As many have likely noticed over the last few “Reloaders Press” articles, there have been several tables with a larger-than-normal number of shots for a group. Either 20 or 25 shots along with a mean radius measurement. Over the past year or so, much testing has been conducted with these larger sample sizes in an effort to narrow down variables and increase the overall consistency and performance of handloaded ammunition. Whether that is done by reducing the mean radius, group size, or velocity variation, much experimenting and testing has been conducted and is still underway. ...Read More >

Even though it had ruled the battlefield for centuries, black powder was far from a perfect propellant. Because of its chemical makeup, less than half of its total mass was converted into gases capable of driving a projectile, which led to relatively low velocities. The solid products of its combustion created smoke, often thick enough to obscure the battlefield, and thick, sulfurous fouling that made weapons difficult to load and promoted rust. When the first of several new propellants that solved these shortcomings was created in 1884, the invention of smokeless propellants would drive a worldwide arms race that would change the face of modern warfare and lead directly to the carnage of World War I. ...Read More >

Q: A few years ago, I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 329PD chambered in 44 Magnum. Due to its super-light 26 ounces, I like carrying it while fishing in Eastern Idaho trout streams where grizzly bears are prevalent. The drawback is that it really kicks hard, and I don’t shoot it much. However, the problem I’m having is keeping bullets from jumping out of the crimp. This has been a problem with both factory loads and my handloads. Apparently, I’m not the only one with this issue because the owner’s manual explains that I should load the gun with six cartridges of the type of ammunition that I want to use, but only fire five cartridges. ...Read More >

In the last “Cartridge Board” (Handloader 357, August 2025), we saw the development of the 22 Long Rifle (LR) using the old 22 Extra Long 40-grain bullet, 22 Long case and black powder. Muzzle velocity was sometimes listed at about 950 feet per second (fps) by 1900. The increased powder charge meant increased fouling left in the bore. Gallery shooters found the black-powder 22 LR to be less accurate at 50 and 75 feet than the black-powder 22 Short. Small-game hunters thought the power of the 22 LR adequate, but accuracy was poor after a few shots. Target shooters wanted far better groups at 100 and 200 yards than 8 to 12 inches. ...Read More >