The Ballistic Assistant is a resource for those passionate about the science of internal ballistics. This site is dedicated to supporting likeminded individuals and anyone involved in the craft of ammunition development. From powders and primers to brass, barrels, and SAAMI/CIP standards, our goal is to build a comprehensive hub of reliable information for the handloading and shooting community.
Jay
Jay is the founder of The Ballistic Assistant; a website he created to share his passion for handloading with like-minded individuals. He has spent nearly a decade working in the firearms industry, starting with professional load development, then moving into the development of advanced reloading tools, and currently working in firearm design and engineering.
What began as a need to reload ammunition for his Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 2 became a lifelong passion for handloading and bullet crafting, from casting to swaging. While some people reload so they can shoot, Jay finds himself shooting just to have brass to reload. He gravitates toward offbeat cartridges; just a little different. Some of his favorites include .338 Spectre, .357 SIG, .460 Steyr, and of course, the one that blends his love for flight and firearms: the 30x173mm.
Originally from the Northeast, Jay spent many years in the Salt Lake Valley, where he developed a deep appreciation for long-range shooting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he moved south for work, eventually returning to his home state of Vermont. There, he laments that the longest available shot is only about seven yards. Still, he dreams of the day he can plink in a remote canyon, surrounded by nothing but sagebrush and scrub oak.
He currently lives with his wife, two kids, and two cats in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.
Marc
Marc was born and raised in the South—a region he still proudly calls home despite his extensive travels. Introduced to reloading early by his father, Marc was handloading his own ammunition at a young age, influenced by the writings of legendary gun writers such as Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan, Skeeter Skelton, and Sheriff Jim Wilson. Later, he became a devoted reader of African hunting stories by Peter Capstick, Hemingway, Ruark, Roosevelt, and Craig Boddington.
Professionally, Marc has worked across multiple facets of the firearms industry, including product development, procurement, and corporate operations. He has competed in a variety of shooting disciplines over the years, but today he finds the most joy in revisiting the styles of his youth: cast bullets, gritty double-base powders, and the simple pleasure of pulling the trigger.
For Marc, reloading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifelong pursuit. His depth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm make him a respected voice in the handloading community.
Disclaimer
As with all things related to firearms and ammunition, there is an inherent degree of risk. Your loads are your responsibility. You owe it to yourself, your family, and those around you to develop and use safe practices. Always follow published guidelines from powder manufacturers and bullet makers. Do not rely solely on data published on this website, some loads may not be safe in all firearms. It is your responsibility, and yours alone, to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others.
Any comments or opinions expressed on this website are our own and do not reflect those of our employer(s) or any other organization(s).
Contact Us
For questions, corrections, or general comments, please contact:
Jay – jay@theballisticassistant.com
Marc – marc@theballisticassistant.com