Re: Reloading 101 Reference Material
Posted: 23 Oct 2016 06:37
Max Loads are not MAX loads for every gun. For some guns they are plain dangerous.
The best way to determine a MAX LOAD is by doing load work ups. Maybe it is just me but I have found the MAX LOADS rarely are the best performers for accuracy. Some say it's do to barrel harmonics. I don't know about that. I do know that usually somewhere in between min and MAX give the best results for me.
The way I do work ups is to start with a minimum loads and load 5 to 10 cartridges batches. Then add up to a half grain to the next batch till I get near the max usually stopping about 1/2 grain from max. Then I go shoot for groups using a new target for each batch. While doing this I pay attention to how the rifle sounds, feels, functions (for autoloaders this includes ejection pattern) and finally the target. Every time I change a single component, be it the case headstamp, primer, powder or bullet this load work up is done. Then when shooting these batches I write the results down in my trusty note book RIGHT THEN and THERE. This is one of the most Rewarding and Educational part of handloading.
From these load work ups I have determined what each rifle likes and dislikes. Over time I've found (for me) primers and case headstamp usually make the smallest impact to the type of shooting I do. Powder charge makes significant improvements. The biggest improvements comes the bullet used in the rifle. Now that I've become OLD I realize that some days I can't shoot for a damn.
The difference for handguns is I am rarely am concerned about headstamps or primers. Powders and bullet combinations do make a difference but not as much as it does for rifles.
Those notes I've kept have helped me during powder/primer shortages to select a powder that wasn't a favorite but still keep on shooting. Casting 95% of my bullets also helps me keep on shooting. Those notes have also saved me a LOT of money in the form of powder. Using less powder equals MORE reloads for better results.
I have NEVER found for myself a gun the likes MAX LOADS. For a few of my old mil surplus guns they would be disastrous. Even for my son's black rifles the max loads aren't the best.
The best way to determine a MAX LOAD is by doing load work ups. Maybe it is just me but I have found the MAX LOADS rarely are the best performers for accuracy. Some say it's do to barrel harmonics. I don't know about that. I do know that usually somewhere in between min and MAX give the best results for me.
The way I do work ups is to start with a minimum loads and load 5 to 10 cartridges batches. Then add up to a half grain to the next batch till I get near the max usually stopping about 1/2 grain from max. Then I go shoot for groups using a new target for each batch. While doing this I pay attention to how the rifle sounds, feels, functions (for autoloaders this includes ejection pattern) and finally the target. Every time I change a single component, be it the case headstamp, primer, powder or bullet this load work up is done. Then when shooting these batches I write the results down in my trusty note book RIGHT THEN and THERE. This is one of the most Rewarding and Educational part of handloading.
From these load work ups I have determined what each rifle likes and dislikes. Over time I've found (for me) primers and case headstamp usually make the smallest impact to the type of shooting I do. Powder charge makes significant improvements. The biggest improvements comes the bullet used in the rifle. Now that I've become OLD I realize that some days I can't shoot for a damn.
The difference for handguns is I am rarely am concerned about headstamps or primers. Powders and bullet combinations do make a difference but not as much as it does for rifles.
Those notes I've kept have helped me during powder/primer shortages to select a powder that wasn't a favorite but still keep on shooting. Casting 95% of my bullets also helps me keep on shooting. Those notes have also saved me a LOT of money in the form of powder. Using less powder equals MORE reloads for better results.
I have NEVER found for myself a gun the likes MAX LOADS. For a few of my old mil surplus guns they would be disastrous. Even for my son's black rifles the max loads aren't the best.