The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) cartridge is incredibly popular for its affordability, low recoil, and versatility. But can you reload .22 LR? The short answer is: it's possible, but generally not practical or cost-effective. While technically feasible, the effort and expense involved often outweigh the benefits for most shooters. This article will explore the complexities and considerations surrounding reloading .22 LR.
Why Reloading .22 LR is Difficult
Unlike larger calibers like .308 Winchester or 9mm, reloading .22 LR presents unique challenges:
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Small Cartridge Size: The diminutive size of the .22 LR cartridge makes handling and manipulating components incredibly difficult. Precise measurements and specialized tools are essential, increasing the complexity and potential for error.
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Low-Cost Ammunition: Factory .22 LR ammunition is already exceptionally inexpensive. The cost of acquiring the necessary reloading equipment, components, and the time investment often surpasses the savings achieved through reloading.
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Primer Seating: .22 LR primers are notoriously small and delicate. Seating them correctly without damaging the primer or the case requires specialized tools and a steady hand. Improper seating can lead to misfires or dangerous malfunctions.
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Case Consistency: .22 LR cases often exhibit variations in dimensions, making uniform reloading difficult. This inconsistency can impact accuracy and reliability.
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Bullet Seating: Seating .22 LR bullets accurately and consistently is another challenge. Slight variations can significantly affect accuracy.
The Process of Reloading .22 LR (If You Insist)
Despite the challenges, here's a breakdown of the steps involved in reloading .22 LR:
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Case Preparation: This involves cleaning, inspecting, and sizing the cases. Due to the small size, this is a tedious process often requiring specialized tools.
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Primer Seating: This requires a specialized .22 LR primer seating tool. Extreme care is needed to avoid damaging the primer.
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Powder Charging: .22 LR typically uses very small amounts of powder. Accurate powder charging is crucial for consistent performance, requiring a precise powder measure.
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Bullet Seating: This step requires a bullet seating die specifically designed for .22 LR. Careful attention must be paid to bullet depth to ensure proper chambering and accuracy.
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Crimping: Crimping the bullet to the case mouth ensures the bullet stays in place during firing. This step is also critical and requires specialized tools.
Alternatives to Reloading .22 LR
Considering the difficulties and costs, several alternatives are far more practical:
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Buying in Bulk: Purchasing factory .22 LR ammunition in bulk often offers the best price per round.
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Finding Sales: Regularly checking online retailers and local gun stores for sales can significantly reduce the cost of ammunition.
Case Studies: The Economics of Reloading .22 LR
Let's consider a hypothetical example. Assume the cost of components for 100 rounds of .22 LR is $10 (this is a rough estimate and can vary). The cost of specialized reloading dies and equipment could easily reach $200 or more. This initial investment alone makes reloading economically unfavorable unless you plan to reload thousands of rounds. Factory ammunition often undercuts the cost per round even when considering bulk purchases.
Conclusion: Is it Worth It?
While technically possible to reload .22 LR, it's generally not recommended for most shooters. The effort, time investment, specialized equipment, and potential for errors often outweigh the potential cost savings. The low cost of factory ammunition makes purchasing in bulk or searching for sales a far more practical and efficient approach. Unless you're a dedicated reloader with ample experience and specific reasons for reloading this caliber, focus your efforts on other more suitable calibers.