This issue didn't panic about shortages; it focused on refinement . The editors—led by the legendary Dave Scovill and Brian Pearce—were deep in discussions about cast bullet alloys, pressure trace technology, and revolver throat geometry. Issue 274 is emblematic of the magazine’s shift from "how to reload safely" to "how to reload optimally ."
To appreciate Issue 274, we must remember the era. October 2011 was a time of relative plenty. Primers were $30-$35 per thousand, powder was readily available on shelves, and loaded ammunition hadn't yet become a currency. The Obama administration’s first term had caused a spike in sales, but by 2011, the market had stabilized. This issue didn't panic about shortages; it focused
For the first time in months, the click of the press felt like a conversation again. October 2011 was a time of relative plenty