The process or hobby of manually assembling ammunition by combining components like powder, bullets, cases, and primers.
From 'handload' + '-ing' (gerund suffix from Old English). Developed as a term in the mid-20th century when the practice became widespread among firearms enthusiasts.
Handloading became a necessity during ammunition shortages and now it's an art form—experienced handloaders can make ammunition more accurate than factory rounds because they control every single variable in the process.
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