reloader question: crosslisted from reloader forum
I'm just getting into reloading and have encountered a problem I can't answer.
What if your reloading manual does not specify data for the bullet you're loading?
First, I'm not going for performance right now. I'm loading light, plinker rounds to get the hang of it (and to save a little cash....we'll see if that works out).
I loaded some .45ACP rounds with 3.8 grains of bullseye powder (recommended starting load per Lymans manual) using Magtech 230 grain FMJ ball bullets, which have a profile like this:
No problem. The manual said that cartridge length should be 1.275" OAL, which is what I did. They worked fine.
Then I loaded Remington Golden Saber HP FMJ's (230 grain) with 4 grains of bullseye powder) for an overall cartridge length of 1.240" OAL. They worked fine. That, too came from a manual. Profile of that bullet is like this:
Now I have a box of Hornady XTP FMJ-FP encapsulated bullets and no data in my manual. I'd been finishing the last of the Magtech bullets so I didn't mess with the dies, but just used them as they had been to seat these Hornady bullets. I'm using 4 grains of powder and the OAL of the cartridge is 1.250. The bullet profile looks like this:
I only loaded about a dozen of these because I wasn't sure what I was doing, and I haven't fired them yet. The cartridges appear to have the same profile as the Magtech cartridges, less the rounded nose.
So, my questions: is it safe to try these things? Is there a better way to approach loading a bullet when you have no data? Is it safe to assume that because I'm working at the bottom end of the recommended powder weight, I at least won't disfigure myself if a particular load doesn't work?
All input is appreciated...even the flaming sarcastic variety.
Thanks in advance.
What if your reloading manual does not specify data for the bullet you're loading?
First, I'm not going for performance right now. I'm loading light, plinker rounds to get the hang of it (and to save a little cash....we'll see if that works out).
I loaded some .45ACP rounds with 3.8 grains of bullseye powder (recommended starting load per Lymans manual) using Magtech 230 grain FMJ ball bullets, which have a profile like this:
No problem. The manual said that cartridge length should be 1.275" OAL, which is what I did. They worked fine.
Then I loaded Remington Golden Saber HP FMJ's (230 grain) with 4 grains of bullseye powder) for an overall cartridge length of 1.240" OAL. They worked fine. That, too came from a manual. Profile of that bullet is like this:
Now I have a box of Hornady XTP FMJ-FP encapsulated bullets and no data in my manual. I'd been finishing the last of the Magtech bullets so I didn't mess with the dies, but just used them as they had been to seat these Hornady bullets. I'm using 4 grains of powder and the OAL of the cartridge is 1.250. The bullet profile looks like this:
I only loaded about a dozen of these because I wasn't sure what I was doing, and I haven't fired them yet. The cartridges appear to have the same profile as the Magtech cartridges, less the rounded nose.
So, my questions: is it safe to try these things? Is there a better way to approach loading a bullet when you have no data? Is it safe to assume that because I'm working at the bottom end of the recommended powder weight, I at least won't disfigure myself if a particular load doesn't work?
All input is appreciated...even the flaming sarcastic variety.
Thanks in advance.
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In reloading, the shape of the projectile, except in rare instances, means very little. Weight is the critical factor when building up a load.
Use the loading data for a bullet the same, or slightly heavier, than what you have.
Rule of thumb is the heavier the bullet, the less the powder.0 -
There is all kinds of info on the web if you reloading manual doesnt have it....Just do a search under reloading charts or reloading data...
Classic and I find manuals at the grocery store (mag section) librabry, book stores etc...Hodgdon put out a 2007 annual manual that is available in Winn Dixie here...
This is one link to Hodgdon web site, if you cant find it there, just search
http://www.hodgdon.com/index.php
another site
http://www.reloadbench.com/main.html`
You can also take the bullet you want the info for... the Hornady XTP FMJ-FP ....type it into google with reloading data behind it
(Hornady XTP FMJ-FP reloading data) and it comes up with the info you want...
There is a lot of info out there..>I know Classic has bout 4 different manuals for his reloading and he reloads shotguns, pistols etc..0 -
Classic095 HERE: Yep! Need the bullet weight to get the info you are looking for. I have a few of the XTPs listed in different weights with different powder charges. 0 -
"sarcastic", "flaming"... on this site, come on[:D]. like the other said weight is the important factor, you may have to adjust your o.a.l. for different bullet profiles though. 0 -
All are 230 grain bullets. My main concern is whether the length of the cartridge is going to present a problem. 0 -
Classic095 Here: As long as the overall length doesnt excede 1.275 this would hold true for whatever type bullet you want to use.. a bit shorter wont hurt as long as it is not very much.
Every .45 auto I load I keep the standard 1.275 regardless if it is a SWC or Ball or Hollowpoint..0 -
P3, Classic, BR, and Mike have it for you Spurge. As long as you keep the length the same and the bullet weight the same, you're not going to get in any trouble.
It could make a bit of difference if you were switching back and forth between a FMJ and an all lead slug, but even that is not too great a problem unless you are already loading pretty hot. Remember to check for a possible change in grains though if you start to load something like RN lead.[:)]0 -
According to the one book of data , you have the 230 grain jacketed, using Bullseye powder 5 grains will give you 800 feet per second.. Do not exceed that 5 grains by more than 10%...
So if you are loading 3.8 or 4, that is a light load..0 -
Thanks all. I think that answers it for me. 0
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