Last month, we looked at basic equipment to start reloading on a tight budget. Those who only intend to load factory-equivalent cartridges for popular common cartridges should, with one or two additions, forever get by with what was recommended.
However, many reloaders want to advance beyond basic reloading and move on to intermediate or even precision-level reloading. This will require some equipment upgrades and additions. Let’s have a look at these upgrades and additions, starting with case inspection. Failure to inspect cases properly can lead to problems such as head separation and a lack of precision.
CASE INSPECTION
The prudent handloader will inspect his cases after shooting to look for pressure signs, flaw development and related problems. At this stage, the case will still be dirty, and as your eyes deteriorate with age, you will increasingly require optical assistance in the form of magnification and light. The carbon pattern on the case exterior is easy to see and interpret, but the firing pin indent on the primer and gas signs around its edges are easy to miss. Therefore, the intermediate-level reloader will require a hand-held magnifying glass with integral light, such as a Kraft 90 mm, and/or a table-mounted (clamp- or base-type) Kraft 125
