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Q: I have been a shooter and reloader going on 30 years. My late brother got me started, and I began my hobby while stationed in Alaska. I have always been a revolver type, and despite my best efforts, I can’t seem to get enthused about all the se...

Handheld portable reloading tools first appeared shortly after the development of centerfire metallic cartridges and became popular during the 1870s. The most common was the tong-style tool, which proved important to hunters, ranchers, explorers a...

The Uberti Model 1873 SAA pattern revolver has been steadily improved over the years. Hodgdon Longshot powder will perform best with heavier bullets.Q: I recently acquired a Uberti Model 1873 Single Action .45 Colt with a 43⁄4-inch barrel and in u...

Lyman offers a Pistol 4 Die Set that includes both a roll-crimp and taper- crimp die for revolver cartridges.Obtaining the correct crimp on revolver cartridges is a crucial part of producing top-notch handloads. Unfortunately, this is often misund...

This coyote was taken with a Ruger No. 1 .243 Winchester. Temperature was recorded at 24 degrees below zero. The handload contained a Hornady 87-grain V-MAX bullet.When Winchester introduced the .243 Winchester in 1955, it quickly became a best-s...

The rockchuck population was excessive in 1989. They grazed in our irrigated pastures and made holes virtually everywhere, so always resting on my hip was an accurate sixgun used to thin them out at every opportunity. One day I was carrying a Smit...

The Uberti Model 1873 .45 Colt rifle features a relatively weak toggle link action and should never be handloaded to magnum-like pressure.Q: I have a number of Uberti Models 1860, 1866 and 1873 lever-action rifles in several calibers. I enjoy thes...

This winter was one of Idaho’s worst in history, with deep snow and temperatures that plummeted below zero for extended periods. As this is written, days are getting longer, most of the snow is gone, and spring fever, which seems especially bad th...

These .44 Special single-action sixguns include (1) a custom Colt New Frontier SAA, (2) Keith No. 5 by Bowen Classic Arms, (3) custom USFA with Smith & Wesson adjustable sights, (4) Ruger Blackhawk Flattop No. 5 by Clements Custom Guns, (5) fa...

The Colt Lightning rifle was produced during the black-powder era, and loads should be held to industry pressure guidelines.Q: I have a Colt Lightning rifle chambered in .38-40 that I inherited many years ago. It is actually in very good condition...

Starline Brass began producing newly manufactured cases in .38 Special and .357 Magnum in 1976, which I began using almost immediately. In the decades since, the company has added all popular handgun calibers, including many less popular and forme...

Development of the .223 Remington began in 1957, and it became commercially available in January 1964, about a month prior to U.S. military adoption of its twin cartridge – Cartridge, 5.56mm Ball, M193 – for the AR-15/M16 rifle. The case was based...

The .270 Winchester Short Magnum has a standardized bore specification of .270 inch, and standardized .277-inch groove dimensions.Q: I have a Savage Model 11GL chambered in .270 WSM that I started shooting non-lead factory ammo through due to regu...

The custom Sitek 1911 was delivered in an attractive presentation box.Brothers John and Ted Sitek (www.sitekarms.com) have more than 70 years combined experience building custom guns, which they learned from their father. Their focus has typically...

All accompanying loads were shot from a Wilson Combat Model 1911 Protector with a 5-inch barrel.It has been 112 years since the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) cartridge was developed by John Browning. Nonetheless, its popularity has never been gr...

The Colt Official Police, built on the I-frame, is suitable for .38-44 loads when velocities do not exceed those of vintage factory loads.Q: Back in October 2006, you wrote an article on the .38-44 cartridge. The question is: would a post-World Wa...

Cast bullets are economical, produce minimal barrel wear and are ideal in standard- pressure cartridges such as the .45 Colt.I have often been asked if I prefer cast or jacketed bullets for sixguns. I like and use both, as each can produce top per...

A Savage Model 111 Long Range Hunter and a Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x 50mm scope were used to develop load data for the 6.5-284 Norma. The dies used are labeled 6.5MM-284 WIN, which can be used when loading 6.5-284 Norma ammunition.The wildcat 6.5-284...

Factory loads from Black Hills, Speer and Winchester were used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the SIG Sauer P938.The demand for concealed-carry handguns has ballooned in the past couple of decades, with both experienced shooters and m...

Shown is Elmer Keith’s customized Keith Long Range Colt that was originally owned by Teddy Roosevelt.The wind was favorable, and within a couple of minutes, the previously spotted elk appeared on the opposite side of the draw. I had already assume...

The current Colt Government Model (left) resembles the original 1918-era Model 1911 (below).During the 1890s the U.S. military began searching for a new handgun to replace the battle-proven Colt Single Action Army .45 Colt revolver. While the Colt...

A Ruger M77 Hawkeye with a 22-inch barrel and Weaver 3-12x Grand Slam scope was used to test .308 Winchester handloads.The .308 Winchester was introduced in 1952 in the Model 70 bolt-action rifle, with the Model 88 lever-action and Model 100 auto...

The Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum features adjustable sights, a nonfluted six-shot cylinder, 8-inch octagonal barrel and an 1860 army-style grip frame.Cimarron Firearms is known for its vast selection of imported, nineteenth-century replica firearms...

The 10mm Auto is generally considered the brainchild of Jeff Cooper, which may be true. In his 1974 book Cooper on Handguns he gives credit to Whit Collins for actually designing the cartridge. Regardless, Cooper was in a position to promote it in...

Vihtavuori powders work well with 180-grain bullets shot from strong .38-40 revolvers such as the Ruger New Model Blackhawk and USFA SAA.Q: I have been a reader of Handloader magazine since 2013 and really appreciate your articles. I just bought a...

Loads for the .357 and .44 Magnum containing Alliant Power Pistol require caution when approaching maximum powder charges.Q: You often use (and speakhighly of) Alliant Power Pistol powder in many of your revolver loads such as .38 Special, .44 Spe...

If powder deteriorates due to age, it can have an adverse reaction with brass cases and copper-jacketed bullets.Q: First, I would like to say that I have subscribed to Handloader for more years than I care to remember. I consider it a best-of-clas...

The .327 Federal Magnum can prove challenging when attempting to assemble ammunition that produces low extreme spreads and top accuracy.Q: My questions are in regard to your .327 Federal Magnum article found in Handloader No. 294 (Feb/March 2015)....

The Glock 27 Gen 4 .40 S&W was shot with a variety of factory loads and handloads.When the Glock Model 17 autoloading 9mm pistol was introduced in 1983, it clearly demonstrated significant innovation; however, many skeptics questioned how the ...

Factory loads and handloads were checked for velocity and accuracy with a CZ 527 American with a 22-inch barrel and a Redfield Revolution 4-12x scope.The .204 Ruger was formally announced in 2004, was quickly accepted by many varmint shooters and ...

To duplicate original Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor factory loads containing 140-grain A-MAX bullets, use 41.5 grains of H-4350 powder with Federal Gold Medal 210M primers.Q: I have been using Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor factory loads containing the 140-grain H...

In 1983 Freedom Arms began offering a large-frame, single-action revolver for a proprietary .454 Casull cartridge. In addition to several innovative features, the Model 83, as it became known, offered new levels of power, strength and accuracy. Af...

Three guns were used to develop .32 H&R Magnum data including (top to bottom): a Marlin 1894CB with a 20-inch barrel, a Ruger New Model Single-Six with a 6.5-inch barrel and a Smith & Wesson Model 331 Airlite Ti with 17⁄8-inch barrel.The ....

The Browning Model 1895 .30-40 Krag can be loaded to higher pressures than factory loads produce.Q: I would like to ask your guidance once again regarding a Browning Model 1895 (Winchester copy) in .30-40 Krag. It is very accurate at 100 yards wit...

The Smith & Wesson Model 638 Airweight is popular for concealed carry use.Beginning in 1950, Smith & Wesson introduced the Chief’s Special that was based on the new, all-steel J-frame with a round butt, a five-shot cylinder in .38 S&W ...

As a joint effort with Remington, the .444 Marlin cartridge was announced in 1964 in the Marlin Model 444 rifle based on the 336 action. Although the cartridge shared a similar profile to many nineteenth-century levergun rounds, it was not based o...

Alliant Reloder 25, Reloder 33 and IMR-7828 powders are top choices for high-velocity .28 Nosler loads using 140- and 150-grain bullets.Q: I finally acquired a Nosler Model 48 chambered in .28 Nosler and have purchased brass and components, but wo...

Note the beveling on the front of the slide that results in less snagging, or commonly referred to as “melt down.”After Heckler & Koch’s (HK) unusually good success with the compact USP autoloading pistol, engineers set out to make improvement...

A Kimber 1911 Stainless Target II .38 Super was used to develop the accompanying loads.The .38 Super has traveled a rather rocky road during its 121-year history. Due to its ballistic performance, accuracy in modern guns, wide selection of compone...

Hodgdon CFE 223 powder can be used to duplicate .30-06 factory loads.Q: I have been using Hodgdon CFE 223 powder in various .223 Remington and .308 Winchester bolt action rifles that I shoot. I have been reasonably pleased with the velocity and ac...

Several .45 Colt handloads proved accurate in the Standard Manufacturing Single Action revolver.No sixgun can match the colorful and historical role of the Colt Single Action Army revolver. In the annals of U.S. history it was Frame and guard scre...

A Thompson/Center Encore with a 26-inch barrel topped with a Weaver Grand Slam 6-20x 42mm scope was used to develop the accompanying .22-250 Remington load data.Remington officially adopted the .22-250 Remington in 1965 and began offering rifles a...

Hodgdon H-322 powder is a good choice when handloading the .444 Marlin with Swift 300-grain A-Frame bullets.Q: I very much enjoyed your recent “Pet Loads” article on the .444 Marlin. I am having a .444 re-bore made up from a Marlin TK .30-30 and p...

The pistol features snag-free, white-dot front and rear sights.The history of Bill Ruger and his founding of Sturm, Ruger & Company is one of the most remarkable stories in firearms history. The first gun he designed and manufactured was the R...

This Colt SAA .45 was manufactured in 1893 and saw extensive use on the frontier prior to being professionally restored.The .45 Colt is rapidly approaching 150 years in existence, and it remains one of our finest, most useful, versatile and handlo...

When developing handloads for bear hunting with a Smith & Wesson Model 657 Mountain Gun .41 Magnum, solid bullets provide reliable, deep penetration.Q: I am a long-time reader of your articles regarding handgun cartridges and hunting. I have d...

Kimber Manufacturing has been building high-quality Model 1911-pattern pistols since 1995. Although this classic John Browning design had previously earned a remarkable reputation in many roles, including combat in two world wars along with Crimso...

A Ruger 77 Mark II All-Weather .25-06 Remington with a Weaver 3-12x 42mm Grand Slam scope was used to test new powder and bullet combinations.Remington announced the .25-06 Remington 50 years ago, and it quickly gained widespread acceptance among ...

Q: I subscribe to both Rifle and Handloader and very much enjoy both. I am handloading for the .327 Federal Magnum and firing my loads from Ruger Single-Seven, SP-101 and LCR handguns. The components that I am using are as follows; Starline .327 F...

The Sig Sauer Pro pistol series was developed in 1998 and was the company’s first to feature a polymer frame. It was developed jointly by Switzerland based Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) and J.P. Sauer & Sohn, thus the “SIG Sauer”...

New powders and bullets were tested with a Kimber 1911 Team Match II 9mm.The 9mm Luger (9x19 Parabellum, 9mm/P-08, 9mm NATO, etc.) is currently the most handloaded pistol cartridge in the U.S., but to achieve that title it has taken more than a ce...

Case Inspection, Preparation and PrimingBefore proceeding with load development for any cartridge, it is imperative to properly prepare cases. Previously fired cases should be inspected for defects, including splits in the mouth and body. Look...

Increasing powder charges in the .45 Colt will help cases expand to provide a gas seal in rifles, effectively preventing blowback around the bolt.Q: I have two rifles that are used for cowboy action shooting and include a Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy ...

The turret head aligns each station with the aid of a ball detent.Lyman’s history dates back to around 1878, when it began offering bullet moulds, tong tools, gun sights and other shooting-related products. While the company has acquired several o...

The 7mm Remington Magnum is capable of pushing 160-grain bullets to 3,000 and even 3,100 fps, which makes it an excellent choice for deer and antelope hunting.The 7mm Remington Magnum was introduced in 1962 along with the new Remington Model 700. ...

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Several factory loads and handloads were checked for accuracy and velocity.In the early 1950s Bill Wilson traveled from California to Colt Firearms to confirm that it had no intentions of resurrecting the Model 1873 Colt Single Action Army that ha...

Accurate TCM and Ramshot True Blue powders offer outstanding metering qualities and accuracy.At the 1963 NRA Annual Meetings Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan met with representatives from Remington, Smith & Wesson and Ruger to obtain commitments fo...

Fitting a new cylinder with .452-inch throats to Colt Single Action Army revolvers can substantially improve their accuracy.Q: I read and re-read your Pet Loads feature article on the .45 Colt in the June 2019 No. 320 issue of Handloader Magazine,...

The Elmer Keith Museum is housed in the Cabela’s store located in Boise, Idaho.In midyear 2006 Cabela’s opened a new store in Boise, Idaho, and in the tradition of The museum has a likeness of Elmer at his desk, surrounded by trophies taken around...

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is housed in this FN-manufactured Model Five-Seven USG autoloading pistol.Development of the FN 5.7x28mm began more than 20 years ago and was first introduced in a submachine gun for military applications in the early 19...

Several years ago, when reporting on the new .204 Ruger cartridge in Rifle magazine, I stuck my neck out indicating it was one of the more significant cartridge developments and would probably have a bright future. New cartridges usually sell well...

Marlin’s Model 1894 .44 Magnum features a 1:38 rifling twist, which will stabilize Hornady’s 265-grain InterLock FP and Speer 270-grain Gold Dot (now Deep Curl) bullets.Q: Based on your articles in Rifle Magazine and Handloader it is obvious that ...

The Uberti Model 3 Russian Third Model is a quality reproduction that can be used with modern smokeless ammunition.As early as 1862, Smith & Wesson began making plans to manufacture a .44-caliber, top-break single-action revolver containing a ...

Brian used a Ruger M77 Mark II Stainless to develop loads for the .300 Winchester Magnum.The .300 Winchester Magnum is currently enjoying greater popularity than at any time in its 57-year history, and in spite of many newer, excellent .30-caliber...

Colt Delta Elite Rail 10mm AutoIn Handloader issue 200, then Associate Editor Al Miller lamented the demise of the 10mm. He said his Colt 1911 was the best out of the box shooting 1911 he ever owned. Back then the 40 S&W was on the rise and th...

In spite of bullet diameter for the 7.62x39 usually running around .310 to .311 inch, Ruger Mini Thirty rifles produced since 1989/1990 feature a .308-inch groove diameter.Q: I enjoyed very much your article about the Ruger Mini-14 and Mini Thirty...

The Ruger EC9s is a compact striker-fired 9mm Luger. It features rounded corners, snag-free sights, an especially thin profile, 7+1 round capacity and weighs just 17.2 ounces.The EC9s is easily field stripped, but it requires a punch to push out t...

Brian used a Smith & Wesson 629-4 Classic DX (top) with a 6½-inch barrel and a Ruger New Model Blackhawk with a 5½-inch barrel to develop load data.For the past 65 years, the .44 Remington Magnum has proven to be one of the most versatile and ...

The Colt Single Action Army has been produced for 135 years and continues. Top to bottom: 1st generation or pre-World War II, 1956-era 2nd generation and 3rd generation. Brian prefers the quality, fit and finish of prewar guns.The Colt Single Acti...

Handgun powders with a medium burn rate offer good midrange velocities in the .44 Magnum.Q: I am handloading for a Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum with a 10.5-inch barrel. In selecting loading components and data, I would like to use Or...

The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded Stainless proved accurate right out of the box.Most mechanical products designed and patented around 1910 have long since become obsolete, museum pieces or discarded in favor of more modern designs. However, J...

A Winchester pre-’64 Model 70 was used to develop handload data.The .375 Holland & Holland Magnum case is long, tapered and requires a belt for positive headspace control.The Alaskan fall weather was wet and cold which, along with freezing rai...

A custom Sako 6mm-204 RR wildcat was used for this pair of Idaho coyotes. It can be loaded for deer or smaller varmints as well.In the 6mm-204 RR, most bullets were seated with an overall cartridge length of around 2.480 inches, necessitating usin...

Q: I am handloading for the 6.5 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum and using select data based on your handloads presented in your article in RIFLE magazine (March/April 2020). I am having trouble ejecting spent brass. I am hoping you can offer so...

Glock’s G40 Gen4 MOS includes three 15-round magazines.In 1980, the Austrian Armed Forces announced it was searching for a new sidearm for military use and outlined a rather lengthy criteria list. Gaston Glock had no experience at designing firear...

A Ruger Single-Seven was used to develop loads for the .327 Federal Magnum.The .327 Federal Magnum was introduced in 2008 as a joint development between Federal and Ruger. To many shooters a high-velocity, high-pressure .32-caliber magnum cartridg...

It is difficult to find a single powder that will offer top performance for lightweight varmint bullets and heavier bullets for hunting deer.Q: First, let me say how much I enjoy Handloader magazine. There is no other publication that contains so ...

The Charter Arms Pitbull is chambered for .45 ACP and offers notable performance and power for a compact defensive-style revolver.In spite of advancements and the widespread popularity of autoloading pistol designs in the past few decades, the dem...

The .257 Roberts (right) is based on a necked down 7x57 Mauser case (left).During the 1920s, experimenter N.H. “Ned” Roberts shortened the 7mm Mauser case, necked it down to accept .257-inch bullets and changed the shoulder angle from 20 to 15 deg...

Brian suggests crimping cast bullets from RCBS mould No. 45-250-FN below the front driving band, in the upper grease groove. It is only necessary to apply bullet lube in the lower grease groove when sizing and lubing bullets.Q: A friend recommende...

Factory ammunition and handloads were checked for velocity.It has been said that copying is the greatest form of flattery. Italian-based A. Uberti has been producing replica firearms since 1959 and building copies of the world renowned Colt Single...

Brian used a vintage Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull with a 7½-inch barrel to develop the loads in Table I.I had been hunting elk for more than a week and just could not get a reasonable shot with my single-action revolver. I was tired, but woul...

Select .45 ACP handloads can be utilized with large pistol magnum primers.Q: I have been reading Handloader magazine for about 15 years and very much enjoy it. I especially enjoy your articles and the technical information that is not contained in...

The Remington Model 1911R1S Enhanced Commander comes standard with two eight-round magazines.In 2011, the 100th anniversary of the Colt Model 1911 pistol, Remington Arms began producing a modern version of that legendary gun. It has proven to be a...

The .357 Magnum has been chambered in a variety of rifles: (1) Marlin 1894CST with a 16½-inch barrel, (2) Marlin Model 1894C with a 18½-inch barrel, (3) Marlin 1894CB Cowboy Limited with a 20-inch barrel, (4) Marlin Model 1894CB Cowboy with a 24-i...

Winchester W-244 powder is an excellent choice when loading for the .45 ACP and .45 Colt.Q: As I am sure you know, obtaining powders is extremely difficult or even impossible right now. I have been trying since the beginning of COVID-19 to purchas...

In 1897, Sears, Roebuck & Company placed a special order with Colt’s Patent Fire Arms for an engraved Single Action Army chambered in .45 Colt. The details of that order are mostly lost to time, but clearly, it wanted the very finest gun that ...

A heavy crimp is needed for the .500 S&W Magnum to obtain reliable ignition and prevent bullets from “walking.” The cartridge at left has a bullet seated with the case mouth level with the upper edge of the cannelure, but has not been crimped....

When loading 173-grain Lyman Keith cast bullets from mould 358429 in the .38 Special, using full-length cases, they should be crimped in their crimp groove, which results in an overall cartridge length that is within SAAMI specifications.Q: Many r...

The CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical chambered in 9mm Luger comes standard with many desirable features right out of the box.Brian developed high performance, accurate handloads for the CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical 9mm Luger.The CZ 75 was first offered in 1975 and qu...

A full-length view of an H&R manufactured U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30 (M1 Garand) used to develop handload data.The “U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” or more commonly known simply as the M1 Garand, was designed by John Garand (pronounced to rhyme wit...

When assembling .45-70 loads for hunting, IMR-4198 will produce top accuracy with the Speer 400-grain JSP.Q: Back in the 1990s, I was regularly competing at cowboy action events. During that time, I acquired a new Marlin Model 1895CB Cowboy rifle ...

The Standard Manufacturing Model 1911 (bottom) is an advanced version of Colt’s original Model 1911 (top), with this commercial sample being manufactured in 1914.Back in the 1970s, a leading magazine conducted a straw ballot vote as to what was th...

Select .357 Sig loads produced better than expected accuracy from the Glock 31.The .357 Sig was developed in 1994 by Federal Cartridge and SIG Sauer and is based on the .40 S&W case necked down to accept .355-inch bullets. Its development was ...

Western Powders’ TAC (left) is a spherical powder that meters with unusual accuracy, while Hodgdon Varget (right) is an extruded powder.Before choosing a powder for that favorite varmint cartridge, some insight might help. The two most common rifl...

Alliant Power Pistol and Hodgdon CFE Pistol powders are suitable for handloading Rim Rock Bullets’ 148-grain Outdoorsman cast bullet in the 9mm Luger.Q: I love the magazine and kudos to you and the staff for all the useful information. I am trying...

While the new Python .357 resembles the original that was produced from 1955 to 2005, there are notable design changes.After considerable pressure from shooters and dealers, Colt has reintroduced its famous Python chambered in .357 Magnum which ha...

Handloading the .44-40 requires a three-die set, such as this RCBS Cowboy die set. Bullets should be roll crimped or crimped using a Lee Factory Crimp Die.In an effort to improve upon the power, accuracy and versatility of the .44 Henry Rimfire ca...

While correct bullet diameter for the .38 Super is .356 inch, most current manufacturers offering guns so chambered are using 9mm barrels designed for .355-inch bullets, such as this Kimber 1911 chambered in .38 Super.Q: I have a question regardin...

The HK P30 9mm is a quality pistol designed to withstand extremely harsh conditions.Heckler & Koch GmbH (HK) officially entered the firearms and defense business in 1949. It has developed and offered many innovative guns that have proven rugge...

There is a broad selection of powders and bullets that allow handloaders to duplicate and even exceed the performance of traditional .300 Savage factory loads.Savage introduced the .250 Savage (aka .250-3000) around 1915 that offered trendsetting ...

A .45 Colt load containing Hodgdon Titegroup powder was excessive in the Colt New Frontier. A new cylinder will put the sixgun back into service.Q: I have thoroughly enjoyed Handloader Magazine for nearly 30 years. There is no other journal that e...

The Kimber Micro 9 offers a 7+1 round capacity.The immense popularity of the Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol is a testament of its timeless and worthy design that has proven valuable in many roles, from combat to the target range. While it may have many...

Brian used a Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 “flattop” built on the .357 frame to develop .45 Colt +P data.In spite of the .45 Colt dating back to 1872 and being formally adopted by the U.S. military in 1873, it is just as modern and useful today as...

a Remington Model 700 Classic .222 Remington is topped with a Weaver 3-10x40 Grand Slam scope.Not so very long ago, the .222 Remington was king of the medium-velocity .22 centerfire cartridges, serving countless var­­-mint shooters and dominating ...

Alliant Unique remains an excellent choice for handloading the .38-40 Winchester, especially when using cast bullet loads.Q: I recently read an article that brought back some bad memories of my handloads and perhaps you can help put my mind at eas...

The Cimarron Stainless Frontier is a Single Action Army-pattern gun that boasts of accuracy and reliability.It has been more or less 50 years since A. Uberti began building replicas of the legendary Colt Single Action Army revolver. While early ex...

Brian used a Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Ti rifle chambered in 6.5 RPM to develop Pet Loads data.During World War II, Roy Weatherby (1910-1988) began experimenting with several wildcat cartridges in an effort to achieve notably greater velocities...

Seating the Hornady GMX bullet .050 to .090 inch off the leade will generally give the best accuracy.Q: I am a big fan of your “Pet Loads” feature in each issue. Just prior to the current powder and primer shortage, I started working up a new big-...

Currently produced variations of the Glock 19 include Gen 3, Gen 5 and 19X.In 1983, Glock Inc. introduced a new pistol chambered for 9mm Luger known as the Glock 17. Due primarily to its polymer frame, it immediately became highly controversial. I...

Brian used a Colt Single Action Army pre-World War II revolver to develop “Pet Loads” for the .44 Russian.The .44 Russian, or .44 Smith & Wesson (S&W) Russian, is an important cartridge development that played a significant role in the des...

In this episode of Handloader TV we put the new Ruger made Marlin 1895 SBL through a full load development and review it along the way. If you would like more information on the rifle be sure to check out Rifle magazine issue No. 322 and read ...

The .45 ACP will work fine with standard small pistol primers including the CCI 500 and Remington 1½. However, powder charges might need to be slightly increased to duplicate the velocity of the same loads using large pistol primers.Q: I have been...

To develop .35 Remington handload data, Brian used two vintage Remington pump-action rifles including a Model 141 Gamemaster (left) and a Model 14 (right).The .35 Remington was introduced in 1906 in the Model 8 autoloading rifle. In spite of legen...

In addition to factory loads, the Colt M45A1 was tested with select handloads, that proved accurate and reliable.This standout Colt Model 1911 variant is a first choice pistol among combat Marines and is available to civilians.After passing harsh ...

Rim Rock Bullets offers a 180-grain LBT-WFN with a gas-check bullet for the .357 Magnum, while Hodgdon Lil’Gun and Alliant 2400 are top powder choices.Q: With ammunition shortages over the past couple of years, within the last year I have taken ...

Moon clips are popular with double-action revolvers chambered in .45 ACP, as they allow quick reloading and aid with the ejection of all six cartridges with a single push of the ejector rod.Big-bore, double-action sixguns are worthy choices for pe...

The .358-inch rifle bullets were easily squeezed down in a Lee Precision Custom Classic Bullet Sizing Kit, using Redding Imperial Sizing Die Wax.Winchester developed the .350 Legend to meet specific requirements for hunting big game in some relati...

Original .38 Smith & Wesson Special factory loads contained black powder, however, that was soon changed to smokeless powders and standard pressure loads.The .38 Smith & Wesson Special, or more commonly known as .38 Special (not to be co...

The throat sizes of the original Colt Single Action Army and USFA Flattop Target chambered in .44 Russian measure .430 inch. With cast bullets sized to correspond, accuracy was excellent.Q: It is always a good day when  my Handloader arrives!...

A variety of factory loads were referenced for performance.The remarkable history and continuing demand for the Model 1911 pistol is a testimony of just how great it really is. In short, it was designed by John Browning, first produced by Colt in ...

While a Winchester Model 43 rifle (right) was the primary test rifle used to develop .218 Bee “Pet Loads” data, a Marlin Model 1894CL (left) was used to cross-reference select loads and to check for proper function.Nearly 40 years ago, I made my w...

Using plug gauges will best determine the throat size of a period Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 (aka 1955 Target) chambered in .45 ACP. Most period guns usually feature throats that measure .454 to .456 inch.Q: I love Handloader and look forward t...

A variety of handloads were developed that gave top accuracy and performance.The best place to begin this story is in 1930 when Smith & Wesson (S&W) introduced the .38-44 Heavy Duty (fixed sights) and .38-44 Outdoorsman (target sights) six...

Brian used a pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army to develop “Pet Loads” data.The .32 Winchester, .32 W.C.F., or more commonly known as .32-20 Winchester, was originally introduced around 1882 and first offered in the celebrated Winchester Mod...

The 270 Winchester and 270 WSM (left) generally feature a 1:10 barrel twist that is too slow for high- ballistic coefficient, heavy-for-caliber bullets such as the Nosler 165-grain AccuBond Long Range, which requires a barrel twist of 1:9 or faste...

The 9mm Luger was tried with factory loads, which functioned flawlessly with all loads tested.The Model 1911 45-caliber pistol, originally designed by John Browning and first produced by Colt, remains a timeless design that boasts of worldwide pop...

A custom Sako 6mm-204 RR wildcat was used for this pair of Idaho coyotes. It can be loaded for deer or smaller varmints as well.The primary motive for “wildcatting” is usually geared toward creating a cartridge that performs a particular task bett...

The Universal Firearms Model 1001 Military chambered in 30 Carbine (bottom) is similar in design to the original U.S. M1 Carbine (top), but there are distinct changes in the design.The U.S. M1 Carbine chambered in 30 Carbine is a unique fighting ...

Even after being loaded into cartridges, powders can deteriorate and begin to corrode. Always keep components as fresh as possible.Q: I appreciate the information and knowledge that you and the Handloader staff provide. I always look forward to ea...

Brian selected a variety of components to develop 9mm handloads for the striker-fired Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 pistol.After considerable research and development, in December 1954, Smith & Wesson began shipping a totally new autoloading...

Brian selected a Linebaugh Custom Sixguns Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley (top) and a Freedom Arms Model 757 (bottom) to develop 475 Linebaugh handloading data.In 1983, I was contacted by a mostly unknown sixgun smith named John Linebaugh who liv...

Cast bullets for a Marlin Model 1895 chambered in 45-70 should have a full caliber driving band just forward of the crimp to help prevent bullets from deep seating – such as the cast bullets shown from RCBS mould No. 45-405-FN.Q: I completely enjo...

Handloads were developed for the Colt Custom Shop Government Model 1911 45 ACP that performed flawlessly.The history of the Colt Model 1911 is fascinating and can be insightful to shooters interested in obtaining a practical and versatile big-bore...

The 30-30 Winchester has been offered in many different rifles, but lever actions are by far the most popular. Vintage rifles include the (top to bottom): Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine, Marlin Model 1893 Carbine and Savage Model 1899.T...

Starline 45 Auto +P cases are thicker in the head and in the sidewall, resulting in greater strength than standard 45 Auto cases.Starline 45 Auto +P Cases CorrectionIn Handloader No. 345 (August – September 2023), in my “Bullets & Brass” Col...

The Kimber KDS9c is a high-quality pistol that functioned flawlessly throughout testing.After firing more than 600 rounds to allow the new Kimber pistol to settle in, the magazine was loaded with 10 rounds of my handloads. The first five rounds we...

The Colt Single Action Army was designed in 1871 and 1872 and officially adopted by the U.S. Cavalry in 1873, but it also found instant acceptance with civilians. Pre-World War II examples include: (1) original smokeless-era 45 Colt with desirable...

Through careful handloading techniques and using proven load recipes, handloaded ammunition can be perfectly reliable in the 380 ACP.The 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) was designed by John Browning and formally introduced in 1908 along with the C...

IUsing Speer 250-grain and Hornady JHP-style bullets, +P 45 Colt-style loads in the Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy Carbine can easily reach 1,500 fps.45 Colt Rifle Hunting LoadsQ: First, I want to thank you for offering such an amazing magazine. I have ...

The original Colt Frontier Six Shooter 44-40 (bottom) as owned by Buffalo Bill. It is an elaborately engraved gun manufactured in 1889. The Cimarron Buffalo Bill tribute revolver (top) shares a similar pattern of engraving, a black-powder-style fr...

Handloads were checked for velocity on an RCBS chronograph.The 30-40 Krag, or .30 U.S, was adopted by the military in 1892, and was its first attempt to change from traditional big bore, heavy-bullet cartridges such as the 45-70 Government to a mo...

300 Ruger Compact Magnum Heavyweight Bullet DataQ: Several years ago I purchased a Ruger M77 Hawkeye chambered in 300 RCM. Soon thereafter, Ruger discontinued chambering rifles, so it must not have sold very well. I noticed that Hornady still offe...

Factory loads were accurate and reliable in the Springfield SA-35.Springfield Armory has introduced a U.S.-manufactured copy of the famous Browning Hi-Power pistol that they are calling the Model SA-35, which is very well-made, accurate and reliab...

The 44 Magnum was developed as a joint effort between Smith & Wesson and Remington and initially produced as a sixgun cartridge beginning in 1955, with production underway in 1956. This was primarily the result of Elmer Keith, an Idaho cowboy ...

Smith & Wesson J-Frame 38 SpecialUsing Alliant Power Pistol powder with the Rim Rock 148-grain DEWC bullet, the Smith & Wesson 638-3 can duplicate Buffalo Bore factory loads.Q: I have been reading Handloader for several years now and learn...

Select 9mm +P handloads provided respectable performance.The CZ-USA 75 semiautomatic pistol was introduced in 1975, and featured steel construction, a staggered magazine column and was chambered in 9mm Luger. It shared a similar size and weight as...

In 1923, Winchester engineers developed a new sporting cartridge that was destined to become hugely popular with hunters, which resulted in additional cartridge developments intended to compete. However, the 270 WCF, more commonly known as the 270...

357 Magnum and 9mm Luger Revolver Primer ProblemsUSFA Single Action Army pattern guns were factory-fitted with small firing pin holes to prevent primer flow in 357 Magnum and 9mm Luger cartridges that generate up to 35,000 psi.Q: I recently acquir...

Brian developed handloads for the Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact chambered in 9mm Luger.Beginning in 2008, Jamin McCallum established Palmetto State Armory (PSA) headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. This is a gun-manufacturing-friendly...

Brian used an Enfield No.2 Mk I chambered in 38 S&W to develop “Pet Loads” data.The 38 Smith & Wesson (S&W) was developed between 1876 and 1877, naturally as a black-powder cartridge that contained around 14 grains of powder behind a 1...

Select 38 Special data will allow 125- and 135-grain JHP bullets to expand reliably from short-barrel revolvers. However, the 148-grain DEWC cast bullet from Rim Rock is another excellent option for personal defense loads.Bullet Expansion Problems...

The GP100 is offered in the widely popular and versatile 357 Magnum cartridge.Beginning in 1985, Ruger introduced a truly modern double-action revolver, known as the GP100 that is strong, robust, highly durable, accurate and offered in many variat...

The 8mm Mauser was a highly influential modern cartridge that is well designed and straightforward to handload.Powders that perform well in the 30-06 such as Accurate 4350, IMR-4350 and Hodgdon H-4350 are also excellent choices for the 8mm Mauser...

The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact, high-quality pocket pistol chambered in 380 Auto.The first pocket pistol that I purchased was an interesting experience. I had just turned 13 and a neighbor offered a Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Vest Pocket Pistol i...

Eighteen seventy three was an exciting year for small arms development with two notable guns being offered, including Colt’s legendary Single Action Army revolver chambered in 45 Colt and the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle initially cham...

The 6.5 PRC can produce excellent results with Hodgdon Retumbo and H-4350 powders used in conjunction with 127- and 129-grain bullets.6.5 PRC DataQ: I greatly appreciate Handloader magazine, as there is nothing else that offers high-level informat...

Select handloading data will allow 44 Magnum rifles to push a 300-grain Hornady XTP bullet over 1,500 fps in rifles such as the Ruger 77/44 and Marlin Model 1894.44 Magnum Rifle Barrel Twist RateQ: I enjoy Handloader magazine, and in spite of havi...

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt/45 ACP special edition PPP is built on the flat-top medium (A.K.A. 357) cylinder frame, features a Bisley grip frame and offered with 45⁄8- and 51⁄2-inch barrels.Lipsey’s, LLC and Ruger have teamed...

The 300 Ruger Compact Magnum (RCM) was designed in 2006/07 and released commercially in 2008, as a joint development between Ruger and Hornady Manufacturing. It was the third cartridge to bear Bill Ruger’s name. It is based on the 375 Ruger case b...

The 45-70 Government data in the Speer Reloading Manual No. 14 is for original pre-World War II Winchester Model 1886 and Marlin Model 1895 rifles and is therefore held to 28,000 CUP. Modern Marlin Model 1895 and Winchester Model 1886 reproduction...

The 32 H&R Magnum gave respectable velocities from the short barreled Smith & Wesson 432UC.Seventy-five years ago, Smith & Wesson and most major gun companies struggled financially. That was a result of the 10-plus years of the Great D...

Brian used new Starline brass to develop “Pet Loads” data.The 40 S&W was formally introduced January 17, 1990, and was a joint effort between Smith & Wesson (S&W) and Winchester Ammunition, which was similar when the two companies work...

Top choices for 9mm Luger +P loads include: (1) Ramshot Silhouette, (2) Accurate No. 7, (3) Hodgdon Longshot and (4) CFE Pistol.9mm Luger +P+ LoadsQ: I’m looking for high-performance handloading data for 9mm Luger. Specifically, can you provide me...

The Pietta Great Western II SAA pattern sixgun is offered in a variety of calibers and finishes. This Cattlebrand gun features laser engraved brands and nickel plating.Giuseppe Pietta started producing replica firearms between 1962 and 1964. Howev...

With new handloading data and a few procedural tips, the 25-20 Winchester is easy to develop top-notch handloads.There are many modern cartridges that supersede virtually every aspect of the 25-20 Winchester, but they are mostly designed for bolt ...

The Taylor’s & Company, Uberti 1873 features a 20-inch barrel, making it very handy. It weighed in at 7.55 pounds unloaded and featured a traditional buckhorn-style rear sight and a dovetail blade front sight.Recently a package came in the mai...

Shooting special cartridges in magnum chambers is safe. However, accuracy can suffer. Examples include: (1) 38 Special and 357 Magnum, (2) 44 Special and 44 Magnum and (3) 45 Colt and 454 Casull.Shooting Special Cartridges in Magnum ChambersQ: My ...

For the first time, Lipsey’s teamed with Ruger to offer a New Model Blackhawk Bisley chambered in 41 Magnum. It is built on the medium or 357 flattop style frame, whereas all previous Blackhawks have been built on the large 44 frame. The samp...

The 7x57 Mauser started life as a smokeless military cartridge in 1892 and offered cutting-edge technology at that time. European companies soon offered elegant sporting bolt-action rifles that helped it become widely popular with sportsmen, hunte...

Obtaining a very heavy bullet pull and roll crimp will prevent bullets from jumping crimp in the Smith & Wesson 329PD 44 Magnum.44 Magnum Jumping CrimpQ: A few years ago, I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 329PD chambered in 44 Magnum. Due...

The Smith & Wesson Combat Magnum was introduced in 1955 and became the Model 19 in 1957. It was the brainchild of famous lawman, combat veteran and gun writer Bill Jordan. A current Model 19-10 (left), and a Model 19 (right) are shown.The Smit...

Brian used a Ruger M77 Mark II chambered in 260 Remington to develop “Pet Loads” data.After nearly 40 years of being a wildcat, the 260 Remington was formally introduced in 1997 and enthusiastically received by savvy riflemen and hunters. It offer...

To duplicate traditional 45-70 Government factory load ballistics, Accurate 2015 powder is an excellent choice used in conjunction with the 400-grain Speer JSP bullet.Traditional 45-70 Government LoadsQ: I have been reading Handloader for about 15...

The SIG Sauer P320’s standard magazine capacity is 17 rounds.The SIG Sauer P320 was first offered to the U.S. market in 2014 and then formally adopted by the U.S. Military as their standard sidearm in 2017 as the M17 (full size) and M18 (compact),...

Brian used a Winchester Model 94 to develop “Pet Loads” data for the 32 Winchester Special.The 32 Winchester Special (W.S.) was introduced in 1901 and first appeared in the 1902 Winchester catalog (although some sources suggest 1898, but this is n...

Welcome back to Handloader TV. This time the focus is a classic combination that is both practical and a whole lot of fun: a full load development for the Marlin 1894 Trapper in 44 Magnum. The 44 Magnum, the brainchild of Elmer Keith and the engin...

Various 200-grain cast SWC bullets are classics in the Model 1911 45 ACP.Classic Cast Bullet Loads for the 45 ACPQ: Back in the 1970s and 80s, when I used to shoot a variety of pistol competitions using Colt Model 1911s chambered in 45 ACP, virtua...

The Ruger Redhawk in 45 Colt is a large frame, super-strong double-action sixgun with stainless-steel construction.During the 1970s the popularity of the 44 Magnum grew rapidly for several reasons. Elmer Keith, who was the most influential person ...

Brian used a Remington Model 700 chambered in 300 Remington Ultra Magnum to develop “Pet Loads” data.The 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM)was formally introduced in 1999 and is technically based on a new case design that has had tremendous influenc...

Q: I have enjoyed the content of Handloader magazine for many years, and especially your insight and details of developing loads for handgun cartridges. Today, I am hoping you can help me with a less popular rifle cartridge, the 9.3x62mm. Man...

The Ruger RXM is chambered in 9mm and performed flawlessly with both factory loads and handloads.The new Ruger RXM is intended to compete head-to-head with the Glock 19, which is the world’s most popular 9mm pistol, but it is much more than just a...

To prevent cartridge confusion, the Mark V rifles are marked “USE ONLY WEATHERBY .270 W.M.”In spite of several new cartridges of the same caliber being developed over the past couple of decades, the 270 Weatherby Magnum is still outstanding and of...

When handloading for the 358 Winchester with 20-inch and shorter barrels, Hodgdon H-4895 and Accurate A-2520 powders will be top choices.Q: I’m an old timer and purchased a Winchester pre-’64 Model 70 Featherweight chambered in 358 back in th...

Uberti offers the 1875 and 1890 Outlaw Model (Remington replicas) in nickel and blue finishes and in popular calibers.For more than half a century, Aldo Uberti has been offering a reproduction of the historic Remington Model 1875 Single Action Rev...

It has been 18 years since the 6.5 Creedmoor was formally announced by Hornady Manufacturing. Simply stated, it was modern in every respect and filled a significant void resulting in it becoming hugely popular in the United States and many other c...