Should just be one step because to "preload" it your applying conscious effort to pull the trigger and chances are that's creaping into your shot. This is where you'll see the benefits of a high quality release whether it's just for hunting or for target shooting as well. We don't even have competition here on the island so I'm just a hunter as well but I like having my shots go off at critters just as if I was shooting for that 12 ring to win nationals, especially when they're at critters that'd just as soon eat you.