I've been at this since 1967 and still enjoy it. Making tiny groups, taking game with my own loads, ringing the gong at 500 yards. It's all fun.Lbrewer42 wrote:Thanks for the great reply.
Something I try to live by is that the day I think I have become an expert at something is the day I should be smart enough to realize how little I know.
OK - definitely going to follow the advice here. So please understand this next question is just for more learning on my part.Duplicating factory, yes you can but, (always a but??) To do properly requires
use of a chronograph & in loads like some 9, 40 & a few of the earth shaking
big boys, pressure measuring equipment, ( not likely for most )
You have to at least see what your velocity is doing. Hope that answer helps ?
I will be reading the manuals, and most certainly will not be stupid enough to just strike out on my own ideas in this subject of which I know nothing about.
1. Am I correct in assuming a lot (maybe all) reloaders are attempting to "tune" their ammo for their personal pistol? Thus there are so many different powder, etc. options out there instead of just following the example of the ammo companies to make a generic round? Until now I was not caring much about this fine tuning.You're probably close to correct. Some guys probably load to have less expensive ammo for just "blasting but I believe most of us are trying to wring the best out of our guns in our chosen pursuit
2. I understand each pistol will have its own characteristic response to different ammo. So how crucial is finding that exact sweet spot for a specific firearm? Is finding the sweet spot the difference between an 1" or a 1/32" in putting two pieces of lead through the same target hole? That sweet spot is an individual choice. Basically what do you want to do with that load and that gun. Here in Ohio where I hunt deer, it's mostly woods and shots are anywhere from point blank to maybe 100 yards. So I want my hunting loads to hold 2 to 3 inches at 100 and the rest is up to me. These are 357 up through 45/70. On the other hand I strive to keep my varmint loads inside an inch and I know if I do my part I can reach out.
3. I used to be an avid & succesful .22 cal. squirrel hunter. I only shot them in the eye. I was able to do this with any factory ammo. Same with my 30.06 and deer. Yearly successful (stalking and tracking, not a tree stand), and I am trying to learn how this experience of "just any store bought ammo" in my rifle fits in with "no generic recipe" for reloading pistol ammo? What puzzle piece am I missing here? You'll see generic recipes now and then, they'll usually go something like - anybody's xxx grain bullet with x grains of xxx powder. When they fit in known data I've tried a few of them, mostly they work.
Again I want to stress: I will be reading the manuals, and most certainly will not be stupid enough to just strike out on my own ideas in this subject of which I know nothing about!
Thanks for the help
Make smoke,
.