Ammunition

It seems New England is no different than anywhere else in the country, at least for one retailer. Rimfire guns and ammo just keep flying off the shelves.

Since the invention of gunpowder there has been endless debate over the mythical “best all-around cartridge.” There are all sorts of contenders, but one can make a really convincing argument for the .30-06 as that cartridge.

The 9.3x62 Mauser came about as an affordable way to tackle Africa's dangerous game. And it continues to be one of the world's most versatile medium-bore cartridges.

Reloading for personal defense can be a testing process, but a rewarding one. You'll sleep better at night knowing you have created ammunition you can bet your life on.

The .270 Winchester is a red-hot round and has become one of the favorites of hunters. Building this cartridge's popularity was famed outdoor writer Jack O'Connor, who used and wrote extensively about the .270.

It is easy to let a reloading bench get messy and out of control. Getting into good organizational habits will make you reloading experience safer and more productive.

For years, the .30-30 was North America's most popular cartridge. It's acclaim, in part, was driven by its usefulness as a deer hunting round and as a top performing cartridge in lever-action rifles.

To err is human, and that goes for precision-minded folks like reloaders, too. However, when things go awry at the reloading bench there are ways to rectify the situation.

When it comes to pistol ammo, there is perhaps no more renowned cartridge than the .45 ACP. The heavy round earned its stripes and grew in popularity after nearly three-quarters of a century of service as the U.S. Military's sidearm.

Renowned British firm Holland & Holland came up with the .375 H&H more than 100 years ago. But to this day, the medium-bore cartridge is among the most versatile hunting rounds available.

Brass cases are the one component that is reusable in the reloading process. But like all good things, these have an eventual end. Here is an explanation of the damages to look for and what to do when they're found.

The 7mm Mauser, also known as the .275 Rigby, was an influential cartridge. Paul Mauser's creation went on to hold sway over the design of both military and sporting cartridges in the 20th Century.

Of course, saving money is one of reloading's great attractions, but it's not the only one. Perhaps more appealing is the flexibility the discipline gives shooters, allowing them to tailor ammo to their needs.

There is perhaps no more ubiquitous round than the .22 rimfire. It is a pretty safe bet that the first round most shooters sent down range came from the petite, yet practical cartridge.

Nickel brass cases are the shining gems of ammunition, resistant to tarnishing, no matter whose sweaty hands have been on them. But to use the component for reloading takes some understanding of the material's characteristics.

There are all sorts of cartridges, with all kinds of applications. But when the rubber hits the road, what makes a great cartridge? Well, dear readers, that is a complicated subject, but not one devoid of an answer.