Master the Five Shell Handload Training Outline

This guide provides an outline as you go through the 5 steps of the 'Master the Five Shell Handload 101' video and offers useful information not covered in the video.

Strategy for success.
The video breaks down learning the 5-shell handload into 5 simple steps, starting with 1 shell, then 2, 3, 4, and finally 5 shells.
The strategy is simple and bulletproof if you master each step before moving on. You will master the 5-shell hand reload.  

How do you master each step?
Follow the same procedure in each step.

1.       Observation: This is where you troubleshoot, carefully observe your movements, identify problems, and adjust your technique. Once you have solved any issue and your reloading feels good, move on.

2.       Repeat: Once you find your technique, you're going to repeat it until reloads are consistent, smooth, and reliable. You can easily perform them without fail.

3.       Second Nature: You should have repeated the reload enough that now it is becoming second-nature; you are building muscle memory, and in this phase, you turn your attention away from your reloading. You can close your eyes or look the other way; the movements are becoming intuitive. Your muscle memory will find the loading port every time.  This is important to begin in step 1 because, in a live-fire situation, you need to focus on the threat, not on reloading.

 This is a proven progressive training approach that always works.  By following the process, you will find it enjoyable and rewarding, as you make progress and acquire new skills at each stage.

One shell at a time:
Why start with one shell? Even if you're experienced with reloading, it’s worthwhile to reevaluate your technique; you may find that a minor adjustment makes a big difference. Also, you will become familiar with the training strategy you will use in modules 2 through 6.
 If you're new to reloading, these drills will help condition and strengthen your hand, and you will start developing muscle memory.
 In step one, we will apply the training strategy. It will guide you, challenge you, and let you know when you're ready to move on. In each module, you progress through the same three steps: Observe, Repeat, and Second Nature.
You're going to start by placing 5 shells on a table with the primer up and loading them one at a time. Then manually unload them and repeat the process
Take your time to observe and adjust your technique until the movement feels smooth and comfortable.  Once you're satisfied with your technique, we move on to repeat.
Repeat until reloads are consistent, smooth, and reliable.
Second Nature: You should have repeated the reload enough that it's becoming second nature; look away at your imaginary threat while reloading, and when you can find the loading port every time, move on to step 2.

The Two-Shell Handload
Begin by placing 3 sets of 2 shells on the table with primer up. Grab each set one at a time and load them.  If the mag tube holds 5 shells, load only 1 from the last group. 
Experiment with how you're manipulating the shells as you load them. Observe and adjust until you have found your best technique.
Repeat the two-shell reload until it’s smooth and reliable.
Before moving on, practice your muscle memory by looking away, closing your eyes, or imagining a threat. When you can reload two shells smoothly and reliably, consistently finding the loading port, move on to step 3.

The Three-Shell Handload and Chamber Dump
In this step, you learn a new loading technique that you'll use for the rest of the steps. The Chamber Dump offers another loading option and helps you learn to manage more shells. The Chamber Dump is just that—you're going to begin with the shotgun action open, grab the shells, drop the first one into the ejection port, close the action, and then load the remaining shells into the mag tube.
Begin by setting 2 groups of 3 shells on the table. Open the action of your shotgun, grab the 3 shells, drop one into the ejection port, close the action, and load the other 2 into the mag tube. Then grab your other 3 shells and load them into the mag tube.
Follow the same procedure: Observe, Repeat, Second Nature.

The Four Shell Handload and Chamber Dump
Set your bundle of 4 shells on the table. Starting with 'action open,' grab the shells, drop one into the ejection port, and close the action. Load the remaining 3 into the mag tube.  
Practice the Camber dump with 4 shells, observing and adjusting as you go. When you're good with your technique, repeat it until it's smooth and reliable.
Next, load all 4 shells into the mag tube and follow the same process: Observe, adjust, and repeat.
Lastly, move on to second-nature practice, including both the four-shell reload and the chamber dump, as your reloading is becoming increasingly intuitive.

The Five Shell Handload and Chamber Dump
You have arrived. This will be your easiest step yet because you have been building skills along the way.
It’s time to break out the Shotgun Speed Bundles and load them up. If you haven't practiced accessing and drawing shells from Speed Bundles yet, do so before starting the 5 shell drills.
Beginning again with the Chamber Dump, draw the shells from your Speed Bundles, load the first shell into the ejection port, close the action, and load the other four into the magazine tube. Practice the 5 shell Chamber Dump until it's smooth and reliable.
Then begin loading all 5 shells into the magazine tube and proceed to observe. and repeat.
Finally, the last step is to practice both the full mag load and chamber dump in Second Nature mode, relying on muscle memory to find the loading port as you shift your attention away from your reloading.

Step 6 and beyond
Positions and Movement
Positions and Movements were not included in the 5 steps to master your reload video, but will be added in future video modules. However, if you're seeking a greater challenge, you can now practice your reloading in multiple positions, such as lunging, kneeling, or prone. Change the angle and position of the shotgun from high ready to low, or from horizontal to upright. Reload while moving, start by walking or jogging lightly, simulate evasive maneuvers, or work around obstacles.

Feeding your shotgun
The Five Shell Handload is an effective tactical option for reloading your shotgun. However, in a live-fire situation, you will need to perform single loads, feed-and-fire reloads, or use other reloading tactics. Now is the time to start blending your reloading skills into an overall strategy.