I reload for 4 guys out of 6 in the hunting party who love my ammo.
But I have rules before I accept a new challenge.
I must have their rifles for extended periods of time.
I must have a box or two of the factory ammo they prefer to use.
I must have a history of the shooter for what he hunts, where, and what time of year.
I must know elevation details of their hunts also.
Three guys use the 300 Winchester Short Magnum cartridge, two in Tikka's, one in a Browning A-bolt. I develop loads for each rifle and inform each owner to use only ammo I load for a particular rifle is only shot in that rifle, or I won't load for them again.
The guy with the Browning A-bolt previously used a Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester in 270 Winchester - I told him I would not load for him after hearing some of his hunting stories of lost game, game that was usually hit hard but bullet did not exit to leave a blood trail. He has a tendency to shoot at game in excess of 500 yards, which means the projectile has loss a significant amount of velocity to perform properly. He lucked out on his last hunt because they had 1" of fresh snow the morning of the hunt so game was easy to track after being shot. He later admitted that the Hunting Guide told him not to come back unless he had a larger bore rifle, similar to the 300WSM the others were using.
I load the 300WSM to 3100 fps and very tight loading specifications using WIN760 powder, Federal 215 Magnum primers, and 180 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips. After hearing the results of some of their successes, I've decided to switch to 180 or 200 grain Nosler AccuBonds, dependent on rifle and cartridge.
The fourth guy uses a 270 Weatherby Magnum and a 300 Weatherby Magnum. I am currently shooting his factory loads to develop a base set of data to which I compare my reloading data to. I've started with his 300 Weatherby Magnum in a Model V. First of all, he had requested some trigger work to clean up the pull, or better said yank. The trigger pull on his stock rifle broke at 9.25 pounds average, higher than any rifle I tested previously. After disassembling his trigger and making slight modification in addition to cleaning up some surfaces, I was able to set it as low as 6 ounces, which is much too light for most hunting rifles. I did set it to 2.25 pounds, and he was very happy with it - I did recommend he practice extensively before going on his next hunt. My initial testing with IMR4350 and IMR4831 and 180 grain Ballistic Tips did not result in the velocity or accuracy I was expecting. I've since switched to IMR7828 with Reloder 22 & 25 available if I need it. After developing a loading I like while using the Ballistic Tips, I switch to the AccuBonds for final testing of velocity and accuracy. Then I develop Ballistic Charts for them based on information I receive about their specific hunts. I have not developed anything for the 270 Weatherby Magnum yet, and I am looking for recommendations for a 0.277" diameter projectile that will perform at the velocity this rifle is capable of producing. After all testing and development has been completed, I will load a minimum of 200 rounds for each rifle and owner. Then I return rifle and ammo to them. The owners buy the components I recommend in advance of any testing or loading by myself.
Shooters 5 & 6 shoot 300 Winchester Magnums and have indicated they have interest in my loading techniques.
All payments are by donation only. I am disabled and can no longer hunt - I miss it immensely. I've been reloading since 1972 for all rifles, revolvers, pistols, or shotguns I own except rimfire ammo. (Last count 47 different rifle carytridges.)
Two of the Six have been very helpful in assisting me with my disabilities, and one provides a place I can drive to - to shoot my 50BMG target rifles out the back of my 50CAL Reloading Trailer, which allows me to develop loads at the range with all necessary equipment I have in trailer with generator for electrical power.
While some will not like the fact I reload for others, others like these guys who work hard for their hunting trips have no qualms about my ammo knowing it has been developed for their rifles exclusively. They have shot together and compared my ammo to any of their factory loads and all have stated mine are more accurate, ................................. and look better also !!!
I anneal each cartridge before any other loading starts and I am a firm believer in neck turning for consistent neck tension and pull. Cleaning primer pockets and deburring flash holes is a given along with trimming and VLD reaming case mouth. I size to a 0.002" shoulder clearance to save wear & tear on brass. I apply Match processes to all hunting ammo. For what these guys spend on their hunting trips, they know they want the best ammo available by whatever means. I process dirty brass with SS Pins to make case inspection much easier.
The only complaint I've heard is: "Your reloaded ammo is too shiny". I take great care in providing only the best I can provide. (I wish I could walk and hunt again.)
One guy used my ammo to hunt a Red Stag in New Zealand. Must trust it and me.