Reloading 101: Hornady's How-To & Handloading History

by
posted on May 13, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Watch our ARTV video above to learn about Hornday Manufacturing and reloading custom 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.

Text on faded reloading press image stating "Hornady: Reloading Today"


Family-owned company Hornady was founded as a response to a flooded market of post-World War II ammunition unsuitable for hunting. Company founder Joyce W. Hornady worked tirelessly to create a bullet hunters and shooters could rely on.

Vintage image of man shooting wood-stocked rifle with scope at a shooting bench.

The first bullet to come from Hornady was a .30-cal. 150-gr. spire point, which continues today to be one of the most popular bullets available. For Hornady, sales continued to flourish advancing through the 1950s and '60s.

Shooters came to Hornady for its reliable bullets and it was at this point, in the early 1970s, that the company began to diversify into products outside its scope of current offerings. With the acquisition of Pacific Tool Company, the company found itself in an emerging market of hobbyists and professionals wanting the most accurate ammunition possible.

Two men at a reloading bench with tools adjusting a Hornady Iron Press.

Hornady Manufacturing offers advanced products driven by competitive shooters, reloaders, hunters and enthusiasts worldwide. Whether providing monolithic or swaged bullets designed for long-range competition use, hunting and personal defense, Hornady's specialty, today, extends past reloading components and tools.

Currently in its 10th Edition, Hornady presents its all inclusive reloading manual with over 1,000 pages of bullet information, data and techniques, of which encompasses over 200 chamberings covering the entire process from start to finish, a real value for the professional and up-and-coming reloader alike.

Reloading tools on bench with a gun powder scale.

In our American Rifleman TV video above, Joe Kurtenbach joins Hornday’s Seth Swerczek to learn about the reloading process for 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition using Hornady’s Iron Press, Match Grade dies and accessories. Watch our American Rifleman TV feature video for the details, and to learn more about Hornady Manufacturing and the products it has to offer, visit hornady.com.

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.