Weapons with this rule take longer to reload than others. Reasons for this could be a complicated loading mechanism or multiple-piece ammunition.
The Reload special rule is followed by a number in parentheses, for example reload(2). This number indicates how many rounds it takes until the weapon is loaded after it has been fired. While it is not loaded, it cannot be fired.
When a battle begins, the weapon is considered loaded - unless the tank it is equipped to is ambushed.