Handloader Ammunition Reloading Journal October 2011 Issue Number — 274

Handloader Issue No. 274 (October 2011) features Brian Pearce’s high-performance handgun loads and Mike Venturino’s exploration of Sharps cartridges. Additional content includes analyses on bullet seating depth, the 9mm Federal, and Ramshot’s Zip propellant, along with reviews of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. Purchase this issue from Wolfe Publishing. Handloader 274 October 2011 - Wolfe Publishing

Griz dropped his coffee spoon. He knew Pinky Driscoll. In 1968, at the Camp Perry Nationals, Pinky had shot a perfect 100-10x in the varmint match with a wildcat cartridge he refused to name. Men had offered him new pickup trucks for the load data. Pinky just grinned, tapped the side of his nose, and said, “It’s not the powder, boys. It’s the prayer you say while seating the bullet.” Handloader Issue No

Managing Recoil: John Haviland offers insights on reducing the physical impact of heavy loads. Obsolete Powders: Some powders reviewed in 2011 (like

, this edition acts like a mini-manual, offering technical insights that remain relevant for precision shooters today. Key Articles & Highlights High-Performance Handgun Loads The Short, Unhappy Life of the 9mm Federal

Obsolete Powders: Some powders reviewed in 2011 (like the original formulation of Winchester 780 or surplus H4895) have changed. The burning rate notes from #274 help identify suitable modern substitutes.
Wildcat Cartridges: The October 2011 issue contained letters and data on cartridges the SAAMI has since abandoned (e.g., the .300 Savage, .219 Zipper). If you inherit an old rifle in a dead caliber, these back issues are often the only source of pressure-tested data.
Philosophy: The writing in #274 focuses on why you do a process, not just the steps. The discussion on neck turning and run-out is far more pedagogical than modern video tutorials.

The Short, Unhappy Life of the 9mm Federal: Gil Sengel reviews the history of this cartridge in the "Cartridge Board" column.

: Terry Wieland discusses techniques for keeping vintage rimfire firearms functional with appropriate ammo. Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook : A detailed review of the 4th edition by Rocky Raab. Why This Issue Stands Out Unlike general firearms magazines, Handloader