1KPerDay
Member
Hi,
I've loaded a few thousand rounds each of .40, .45, 9mm, and .380 so far, and not as many .38 specials (mostly because I don't shoot them a lot). I have very little time for working up a load (lots of kids, busy life) so up to this point if I find a load that's accurate and reliable in my semis I stick with it.
I've been trying to find an accurate load for my S&W M10 with 2" barrel, using old Markell 158gr LRN pills. They are .696" in length, and have a crimp groove, and no bevel at the base. I've been seating them past the crimp groove to the front ledge (where the ogive begins) because otherwise they're longer than any suggested length I've found for LRN loads. Mine are at 1.48".
I went through a few loads of Herco with mixed success... the lighter loads were pretty accurate but left lots of unburnt powder and crap, which I prefer to avoid shooting indoors. I switched to HP-38 and accuracy hasn't been stellar but not bad, and they're cleaner but still have a few flakes (no big deal).
So here's my question (as well as requesting feedback on info above): generally, when working up a load, do you load all different charges to the same OAL and find the one that's most accurate, and then start messing with crimp, OAL, etc.? Or do you load a few versions of the same charge with different crimps, OAL, etc.?
I'm just trying to save myself the most work. I guess one method isn't really more efficient than the other, is it? (unless you take into account the time spent adjusting dies for crimp, etc.)
The 3.7 grain and max (4.4 grains according to Hornady) loads are pretty encouraging... should I load some seated out to the crimp groove and try different crimps now, leaving the charge the same? Where would you experienced revolver reloaders go from here?
thanks as always
I've loaded a few thousand rounds each of .40, .45, 9mm, and .380 so far, and not as many .38 specials (mostly because I don't shoot them a lot). I have very little time for working up a load (lots of kids, busy life) so up to this point if I find a load that's accurate and reliable in my semis I stick with it.
I've been trying to find an accurate load for my S&W M10 with 2" barrel, using old Markell 158gr LRN pills. They are .696" in length, and have a crimp groove, and no bevel at the base. I've been seating them past the crimp groove to the front ledge (where the ogive begins) because otherwise they're longer than any suggested length I've found for LRN loads. Mine are at 1.48".
I went through a few loads of Herco with mixed success... the lighter loads were pretty accurate but left lots of unburnt powder and crap, which I prefer to avoid shooting indoors. I switched to HP-38 and accuracy hasn't been stellar but not bad, and they're cleaner but still have a few flakes (no big deal).
So here's my question (as well as requesting feedback on info above): generally, when working up a load, do you load all different charges to the same OAL and find the one that's most accurate, and then start messing with crimp, OAL, etc.? Or do you load a few versions of the same charge with different crimps, OAL, etc.?
I'm just trying to save myself the most work. I guess one method isn't really more efficient than the other, is it? (unless you take into account the time spent adjusting dies for crimp, etc.)
The 3.7 grain and max (4.4 grains according to Hornady) loads are pretty encouraging... should I load some seated out to the crimp groove and try different crimps now, leaving the charge the same? Where would you experienced revolver reloaders go from here?
thanks as always