Then I averaged both sets of V/C data. The results suggest that most shooters should be able to safely handload this cartridge. Loubser refers to the venerable .30-06 as "one of the forgiving cartridges" because the average V/C for ammo loaded even with different bullet weights does not vary significantly.

Lesson learned? Physics is physics; it takes so much work to accelerate a bullet to a certain velocity. Pressure multiplied by area equals force, and force times distance equals work. So, practically speaking, achieving maximum velocity with a specific bullet in the same or similar system requires essentially the same pressure. Just remember: You should not exceed maximum velocities, and you should always stop if the usual obvious pressure signs become evident.

Other Lessons Relearned Winchester recently introduced a new spherical propellant called Supreme 780. It is intended primarily for loading large-capacity magnum rifle cartridges. Hodgdon Powder Co. distributes Winchester propellants and provides appropriate load data via its online Data Reloading Center. I received a sample for testing and evaluating a few months ago, and I've tried it in several recent loading projects.

During a typical session at the range, I bring three or four rifles along to test-fire. After firing one or two groups with one, I set it aside to cool and select another to fire another batch of handloads. I rotate through the firearms so none is subjected to excessive conditions. I relearned something recently during a typical range session.

I experienced a hangfire. If you've never experienced one, it's when you can discern a perceptible delay between squeezing the trigger and the gun going "bang." Well, this ignition anomaly will typically occur if you use degraded or incompatible primers. Degraded primers can be caused by improperly storing them or by contaminating them before reloading. In my case, I simply used a standard primer instead of a magnum to ignite a relatively large charge of Supreme 780.

Actually, only 60 percent or so of the initial batch of test loads hangfired. A couple of the groups were pretty good, but the chronograph data indicated unstable/irregular ignition. When I reloaded those cases again, I used the same components, but this time I switched to a magnum primer. Back at the range, the hangfire problem was eliminated by the extra oomph of the magnum primer, recorded velocities increased slightly, and the calculated standard deviation dropped precipitously.

On another occasion, I was reminded what you should always do when switching components in a handload. Every manual says to reduce the maximum charge weight at least 5 percent and then incrementally increase toward the maximum load cautiously. I forgot to do this and, thankfully, just experienced an unexpected event with no personal or equipment damage.

I'd worked up a handload for my .257 Weatherby Vanguard rifle. Of course, by the time I'd reached my accuracy/velocity objectives, I had run out of powder. I checked my magazine, found another 1-pound container, and prepared to reload another batch. Then I decided to assemble just five rounds to verify performance before loading several boxes. I didn't think it was necessary to start low and work up because I had tested this specific recipe several times already with no surprises.

On the first shot, bolt lift was snugger than usual. The same results accompanied the next four rounds. The chronograph tape indicated average velocity was nearly 100 fps faster than my previous experience. Obviously, this powder lot was a bit faster than the lot I had loaded before. I backed off a couple of grains, worked up only a half-grain more, and stopped. My new batch of handloads perform about the same as my earlier pet load did but with 1.5 grains less propellant.

Just before I wrapped up this month's column, another incident occurred worth relating. I was mildly charging some .260 Remington handloads with IMR-4064. If you're not familiar with this propellant, it's a long, skinny-grain stick powder that can bridge in your powder measure or funnel and prevent a full charge from entering the case, and the next charge will be topped off by the leftover from the last case. I always visually inspect each case after charging, so I caught the under- and overcharged pair of cases in the tray before seating the bullets. When you're using powders of this kind, it's not a matter of if it will happen; it's a matter of when. The only thing you can do is be vigilant at all times.

Practically speaking, of course, you're never too old to learn--or in my case, relearn--something about handloading.