confusion component and powder selection

[Bezoar]

I need help in figuring out the information in loading data.

When they say the gun/barrel used to make the loading data, example S&W MODEL !$ or RUGER REDHAWK what is the average beginner supposed to assume?
is it "this gun was used to test the loads listed in this data, and as it survived please use the data in the table for reloading for this particular make of revolver or newer firearms in this caliber"
or
"this data was created only for use in the Ruger Redhawk, so if you dont own a redhawk, do not use"


And what affect/impact does the manufacturer of the cartridge case have in the final load? IF the load data says hornady case, can i use any old case made for the caliber as in stariline or federal or remington?

 

[jfh]

"it all depends...



Without getting off into all the ins and outs, here's how I treat that kind of information.

1. Ultimately, in developing a load, I am striving for consistency. IOW, knowing that a particular brand of brass, type and size of powder load, primer, bullet, and the barrel / firearm it was fired in will all help to eliminate variables.

All name-brand brass will meet SAMMI (?) specifications--but there are tolerances, and different brands will have different capacities. Generally, nickel-plated brass has less capacity, for example. As you approach maximum loads, these variations will become critical in the pressures developed.

Consequently, I sort my brass by headstamp--e.g., Starline, Remington, et.al. I don't switch bullet brands without redeveloping the load. I check LOA for any bullet. I record my load data on each box of ammo. I don't mix up different sets of loads.

2. If the firearm is similar to the one I am loading for, an older or newer model, or a competitive manufacturer's version--I have an inference about strength, etc.--IOW, a load specified for a Colt Detective Special in .38 Special that was made in 1935 probably is not too strong for a load for my Ruger SP 101 made in 1990. With this mind, you can see that the max load for a Ruger SP101 possibly should not be fired in that DS. However, these are only inferences.

More recent load data may include pressure ratings--and again, pressures specified as within standards for that cartridge should work in any such chambered firearm. However, if you have a no-name, undated and unnumbered older Spanish clone of that Detective Special, then all bets are off.

The usual reloading precautions apply--do NOT start with maximum loads, but work your way up and see how the load performs. Learn and look for performance criteria of higher-pressure loads.

In summary--IANAL, and I won't go off on the usual precautions--but, generally, the published load data will be safe in similar firearms.

Jim H.

 

[Idano]

Bezoar,

Jim pretty well defined it. Personally I only look pay attention to the length of the test barrel and its twist. In theory and not to far off in actuality if I can find a load developed on the same barrel criteria as mine I should see the same results and for the most part I do.

 

[Walkalong]

If you see the data was created from a real firearm vs a test barrel you can figure your numbers will be closer to theirs in the real world, especially if it's a revolver. One reason I like the Speer #13 manual is because they use real firearms.

Speer has a section "for Ruger only" for stout .45 Colt loads. This does mean for Rugers only. All other data is for any properly chambered gun regardless of the test gun used.