Worth A Look

Ron Smith demonstrates the new RCBS bullet feeder at this year's SHOT Show. He seated 4,000+ .40-caliber, 155-grain FMJ bullets in .40 S&W brass, showing that the new tool definitely works as intended.

First, RCBS has a new automatic bullet feeder that really works. It's limited to handling mid- to large-caliber flat-base, jacketed bullets, and it's readily adaptable to most progressive reloading tools having adequate loading stations. Those of you who shoot large quantities of 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP need to check out this item immediately.

Steve Johnson, Hornady's public relations rep, demonstrated a prototype powered case-preparation tool. It's bench-mounted and will assist the handloader in performing several arduous functions--trimming, deburring, uniforming primer pockets, etc.--that are required to achieve ready-to-load status after cases have been sized and decapped.

Also, Alliant announced five new propellants for the hobby handloader market. ATK acquired the popular line of Hercules products several years ago, and since then, the firm has regularly added new powders to the lineup. Until now, they have all been flake- or stick-type propellants. The new Power Pro magnum rifle, large rifle, medium rifle, varmint rifle, and small magnum pistol propellants are next-generation double-base, spherical powders and are touted as delivering extraordinary ballistic performance for most old and new cartridges alike.