ARTICLES

Gavin Gear explains how the Ultimate Reloader Bench System can help reloaders reclaim bench space by using T-tracks, mounting plates, and flexible tool-mounting hardware. The article covers how to build or modify a reloading bench, choose wall-mounted or freestanding designs, install T-tracks, create plywood or metal mounting plates, and secure presses, vises, powder measures, and other tools. For reloaders with limited space or changing equipment needs, this modular bench approach offers a sturdy, organized, and adaptable way to get more use out of every square foot.

John Taffin reflects on the history, appeal, and practical field use of sixguns for handgun hunting. The article covers proven hunting cartridges including the 45 Colt, 44 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 41 Magnum, and 454 Casull, with handload recommendations using Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders. From moderate field loads to powerful big-game combinations, Taffin shows why classic sixgun cartridges remain capable, effective, and deeply satisfying tools for serious handgun hunters.

Homogeneous, or monolithic, hunting bullets have come a long way from early copper designs that could be difficult to load accurately. John Barsness explains how modern designs, including grooved shanks and polymer tips, have reduced pressure and fouling while improving expansion, accuracy, and consistency. With practical guidance on pressure-tested data, seating depth, bullet stability, and field performance, this article shows why today’s monolithic hunting bullets are easier to load and highly effective on game.

The 38 Special and 357 Magnum have long histories as practical, versatile revolver cartridges, and careful handloading makes them even more useful. Layne Simpson covers loads for everything from Bullseye and NRA PPC competition to Cowboy Action shooting, varmint hunting, big-game use, and personal-defense practice. With Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders paired with a wide range of cast and jacketed bullets, both cartridges show impressive flexibility across revolvers and lever-action rifles.

Joseph von Benedikt explains how Hornady’s PRC family was designed around modern long-range performance, high-BC bullets, fast-twist rifling, generous head height, tight chamber tolerances, and balanced case capacity. The article breaks down the strengths of the 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, and 300 PRC, showing where each cartridge fits for hunting, long-range shooting, and big-game performance. With handloading guidance for powders such as H1000, Retumbo, Ramshot Grand, Accurate MagPro, and Winchester StaBALL HD, the PRC cartridges prove to be efficient, accurate, and highly capable options for modern riflemen.

The 27 Nosler is designed to deliver or exceed the performance of other .27-caliber cartridges while using a modern beltless case and efficient powder capacity. Steve Gash tests the cartridge with a wide range of big-game bullets and slow-burning Hodgdon and IMR propellants, including US 869, H50BMG, Retumbo, and IMR 8133. The results show a fast, powerful, and accurate hunting cartridge that offers excellent handloading potential for western hunters and long-range big-game applications.