The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Reloading Tracers

50 shooter · April 17, 2013, 08:10 PM

I would load them like they're 62 grain bullets, use a powder that's the same or close to what they were loaded with. The cap that's there protects the tracer compound in the bullet. The compound is hygroscopic (attracts water) and the cap keeps moisture out but if the powder doesn't burn hot enough the tracers won't light.

If you want to ensure that they'll all light, poke a small hole in the cap with a needle. I would load the ones with no cap or broken caps first and keep the ones with the cap in something to keep the moisture out. If you don't plan on shooting them all the same day, don't load them. If moisture gets to the tracer compound it will swell and cause the necks on the brass to split.

Hope that helps and keep them dry.

April 17, 2013, 08:10 PM	#2
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	I would load them like they're 62 grain bullets, use a powder that's the same or close to what they were loaded with. The cap that's there protects the tracer compound in the bullet. The compound is hygroscopic (attracts water) and the cap keeps moisture out but if the powder doesn't burn hot enough the tracers won't light. If you want to ensure that they'll all light, poke a small hole in the cap with a needle. I would load the ones with no cap or broken caps first and keep the ones with the cap in something to keep the moisture out. If you don't plan on shooting them all the same day, don't load them. If moisture gets to the tracer compound it will swell and cause the necks on the brass to split. Hope that helps and keep them dry. __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.