Reloading in the pursuit of excellence

If Alasdair Mitchell’s reloading results are “impressively erratic” something is very wrong (Sharpshooter, 3 August). Alasdair argues that “consistency is the father of accuracy”. He is perfectly correct. The fact that machines are capable of greater accuracy than humans is theoretically true, but in practice a careful reloader can produce a round that is significantly more consistent and accurate than factory loads.

Strip down factory loads and weigh the contents. Powder weights, bullet weights and dimensions, and case weights (and therefore capacity) all vary slightly, even on premium loads. Careful reloading can surpass these standards. Consider the added benefits of a fire-formed case, which is tailor-made for your chamber, with proven improvements in accuracy.

As for professional hunters banning homeloads for dangerous game, I would have to agree. Anecdotal evidence suggests one or two less-thancareful reloaders on the loose.

Incidentally, Alasdair’s key-holing suggests to me a complete incompatibility of bullet weight and rifle twist, or a worn barrel.

Homeloading offers the chance to develop an accurate load for your rifle combined with a bullet whose terminal performance can be judged in the game larder. Reloading is a serious business and should never be undertaken casually. Mistakes can have very serious consequences. You will save a penny or two, but for me it’s all about the pursuit of excellence.

Richard Ahern, East Knoyle

world of foxes, buzzards, goshawks, ‘spars’, mustelids and whatever other myriad predators might be lurking in your part of the countryside.

If the pheasant, duck and partridge that fly over your peg come the following shooting season aren’t ostensibly wild, then it’s a pure miracle that they have survived.

Whatever your opinion, you must agree they have lived a far wilder life than the threefor-a-tenner supermarket broiler chickens, the bulk of which are sent to slaughter only 42 days after hatching. Tess Thompson, by email

Tess Thompson argues that released pheasants have to be ‘wild’ to survive