Skulking around some rural gun shops over Columbus Day, I scored a box of Hornady 35 grain XTP bullet in .251 diameter (for use 25 ACP).
Normally, when I develop a load, I will load ten rounds at the Starting load, followed by ten rounds at each increment between the Starting load and Maximum Load. At the range, I would fire five of these cartridges through the chronograph to see the velocity and a separate group of five shots fired for accuracy. That way, as I work my way up the ladder, I see when velocity is no longer materially increasing as with the powder charge as well as being able to monitor accuracy and pressure signs.
But, there are several powders suitable for 25 ACP and the spread between Starting and Maxmum loads run 0.3 to 0.4 grains. Going up in 0.1 grain increments, I could easily consume all of my brass and bullets before I had a developed load.
So, to narrow down my choices, I plan to cut down the number of cartridges on each rung of the ladder from ten to three and fire all three through the chronograph with an emphasis on shot placement to try and cover both measures at the same time.
I would also like to minimize the number of powders I need to try. I currently have Hi-Skor 700X, Red Dot, Bullseye and HP-38. Since I'm only going to use about 200 grains of powder, I would like to stick with one I already use rather than buying a pound of new-to-me powder. My pistol has a 2 inch barrel and the stiker spring is weak so the only primers I've found that will work are Remington 1&1/2. Any suggestions on which order I should try the powders to maximize my chances of getting something acceptable the first time?
Normally, when I develop a load, I will load ten rounds at the Starting load, followed by ten rounds at each increment between the Starting load and Maximum Load. At the range, I would fire five of these cartridges through the chronograph to see the velocity and a separate group of five shots fired for accuracy. That way, as I work my way up the ladder, I see when velocity is no longer materially increasing as with the powder charge as well as being able to monitor accuracy and pressure signs.
But, there are several powders suitable for 25 ACP and the spread between Starting and Maxmum loads run 0.3 to 0.4 grains. Going up in 0.1 grain increments, I could easily consume all of my brass and bullets before I had a developed load.
So, to narrow down my choices, I plan to cut down the number of cartridges on each rung of the ladder from ten to three and fire all three through the chronograph with an emphasis on shot placement to try and cover both measures at the same time.
I would also like to minimize the number of powders I need to try. I currently have Hi-Skor 700X, Red Dot, Bullseye and HP-38. Since I'm only going to use about 200 grains of powder, I would like to stick with one I already use rather than buying a pound of new-to-me powder. My pistol has a 2 inch barrel and the stiker spring is weak so the only primers I've found that will work are Remington 1&1/2. Any suggestions on which order I should try the powders to maximize my chances of getting something acceptable the first time?