We often choose cartridges to serve various purposes, such as hunting big game, versatility or self-defense. We may have preconceived notions about such cartridges regarding accuracy, energy downrange, velocity or any number of individual factors. For example, the .32 Auto being insufficient for self- defense, or the .243 Winchester being inadequate for game much larger than deer. It seems the handloading and shooting world is very diverse when it comes to opinions. If I ask 100 handloaders how to handload, I’ll get 101 answers. It brings me back to the days of my youth and learning about horsemanship and all the advice and wisdom that was freely given out to those willing to listen. ...Read More >

Progressive powders like IMR- 4350 changed the ballistics world by introducing a perforated, tubular geometry that changed the burn characteristics of smokeless propellants. The perforations allowed the propellant to burn both on the exterior of the powder grain and simultaneously from the inside via access from interior perforations. Since the molecule maintains its basic geometry until it is converted to gas, progressively-burning powders lack a sharp pressure curve and are able to push at peak pressures over a longer period of time. With the advent of IMR-4350, shooters who craved extreme velocities could finally realize significant performance increases from their rifles. ...Read More >

I love Handloader and look forward to each issue, as no other gun-related magazine can compare. I am hoping you can help me with a dilemma. I have a Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 with a 6½-inch barrel chambered in .45 ACP that I purchased slightly used about 1979 or 1980. At that time, I shot it briefly using various factory loads and then put it away. I thought that it shot okay, but now, more than 40 years later, and with much more experience and skill with handguns, I recently discovered that it really is not shooting all that well. My Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 .44 Magnum is much more accurate, but I want to use an N-frame chambered for a cartridge that is a bit more mild. ...Read More >

Awhile back, I was at a local range to shoot an old Mauser military rifle. Since it was a weekday morning, nobody else was around. Perfect. No paper targets were put up because the high dirt berm into which the bullets impacted, was peppered with small, light-colored rocks. These were just large enough to appear clearly above the pyramid-shaped military front sight at 200-plus yards. Shooting prone with a sling offered excellent practice. Let the fun begin! ...Read More >