Handloading and hunting have always gone hand in hand for me, it was the original purpose behind my reason for handloading. About three years ago, I wrote my first Reloader’s Press column, talking about a 10-year-old me, handloading for my first elk hunt and my first centerfire rifle, a Remington Model Seven chambered in 260 Remington. Much of the column was about the experience earned with that rifle and continuing my education and knowledge of handloading. ...Read More >

The story of black powder and its use as a propellant originates with the discovery of a simple chemical molecule known in the West as saltpeter. It seems to have originated in China, where healers were making use of a medicine called Xiaoshi in the early third century A.D. This drug, used as a cure-all to promote general health, has been identified by historians as the earliest example of saltpeter – potassium nitrate, the core ingredient of black powder. ...Read More >

My question has to do with shooting 38 Special cartridges in 357 Magnum revolvers, 44 Specials in 44 Magnums and 45 Colts in 454 Casull revolvers. I have used them without any real problems; however, as you have previously said in these pages, the crud buildup in front of the shorter cases must be removed prior to firing the magnum cartridges. ...Read More >

Some folks may think it a bit odd to find the history of a rimfire cartridge in this column. Instead, they would prefer to learn about centerfire cartridges. These are the types that have a recess in their base to house little, largely unobtainable items called primers – one hundred of which now cost almost as much as the same number of cheap imported 22 Long Rifle (22 LR) cartridges. ...Read More >