USRS Newsletter - 6/17/26
Why Every Reloader Should Keep a Reloading Log -
One of the simplest and most valuable tools a reloader can have isn't a press, die set, or powder measure—it's a good reloading log.
Whether you're loading pistol ammunition for the range, precision rifle cartridges for competition, or hunting ammunition for the upcoming season, keeping detailed records can help improve safety, consistency, and overall performance.
At its most basic, a reloading log should record the cartridge, bullet, powder, primer, and charge weight used in a particular load. However, many experienced reloaders take things a step further by documenting overall cartridge length (OAL), brass manufacturer, number of times the brass has been fired, velocity data, accuracy results, and even weather conditions during testing.
The benefits of maintaining these records become apparent over time. Imagine developing an exceptionally accurate load only to realize a year later that you can't remember the exact powder charge or seating depth. A well-maintained log allows you to recreate successful loads with confidence.
A reloading log can also help identify trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. Changes in velocity, accuracy, or brass life can often be traced back to specific components, lot numbers, or loading practices. Detailed records make troubleshooting easier and can help prevent repeating mistakes.
From a safety standpoint, documenting load development provides an additional layer of protection. Notes about pressure signs, chronograph data, and performance observations can help prevent accidentally revisiting loads that showed excessive pressure or other undesirable characteristics.
The good news is that keeping a reloading log doesn't require anything fancy. A simple notebook works perfectly well, while others prefer spreadsheets or specialized reloading software. The format matters far less than the consistency with which it is maintained.
Many reloaders enjoy the experimentation and problem-solving aspects of handloading. A good reloading log transforms those experiences into useful data that can be referenced for years to come.
The next time you sit down at the loading bench, consider taking a few extra minutes to record your work. Future you will be glad you did.
The .22 Savage Hi-Power: the Little Cartridge That Hunted the World -
Introduced in 1912 by Savage Arms, the .22 Savage Hi-Power was one of the most innovative sporting cartridges of its era. At a time when most hunters relied on larger, slower-moving bullets, the Hi-Power represented a new approach—achieving impressive velocity through a lightweight .22 caliber projectile. In many ways, it was one of the earliest examples of the industry's growing fascination with speed and flat trajectory.
The cartridge was developed for the popular Savage Model 1899 rifle and was based on the .25-35 Winchester case necked down to accept a .228-inch bullet. Original factory loads propelled a 70-grain bullet at approximately 2,800 feet per second, an impressive figure for the early twentieth century. This performance earned the cartridge its "Hi-Power" designation and helped distinguish it from many contemporary sporting rounds.
What truly set the .22 Savage Hi-Power apart, however, was its marketing. Savage promoted the cartridge as a capable hunting round for a remarkable variety of game animals. Advertisements and hunting accounts from the period featured stories of successful hunts on deer, antelope, wolves, and even large and dangerous game in distant parts of the world. Reports circulated of hunters using the cartridge on animals as varied as leopard, tiger, and red stag.
While modern hunters might question the suitability of a .22 caliber cartridge for some of these applications, such claims reflected the attitudes and understanding of hunting ballistics during the early 1900s. The era was characterized by rapid experimentation and a strong belief that high velocity could compensate for smaller bullet diameter. Whether all of the advertised claims were practical is still debated, but there is no question that the cartridge captured the imagination of sportsmen around the globe.
The .22 Savage Hi-Power also benefited from being chambered in the Savage Model 1899, one of the most advanced sporting rifles of its day. The rifle's innovative rotary magazine allowed the safe use of pointed bullets, providing an advantage over many lever-action rifles that relied on tubular magazines.
Although the .22 Savage Hi-Power enjoyed considerable popularity during its early years, advancements in cartridge design eventually led to newer and more capable .22 centerfire cartridges. By the mid-twentieth century, cartridges such as the .222 Remington and later the .22-250 Remington offered superior accuracy and performance, gradually pushing the Hi-Power into obscurity.
Today, the .22 Savage Hi-Power remains a fascinating chapter in cartridge history. It stands as a reminder of a time when manufacturers boldly pushed the limits of velocity and performance, helping to pave the way for the high-speed varmint and sporting cartridges that would follow. More than a century after its introduction, the cartridge continues to be appreciated by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts who recognize its important place in the evolution of modern sporting ammunition.
That's it for this week folks. Stay safe out there and thanks for reading!