Advanced Handloading: Beyond The Basics
July 14, 2008 Handloaders usually learn the basics of reloading rifle cartridges by reading basicreloading die instructions and/or a handloading manual. Armed only with fundamental skills, theybegin by sizing cases, inserting primers, charging the case with powder, then seating the bullet toa nominal depth. Results can vary, but often accuracy is hit and miss (pun certainly intended), andtheir handloads usually will not perform as well as factory fodder. The attention to small details isusually overlooked, details that are required if the shooter wants to obtain a higher level of performanceout of his or her rifle and ammunition. If you are ready to shrink groups and improve theaccuracy of a pet rifle, welcome to Advanced Handloading Beyond the Basics, a DVD packedwith illustrated training and a worthy addition to any library.John Barsness, who is currently the editor of Wolfe Publishing s Successful Hunter magazine andfield editor of Rifle and Handloader magazines, hosts the DVD. John is not a hobbyist but a professionalwith more than 40 years of handloading experience. I have had the pleasure of knowinghim for a number of years, and he has earned my respect and admiration. Every month he putshis knowledge and advice in print to be scrutinized by thousands, which is not only bulletproof soto speak, but has proven beneficial and valuable to readers.Advanced Handloading is intended primarily for modern bottleneck rifle cartridges, but much ofthe information applies to straight-walled cartridges as well. John walks the viewer through checkingcase necks (where accuracy begins) for concentricity, which also impacts crucial bullet runout.Correct neck and case sizing steps are illustrated, and the often-misunderstood cartridge headspaceis tackled along with the importance of case trimming (truing up case mouths) and chamfering.The simple step of deburring (and uniforming) the flash hole is also demonstrated.After cases are properly prepared, correct priming is demonstrated, which is another crucial stepin making ammunition as uniform as possible. Tips on choosing a top-performing powder are discussed,and John shows the correct way to custom seat bullets to fit the chamber, throat andleade of a specific rifle to obtain top-notch accuracy.Other areas that Advanced Handloading details include record keeping, which is often overlookedyet so important to understand ammunition and a given rifle. For instance, how a rifle performedwith a given bullet or powder, what scope was used, how many rounds were fired in thatbarrel and how clean or dirty it was at the last trip to the bench should be recorded. Again, valuabletips are offered. Several handloading myths are addressed, including those regarding amagic cartridge overall length, or what happens if primers are touched with fingers, along withothers.Advanced Handloading begins at the shooting range wherein handloaded ammunition that wasassembled with little attention to detail is checked for accuracy through a Remington Model 40X.308 Winchester. Groups appear to hover around one inch, which would be fine in a lightweightsporting rifle but disappointing in a Remington 40X that has the reputation for much greater accuracypotential. After assembling sample handloads that were given proper attention to detail, thesame rifle is again fired, which then drops three shots into a ragged hole. Now that is more like it!And it is a perfect illustration of the rewards of correct and careful handloading practices, proceduresand choosing the right components and equipment. --Press Release - Brian Pearce