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DEFIANCE, Mo.--Shooters have been facing a challenge lately—finding ammunition. It can be hard to come by, expensive to purchase, or both. But what if you could make your own ammunition? You could enjoy shooting independent of the ammunition market. Getting started is easier than you might think.
To help shooters gain their ammunition independence, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding a Beginner Metallic Reloading class Tuesday, Jan. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. It’s a free program open to anyone 16 years and up.
“With the shortage of ammunition, many people are starting to reload their own ammunition, which also helps to save money,” said MDC’s Busch Outdoor Education Center Manager, Bryant Hertel. “Some think reloading is very complicated, but this program will show that reloading is not as complex or as expensive as it may seem.”
The program will show shooters how to get started in economically reloading their own handgun ammunition. Participants will learn what equipment is needed, the different kinds of powders, bullets, brass, and other materials. Shooters will discover how to customize the loads to their own firearms. Safety precautions will also be emphasized.
The class will break the process down into simple procedures to get newcomers started. This live and hands on program is designed for the beginner who has never reloaded before. Busch Shooting Range staff will demonstrate the process and then give participants the chance to get some real experience in reloading ammunition themselves during the class. All equipment and materials will be provided.
The Beginner Metallic Reloading class is free, but advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ko.
The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94, in Defiance.
MDC asks all visitors observe current local COVID-19 social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.
Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.
