Reloading manuals

[cpttango30]

Just wanting to get your opinion on this, I have been reloading for over 20 years and still can not really wrap my head around this.

Why is it that there can be such a differance in loads for one bullet cartridge and powder combo?

I have looked at many different 223 50gr v-max loads. One book says 26.5gr is mak while another one says 27.7gr is max with a Mag primer and the third book lists 25.9gr as the max.

I understand that they all use different set ups to test loads I also understand that there are many different chambers out there also and different firearms that fire a given round. But man come on. I believe that SAMMI or National Reloading Manufacturers Association should give some input on how to share data and come up with the best load data for reloading manuals. In no other sport will you find such a differance in published data. That is kind of like the the AFC and the NFC having different rules, in the NFC a touchdown is worth 8 points and in the AFC it is only worth 5 Points.

I think this is one of the worst things to have out there for a beginner handloader. On every forum i see the question from new reloaders (Different max loads which one is the one I use) or stuff like that. I always tell them not to go stright for max loads. There are also different load ranges for many powders out there too. One book will give a load range of 5gr the other will give a load range of 10gr and yet another will only give you a max load.

This s mainly about powder but then you throw in different primers and cases and 50gr v-max or a 50gr spitzer or a 50gr blitz. they are all 50 gr but all have very different loads and load ranges. :banghead:

 

[steve4102]

I understand that they all use different set ups to test loads I also understand that there are many different chambers out there also and different firearms that fire a given round.

Seems as though you have answered your own question.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Also factor in elevation, temperature at the time of testing, different testing methods, etc. With all these variables, and the fact that even firearms in our own collections are different within the same caliber, you have lots to consider when working up a load. I've been in both the Sierra test lab and the Nosler test lab, and also the Leupold factory range, and their testing is done differently. The Sierra lab, when it was in Whittier, CA, was near sea level. The Nosler lab is at 4,000' elevation.

Some manuals were written years ago and testing methods have changed. There is also the variation between lots of powder to consider. I've seen some serious differences between lots of the same brand and type of powder.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Poper]

Regarding different charges for different bullets of the same weight, in addition to what Fred said, the shape of each of those bullets is different with differing bearing surfaces and jacket thickness/hardness.

Reloading is not an exact science and one must ALWAYS work the load up in his particular firearm!

Poper

 

[strat81]

Don't forget the variation in powder from lot to lot.

And the AL and NL follow different rules: see Designated Hitter.

 

[JohnMcD348]

I agree as my first time out was a dismal failure. I used factory load data for Winchester and the loads pretty much were just powerful enough to get the bullet downrange. It wouldn't cycle the pistol and only once, by accident I think, it finally stove piped. After asking around on this and other sites, I find out that according to most manuals, the starting load was at least a full grain higher.
Today, I ordered 4 manuals so I can look at all the different loads available and at least go toward the midrange of the 4 for a start.

 

[Steve C]

Generally you will find one book with the exact bullet you are reloading and that will be from the bullet manufacturer. The other manuals usually have data based on the weight of a "generic" bullet like data found published by the powder manufacturers. Then there's the data for different manufacturers bullets of the same weight. Then you have different case and primer manufacturers. This component variation is IMO what gives rise to the variation in data from source to source.

If you load the exact component mix of the data, re: primer, case, and bullet then the only variable is the powder. You would still need to work up the load but the results should be more predictable.