The Hickok45 Radio Show Episode 18 (5-21-11)

Published on May 21, 2011
Duration: 31:39

Hickok45, a seasoned firearms instructor, shares his reloading philosophy, emphasizing consistency and familiarity with loads. He advises new reloaders to secure their presses and consider progressive presses for high-volume shooting. A key takeaway is sticking with established bullet weights and powder charges for specific calibers to maintain consistent point of impact and predictable recoil characteristics, which is crucial for developing shooting skills and ensuring carry ammunition feels similar to practice rounds.

Quick Summary

Hickok45 advises reloaders to secure their presses and consider progressive presses for efficiency. He strongly recommends sticking to a consistent bullet weight and powder charge for each caliber to maintain a predictable point of impact and recoil. This consistency is crucial for developing shooting skills and ensuring practice ammunition feels similar to defensive carry rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Reloading Room
  2. 03:33Colleague Retirement & Life Experiences
  3. 09:46Reloading Philosophy: Consistency is Key
  4. 10:45Basic Reloading Press Setup
  5. 11:16Progressive vs. Single Stage Presses
  6. 12:36The Importance of Bullet Weight and Load Consistency
  7. 15:11Firearm-Specific Load Considerations
  8. 19:49Matching Practice Ammo to Carry Ammo
  9. 22:13Point of Impact Dynamics
  10. 25:17New Firearm: Marlin 1895 STP .45-70
  11. 28:35Gun of the Week: Browning Hi-Power
  12. 29:46This Week's Mystery Firearm Clues
  13. 31:13Conclusion & Sign Off

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hickok45's primary advice for new reloaders?

Hickok45 emphasizes that new reloaders must ensure their press is bolted down extremely solidly. He also suggests considering a progressive press, as the fundamental principles of reloading apply regardless of the press type, and it can be efficient for high-volume shooting.

Why does Hickok45 recommend sticking to a consistent bullet weight and load?

Sticking to a consistent bullet weight and powder charge for a caliber, like 230-grain for .45 ACP, helps maintain a predictable point of impact and recoil characteristics. This consistency is vital for developing shooting skills and ensuring practice ammunition feels similar to defensive carry rounds.

How does Hickok45 approach reloading for self-defense or concealed carry?

He advises approximating the characteristics of common factory defensive ammunition with reloads. This means using similar bullet weights and velocities so that the feel and point of impact of practice rounds closely match the rounds carried for self-defense, providing a familiar shooting experience.

What are the potential issues with bullet weight and point of impact?

Bullet weight and velocity can significantly affect point of impact. Lighter, faster bullets might print lower at moderate ranges due to exiting the barrel before significant muzzle rise. Conversely, slower bullets are more influenced by barrel movement, potentially impacting higher. Consistency minimizes these variables.

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