New and confused

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Just wait until you try loading H110 and one manufactures minimum is above the others max. And you’re only supposed to go 3% below the max with that powder

I’ve loaded Hercules blue dot, can be finicky. Not a great starters powder
 
No need to use a different load in a handgun and rifle unless the load barely clear the barrel of a handgun barrel. That load would probably be well below the starting charge in published data anyway.

I've loaded some target 38 Special target wadcutter loads that would clear a 2" barrel but not a 4" barrel when I was developing a load with a "new to me" powder. Yes, you have to be careful loading too low as well as loading too hot.
 
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Also note, the difference in data from different loading manuals is due to a number of reasons. Different labs, different techs performing the test, different powder lots, different lawyers, different atmospheric conditions when the test were performed, different firearms, and a host of other factors.

I like this summary. When I started loading I really struggled with having different min/max charges for the same bullet weight, powder, etc. I couldn't figure out how that could be the case.

Then someone stated the situation as "A manual documents what was *tested* and the results achieved." And, like @cfullgraf states, there are lots of components that go into those tests that may not hold true from one manual publisher to another.

Prior to having this point stated I was looking at loading manuals as a reference manual (which they are to a certain degree) that supposedly document "a single reality". If I pick up two math books, both will state the area of a rectangle is W x H. There is only one correct answer. A math book that has a different answer is, by definition, incorrect.

Once I understood that "Min" charge was "Minimum Charge Tested" and "Max" charge was "Maximum Charge Tested" (which is not necessarily "Charge That Achieves Maximum Allowed Pressure per the SAAMI spec" the clouds in my brain parted and it made sense to me.

OR
 
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welcome to thr.

the number one rule in reloading is to make sure there is the correct amount of powder in each and every case. no powder can stick a bullet in the chamber. a double charge will surely blow up the gun.

a good flashlight is necessary for checking your powder charges. there are other methods of checking powder charge on progressive presses, but the important thing is to always check the powder charge before you seat the bullet.

luck,

murf
 
Decided to go with universal and alliant2400, no unique on the shelf. Loaded 5- 2400 with cci300 primer, and 5- 2400 with wlp primer, then did the same with the universal powder. All 10 are the listed starting weight for each powder used. Am I going to see major differences with the primers used? The only difference in the listings were the primers and brass.
 
Is there a better puller than the lyman hammer? I made a few dummies with no primer or powder to setup the dies and found the hammer a bit of a pain...
 
Decided to go with universal and alliant2400, no unique on the shelf. Loaded 5- 2400 with cci300 primer, and 5- 2400 with wlp primer, then did the same with the universal powder. All 10 are the listed starting weight for each powder used. Am I going to see major differences with the primers used? The only difference in the listings were the primers and brass.
I have never noticed a difference in primers for handgun ammo. I use the WLP exclusively because they will work for both standard and magnum loads.
 
Thanks Barry. Wasn't sure what to expect so I loaded with both. With the low powder charges, I thought I would be safe with my primer choices, but being a newbie, thought I should ask.
 
I have never noticed a difference in primers for handgun ammo. I use the WLP exclusively because they will work for both standard and magnum loads.

Thanks Barry. Wasn't sure what to expect so I loaded with both. With the low powder charges, I thought I would be safe with my primer choices, but being a newbie, thought I should ask.

I did an informal test with 3 different primers in the .41 Magnum... a standard book load of IMR4227. When I was researching beginning loads for IMR4227, the consensus was split about 50/50 between magnum primers and standard. Here is my quote from another thread...

I also did the same type work up with IMR4227 in the .41 Magnum... I had some question about using a magnum primer there, it seems the internet consensus is split about 50/50 on it. I found, with a 20grn charge of IMR4227 under a cast 215grn bullet, fired from my 20" Marlin, the CCI standard primers had lower SD than the WLP (standard or magnum, as advertised,) and the Federal magnum primer... all else being equal. I acknowledge that going up or down 1-2grn of powder might change that equation... you never know... which is why I don't typically make blanket standards for reloading.
 
Not only new to reloading, this is my first venture into forums. I think I need to wander around some more, something tells me I'm missing alot of useful info thats available and may answer some questions I haven't come up with yet! Thanks for the info and the patience!
 
Read everything you can from published sources and keep asking us questions. You will catch on without too much pain I'm sure. Don't forget to have fun while doing it. :)
 
I honestly had a good time just setting up the press and dies, much easier than I expected. As long as all goes well with these first few rounds, I will work up something accurate for my SBH as well as the Henry. Then maybe expand into 357 too.
 
Don’t be afraid to use the search function on the forum. Lots of times I’ll be ready to post a thread and before I do I’ll search to see if someone has already asked. 9/10 times there will be old thread that answers my question...however, don’t let that deter you from asking/posting questions. There are great resources here.
 
Often when data conflicts I will start higher than the lowest minimum listed, but lower than the highest minimum listed start. For example manual A says to start at 12.1gr of greysnot while manual B says to start with 12.5gr greysnot. I would start at 12.3gr of greysnot
 
You're off to a good start with the Lyman and Hornady manuals. The Lyman especially has IMHO the best "how-to" section in the beginning. To keep things simple, I would start out with your XTP and Unique. This powder generally does not require a magnum primer. Follow the data precisely from the Hornady manual. You could also add their 180 gr lead "cowboy" bullet to your arsenal for a really soft shooting load, also compatible with unique, albeit with different charges and lower velocity. Do this procedure, replicating the book load precisely until you gain some experience and feel ready to branch out into higher powered loads for hunting etc. Unique is THE most versatile handgun powder period. It will not reach magnum velocities, but is probably the best choice possible for mid range loads in larger cartridges. You will be hard pressed to find a bullet/cartridge combination in a revolver cartridge that does not list unique as an option. And DO stay a tick below max charges until you get crimping figured out. It is a bit of an art, and a little extra safety margin if you get some too tight or short is a good thing.

Welcome to the forum and your new hobby/frustration/addiction.
 
Thanks random8, the crimping is gonna take some tries I think, my test rounds look pretty close to some factory loads i have though. Looking forward to some range time to see how I did...come on Friday!
 
I called Hodgdon and talked to a tech that has been there for 37 yrs., he said that all magnum loads with magnum powders such as H110, W296, H4227, IMR4227, Blue Dot, 2400, etc... need to have magnum primers. I have never used a magnum primer in a .41 mag, I have mainly used Fed 150's and WLP primers and have used mainly H110 and AA#9 with no problem that I see. I am about to load some .44 mag with H110, 4227, and 2400 with WLP primers, if I can find the powder and primers. I have 8 lbs of #9 and thousands of Fed 150 primers and will have to settle for that if I can't find the other powders and primers. Seems like no one stocks reloading supplies any more. 5 gun shops I've been too and not a single pound of powder or primer. Did the manufactures price the stuff so high that no one reloads?
 
Most shops don't carry reloading supplies. Here in the DFW area there are only a few shops that carry any selection at all.

Powder is running $20-30 lb and primers are $30/1000.
 
the primers I have at least 23 yrs old, been stored in a large military ammo can in cool dry area. The price on the RP and Fed primers are marked $9.45 for a box of 1000. CCI's were $8.95. These are standard primers, not magnum. Might have to look online for primers and powder.
 
Success! All my test loads worked and I still have all my fingers! The SBH liked the 2400, kept all rounds within the 8 ring at 25yds, couldn't tell any difference in primers. The universal powder didn't burn completely, had a few flakes when I dumped the brass, but I plan to stick with the 2400. Need to get my groups a little smaller, but very happy for my first loads!
 
Congratulations, and welcome aboard. This has to be one of the best reloading forums on the web. Take some time to read through the "stickies" at the top of the forum page; lots of good info there.

I use three powders in my .44 magnums: 2400 for full-power magnum loads, Unique for intermediate loads, and Trail Boss for plinking. The same powders work equally well in .357 magnums.
 
Thanks, I'm planning to do some 357/38 loads to. It's nice to know I can use the same powders effectively between the calibers I use regularly, saves a little room for more goodies on the ever shrinking bench!
 
Most shops don't carry reloading supplies. Here in the DFW area there are only a few shops that carry any selection at all.

Been awhile but you might try.

https://southwestammo.com/
http://planogun.com/reloading.php
https://www.rayssportinggoods.com/
http://targetmasters.com/
http://www.bullettrapinc.com/

Basspro and Cabela’s as well.

I’d call first or just save the hassle of having to drive to any of them and just make large orders from places like Powder Valley, Natchez, Grafs, Midsouth. If you order much of anything you will cover the Hazmat in price alone much less not having to deal with traffic or out of stock items.
 
Been awhile but you might try.

https://southwestammo.com/
http://planogun.com/reloading.php
https://www.rayssportinggoods.com/
http://targetmasters.com/
http://www.bullettrapinc.com/

Basspro and Cabela’s as well.

I’d call first or just save the hassle of having to drive to any of them and just make large orders from places like Powder Valley, Natchez, Grafs, Midsouth. If you order much of anything you will cover the Hazmat in price alone much less not having to deal with traffic or out of stock items.

I'm aware of all of those. Compare that list with the list of gun stores in the DFW area and maybe you'll understand my original comment.
 
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