When I was 15, my reloading mentor taught me all the basics and a few tricks.
He taught me about pressure signs. About carefully exceeding max loads. About consistency, and accuracy. He taught me that the rockchucker is the only non-progressive press to own.
He had me read up on P.O.Ackley, and had me bench shooting 1/2" groups at 100yards at age 15 out of a win M70 in 300winmag.
In fact, I was taught well in that summer, and his teachings carried on through the years. Unfortunately, my Dad was killed in an accident that fall, and I moved, and lost touch. I didnt have a mentor anymore, and at that time, there was no internet. I just stuck with what I knew, and reloaded pretty accurate 73-76grain imr4831 180gr nosler partition loads and do to this day. I sometimes play with IMR4350 just to have something new....
One thing he never taught me was about powder choice. He briefly explained to me why we would be using IMR4831, but at the time it was over my head, and I didnt catch the basics.
I sort of understand that you use slower powders for bigger charges, and faster for smaller such as pistol etc.
Anyone know of any concise articles on powder selection where a guy could educate himself a bit more?
I am currently doing my own load development for my new 460s&wmag, and of course I can just stick to the manuals, but not understanding the manuals choice doesn't sit well with me.
He taught me about pressure signs. About carefully exceeding max loads. About consistency, and accuracy. He taught me that the rockchucker is the only non-progressive press to own.
He had me read up on P.O.Ackley, and had me bench shooting 1/2" groups at 100yards at age 15 out of a win M70 in 300winmag.
In fact, I was taught well in that summer, and his teachings carried on through the years. Unfortunately, my Dad was killed in an accident that fall, and I moved, and lost touch. I didnt have a mentor anymore, and at that time, there was no internet. I just stuck with what I knew, and reloaded pretty accurate 73-76grain imr4831 180gr nosler partition loads and do to this day. I sometimes play with IMR4350 just to have something new....
One thing he never taught me was about powder choice. He briefly explained to me why we would be using IMR4831, but at the time it was over my head, and I didnt catch the basics.
I sort of understand that you use slower powders for bigger charges, and faster for smaller such as pistol etc.
Anyone know of any concise articles on powder selection where a guy could educate himself a bit more?
I am currently doing my own load development for my new 460s&wmag, and of course I can just stick to the manuals, but not understanding the manuals choice doesn't sit well with me.

Last edited: