This is probably the hardest part of reloading for the newb. "What is the affect of OAL (over all length) & my handloads"? "How do I setup a proper OAL for my handgun"?
First, OAL is very gun & bullet specific. What works in a GLcok, may not work in a 1911 or a SIg, etc. You have to verify each OAL for each bullet you shoot. The easiest way to determine what works in your gun is make 4-5 dummy rounds loaded to max OAL in your data. Test them first in you removed...

New Shooters First Handgun

As an experienced shooter, instructor, hunter & reloader, I often get asked by new shooters; “what should I get for my first or only handgun”? In our world of high tech & semiautos, it might surprise many that I am not a fan of the semiautomatic, even a GLock, as a new or only gun for first time shooters.
The Glock platform is great, simple for a semiautomatic, but still more complicated than a revolver. Add to that the ammo limitations to...