Trav,
I’m no pro at this game so take this for what it is worth.
I do things a little differently than most. I go to matches with pre-loaded ammunition. For a 100/200 yard two-day match I will bring about 200 rounds of loaded ammunition to the match.
Doing things this way requires a lot of case preparation. I buy my cases fully prepared from Ron Hoehn. When new, I size them for a slight crush fit in my chamber, load them to 100% density with N133 powder with any 62 to 68 grain bullet (6PPC) for initial fire forming, and fire them. I often do this at local club “fun shoot” matches or at steel gongs. It is surprising how well new cases can perform.
I have a case forming barrel that has its chamber cut with the same reamer as my competition barrel. The cases will interchange after fire forming. I believe the cases reach maximum potential after two firings. I don’t do any case preparation at all other than initial sizing, loading, and firing. Call me lazy, but it gives me more time for more enjoyable things, like shooting. You may wonder why I am willing to pay for professionally prepared cases; my response is they are better than cases that I can prepare, and at the rate I am going 200 just might last my shooting career.
Best Wishes,
LE Hanson