6 Easy Steps To Make Bullets

Learning survival techniques and keeping the correct equipment ready for use is essential for off-grid living.

Having bullets is one such essential, but it may be a costly affair, and you would think if it is possible to make bullets? If so, then how?

Buying bullets can be quite expensive. Considering people own guns for various reasons, learning how to make bullets can be cheaper.

However, making bullets may not be easy, and most people lack the knowledge of making bullets.

Experts from bodies like the National Rifle Association advocate that anybody serious about making bullets should buy a manual and take an accredited course.

However, if you want to learn about making bullets only for survival, in this article, we will show you how easy it is, what you need, and why you should learn?

Is It Possible To Make Bullets At Home?

Yes, as much as it is hard to believe, it’s not complicated. You can find most of the things you need in stores or even online.

With most people nowadays owning guns, unlike before, the secrecy surrounding guns is probably gone.

Also, most of the parts are so readily available that it even beats the logic as to why buying ammunition has become so expensive.

Hunting, recreation, and self-defense are some of the reasons why owning a gun is popular now. However, the cost is the main reason most people want to learn how to make their own bullets? 

But wait; before you proceed further, you need to be familiar with the law governing your area. We wouldn’t want you to get into trouble while you wanted to save some money or make something you thought would be fun.

What Will You Need To Make Your Own Bullets?

There are two ways you can make bullets, from scratch or reloading spent shell casings and making them reusable again.

You can do this easily by refilling with gun powder, coupling with a bullet and primer. There are basically seven essentials that you may need for making your own bullets. They are

• Standard Safety Equipment
• Metal
• A Primer
• Gunpowder
• Flux
• Bullet Molds
• A Reloading Press
• Specialized Tools

Now let’s discuss each of these elements in detail.

Some Standard Safety Equipment

Knowledge and the use of correct safety equipment are the first essential thing you must know and learn when making bullets. This is basically for self-protection, and it must include the following:

• Safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• Leather gloves for handling hot items.
• Nitrile gloves to handle cold items.
• Fire extinguisher in case of a fire breakout.
• Exhaust fan to remove the smoke.
• Dust mask to protect your breathing against the dust.

Metal

The most commonly used metal for making bullets is lead. You can easily find lead in online shops, scrap yards, plumbing supply shops, auto shops, or used wheel weights.

This is the piece that fires out of the gun. Once the lead metal comes into contact with the object, it penetrates and expands, making it hard to exit. Should it exit, it leaves such a big hole that it can prove fatal.

A Primer

A primer is a chemical or device responsible for the combustion that pushes the projectiles out of the gun. Inside the primer, there is a metal cap containing is a small amount of explosive.

When the gun’s firing pin strikes the cap, the priming mixture is crushed between the anvil and the cap.

The mixture explodes, sending hot gases into the cartridge case. The increase in pressure and temperature ignites the propellant powder.

Gun Powder

Gun powder is a combination of nitric acid and cotton with alcohol and ether. This composition makes it possible to make a small explosion. The explosion is smokeless, unlike the previously used black powder.

It provides the energy needed to force the bullet out of the barrel. So, in simple terms, gunpowder acts as fuel for the bullet.

Flux

Flux is basically a bullet lube or wax that is used for cleaning. It is used to purify the lead alloy because normally, the source of the lead has so many impurities. 

Stir the fluxing compound into the melted alloy and once everything has been picked up, scoop it off the top.

Frankford Arsenal 1 lb Tub of CleanCast Lead Flux

Bullet Molds

The molds comprise two mirror-image halves connected by a hinged handle. Bullet molds are made from aluminum or cast iron. The lead is poured into this mold to form a bullet.

They come in all shapes, sizes, and models. However, most people prefer aluminum as it is cheaper, readily available, and easy to mold.

A Reloading Press And Some Specialized Tools

Making bullets is not a complicated process, but you will need some equipment to make the reloading safe and enjoyable. Let’s have a look at the tools that you will need.

• Reloading Press: Used to perform the most important parts of the reloading process.
• Powder Measure: This will be used to dispense gun powder directly to your case or onto the scale pan.
• Reloading Manual(s): Bullets must conform to certain specifications so that they can work properly; hence these are essential guides for making bullets safely.
• Calipers: Used for measurements to make sure the cartridge length is within a specific range.
• Powder Trickler: Used to add small amounts of powder until you reach the precise amount you need.
• Case Trimmer: Used to cut excess brass from the end of a case when it becomes too large.
• Dies: They are precision machined metal tools that perform different functions like returning a fired piece of brass to its original size and preventing the bullet from moving within the case due to vibration.
• Shell Holders: Will help the brass stay aligned while the press is operating.

6 Basic Steps To Make Bullets

Making bullets can be a dangerous affair and even prove fatal if one is not careful. It is a task that you should take seriously and consider all-essential factors before proceeding further.

Collecting correct information and following an approved guide is very crucial. Therefore, we have listed 6 basic steps to make bullets.

• Preparing Your Equipment
• Collecting Used Cartridges/Cleaning Them
• New Primers
• Adding Gunpowder
• Reloading Ammo
• Check/Measure Bullets(Using a Caliper)

Now let us understand each of these steps in detail.

Step 1: Preparing Your Equipment

The first step is to make sure that you have assembled everything that is needed. You should preferably work in an area outside your house. 

It could be a shed or your garage. Make sure the area is well ventilated and lit. All the things that you need should be well arranged and within your reach.

Step 2: Collecting Used Cartridges And Cleaning Them

Once you are done with firing, maybe during your recreation times, collect the used cartridges. After collecting, the next step is to clean them.

There are several ways to clean your brass casings. One is by using a tumbler which is a compact machine used for cleaning. The second method is by using your hand, where you can use vinegar or lemon shine.

Step 3: New Primers

Before putting the new primer, use a resizing die and squeeze the case back to the factory specifications. Once that is done, you can now put the new primer.

Step 4:  Add The Gunpowder

Weigh the correct amount of powder as recommended, and using a funnel, add to the brass casing. You need to ensure that you return the unused powder to the factory container, as leaving it on any equipment can damage it.

Step 5: Reload The Ammo

Once you have added the gunpowder, you need to put it in the shell holder and crimp the casing. You can then apply a light coat of gun oil to your die and then ram it. It is also advisable to lubricate all the moving parts.

Step 6: Check And Measure The Bullets With A Caliper

The last step is to measure two dimensions of the bullets with a vernier caliper, i.e., the length of the case and the headspace.

Benefits Of Making Your Own Bullets

You may be wondering as to why you should put in so much effort in making a bullet yourself when you can easily buy it in the market offline or online.

So, let us now discuss some of the key benefits of making your own bullets. 

Unlimited Possibilities: Maximizing Accuracy and Customizing Loads

Firearms may be different; hence you have to use components that are specific to that firearm. When you make your own bullet, you can customize them to fit the kind of firearm you have and improve accuracy.

Redneck Convent Metal Ammo Case Can

Saving Money

Making your bullets will save you a lot of money. Considering most of the items used in the making are recycled, you can collect them from people who do not need them.

For Fun: As a Do-It-Yourselfer

Some people make bullets simply because they enjoy doing so. The thrill of collecting, assembling, and finally making the end product is fun for DIYers. 

A Few Tips For You

• Try to scout out packages that contain all the gear you need instead of buying the tools one by one.
• Get a manual for the specific bullets you are trying to make, as this will make it easier.
• Use a well-ventilated room to avoid exposing yourself to lead fumes.
• Make sure the bullets you have made are kept safely and away from children or unauthorized adults.
• Read and heed all warnings found on the manuals and ammunition boxes.
• It is advisable to use the correct ammunition for your firearm as incorrect or improper use can cause severe injury or destroy it.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

While making bullets might seem like a good thing, you need to remember this is firearms and can prove fatal.

So you need to be careful, especially if you have younger children who might not understand the seriousness.

After you have mastered and done everything well, you may even become an ammunition supplier.

But, of course, you still have to learn the law if you want to be a legitimate supplier.

If you’re reading this, we’d like to express our gratitude for making us a part of your life and hope that you find the information shared in the article helpful.

If you have any concerns, queries, or feedback, it will be a pleasure to hear from you.