Who Do You Check First For Reloading Data?

[PCCUSNRET]

Do you check with the bullet or the powder manufacturer? I am trying to work up a 243 Win. load using Nosler 100 gr Partition bullets using Hodgdon's H380. I went to Nosler's web site and found the start load listed at 36 grs with a max of 40 grs. I loaded up 5 rounds each starting at 36 grs up to 39 grs in 5 gr increments. While checking for another load using Varget on Hodgdon's web site I noticed they had H380 listed with a starting load of 34 grs. with a max of 36 grs. Granted, the bullet listed on Hodgdon's web site is a different bullet than what I am loading, but still should there be that big of a difference in powder weights for different 100 gr. bullets? So, would you recommend pulling these bullets and use the Hodgdon's data or try the Nosler data?

 

[T Bran]

The weight of the bullet is only part of the equation they also have to take other things into consideration such as the ammount of bearing surface. If you have data for the exact bullet from the manufacturer I would consider it to be better data than some mystery bullet of the same weight.
T

 

[kingmt]

I bet the Hodgdon data was for a all brass bullet.

 

[cfullgraf]

I check several sources when starting up a new bullet/powder load.

Since different data references rarely agree, I like to see what the range of variance is.

 

[Snag]

Data from the bullet manufacturer for the specific bullet is what I check first. Then I cross reference that with every other manual I have.

 

[Slamfire]

I go to my Lyman manual first. Then I will check the powder vendor's data.

I don't start at max, I work my way up at the range using a chronograph to see what is going on.

I also shoot factory ammunition as a reference. I believe that if my loads are going faster than factory, then my pressures are higher than factory.

Differences between bullets become critical at max loads. Max loads will cause problems with changes of temperature, primers, cases, bullets. Max loads are risky because they will cause problems given the slightest change.

It is better to back off max.

 

[cfullgraf]

I also shoot factory ammunition as a reference. I believe that if my loads are going faster than factory, then my pressures are higher than factory.

.

I do this as well. It can be eye opening at times.

 

[777TRUTH]

I check the powder manufacturers website first.

 

[wankerjake]

I like to check bullet manufacturer first. If I can't find data then I go to powder manufacturer data.

 

[Legion489]

I agree. Check the bullet maker FIRST, then the powder maker for more info. Not all bullets are the same, different lengths, different hardnesses, different bearing surfaces, so on and so forth, even for the same weight.

There is no truth of which I am afraid. - Thomas Jefferson

 

[beatledog7]

First stop for me is Lyman 49th to get in the ballpark and see what loads they have tested, then bullet and powder websites. If it's a bullet I've loaded before, my log first, then Lyman, then the Internet.

Every load I do is corroborated by at least two and usually three sources.

 

[oneounceload]

Powder maker first - they do the pressure testing with the proper equipment - if iot goes KABOOM, THEY are getting sued

 

[rcmodel]

Bullet maker first.

To many magic bullet designs today like secant ogive, solid copper, partition, A-Frame, etc.

Load data is different for them then conventional bullets.

rc

 

[MARKMALL]

I use bullet makers manual 1st. I will then check the powder manufacture web site.

 

[Asherdan]

Bullet manufacturer
Powder manufacturer
Lyman 48 or 49

Between the three of them I can usually figure out a range I'm comfortable working in.

 

[4895]

I always start with the bullet makers load book.

I don't know if it matters that much to use the specific data listed, but I prefer to follow their recipes so I have a "baseline" to compare against other components later.

If I have a no-name bullet then I use the Hodgdon Online load data for reference along with other hard copy load manuals.

 

[TennJed]

Lyman's first then powder company 2nd. I like to compare the 2

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Bullet manufacturer first, powder manufacturer second closely followed by Lyman manuals.

 

[2zulu1]

I have the latest Nosler manual so that is the data I would use; however, I'd also cross reference with the latest Sierra, Speer, Hornady and Lyman manuals. While I may look at Hodgdon's data, it's doubtful that I'd choose it over Nosler's data.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I look to powder manufacturer first to determine starting and max loads first. Next, I look to the bullet manufacturer's data for accuracy recommendations first and limits second. Finally, I check Lyman's manual for a cross-check. I have also used 6mmBR site for notes on accuracy, pressures and other notes.

FH

 

[Husker_Fan]

I like to come here and just post a question. Usually I just run with the first numbers someone else posts. I've only blown up two guns so I can't be doing too bad.

 

[Bowfishrp]

Since most of my powder is Hodgdon I check their loading data on their website. Then it gets logged in my little green book and if the shooting results are fine then I just go back to my green book every time.

 

[Certaindeaf]

rcmodel.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I have several reloading books but find that since I have a computer next to my reloading bench it is just as quick to check loads on line. Besides, most of my books are getting so old that several of the newer powders I'm using now aren't even listed.

BTW, found these loads weren't that hot up to 38 grs. I still need to try the 38.5 and 39 grs, but right now this load isn't looking too promising in this particular gun. I tried some Sierra 100 gr. Game Kings using H414 and the first group I tried gave me a 4 shot group at less than an inch. I might just try the Nosler's in another gun since the best group I've had so far with H380 was about 4 inches.

 

[gpjoe]

If loading Hornady bullets, I go to the Hornady manual first, then compare to Lyman 49th edition. For other bullets I go to Lyman first.