Hot Ammo?

[davidkachel]

My unsolicited take on hot loads:

When I was young and stupid (my kids have turned this around on me and now use the excuse, "but Dad, I'm young and stupid!") I was with the hot load crowd. Whether buying SuperVels for my J frame or loading my own miniature nuclear devices, I was sure hot loads were the way to go.

I now realize that no matter what the ammunition manufacturer says, every time you let off a near-max-pressure round in your weapon you are battering it. And since my tastes for the most part run to vintage weapons and on more than a few occasions am carrying a 50-100 year old pistol, there is no way I am going to overtax it. If I want more oomph in a load I opt for a heavier bullet instead of higher pressures.

The only exception is in the case of modern carry weapons, of which I have a few, designed for heavier loads. I CARRY them with the heavy loads but practice with the lighter loads. Only occasionally will I "use up" long in the tooth hot loads in a weapon I am certain can handle it.

If you love your guns, feed them tapioca, not jalape�±os!

The most important thing I've learned: a 20mm cannon round is useless if you miss! Shot placement is far more important than power and really makes the "most powerful" philosophy senseless.