s will run fine on any powder between IMR 3031 and IMR 4320 in the extruded types, and AA2230, H335, H322, WW748, BLC2, and Reloder 10x in the small or ball grained powders. I use IMR 4064,IMR4895,WW748,WW760 H414,BLC2 and IMR4320 in the .308 and.30/06 because of this. If you can't find an accurate load with those, sell the gun.

steve4102 · March 7, 2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

The only firearm manufacturer I am aware of that has no "don't shoot handloads" statement in their manual is T/C Arms,

Along with Ruger, Rem , Browning etc. etc. Give any major rifle manufacturer a call and tell them that you are having problems with their rifle and your Handloads. One of the first questions they will ask is "what is the serial number of your firearm". Then they will inform you that your rifle is no longer covered under factory warranty and liability.

freakshow10mm · March 8, 2008, 12:14 AM

DWARREN123 · March 8, 2008, 01:09 AM

I have 2 GLOCK semi auto pistols. Everybody says not to use reloads. I use reloads 75% of the time, have to use common sense in everything but in reloading it is mandatory.
My reloaded/hand loaded ammo is less expensive and very good, I never load for max velocity but for best velocity and reliability.

March 6, 2008, 07:21 PM	#1
SPUSCG Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Posts: 3,004	is it safe to fire reloads through a semi? ive heard reloads are the same as reg ammo, but there are warnigs on many semis saying not to use reloads. why is this? __________________ Check us out: www.imfdb.org. Fun site for people who love gun movies.

March 6, 2008, 11:02 PM	#5
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	I shoot reloads through a semi all the time. Speer's manuals have loads "starred" for use with semi's, to mimic the performance of the rounds they were designed around (i.e. 30.06 for Garands.) __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

March 7, 2008, 08:32 AM	#8
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Another Factor It depends on where you live.

March 7, 2008, 09:51 AM	#10
Crimp Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 276	I agree, it's a CYA legal thing. Except for carry ammo, I shoot nothing but handloads. __________________ -Montani Semper Liberi- West Virginians: Consider joining the West Virginia Citizens Defense League.

March 7, 2008, 09:44 PM	#16
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	My M1, real semi'd M14 and M1 Carbine have been fed nothing but my handloads since I got them other than the factory ammo purchased to gather brass. Factory ammo did not bother any of 'em either. The only thing you must do when loading for a semi-auto rifle is full length resize every time. Small base dies do the same thing, but you don't absolutely need them. FL resizing will do. No neck sizing only at all. Nor do you absolutely need a crimp. You do want to be sure the primers are seated properly. "...running overspec loads will dramatically increase wear..." And significantly increase the likelihood of a catastrophic failure. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 6, 2008, 07:23 PM	#2
mniesen89 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: deland,fl Posts: 238	All firearm manufacturers state that you should not use reloaded ammo or something of that nature....it all goes back to CYA! Cover Your A**!

March 6, 2008, 10:15 PM	#4
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	is it safe to fire reloads through a semi? It depends on the competence of the loader.

March 7, 2008, 04:55 AM	#6
cnjaxx Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: Cowpens SC Posts: 79	I do it all the time. I don't use store bought ammo

March 7, 2008, 06:46 AM	#7
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	+1 mrawesome22 That say's it all! I rarely shoot factory anymore, and (knock on wood) haven't had any serious problems with my reloads. I have bought store reloads, supplied by a local person, that had cracks in the sides of the casings though. Like awesome say's! SN

March 7, 2008, 08:58 AM	#9
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	The only firearm manufacturer I am aware of that has no "don't shoot handloads" statement in their manual is T/C Arms, due to the numerous "improved" and wildcat chambers available for their guns. They do caution you on handloading a bit with the usual "if you don't know, don't do it".

March 7, 2008, 10:34 AM	#11
DBotkin Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 302	If I had to shoot commercial ammo, I wouldn't shoot much. ESPECIALLY in a semi-auto.

March 7, 2008, 01:05 PM	#12
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	There are generally a couple concerns that are unique to semi-autos that should be understood. Other than that is that God forbid a lawyer go hungry in this country.

March 7, 2008, 05:14 PM	#13
CPTMurdoc30 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: Stafford VA Posts: 969	You should use Small Base dies for reloading ammo to go in to a semi auto. Other than that you need to make sure you have enough umph to operate the rifle weather it is a gas gun (AR) or recoil gun (Binellie SBE).

March 7, 2008, 07:09 PM	#14
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I use reloads in all my semi-auto handguns and shotguns - all the time. I'm confident my reloads are more consistent and higher quality than most any factory loaded shell - and I see it in the tighter groups in my handguns and on the pattern board on my shotguns. But you need good practices and good procedures if you're going to reload and get first class results. Sloppiness is not ok if you're reloading ....

March 7, 2008, 10:03 PM	#18
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Something nobody else mentions much is the need to use a MEDIUM RATE powder to insure the time/pressure curve and the port pressure fall within the mfg. specs. Slow burning powders will cause the release of powder gas out the ejection port possibly into your face because the gases haven't finished the burn when the action opens. Medium powders peak and fall off so the burn is finished by the time the case ejects. They also make sure the case will eject properly instead of sticking to the chamber because the case is still expanded when the action starts to open with the slow burning powders. Most .223s will run fine on any powder between IMR 3031 and IMR 4320 in the extruded types, and AA2230, H335, H322, WW748, BLC2, and Reloder 10x in the small or ball grained powders. I use IMR 4064,IMR4895,WW748,WW760 H414,BLC2 and IMR4320 in the .308 and.30/06 because of this. If you can't find an accurate load with those, sell the gun. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

March 8, 2008, 12:14 AM	#20
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398

March 8, 2008, 01:09 AM	#21
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,758	I have 2 GLOCK semi auto pistols. Everybody says not to use reloads. I use reloads 75% of the time, have to use common sense in everything but in reloading it is mandatory. My reloaded/hand loaded ammo is less expensive and very good, I never load for max velocity but for best velocity and reliability. __________________ Have a nice day!